Photo © Getty Images / Thomas Barwick

Travel Insurance for Families

World Nomads offers travel insurance plans so you can make sure your loved ones are protected while on holiday. Get an instant quote 24/7.

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

Traveling with your family is a very different experience compared to those travel memories you have of backpacking around Europe or traveling with friends. While you might have pushed some boundaries when traveling when you were young, you’d never do that with your family in tow.

Who is considered a dependent eligible for cover

Our plans include cover for one to eight dependents. Under World Nomads plans a dependent is classified as:

  • Your financially dependent children or grandchildren, who normally reside with you and who are in full time education.
  • Are 17 years old or younger at the time you buy or extend your policy.
  • Are traveling with you on your trip.
  • Are listed as covered on your Certificate of Insurance.

Please also note that one of the traveling adults on the purchased policy must be the legal guardian of the accompanying dependents. If you have a big family that you need to insure (more than eight dependents) then you’ll need to buy additional policies.

How could World Nomads family travel insurance help?

The World Nomads team can help you when something goes wrong, and you prevent any major headaches for your children and loved ones.

Depending on your Country of Residence and the policy you choose, you and your family may be covered for:

  • Coverage for extended stays – if you’re having too much fun and want to extend your holiday, your plan can be extended while still traveling for up to 12 months from your departure date (terms and conditions apply). We are happy to extend your policy as long as it’s done before the end date shown on your Certificate of Insurance. Be aware that if you buy a policy while traveling overseas, you must wait 72 hours before any cover is activated (except for emergency medical as a result of a sudden accident which is witnessed and verified by an independent third party).
  • Family plans benefits – did you know that you can add your children and grandchildren to our policies at no extra cost? Only adults are charged. It’s just one of the ways we look after families on their travels.
  • Emergency overseas medical and evacuation coverage – if you or a member of your family suffers an illness or accident whilst traveling, they may be covered for medical expenses and medical evacuation.
  • Activities and sports coverage – broaden your family’s horizons with coverage for more than 150 sports, activities and adventures across the globe. Coverage varies between our two plans – Standard and Explorer– so it’s important to take the time to understand what activities you are likely to do, and the difference between our plans.
  • Baggage and high-value items cover – if your baggage or items are stolen, lost or damaged you may be covered, including benefits if your bags are delayed and you need to purchase emergency clothes and toiletries.

Travel insurance tip: Whether you have one dependent or seven it’s important that you know who we mean by ‘dependent’ (for example, the age of your dependent(s) at the time of purchasing your policy) as it may vary depending on your Country of Residence. Definitions and cover conditions are outlined in your policy wording.


The need for emergency medical care is one of the most common reasons for purchasing family cover. World Nomads policies offer cover for medical care overseas when you or your children get sick or have an accident. Also, if you suddenly fall ill or are injured while traveling and your dependent child needs help traveling home, we may assist with the cost of another adult traveling to you to bring the child home.

For more details, or if you have a specific question about World Nomads insurance, please visit our online Help Center or contact us.

What’s not covered by our plans

Read your policy carefully as there are some exclusions including:

  • If you change your mind, you are not covered for cancelation or other expenses incurred as a result.
  • Trip cancellation for events that occurred before your policy was purchased (natural disaster, strike, etc.).
  • Any pre-existing medical conditions, unless otherwise stated in your policy.
  • Any medical treatment, medication, or hospitalization for a non-urgent condition. Examples could include cosmetic surgery, general check-ups, or other elective surgeries.
  • Traveling to or staying in a country that the US government or the government in your country of residence has declared an official ‘Do Not Travel’ travel ban on or warned against non-essential travel.
  • Not having visas or passports issued on time or not properly fulfilling the entry requirements of your destination.
  • Leaving your gear behind or not keeping an eye on your things and they get stolen.

Travel insurance tip: If you buy a policy while traveling overseas, you must wait 72 hours before any cover is activated (with the exception of emergency medical as a result of a sudden accident which is witnessed and verified by an independent third party).


Get travel advice through our Travel Wiser content, FAQs, guides, safety information, and travel alerts.

To avoid any surprises when making a claim, it’s a smart idea to become familiar with the various limits, benefits, available upgrades, terms and conditions before you buy a policy.


Tips for families planning a trip abroad

  • Prepare in advance: Research and purchase your travel insurance as soon as you book your holiday to maximize coverage benefits. Give yourself plenty of time to get to airports, get through security and board transport. Keep your schedule loose and flexible.
  • Read the fine print: Ensure you fully understand the policy exclusions, especially concerning pre-existing medical conditions and non-emergency treatments.
  • Prepare documentation: Keep copies of important documents, such as medical records, passports, birth certificates, and travel itineraries. Always check visa requirements of your intended destination(s) – some countries require you to have at least 6 months validity on your passport.
  • Emergency planning: Familiarize yourself with local emergency services at your destination and share your travel plans with a trusted contact back home. Take relevant medical information with you and keep it handy.
  • Budget for unexpected costs: Consider setting aside extra funds for emergencies, even if you’re covered by insurance.
Travel insurance doesn’t cover everything. All of the information we provide is a brief summary. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the plans described. Coverage may not be the same or available for residents of all countries, states or provinces. Please carefully read your policy wording for a full description of coverage. If you have any questions, please contact us.

FAQ

Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for families. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask the customer service team.

  • What is the definition of a family travel insurance policy?

