Am I Covered for Pre-Trip Mishaps once I have purchased Travel Insurance?

How far in advance can I buy travel insurance?

For our global nomads planning an overseas holiday, coverage is activated depending on where you are when you buy or extend your policy, the date of purchase, the date you choose the cover to start (start date), the date your trip actually starts and the date you choose your cover to end (end date).

The maximum duration available for any policy, including extensions, is 12 months from the start date. There are also some other key conditions of cover that you need to know before you buy a policy, these include:

  • You must be 64 years old or younger at the time your policy is purchased.

The country you select as your country of residence is the country where you:

  • are a citizen or legal resident; and
  • have unrestricted right of entry; and
  • have access to long-term medical care, particularly should you require a medical repatriation under this policy; and
  • have your residential address as shown on your Certificate of Insurance.

Remember: You have up to 21 days from the time you’re issued your Certificate of Insurance and policy wording to decide if this policy is right for you and cancel your policy.

Will I be covered for cancellation if I buy many months in advance and then can’t travel?

Cancellation coverage will depend on your Country of Residence and the plan you’ve selected - Standard vs Explorer - each plan has different levels of coverage when it comes to cancellation and trip interruption. For example, you may be covered for:

You may want to consider buying World Nomads Travel Insurance as soon as you’ve booked and paid for your trip as you could be covered for certain Insured events before you depart. Terms and conditions apply.

Will I be covered for pre-existing medical conditions when buying a policy?

Please be aware that if you have a pre-existing medical condition and you purchase a policy then you won’t be covered for any complications arising from any pre-existing medical condition between the time that you have purchased a policy and the start date of your policy.

What if my health changes before I start my trip?

If before you start your trip (and between the date your policy is issued and the start date of your trip) you or anyone you rely on for your trip receives medical advice or treatment for a serious illness or injury (which is not a pre-existing medical condition), cover is available if you have no option but to cancel your trip. Always check your policy wording as it will depend on your Country of Residence and the plan you have chosen.

Here are some key tips to keep in mind:

  1. Review your policy: carefully review your travel insurance policy to understand what types of pre-trip incidents are covered.
  2. Purchase early: Buying travel insurance well in advance of your trip can help protect you against unexpected cancellations or travel disruptions.
  3. Document everything: Keep any receipts, records and copies of any pre-paid expenses, such as flights, tours, events or accommodation, in case you need to make a claim.
  4. Communicate with us: In the event of a pre-trip mishap, notify us as soon as possible so that we can help guide you if you need to make a claim.

All travel insurance plans are different, and cover will vary depending on what’s happened, your Country of Residence, the plan you choose, and any options or upgrades you buy. The above features and benefits are a summary of cover only, your Policy Wording will always have the full terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions for what you’re covered for. If you have any questions or if you’re not sure if something is covered, get in touch.


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We’re here to help if you have a question about travel insurance. We’re available:

  • Monday to Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm (UTC/UTC+1)

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For policies purchase on or after 2 December 2018:


+353 21 237 8007

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For policies purchased before 2 December 2018:


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