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Travel insurance for road trips

Whether you’re embarking on a cross-country adventure or taking the coastal route, don’t start your road trip without considering travel insurance

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One of the best things about road trips is the freedom to explore at your own pace, an on our own terms. Travel insurance is designed for many modes of transport, but there are specific reasons why it’s important for road trips.

Trip cancellation

Anything from falling ill to jury duty can prevent you from taking your trip. With this coverage, you may be able to recuperate your pre-paid, non-refundable deposits.

Emergency medical

Safety is a priority when you’re getting behind the wheel and traveling to new destinations. A trip protection plan can buffer the hazards of being on the road.

Rental car insurance

Car breakdowns and traffic accidents can put a dent in your wallet (as well as your car) if you don’t have vehicle coverage. Some World Nomads plans offer damage collision waiver coverage depending on your country of residence and your choice of a Standard or Explorer plan.

Emergency Assistance

If you’re in a crisis, whether you’re stranded in the middle of nowhere or need urgent medical attention, our Emergency Assistance team is available 24/7 in whatever part of the world you’re traveling.

Trip interruption and delay

You may need help getting your trip back on track when you encounter problems whether that be a sudden illness, or an incident caused by bad weather.

Baggage and personal belongings

If thieves break into your hotel room, you can make a claim for a replacement or a reimbursement of your stolen items.

Hitting the road? Get your travel insurance with World Nomads

Road trips are a great way to experience local culture, see sights off the beaten track and immerse yourself in your travel destination. But there can be a lot of unknowns driving in a foreign country and it pays to research and plan ahead.

Good News: World Nomads can cover your road trip

One of the best things about road trips is the freedom to explore at your own pace, on your own terms. Our Travel insurance is designed by travellers for travellers, and our policies can cover some important benefits to make sure you’re protected on the open road.

What’s covered on road trips?

World Nomads plans for Canadian residents do not include damage collision waiver coverage, but may provide protection for other incidents that could occur on the road. Our policies can offer cover (up to policy limits) for:

Sudden trip cancellations

Anything from an unexpected illness or injury,  a travel advisory or even the unplanned financial default of your travel supplier can prevent you from going on your road trip. Trip Cancellation may offer cover for some of your pre-paid, non-refundable trip costs if an emergency happens.

Unexpected medical emergencies on the road

Your health and safety are a priority when you’re getting behind the wheel and travelling to new destinations. That's why our plans cover emergency medical expenses in the times when you're most vulnerable – when you're sick, get into an accident or get hurt. 

Your cross-country adventure may take you far from medical help, and if you need emergency evacuation or repatriation to your home province our policies can also cover you.

Be sure to check the maximum benefit amount specified in your policy, and note that you must be covered under GHIP for the entire duration of your trip. Otherwise, you may have a reduced the benefit limit for your medical and evacuation coverages.

Emergency assistance 24/7

When you’re on the road away from home, it’s hard to know where to go for help. When you buy a World Nomads plan, you’ll have access to our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team to support you in a crisis. If you’re stranded in the middle of nowhere, need urgent medical attention or a referral for roadside assistance, our Emergency Assistance team can facilitate a range of services in whatever part of the world you’re travelling.

Trip interruptions while on the road

Don’t let an incident throw a wrench in your driving plans – our trip interruption coverage can help salvage your pre-paid, non-refundable trip expenses that you’ve had to forfeit because of a covered event that has disrupted your travels.

Protection for stolen belongings and baggage

You may have camping gear in your trunk, sunglasses in your glove compartment or your travel documents hidden in the back of the seat pocket. Unfortunately, thieves can be crafty enough to dodge security measures and get into locked spaces.

With our travel insurance, you may be able make a claim for a replacement or a reimbursement of your stolen items, up to a per item and total maximum limit. Terms and conditions apply so be sure to check the policy wording and remember, you’ll need to file a police report in case of theft.

Cover for more than 150 activities, sports and experiences

Road trips give you the flexibility to expand your adventures. Our policies cover more than 150 activities, sports, work and volunteer experiences including hiking, camping and surfing.

Add all adventure, sports, work or volunteer activities that you think you’ll be doing while on your trip, at the time you purchase your policy. You are automatically covered to participate in various activities under both the Standard Plan and Explorer Plan. More adventurous pursuits will require an upgrade, which you can do when you purchase the policy. Contact us if you have any questions around coverage for any activities you plan to do.

What’s not covered on road trips?

Our policies aren’t designed to cover everything, and exclusions include but are not limited to:

  • Pre-existing conditions, including illness, disease or other medical condition for which you’ve previously shown symptoms or been treated for prior to your coverage starting. Read your policy wording for more details.
  • Alcohol and drug related incidents that are a result of acting irresponsibly under any sort of intoxication or influence.
  • Select personal belongings, such as bicycles (unless checked into a common carrier), professional equipment, and cash.
  • Baggage and personal effects left in an unlocked vehicle.

Handy tips for a safe and fun road trip 

  • Be sure to drive to the conditions – take your time, especially on unfamiliar roads.
  • Don’t ever drink alcohol or take drugs and drive; not only is it extremely dangerous but it could invalidate your policy
  • Don’t leave valuable items in the car, even for a short time.
  • Have your GPS handy and bring back-up directions.

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 about your coverage, just ask us. 

Car break-in in Italy

My boyfriend and I were talking a road trip down the west coast of Italy. We drove to Torvaianca beach to swim during sunrise with some friends who were staying in the area. When we came back about 30 minutes later, we saw that the car had been broken into in open daylight and all of our precious belongings that we had placed in the locked trunk were taken. We noticed a man bringing horses onto the beach and we asked him to help call the police and thankfully he knew English well enough to communicate to the officers where we were.
Canadian nomad

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation.

  • Explorer Plan: $5,000
  • Standard Plan: $2,500
Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalized?
  • Weather delay?
  • Travel companion sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Insurance

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

  • Explorer Plan: $10 million
  • Standard Plan: $5 million
Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need medication?
  • Suddenly sick?
  • Accidentally injured?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation

We’ll get you to hospital or home quickly.

  • Explorer Plan: $500,000
  • Standard Plan: $500,000
Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation
  • Hurt abroad?
  • Medevac home?
  • Need an ambulance?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Covers the theft, damage or delay of your bags, tech and sports gear.

  • Explorer Plan: $3,000
  • Standard Plan: $1,000
Protect your gear
  • Passport or tech stolen?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Bags delayed?

Help starts here.

  • Emergency Medical Expenses
  • Emergency Dental for Injury or Sickness
  • Bedside Companion Travel and Subsistence
  • Emergency Professional Services
  • Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Return of Travel Companion/Dependent Children
  • Return to Your Trip Destination
  • Return of Remains
  • Travel Accident
  • Flight Accident
  • Trip Cancellation
  • Trip Interruption
  • Trip Delay
  • 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 Included
  • LiveTravelTM Emergency Assistance
  • Worldwide Travel Assistance
  • Adventure Travel Hotline
  • 24/7 Security
  • Travel Medical Assistance
  • Bag Trak
This is a general summary for Canadian residents only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the travel insurance plans described. Coverage may not be available for residents of all provinces. Check the Travel Insurance Policy for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical or dental assistance or advice, emergency evacuation or travel assistance, our team 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?

Telephone +1 866 878 0192 (toll-free from Canada and the Continental U.S.) or +1 416 646 3723 (collect from anywhere else in the world)

Contact the team

Travel insurance. Simple & flexible.

Travel insurance for independent travelers. 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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