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

Travel insurance for cancellation

For when you have to cancel your trip because you or a close relative falls unexpectedly ill

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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 can 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?

All of our policies can 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 your Country of Residence, we’ve built in extra coverage because we know more than illness can stop you from traveling.

When you get a quote, be sure to read through the policy to see if you've got extra coverage, what the limits are, and any conditions and exclusions that apply.

What's not covered by travel insurance?

Travel insurance isn't designed to cover everything. 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
  • Pre-existing medical conditions

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, conditions and exclusions.

Our policies aren’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.

This 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.

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

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
Wherever you are, we’re here 24/7 to help you in any emergency.
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.

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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.