Am I covered if I need to cancel/reschedule my trip?

Has an unexpected event caused you to cancel or re-arrange your trip before it’s even started? Your policy may be able to cover your cancellation or rescheduling fees for certain events.

If something sudden and unavoidable happens causing you to cancel or rearrange your trip before you leave home, World Nomads may be able to help with Trip Cancellation or Trip Interruption expenses, but only if the reason follows an insured event.

Read on to find out more about what’s covered and what’s not, as well as what you need to do to make a claim, when you need to cancel or reschedule your travel plans.

What you need to do if you can’t travel anymore

We get it. Things don’t always go according to plan. If you need to cancel or reschedule your trip here’s what you need to do:

  • Check that the reason you are cancelling or rescheduling is one of the 14 listed specific 'Insured Events' in your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to see whether you may be able to make a claim.
  • Contact your travel service provider (e.g. airline or tour operator) as soon as possible and let them know if you are cancelling or rearranging your trip. Try and seek a refund from them or any offer to re-arrange or reschedule your travels (if this is an option depending on your reasons for cancelling) before incurring fees and making a claim.

When making a claim, you’ll need to show:

  • written evidence that the reason for your cancellation or rescheduling was unexpected and occurred after you bought your policy, and after you booked or paid for any travel arrangements.
  • written evidence of your cancellation or rescheduling fees to support your claim.

If you need to cancel your trip due to illness or injury don’t leave it until the last minute. Read our article on what to do if you need to cancel because you or someone in your travel party is sick or hurt and be prepared for the unexpected.

What’s not covered?

Travel Insurance is not designed to cover everything so take the time to read the full description of cover in your PDS for the full details on what’s not covered (particularly Section 3 Cancellation and Trip Interruption). This way, there are no surprises if you need to use it. If you are unsure, get in touch and we can help make things clearer for you.

As a general overview, here are the main things that aren’t covered:

  • any expenses related to an existing medical condition, except as described in ‘Health Conditions & your Policy’ in the policy wording.
  • you decline a reasonable alternative service or compensation offered by your travel service provider.
  • any reason for cancellation that is not listed as a ‘Specific Insured Event.’
  • anything that is mentioned in the General Exclusions

Get a quote 24/7

With World Nomads you can get an instant quote anytime, anywhere, before you leave home or while you’re on the road.

FAQs

Do I need to provide receipts?

When cancelling or rescheduling your trip you will need to provide evidence of purchases and cancellation / rescheduling. If you can’t provide associated receipts your claim may be denied. Read your PDS to ensure you’re familiar with claim requirements.

Do both your travel insurance policy plans include trip cancellation cover?

Yes. World Nomads offer two levels of cover, Standard and Explorer, and both offer cover for a range of benefits including pre-trip cancellation. You can compare the two plans here.

This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the policy. You should read your PDS in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. That way there won’t be any surprises if you need to use it. If you have any questions, please get in touch.


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