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Travel insurance when vacationing in rentals

Support for a cancelled trip, stolen belongings, medical emergencies, and more

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Often knackered after a long day of sightseeing and can’t think of anything better than ditching the jandals and settling in for a sunset drink on your private terrace? If this sounds like you, a private holiday crib is likely more your speed than a crowded hotel.

Whether renting out a cabin in the woods or a beach house there’s always the chance that the unexpected could happen and that’s where World Nomads Travel Insurance comes in.

Do I need travel insurance?

Hopefully, the worst thing that happens when you’re staying at your cosy chalet in France is eating the free cheese and enjoying the wine too fast. But, if you find yourself in a pinch, travel coverage can save your sanity. When an emergency happens, it is as much a headache preventer as any dose of medicine. Think of good travel protection as having back-up on standby.

What's covered?

Booking hotels often seems so easy, but that’s just because it’s what we’re familiar with. As world travellers ourselves the team at World Nomads understands that steering toward a private rental may be a little nerve-wracking.

Following are just some of the things covered by World Nomads travel insurance. World Nomads offers coverage (up to the policy limits) for:

  • Coverage for extended stays
  • Emergency medical and evacuation
  • 21 day cooling-off period to decide if the cover is right for you
  • Baggage and personal belongings
  • Activities cover for 150+ activities
  • World Nomads’ Family Plans
  • Coronavirus-related events

Travel insurance tip: holiday homes have various house rules about occupancy, minimum age requirements for the primary renter and so on. Do ensure you understand what you're agreeing to before booking to avoid potentially incurring any extra fees or losing your deposit.

How can travel insurance help?

Private holiday rentals differ greatly, not just when it comes to facilities and location, but also who you’re dealing with, what’s included and of course, what it will set you back financially.

World Nomads offers two plans – a Standard Plan and an Explorer Plan – each with different benefits, limits, and sub-limits of coverage.

Which policy you choose is up to you, but aside from any issues with your accommodation, the explorer plan can help if you’re planning on renting a vehicle or hiring sporting equipment; want to be covered for issues related to Coronavirus; and want reassurance that if you wind up in hospital you won’t be facing exorbitant out-of-pocket expenses.

What's covered by travel insurance?

  • Cancellation of your trip - If you need to cancel your trip due to a family emergency or find up you’ve been called up for jury duty back home your policy may allow you to recoup any pre-paid, non-refundable costs. Depending on your plan, you may be able to recover your travel expenses.
  • Coverage for extended stays - Sometimes we don’t anticipate just how much we’re going to love a place. If the chalet you booked in Canada is that good and you wish to extend your stay, then you may extend your travel insurance policy for a maximum of one year past the start date listed on your Certificate of Insurance. This must be done prior to the current expiration date of your policy. Terms and conditions apply.
  • Natural disasters - It’s not something we like to think about, but if a natural disaster occurs in and around where you are staying and evacuation is necessary, you may be able to claim for the loss. Terms and conditions apply.
  • Emergency overseas medical: Emergency medical coverage can help when you need urgent medical treatment. Get to a doctor for treatment and medication and you can submit a claim to recover the costs (up to your benefit limit). If you are forced to go to hospital, our policies can assist in covering some of the medical costs. You must give our 24/7 Emergency Team a call to ensure the proper processes are met.
  • Baggage and personal belongings - If someone breaks into your holiday house and makes light work of your laptop or Go-Pro camera, insurance may help you recoup the cost of the equipment, but you need to file a police report and show proof of that when you lodge your claim.
  • Activities cover - Whether renting in Corfu, Malibu or in the English countryside you may be enjoying activities like sailing, roller-blading and even hiking. We offer cover for more than 150 different activities, sports, and experiences. If your favourite sport or activity isn’t on the list get in touch with our Customer Assistance Teamand they will let you know if we cover it. An upgrade for certain activities and sports may be required, see the Policy Document for details.  

Travel insurance tip: make sure you do your research on the countries you’re looking to visit to ensure that there are no government warnings or restrictions. Your policy will be jeopardised if something goes wrong and you fail to adhere to the warnings. Find out more at Safe Travel NZ and keep updated on the World Health Organisation information regarding COVID-19.

What's not covered?

  • Injury or illness arising from negligent or reckless behaviour.
  • Costs related to damage caused to the rental property as a result of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • Loss of enjoyment or deciding that you don’t like the rental location or offerings. If you have entered into an agreement, you cannot claim costs associated with shifting accommodation.
  • Loss of goods if you leave the premises unlocked and return to find all your belongings missing.
  • Unattended baggage or personal items, including any items left in a locked car overnight.
  • Any existing medical conditions which are not listed as an automatically covered pre-existing medical condition as per your Policy Document. Check your Policy Document carefully.
  • Costs associated with travelling to, planning to travel to, or choosing to remain in a country or region that is subject to the New Zealand government issuing a ‘Do Not Travel’ or ‘Avoid Essential Travel’ warning. Find out more at Safe Travel NZ.

This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. You should read your Policy Document 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.

The information provided is of a general nature and is provided for information purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice in any form and should not be relied on as a substitute for obtaining professional advice that is specific to your circumstances. You should seek advice from a financial advice provider if you would like further information about whether a particular product is appropriate for you and your circumstances.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Protect your trip from unexpected cancellation.

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

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Overseas

Take the pain out of medical costs.

  • Explorer Plan: Unlimited
  • Standard Plan: $5,000,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need meds quick?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transport

We'll get you to hospital in a flash

  • Explorer Plan: Unlimited
  • Standard Plan: $500,000
Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • Medevac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Cover your stolen or damaged gear and tech.

  • Explorer Plan: $10,000
  • Standard Plan: $2,000
Protect your gear
  • Passport or tech stolen?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Bags delayed?

Help starts here.

  • Overseas Medical Expenses
  • Emergency dental treatment
  • 24 hour assistance
  • Emergency medical transport & repatriation
  • Cancellation costs
  • Trip interruption costs
  • Compassionate emergency visit home
  • Resumption of trip
  • Theft or accidental damage to baggage and personal items
  • Baggage delay over 12 hours
  • Funeral expenses overseas or repatriation of remains
  • Personal liability
This is a general summary for New Zealand residents only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Check the policy documents for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

If you need medical assistance or emergency medical evacuation our team is 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?

From New Zealand & Overseas:
+61 2 8263 0470 or
+61 2 8292 1470
(reverse charges via an operator from anywhere in the world)

Within Australia (Free call): 1800 611 210

Travel insurance. Simple & flexible.

Travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families. 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.