    World Nomads has two travel insurance plans – Standard and Explorer – in which a family is defined as two adults, 64 years old or younger at the time you buy or extend your policy. You must be traveling together for the majority of the trip. Our plans include cover for one to eight dependents. NOTE: All travellers must be residents of your Country of Residence, so check the Policy Wording for full details of who is eligible to purchase.

  • What is considered a close relative?
    A close relative is defined by us as your spouse/de facto partner, fiancé, fiancée, parent, parent-in-law, daughter, son, adopted or de facto daughter or son, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, brother, sister, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, niece, nephew, grandchild, grandparent, step-parent, step-son, step-daughter or guardian.
  • Am I covered if I need to cancel my trip because a relative is sick/injured?

    If a close relative is suddenly hospitalised or dies from a sudden illness or serious injury, then your travel insurance policy can help if you have to cancel or re-arrange your trip. 

    If you have to cancel or rearrange your trip, there may be cover for:

    • The non-refundable portion of your travel expenses, including transport, accommodation, tours/experiences, tuition/course fees, travel agency cancellation fees and frequent flyer points.
    • Your reasonable and necessary additional transport and accommodation expenses to return home early to visit your family, including:
      • the costs incurred to change your flights to an earlier date; and
      • The costs of itemised phone calls and internet expenses incurred when contacting us or your travel provider to rearrange, resume, catch up to or end your original travel plans.
    • Costs incurred to re-arrange your travel plans so you can resume your trip after your visit home.

    How it works

    Before you change your plans, you must contact your travel providers to try to minimise your expenses and request any refunds or rescheduling assistance. You may resume your trip under the same policy up until it’s end date (with pre-approval of trip resumption costs first).

    You can make a claim online for your additional expenses. You’ll also need a written medical diagnosis from the attending physician and, if applicable, the death certificate to support your claim. Also be aware that any claim submitted will have the policy excess applied.

    This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions of the policy. You should read your policy wording in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. If you are unsure about your level of travel cover, please contact us for help.

  • How do I buy travel insurance for the family?

    You can go online and enter a few details about yourself, your destinations, your country of residence, and the ages of all your family members. We will generate an instant quote with both Standard and Explorer plan options, and you can pick which one suits your specific needs. Once you’ve selected the right level of cover and paid, you will get instant confirmation of your family travel insurance to your selected email.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Protection

Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation before you leave home.

  • Explorer Plan: USD $10,000
  • Standard Plan: USD $5,000
Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalised?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Close relative suddenly dies?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Overseas Medical Insurance

Take the pain out of medical costs while traveling overseas.

  • Explorer Plan: Unlimited, up to 12 months
  • Standard Plan: USD $5,000,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need drugs?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transportation

We'll get you to hospital quickly.

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

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Cover your stolen or damaged gear and tech.

  • Explorer Plan: USD $3,500
  • Standard Plan: USD $2,500
Protect your gear
  • Luggage lost?
  • Passport pilfered?
  • Tech trashed?

Help starts here.

  • Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
  • 24 hour Emergency Assistance
  • Emergency Medical Transport
  • Repatriation & Travel Expenses
  • Pre-Trip Cancellation
  • Trip Interruption
  • Resumption of Trip
  • Travel Delay
  • Missed connection (Explorer)
  • Hijacking (Explorer)
  • Baggage & Personal Items
  • Passport & Travel Documents
  • Personal Liability
  • Rental vehicle insurance excess (Explorer)
  • Personal accident (Explorer)
*This is a general summary for all residents except from USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Brazil, China and Philippines. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

We cover more than 150 activities you love + more

Here are several activities under each category that World Nomads love to do:

Not all activities, sports, and experiences are covered under every plan. You may have to upgrade the policy and sporting level to receive the cover you require for the activities you plan to do. Please read your policy wording carefully before you buy.

Snow
Water
Air
Land
Sports
Experiences
  • Scuba diving
  • Mountain biking
  • Surfing
  • Bungee jumping
  • Skiing
Snow
  • Bobsledding
  • Ice Hockey
  • Ice Skating
  • Kite Wing
  • Skiing
  • Snowboarding
  • Snow kiting
  • Snowmobiling
  • Tobogganing
Water
  • Canoeing
  • Kayaking
  • Paddle Boarding
  • Sailing
  • Scuba Diving
  • Snorkelling
  • Surfing
  • Tubing
  • Windsurfing
Air
  • Aerial Safari
  • Ballooning
  • Bungee Jumping
  • Hang Gliding
  • High Diving
  • Hot Air Ballooning
  • Passenger in a commercial aircraft
  • Skydiving
  • Tandem Skydiving
  • Zip Line
Land
  • Bushwalking
  • Camel Riding
  • Camping
  • Caving
  • Hiking
  • Orienteering
  • Motorbiking
  • Mountain Biking
  • Trekking
Sports
  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Cricket
  • Fencing
  • Go Karting
  • Golf
  • Hockey
  • Tennis
  • Ultimate frisbee
  • Volleyball
Experiences
  • Childcare work
  • General farm work
  • Hospitality
  • Restaurant
  • Teaching
  • Fruit Picking
  • Admin work
  • Office work
  • WWOOFing
All of the information we provide about travel insurance is a brief summary only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the travel insurance plans. Coverage may not be available for residents of all countries, states or provinces.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams 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?
Phone:+353 21 237 8008 or +353 21 237 8003 (calls are not toll free. You can claim your itemised call costs)

Contact the team