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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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Most Aussies enjoy the creature comforts they’re afforded Down Under, so when it comes to travelling overseas many of us choose to bunk down in a holiday home rather than a run-of-the-mill hotel or resort. But sometimes booking from a private homeowner could add a layer of “What if?”. That’s where World Nomads Travel Insurance comes in.

Whether you’re renting a cabin in the woods in Alaska or have secured that fancy unit in London for a week, we can offer you travel insurance that can assist you and your loved ones when you need it the most.

What's covered?

When travelling overseas, it is understandable that you may feel a little uncertain about what to expect when booking a private rental over a hotel or a resort, especially as it is sight unseen.

At World Nomads we know how you feel, that’s why we aim to support you in your travels. Below are just some of the reasons why you should consider travel insurance when you’re planning a trip that will include a private vacation rental, no matter the destination.

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 and sports cover for 150+ activities
  • World Nomads’ Family Plans
  • Coverage for some 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.

Why should I consider travel insurance?

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.

It is important to consider travel insurance regardless of the sort of trip and the length of trip you're taking. World Nomads offers two plans – a Standard Plan and an Explorer Plan – each with different benefits, limits and sub-limits of coverage.

Which one you choose is up to you and your specific needs, but if you are planning on renting a vehicle or hiring sporting equipment; want cover 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, the Explorer plan is worth checking out.

Travel insurance highlights:

  • Cancellation of your trip - If you need to cancel your trip due to a family emergency or you’ve been called up for jury duty back home, your policy may allow you to recoup any pre-paid, non-refundable costs.
  • 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 medical and evacuation - If you need to see a doctor or 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 cover 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 PDS 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 Smartraveller and keep updated on the World Health Organization 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.
  • Costs associated with travelling to, planning to travel to, or choosing to remain in a country or region that is subject to the Australian Government issuing a ‘Do Not Travel’ or ‘Avoid Essential Travel’ warning. Find out more at Smartraveller.

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 PDS 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.

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 lickety-split

  • 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 Australian 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?

Phone: +61 2 8263 0470 or Phone: +61 2 8292 1470 (reverse charges via an operator from anywhere in the world)

Contact the team

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Simple and flexible travel insurance designed by travelers, for travelers. See why over 3 million travelers have chosen World Nomads for more than 20 years.