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Travel Insurance for Cancellation

For when you have to cancel your trip unexpectedly

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For information relating to policies purchased prior to 14 July 2021 12:00am UTC, please check the Policy Wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For policies purchased from 14 July 2021 please see below.

You haven’t even had a chance to pack your bags or get your passport and you get ill – so ill in fact that as much as you want to go on that planned overseas getaway you’ve been looking forward to, you aren’t well enough to do so.

That’s where our travel insurance for pre-trip cancellation kicks in. Sure, it can’t fix the disappointment you feel at not being able to travel or make you well, but it can help you recover the costs of cancelling your trip.


How does travel insurance cover pre-trip cancellation?

If you’re injured or medically unfit to travel, our policies offer cover for your non-refundable, pre-paid:

  • Travel costs, such as flights, rail and bus tickets you’ve already paid for
  • Accommodation expenses
  • Any tuition or course fees you’ve had to pay upfront
  • Tours

You’ll need to provide us evidence that your trip costs aren’t refundable, and if the airline or hotel says they’ll give you your money back, then you won't be getting a reimbursement from us.

How sick must I be to be covered for pre-trip cancellation?

This insurance is for when you’re seriously unwell and really can’t travel (for example, if you get appendicitis). If you’ve got a cold or mild attack of hay fever, we’re not going to be able to help you out.

In order to be covered, you must either be:

  • Declared medically unfit to travel; or
  • You, your fellow traveler or your close relative in your country of residence must be unexpectedly hospitalized or die as a result of a sudden serious illness or sudden serious injury.

The coverage is conditional on the death, sudden serious illness (including any symptoms) or injury  being unexpected and occurring after you booked and/or paid for the trip and after you purchased the insurance.

Am I covered for Cancellation due to Coronavirus?

As part of our efforts to assist our global nomads in the Coronavirus (COVID-19)-era, we are now offering cover for some Coronavirus-related events.

While epidemics and pandemics (World Health Organization declarations of a public health emergency of international concern) are excluded from the Cancellation & Interruption and Travel Disruption sections of our policy, there may be some benefits available to you if you purchased our Explorer Plan which includes a Coronavirus Travel Costs section, providing you cover for additional Coronavirus-related events.  

 If you have purchased the Explorer Plan, you may have some cover for trip cancellation events which are outside of your control and caused by:

  • You or a member of your traveling party being diagnosed with COVID-19.
  • Your close relative back home 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 Coronavirus article which has more information, including benefit limits, conditions and exclusions. 


What's not covered by travel insurance?

If you change your mind about your trip overseas or decide you might want to delay it then we won’t cover you for cancellation.

This coverage is for those situations where you are physically unable to hop on that plane, train or boat due to illness or injury. Other things we won’t cover include but are not limited to:

  • If you booked your travel insurance and/or trip after the symptoms of the injury or illness occurred.
  • You, your fellow traveler or your close relative had refused, not sought or given up medical treatment even though the illness had deteriorated or you should have known it needed medical treatment.
  • Expenses you have not taken reasonable and practical steps to recover from the carrier, accommodation provider, booking agents, travel agents, any compensation scheme, or any other source. 
  • You cancel only part of the insured trip.
  • If the cancellation is due to a change of mind, disinclination or reluctance to travel; changed weather conditions; acts of terrorism; acts of war (whether war is declared or not); nuclear disaster.

The policy isn’t designed to cover everything, so take the time to read the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions in the Policy Wording for full details so that there are no surprises if you need to use it. If you’re not sure if something is covered, get in touch.

 

Be prepared if you need to claim for cancellation.

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

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

Reconnect with the world with our travel insurance cover for some Coronavirus-related events

Itching to travel again?

Explore the world with our plans that provide cover for some Coronavirus-related (including COVID-19 related) events, including emergency overseas medical, evacuation, cancellation cover and more. Find out what cover applies to your Country of Residence, and the key benefit limits depending on which plan you purchase. Happy and safe travels!

Overseas medical expenses

If a qualified medical practitioner diagnoses you with Coronavirus while you’re travelling, we may offer emergency medical benefits to help you get back on your feet.

Standard plan:
$5,000,000

Explorer plan: 
Unlimited

Medical transport & repatriation home

If you become seriously sick or injured during your trip (and it's not considered a 'pre-existing medical condition' as defined in the policy wording) we may be able to help with cover for medical transport to the nearest or most appropriate medical facility, or back home to recover.

