Travel Insurance for Road Trips
Canadians Can Protect Their Road Trips, Both Domestically and Internationally
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At a glance
- Peace of Mind on the Road: Travel insurance can give you backup for delays, medical emergencies, or rental car breakdowns far from home—so you can enjoy the journey, not the stress of what-ifs.
- Domestic or International Drives: Whether you're cruising the Trans-Canada Highway or navigating winding roads abroad, insurance helps you stay prepared for the unexpected.
- Not Just for Flights: Road trips come with their own risks—stolen bags, trip interruptions, and more. Travel insurance coverage can help protect your plans and your wallet.
- 24/7 Emergency Help: Get support anytime, anywhere, whether you're stranded on a mountain pass or need help locating lost baggage.
- Flexible Plans for Every Trip: From quick weekend getaways to cross-country or international adventures, there’s a plan built to match your road trip style.
- Why should I consider travel insurance for my road trip?
- What travel insurance coverage is offered by World Nomads for road trips?
- What level of travel insurance coverage do I need for my surf trip?
- What may not be covered by the travel insurance plan I buy for road trips abroad?
- Top safety tips for your road trip
- FAQs
From spontaneous detours to unexpected delays, road trips rarely go exactly as planned. Travel insurance helps you hit the road with more confidence, knowing you’ve got backup if the unexpected happens.
Why should I consider travel insurance for my road trip?
Whether you're road tripping across the U.S. to explore both coasts, crisscrossing your way through Canada’s stunning parks, or renting a car abroad to drive through winding European countrysides, you’re in good company. Canadians alone take tens of millions of trips just within the country each season, many of them by road. That’s why travel insurance for road trips is worth considering—it’s designed to protect you from bumps in the road that go beyond flat tires (and yes, flat tires, too). World Nomads travel insurance plans provide travel insurance coverage for trips outside of your home province. From trip interruptions to emergency medical needs far from home, travel insurance for your road trip offers peace of mind so you can focus on the open road ahead, not the what-ifs. Whether domestic or international, your road trip deserves the same level of planning as any other adventure.
What travel insurance coverage is offered by World Nomads for road trips?
World Nomads Travel Insurance for Canadians may cover a range of unexpected problems you could face on and off the road. From rental car coverage to roadside assistance, it may pay to be prepared. Plans may also include:
Nomads tip: World Nomads Travel Insurance can also cover your travels within Canada! Your Government Health Plan is limited once you leave your province. Your travel insurance plan can protect your domestic travels outside of your home province, too.
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Emergency Medical Expenses
Even a minor car crash could result in big hospital bills -
24/7 Emergency Assistance
Whether you are stranded in the middle of nowhere, or need a referral for roadside assistance, the 24/7 team is available to assist in an emergency situation -
Baggage & Gear Coverage
Protection against lost, stolen or damaged bags and gear -
Trip Cancellations
Reimbursement of pre-paid, non-refundable expenses like flights, tours and accommodations if you’re unexpectedly too sick to go on your road trip
What level of travel insurance coverage do I need for my road trip?
World Nomads offers four plans for Canadian residents – the Standard, Explorer, Epic and Annual Multi-Trip – each with different levels of coverage.
| Standard Plan | Explorer Plan | Epic Plan | Annual Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Covering the basics for your roadtrip. Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Optional 'Cancel for Any Reason' available. Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Optional 'Cancel for Any Reason' available. Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Get a quote |
Nomads tip: Get a quote and choose your plan first, then the system will prompt you to add the activities you plan to do. Make sure you list them all; you won’t be able to make changes once on your trip.
Coverage for 250 activities you love + more
What may not be covered by the travel insurance plan I buy for road trips abroad?
- Incidents that are a result of acting irresponsibly under any sort of intoxication or influence.
- Personal belongings that are left unattended or in an unlocked vehicle
Top safety tips for your road trip
- Be sure to drive to the conditions – take your time, especially on unfamiliar roads.
- Don’t ever drink alcohol and drive - not only is it extremely dangerous but it could invalidate your plan.
- Don’t leave valuable items in the car, even for a short time; they are not covered.
- Have your GPS handy and bring back-up directions (such as a printed map!).
- Check out more tips for driving in remote areas in our article How to Plan a Safe Road Trip.
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for road trips. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask the customer service team.
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Do I need travel insurance coverage for a road trip within Canada?
