Photo © Marco_Piunti/ Getty

Travel Insurance for Trip Delays

What happens if I hit a scheduling snag?

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

You’ve been planning your trip to the Galapagos Islands (and dreaming about frolicking sea turtles) for months… and now your trip is finally here. You’ve checked in your gear and are ready for your flight – only to be alerted that your plane has mechanical problems, and you won’t be able to leave until the following day.

Unfortunately, while irksome incidents such as trip delays are rarely anticipated, they can happen. And when they do, knowing you have travel insurance in your back pocket can help get your trip back on track… and calm you down fast.


What's covered

There are several events that can cause a trip delay. Though your specific coverage benefits depend on your Country of Residence and the plan you select (the Standard or Explorer), examples of events covered for trip delays include: 

  • Mechanical breakdowns of your common carrier;
  • Weather-related transportation delays.

This isn’t a complete list of what’s covered – don’t forget to read your World Nomads policy, which explains in more detail the types of situations that are covered under Trip Delay.

If your event is covered under Trip Delay, then you may be reimbursed for:

  • Basic expenses, such as food, toiletries and accommodation, that you had to pay for because of the delayl
  • Any non-refundable, pre-paid portions of your trip that you’ve had to forfeit because of the delay (such as a hotel night or a tour).

Again, your exact coverage benefits will depend on your Country of Residence and the plan that you select.

How to file a claim

To help ensure a seamless reimbursement, you will want to be super careful with your records. Be sure to hold on to any receipts or other documentation for World Nomads, because (sadly) we can’t travel with you, so we have no way of knowing what happened. You’ll need written confirmation of the delay from the carrier, and scheduled departure times as well as the new times to file a claim. In addition, you should keep copies of your itinerary and any other relevant travel documents.

What's not covered

Not every incident that can cause a trip delay is going to be claimable... here are a few things that aren’t covered:

  • Delays that are less than the minimum amount of time specified in your policy
  • Delays on a return flight
  • Delays caused by expected events
  • Costs that are unnecessary or extravagant
  • Expenses that are covered by your common carrier.

What's the difference between trip delay and trip interruption?

When it comes to World Nomads, a trip delay is when you are delayed from reaching your destination for a certain amount of time after you’ve begun your trip.

A Trip Interruption is when something happens that prevents you from taking advantage of your full itinerary or causes you to end your trip early, such as breaking your leg on a ski trip (and your doctor advising you to return home to rest and recover.) It’s not fun, but it happens. For more information on Trip Interruption, go to our Help Center

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you*

Trip Cancellation

Been working hard for your trip?

We'll work hard to protect it.

Trip Protection
  • Work emergency?
  • Weather delay?
  • Travel companion sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Expenses

Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?
  • Need a hospital urgently?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transportation

Know where the nearest hospital is?

Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.

Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Ambulance transfers
  • Medevac flights
  • Medical escort services

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

Protect your gear
  • Stolen I.D.s
  • Checked-in sports equipment
  • Damaged luggage

Help starts here.

  • Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
  • Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
  • Trip Cancellation or Interruption
  • 24-Hour Assistance Services
  • Baggage
  • And more (depending on your country of residence)
*This is a general summary only. 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.

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?

Contact the team