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  5. Trip Delay

Trip Delay Travel Insurance Benefit

Learn how the trip delay travel insurance benefit may help protect US Residents if their trips are unexpectedly delayed

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At a glance

  • The trip delay travel insurance benefit is included in all World Nomads protection plans
  • You may be reimbursed for unplanned reasonable expenses incurred, if your trip is delayed for at least six consecutive hours because of an unforeseen, covered reason. Terms and conditions apply.
  • World Nomads Travel Insurance may offer coverage for trip delays caused by natural disasters, sickness, delayed flights, and more

Why should you consider travel insurance and non-insurance assistance services for delayed trips?

More than 70% of travelers count down to their vacation, and if you’re among that group, you’ve likely done all you possibly could to prepare for your trip. Even when you’ve done everything right, unexpected delays can happen for a variety of reasons. With a single-trip or annual travel protection plan that includes the trip delay travel insurance benefit, you may be reimbursed for unplanned additional reasonable expenses for transportation, accommodations, meals, and essential telephone calls, (up to your plan’s maximum benefit amount) if you’re delayed at least six consecutive hours or more while en route to or from, or during the course of your trip, for one of the covered unforeseen reasons.

Some Unforeseen Covered Reasons for Trip Delay

  • A delay of your common carrier (including inclement weather)
  • A traffic accident while en route to your scheduled trip departure that you’re not directly involved in and must be substantiated by a police or news report
  • A Natural Disaster, which requires a mandatory evacuation order by local government authorities
  • Unannounced airline strikes
  • Lost or stolen passports
  • Sickness or injury of you or your travelling companion
  • And more.

Important to Know in the Event of a Claim

  • There are per day and maximum benefit amounts that vary based on your plan purchased
  • Only unforeseen reasons listed in your plan documents may be covered
  • You must obtain any specific dated documentation, which provides proof of the reason for the delay (airline or cruise line forms, medical statements, etc.). Submit this documentation along with your trip itinerary and all receipts for additional reasonable expenses

Trip Delay Plan Maximum Amounts

Standard PlanExplorer PlanEpic PlanAnnual Plan
Up to $250 per day, up to a maximum of $1,000 per person

Get a quote		 Up to $250 per day, up to a maximum of $3,000 per person

Get a quote		 Up to $500 per day, up to a maximum of $5,000 per person

Get a quote		 Up to $250 per day, up to a maximum of $1,500 per trip

Get a quote
Compare all benefits and plans

What is the difference between the trip delay benefit and the missed connection benefit?

Sometimes a delayed trip causes a domino-effect of travel issues. If you’ve purchased an Epic or Explorer plan that includes trip delay insurance coverage, you’ll also have additional benefits for missed connections. For example, if your flight is delayed and you can’t get to the port in time to make your cruise, you may also be reimbursed for a flight so you can board your cruise at the next port.

This benefit also applies to flights on different carriers. If your first airline carrier is so delayed that you miss your flight on the next carrier, your missed connection benefit may help you 'catch up’ and get to your final destination.

What we recommend if your trip is delayed

Yes, it’s frustrating, but trip delays are often out of your control and unfortunately are just a part of traveling. Always check the status of your flight before you head to the airport just to make sure there are no delays (although they can still occur once you get there.) If something happens and your trip is delayed, here are our tips for how to handle it like a pro.

  • Stay calm. Getting angry doesn’t help.
  • If the delay is because of your common carrier, talk to them about reimbursement first. Airlines may cover things such as additional meals, hotel accommodations, and transportation. Your travel insurance benefits are considered secondary or excess, and your trip delay insurance benefit reimbursement may be liable only for the excess of the amount of loss. Check the Department of Transportation’s Cancellation and Delay Dashboard* to see what is covered by various airlines.
  • If you’re delayed for at least six consecutive hours for a covered unforeseen reason, you can file a claim online.
  • Remember that you must do everything to minimize the costs surrounding the delay. You may not get reimbursed for a fancy steak dinner should you need to file a trip delay claim.

FAQ

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

  • What type of trip delays may be covered?

    World Nomads Travel Insurance may cover delays of six consecutive hours or more when caused by an unforeseen, covered reason. There are several reasons that could cause a trip delay, including:

    • A delay of your common carrier (including inclement weather)
    • A traffic accident while en route to your scheduled trip departure that you’re not directly involved in and must be substantiated by a police or news report
    • A Natural Disaster which requires a mandatory evacuation order by local government authorities
    • Unannounced airline strikes
    • Lost or stolen passports
    • Civil Disorder
    • Sickness or injury of you or your travelling companion
    • And more.
  • If my trip is delayed on my return home, could my travel insurance benefits be extended?
    When you get a quote for travel insurance and non-insurance benefits, you’ll state the exact dates of your trip. However, if your return is delayed due to an unavoidable circumstance beyond your control, all coverage except trip cancellation (and optional cancel for any reason for Epic or Explorer) will be extended. The extension of coverage will last either until you reach your originally scheduled return destination or seven days after your originally scheduled return date – whichever happens first. Terms and Conditions apply.
  • What’s the difference between trip delay and trip interruption?

    World Nomads defines a trip delay as when you are delayed for at least six consecutive hours, stopping you from getting to your destination. A trip interruption occurs 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 during a ski trip. Your plan includes both trip delay insurance coverage, as well as trip interruption insurance benefits.

20260120-5124645. This is not a full list of what is and isn’t covered, so please check your plan document for a full list of maximums, terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions that may apply to your state specific plan. Any example scenarios provided above are not a guarantee of coverage. All claims are subject to review, require documentation and are considered individually. Exclusion applies to Adventure or Extreme Activities.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Protection

Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation.

  • Standard Plan: $2,500
  • Explorer Plan: $10,000
  • Epic Plan: $15,000
  • Annual Plan: $5,000
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.

  • Standard Plan: $125,000
  • Explorer Plan: $150,000
  • Epic Plan: $250,000
  • Annual Plan: $100,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need meds quick?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Evacuation

We'll provide assistance to get you to the hospital or home quickly.

  • Standard Plan: $400,000
  • Explorer Plan: $500,000
  • Epic Plan: $700,000
  • Annual Plan: $100,000
Emergency Evacuation
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • Medevac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

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

  • Standard Plan: $1,000
  • Explorer Plan: $2,000
  • Epic Plan: $3,000
  • Annual Plan: $2,000
Protect your gear
  • Passport or tech stolen?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Bags delayed?

Help starts here.

The amounts listed represent the maximum benefit amount.

Protect your health

  • 24/7 Emergency Assistance Help Line
  • Emergency Medical & Dental Expenses
  • Emergency Evacuations
  • Bedside Companion Travel
  • Emergency Medications

Protect Your Trip

  • Trip Cancellation
  • Optional Cancel for Any Reason (Explorer or Epic)
  • Trip Delay & Trip Interruption
  • Missed Connection (Explorer or Epic)
  • Rental Car Damage (Explorer, Epic or Annual)

Protect Your Stuff

  • Baggage Delay
  • Passport and Visa Loss
  • Lost or Stolen Bags
  • Personal Tech, Equipment & Gear
  • Baggage Return After Evacuation

Non-Insurance Services

  • Medical & Non-Medical 24/7 Emergency Assistance Line
  • Translators Available
  • Pre-Departure Telehealth Services
  • Portable Health Records
  • Delayed or Lost Baggage Tracking and Delivery
This is a general summary for US residents only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Benefits limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Check the plan documents for full details.