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  1. World Nomads
  2. Travel Insurance
  3. Whats Covered
  4. Cancellation

Travel Insurance for Trip Cancellation

Learn what's covered if you have booked and paid for your trip and unexpectedly need to cancel.

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If you've booked and paid for your overseas trip and need to unexpectedly cancel, the last thing you want is to be out of pocket.

Our travel insurance policies may offer coverage for some of your non-refundable, pre-paid transport and accommodation expenses, so you've got one less thing to worry about.

What does World Nomads travel insurance cover if I need to cancel?

Our policies may offer coverage for you if you can't travel because:

  • The doctor certifies that you're medically unfit to travel
  • You, your travel buddy or a close relative is hospitalized or dies.

But not all of our policies are the same. Depending on which travel insurance plan you’ve chosen and your Country of Residence, we’ve built in extra coverage because we know more than illness can stop you from traveling. Sudden, unforeseen, and unavoidable events that leave you with no option but to cancel your trip, such as:

  • A natural disaster
  • Change in travel advice warning for the specific region or country you intend to travel to
  • Your or your travel party’s unexpected and involuntary work redundancy (occurring prior to your travel start date).

When you get a quote, be sure to read through the policy wording to see if you've got extra coverage, what the limits are, and any terms and conditions and exclusions that apply. And always check your travel policy wording for full details on what’s covered and what’s not, so you’re not left in the lurch when it comes to travel insurance for cancellation.

What's not covered by travel insurance?

Travel insurance isn't designed to cover everything. Some situations and circumstances are not covered, like if you decide to abandon your ski trip to Switzerland in favor of a sun-filled holiday to the South Pacific. Common claims we see where there's no cover include:

  • Where you change your mind
  • If your visa is refused
  • If you break up with your partner
  • Events that are known before you buy the policy

This is not an exhaustive list, so we encourage you to read over your policy wording carefully to ensure you’re not met with surprise if you need to make a claim.

Am I covered for Coronavirus-related trip cancellations?

It depends. Some, but not all, of our policies offer coverage for specific insured events for cancellation and trip interruption.

Please take the time to read your policy wording as there are limits on your coverage depending on your Country of Residence and which plan you buy. Additionally, exclusions will apply when travel warnings are issued for epidemics, pandemics or a World Health Organization (WHO) declaration of a public health emergency of international concern. These exclusions are outlined in your policy wording.

Depending on your Country of Residence and the plan you have purchased, you may have some coverage for trip cancellation or interruption events out of your control caused by:

  • You or a member of your traveling party being diagnosed with COVID-19
  • Your close relative in your Country of Residence being hospitalized or dying due to COVID-19
  • You or a member of your traveling party who are permanently employed as a healthcare worker, residential care worker or law enforcement officer having pre-approved leave cancelled due to COVID-19.

You can check out our What’s Covered for Coronavirus article which has all of the details, including benefit limits, terms and conditions and exclusions.

Don’t come unstuck, read your policy

Take the time to read the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions in the policy wording for full details on what’s covered by your travel insurance so there are no surprises if you need to use it. If you’re not sure if something is covered get in touch.

Keep in mind this article is not a full list of what's covered and not covered. There are item limits and conditions that apply, so for more information check out our article on cancellation and read your policy carefully before you buy.

FAQ

Here are our most frequently asked questions about buying travel insurance for cancellation. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask the customer service team.

Is there a time period that I have to claim within?

You're welcome to submit a claim whenever you're ready. If you're waiting on documentation, just let our customer service team know, so they can make a note.

If I'm having trouble getting documents from my travel provider, will you get them for me?

It's up to you to provide all of the documentation to support your claim.

Can I get a refund on my policy as I'm not traveling?

If you're making a claim or you're outside of the free look/cooling off period, there are no refunds.

Travel insurance doesn't cover everything. All of the information we provide is a brief summary. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the plans described. Coverage may not be the same or available for residents of all countries, states or provinces. Please carefully read your policy wording for a full description of coverage.

About World Nomads

World Nomads polices are designed by travelers for travelers to provide simple and flexible travel insurance – and it’s often cheaper than you might think. Featuring coverage for more than 150 activities, quotes are fast and can be done online at www.worldnomads.com. All the information we provide about travel insurance is a summary only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, and termination provisions of the travel insurance plans described. Coverage may not be available for residents of all countries, states, or provinces. Please carefully read your policy wording for a full description of coverage.

Be prepared if you need to claim for cancellation.

Depending on your claim, you'll need copies of:

  • Receipts
  • Itineraries
  • Doctors' reports/death certificates
  • Medical history 
  • Written documentation from the travel provider of reason for cancellation and any refunds

Get a quote today

Tell us your travel details below and we’ll provide an instant quote for your next overseas trip.

Wife's accident cancels Kilimanjaro

I have to cancel my trip to Tanzania because my wife had an accident and she is waiting for a scan of her back. I should fly to Berlin tomorrow, then Bergen and day after to Africa. It is impossible now because she is alone in the house and I have to take her tomorrow to hospital for another scan. I paid 900 pounds for a Kilimanjaro Climb which is not refundable as it is too close to departure. I paid a deposit for a 3 day safari and had to cancel flights and my volunteer job.
Claim Paid: USD $1,536.33
S.K. Norwegian Nomad.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you*

Trip Cancellation

Been working hard for your trip?

We'll work hard to protect it.

Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalized?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Close relative suddenly dies?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Expenses

Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need meds quick?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transportation

Know where the nearest hospital is?

Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.

Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • Medevac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

Protect your gear
  • Passport or tech stolen?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Bags delayed?

Help starts here.

  • Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
  • Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
  • Trip Cancellation or Interruption
  • 24-Hour Assistance Services
  • Baggage
  • And more (depending on your country of residence)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

Contact the team

Get an instant travel insurance quote

Simple and flexible travel insurance designed by travelers, for travelers. See why over 3 million travelers have chosen World Nomads for more than 20 years.

FAQ

Here are our most frequently asked questions about buying travel insurance for cancellation. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask the customer service team.