Standard plan:
$500,000

Explorer plan: 
$500,000

Funeral expenses or repatriation of your remains

If the worst happens and you die from Coronavirus while overseas, we offer benefits to help your family with the costs of a funeral overseas, or if available, bringing you back to your home country.

Standard plan:
$15,000

Explorer plan:
$15,000

Coronavirus Travel Costs section (cancellation and curtailment pre and on-trip)

Had to cancel your trip because you, a travel companion, or your close relative back home have been diagnosed with Coronavirus? Our cover may help with your cancellation costs.

Standard plan:
Not available

Explorer plan:
$2,000*

Coronavirus Travel Costs section (travel and accommodation costs on-trip)

If during your travels you’re unable to stay at your pre-booked accommodation because it’s closed for cleaning, due to a confirmed case of Coronavirus at the accommodation, we may pay for reasonable additional travel and accommodation nearby. Did someone clip your wings? If you’re unable to board your plane, train, or other scheduled transport, because you’re suspected of having Coronavirus, we offer cover for your unexpected additional accommodation, meals and transport costs as needed.

Standard plan:
Not available

Explorer plan:
$2,000*

Coronavirus Travel Costs section (on-trip quarantine related cost)

Stuck in your hotel room due to Coronavirus? If you or your travel companion must go into compulsory quarantine due to your or their diagnosis of, or confirmed close contact with a case of, Coronavirus, we may be able to help with cover for your reasonable additional travel, meals, and accommodation, including in-room entertainment.

Standard plan:
Not available

Explorer plan:
$2,000*

Coronavirus Travel Costs section (Essential Workers)

Are you or a member of your travelling party an essential healthcare worker? If you or they are permanently employed as a healthcare or residential care worker or a law enforcement officer, and your or their pre-arranged leave is cancelled because of Coronavirus, then our cover can help.

Standard plan:
Not available

Explorer plan:
$2,000*

Coronavirus Travel Costs (pet and childcare costs on-trip)

If while travelling you’re diagnosed with Coronavirus and unable to take care of your dependent children and/or pets, our travel insurance policies may help with cover for reasonable additional childcare and pet care costs. Pet care services covered include kennel and cattery boarding fees or pet sitting services, in your Country of Residence.

Standard plan:
Not available

Explorer plan:
$2,000*

Disclaimer: *This is the maximum limit (per insured person) available for all events combined under the Coronavirus Travel Costs section. 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. Make sure you read your Policy Wording carefully for a full description of coverage.

Wife's accident cancels Kili.

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 Protection

Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation before you leave home.

  • Explorer Plan: USD $10,000
  • Standard Plan: USD $5,000
Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalised?
  • Travel buddy deceased?
  • Close relative suddenly dies?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Overseas Medical Insurance

Take the pain out of medical costs while traveling overseas.

  • Explorer Plan: Unlimited, up to 12 months
  • Standard Plan: USD $5,000,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need drugs?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transportation

We'll get you to hospital quickly.

  • Explorer Plan: USD $500,000
  • Standard Plan: USD $500,000
Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • Medivac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Cover your stolen or damaged gear and tech.

  • Explorer Plan: USD $3,500
  • Standard Plan: USD $2,500
Protect your gear
  • Luggage lost?
  • Passport pilfered?
  • Tech trashed?

Help starts here.

  • Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
  • 24 hour Emergency Assistance
  • Emergency Medical Transport
  • Repatriation & Travel Expenses
  • Pre-Trip Cancellation
  • Trip Interruption
  • Resumption of Trip
  • Travel Delay
  • Missed connection (Explorer)
  • Hijacking (Explorer)
  • Baggage & Personal Items
  • Passport & Travel Documents
  • Personal Liability
  • Rental vehicle insurance excess (Explorer)
  • Personal accident (Explorer)
*This is a general summary for all residents except from USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Brazil, China and Philippines. 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?
Phone:+353 21 237 8008 or +353 21 237 8003 (calls are not toll free. You can claim your itemised call costs)

Contact the team
Wherever you are, whatever has happened, our multi-lingual assistance teams are here to help you and your family.
Aurelie's portrait photo
Aurelie Menard,
Emergency Assistance, World Nomads

Travel insurance. Simple & flexible.

Travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families. Nobody wants to think about all the things that could go wrong on their trip, but these things can and do happen. So be prepared and get your travel insurance today.

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 Helpdesk or you can ask the customer service team. If you’re looking for general travel advice, you can ask our community at Ask a Nomad.