Travel insurance for domestic road trips within Canada is a smart way to prepare for unexpected disruptions. From emergency medical expenses to trip cancellations, the right road trip travel insurance plan can help you recover costs and get back on track when things don’t go as planned. It’s especially helpful when you’re far from home, navigating unfamiliar roads or destinations. World Nomads travel insurance plans include our Adventure Travel Hotline which is your one-stop source for information that adventure travellers like you need. Remember, your Canadian government health insurance plan may not cover you outside your home province and a medical emergency requiring an ambulance ride, for example, could result in hefty personal costs. Also, remember that coverage only applies while you are outside of your home province.
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What does road trip travel insurance typically cover?
Travel protection plans for road trips may include coverage for emergency medical expenses, trip cancellation, and 24/7 emergency assistance. If you purchase the Explorer, Epic or Annual Multi-Trip Plan, roadside assistance and rental car coverage is also included. All could be very helpful in the case of a car accident abroad or even domestically.
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Can rental car damage be covered under my travel insurance plan for road trips?
Yes – rental car damage coverage is included under the Explorer, Epic or Annual Multi-Trip Plans.
Explorer – up to $45,000CAD per car
Epic – up to $70,000CAD per car
Annual Multi-Trip – up to $45,000CAD per car
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Can I buy travel insurance for an international road trip?
Absolutely. Whether you're renting a camper van in New Zealand or driving through the Alps, travel insurance coverage for international road trips provides crucial support. Protection plans can include emergency medical expense coverage abroad, trip interruption protection, and assistance in emergencies.
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What’s not covered by travel insurance on a road trip?
Travel insurance for road trips may not cover:
- Incidents involving alcohol or irresponsible behavior
- Unattended valuables left in your vehicle
- Speeding tickets
- Losses incurred while travelling in your home province
Always review your plan details and exclusions before hitting the road.
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Can rental car damage be covered under my travel insurance plan for road trips?
Yes. The Explorer, Epic and Annual Multi-Trip plans may cover damage to your rental car.
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Which travel insurance plan is best for my road trip?
The right road trip insurance plan depends on your trip style:
- Standard Plan – Great for families or budget travellers doing short domestic road trips
- Explorer Plan – Ideal for adventure-filled trips
- Epic Plan – For those once-in-a-lifetime or luxury trips
- Annual Multi-Plan – One policy can provide travel insurance coverage for an unlimited number of trips of 14 days or less, within a 365-day period.
Use the quote tool to compare benefit limits and customize coverage for your specific needs.
Need destination inspiration?
Already mapped your route? Awesome. But if you’re still dreaming up your next great drive—or just want a little inspiration between gas stops—check out some of our favorite road trips and tips. From iconic highways to hidden backroads, you might just find your next unforgettable adventure.
This article is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical, legal, insurance, or travel advice and provides only a general summary of certain features that may be available under applicable travel insurance policies. Coverage is subject to the specific terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, and pre-existing condition provisions of the applicable insurance policy. In the event of any inconsistency between this article and the wording of any insurance policy, the policy wording shall govern and take precedence. It is important that you read and understand your policy before travelling. If you have questions about your coverage or are unsure how your policy applies to your circumstances, please contact us for clarification.Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Insurance protection for your hard earned vacation in the event of unexpected cancellation.
- Standard Plan: $2,500
- Explorer Plan: $10,000
- Epic Plan: $15,000
- AMT Plan: $10,000
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalized?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation
We’ll get you to hospital or home quickly.
- Standard Plan: $250,000
- Explorer Plan: $500,000
- Epic Plan: $750,000
- Annual Plan: $500,000
Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medevac home?
Help starts here.
Gear & Baggage Protection
Coverage for the theft, damage or delay of your bags, tech and sports gear.
- Standard Plan: $1,000
- Explorer Plan: $2,000
- Epic Plan: $5,000
- Annual Plan: $2,000
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
Protect your health
- Emergency Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation
- Bedside Companion Travel and Subsistence
- Emergency Professional Services
- Return of Remains
- Return of Travel Companion/Dependent Children
Protect your trip
- Trip Cancellation
- Trip Interruption
- Trip Delay
- Optional Cancel for Any Reason (Explorer or Epic)
- Trip Exchange (Explorer, Epic or AMT)
- Rental Vehicle Damage (Explorer, Epic or AMT)
Protect your stuff
- Baggage and Personal Effects Theft or Damage
- Baggage and Sporting Equipment Delay
- Travel Documents Theft or Damage
- Sporting Equipment Theft or Loss by a Common Carrier
- Covered Adventure Sports listed in Policy
Assistance Services
- 24/7 Worldwide Emergency Medical Assistance
- Worldwide Travel Assistance
- Personal Security Assistance
- Adventure Traveller’s Hotline
- Bag Trak
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.