Can You Get Travel Insurance on a One-Way Ticket?

Dreaming of a journey without a set return date? Whether you’re planning to take a grand tour through Europe or are embarking on a sabbatical to explore a new life chapter overseas, travelling with a one-way ticket offers incredible freedom. But what about travel insurance? Can you still be covered without a return ticket? Absolutely! At World Nomads, we provide flexible travel insurance even if you don’t have a return ticket booked. Here’s what you need to know.

Am I Covered by Travel Insurance if I Am Travelling on a One-Way Ticket?

Yes, you are. The good news is that you don’t need a return ticket to buy World Nomads travel insurance. And, unlike other travel insurance products, you can also buy World Nomads travel plans while already travelling, with or without a return ticket home.

Your travel insurance will function in a similar way as it would have had you purchased a round-trip ticket. However, it’s important to be aware of some specifics:

  • Policy end date: you’ll still need an estimated return or expiry date when purchasing your plan. If your trip goes beyond the original estimated return or expiry date, you can extend your policy before it expires. You will need to extend your policy before it expires to ensure there is no interruption in your coverage. If your policy expires and you purchase a new policy, certain waiting periods will apply.
  • Trip cancellation, trip interruption and trip delay coverage: you may not be eligible for certain transportation related benefits, designed to return you to home province in Canada in the event you experience an otherwise-covered travel emergency.
  • Coverage specifics: always read your policy wording carefully to understand what’s included and what’s notespecially for one-way trips.

Travellers tip: If you purchase your policy after you’ve started your trip, waiting periods will apply. We won’t cover any injury or sickness that occurs in the first 48 hours after your departure date.

Gearing up to book your one-way ticket and need a travel insurance quote? With World Nomads you can easily apply online for a tailored quote, simply enter your destination, and any activities you plan to do while travelling. Easy.

What’s covered when travelling on a one-way ticket?

World Nomads offers two insurance plans to Canadians: Standard and Explorer – both offering coverage for standard inclusions such as medical, belongings, and flight delays, but the Explorer offering higher limits of coverage. When you get a quote, you can compare each plan side by side to see what each covers.

Here’s other situations when you might find out travel insurance handy:

  • Emergency medical and evacuation: no one plans to injure themselves, especially if the injury is serious enough to warrant repatriation back to Canada – but unfortunately sometimes it happens. Our 24/7 emergency team are on standby for these exact situations.
  • Baggage and personal belongings : left Canadian soil and landed a little lighter? We may be able to help if your suitcase doesn’t hit the tarmac with you.
  • Adventure sports coverage: Love adrenaline-fueled adventures? Our policies cover over 250 sports and activities, from scuba diving and bungee jumping to skiing and surfing.

What’s not covered when travelling on a one-way ticket?

While we aim to please, there’s certain limitations and exclusions to be aware of when travelling on a one-way ticket:

  • Return trip costs: since a one-way ticket doesn’t include a return journey, trip cancellation, trip interruption and trip delay coverage for the return leg isn’t applicable. If you interrupt your trip and return home to Canada for a covered reason, you will be responsible for the cost of an economy-class airfare (at the carrier’s regular published rates) for the trip home. For example, should you need to go home for medical treatment after an emergency (in other words, a doctor deems that you’re not in a state to continue your travels), since you did not have a ticket home, you will be responsible for the cost of your return ticket home.

Travellers tip: since travel insurance covers only non-refundable, pre-paid travel expenses, you won’t be able to claim for any travel costs that weren’t purchased prior to the effective date of your policy. So, if you purchase a non-refundable ticket home after your policy has become effective, it will not be covered.

Final Tips for One-Way Travellers

Understand your policy: no one likes surprises, especially when in a foreign country – make sure you read your policy wording carefully to understand what is and isn’t covered.

Keep your documentation: keep and carry all documents; official documents, itineraries, tickets, receipts, medical reports, etc.

Plan extensions: if you extend your trip, remember to extend your insurance policy before it expires to maintain continuous coverage.

Reach out for help: if you have any questions about your quote, coverage, or need assistance during your trip, don’t hesitate to contact our customer service or 24/7 emergency assistance team.

This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms and conditions of the policy.  It is important you read and understand your policy as it contains benefits, conditions, exclusions and pre-existing condition exclusions.  If you do not understand your coverage or if you have questions, just ask us.

 


Was this article helpful to you?

I found this article to be helpful
No, this is not the info I need

Related Articles

View more

Can't find the answer you are looking for?

Contact us

Our contact details

We’re here to help if you have a question about travel insurance. We’re available:

  • Monday to Friday 7:00am - 7:00pm (CST)

Contact us

Phone

Within Canada & continental USA, toll free:
1 877 328 2528

International collect:
+1 416 646 3723