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What to do if someone dies on your trip

What Canadian travellers need to know if someone on their travel insurance plan dies

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If the worst happens and you or another insured person on your policy dies during your trip, travel insurance can help. Along with up to $5,000 for the return of remains to your home province, your World Nomads plan may help with the costs of emergency medical treatment associated with an accident or sudden illness that preceded the person’s death. Travel insurance may also reimburse your prepaid, unused, non-refundable trip costs from having to interrupt your trip. We understand that this is a terrible and difficult time, but we’re here to help and can guide you through the process. 

What to do first if someone dies on your trip

  1. Contact us

If someone listed on your travel insurance plan dies while you’re away, contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team. We’ll help you get in touch with the necessary authorities and help you make any other arrangements related to the death. Learn more about coverages relating to a death on trip here

  1. Get it in writing

You may require copies of the following documents to submit with your claim, if applicable to your case, such as:

  • A death certificate confirming the cause of death
  • A hospital admission report for any hospital stays or care
  • Ambulance and medical evacuation reports
  • A police report

In some cases, we may need to obtain past medical history records from the deceased person’s regular doctor. Our claims department will let you know if that’s necessary.

  1. Keep your receipts

Gather your receipts, including your itineraries and booking and cancellation confirmations for any travel arrangements that you’ve made. You’ll need to submit these documents as proof of your claim. There may be a delay in the review of your claim if you don’t hand in the proper paperwork.

Read over your insurance plan to see what’s covered and to check if any terms, conditions or exclusions apply. The policy also includes additional information on claims procedures. If you have questions about what's covered and not covered, just ask us.

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

Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation.

  • Explorer Plan: $5,000
  • Standard Plan: $2,500
Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalized?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Close relative suddenly dies?

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 meds quick?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

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
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • Medevac home?

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.