Travel Insurance for Trip Delays
What happens if my trip gets delayed?
- As featured in:
As featured in:
- What's covered under trip delay
- How to file a claim
- What's not covered
- What’s the difference between trip delay and trip interruption?
You've done everything you can to prepare for this once-in-a-lifetime trip backpacking through Europe, and you’re finally lining up to board your connecting flight to Paris. But then news comes through that a severe storm is rolling across the Atlantic and flights have been suspended indefinitely.
With hotel accommodation, overland travel tickets and guides all booked, this has thrown an enormous spanner into the works, but unfortunately these sorts of incidents can and do happen. As the saying goes, “even the best laid plans often go awry”.
Fortunately, however, having travel insurance may ensure that you are not left out of pocket and can help relieve the anxiety involved.
What's covered under trip delay
There are many things that can lead to a delay in your travel plans. These may include:
- Delays caused by certain problems faced by the airline company
- Unannounced road closures preventing you from reaching the airport
- Loss or theft of travel documents, including your passport
When choosing the most suitable World Nomads travel insurance for your trip, be sure to carefully read the policy to make sure you are provided with the right coverage relating to delays.
Depending upon the reason for the delay and the policy you have chosen, you may be entitled to reimbursement for:
- Expenses you have had involving accommodation, meals, and local transportation;
- Sums you may have already paid for hotel accommodation at your destination or guided trips.
How to file a claim
Another good reason for taking a good look through your policy is to make sure you are fully aware of all you need to do in case anything does go wrong with your schedule.
It is very important that you get hold of all the documents and receipts that may be needed to ensure that your claim for expenses owing to delays goes without a hitch.
For instance, World Nomads insurance policies cover accepted expenses made once the airline has fulfilled its financial obligations owing to delays. As such, you should first approach the airline to request any hotel accommodation or meal vouchers to which you may be entitled, as well as all the relevant information concerning the reasons for the flight delay. Also make sure that you hold onto all the receipts for any additional expenses you may have.
But it’s not as complicated as you may think, so don’t worry! If you do have any problems relating to delays, we have prepared a simple guide on How to Make a Claim.
What’s not covered
World Nomads cannot be expected to cover every eventuality that could lead to a delay in your travel plans. Whilst we aim to make things as smooth as possible, a few of the things we cannot help you with include the following:
Delays of less than 12 hours. This sort of a delay is obviously very unwelcome, but it is probably not going to upset your travel plans too much. You could take advantage of the time to visit that little restaurant that you hadn’t managed to get to before, or read up a bit more on your next destination.
Personal delays. If you missed your flight because your alarm did not go off or a long-planned Carnival procession meant you couldn’t get to the airport, then World Nomads will not be able to reimburse you for any additional expenses incurred. Stay organized and updated on all that is going on!
What’s the difference between trip delay and trip interruption?
World Nomads defines a trip delay as a situation in which you are prevented from traveling for 12 hours or more. A trip interruption, on the other hand, could result from an event that means you cannot continue with your plans – for instance if you have been brought down by a tropical disease whilst hiking the jungles of Costa Rica and the local hospital recommends that you return home for treatment immediately.
To be absolutely clear on the differences between the two scenarios, it is a good idea to carefully read through your policy and get acquainted with all the relevant terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions that may apply.
If you have any questions or doubts, remember to get in touch. Our team is always ready to explain things at any time of the day or night.
Get a quote
When you’re ready, get a quote, and feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
Compare our Standard, Explorer and Explorer Plus plans to decide which one best suits your needs.
Still not sure? Get in touch and we can help you decide which travel insurance is best for your next adventure.
This is not a full list of what is and isn’t covered, so please check your policy for a full list of terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions that may apply to your 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. If you have any questions about what is and is not covered, please reach out – we’re happy to help.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Protect your trip against unexpected cancellation.
- Explorer Plus: USD $1,500
- Explorer Plan: USD $1,000
- Standard Plan: USD $500
Trip Protection
- Work emergency?
- Weather delay?
- Travel companion sick?
We’ve got your back.
Medical Expenses Overseas
Take the pain out of medical costs.
- Explorer Plus: USD $100,000
- Explorer Plan: USD $70,000
- Standard Plan: USD $30,000
Medical Expenses Overseas
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
- Need a hospital urgently?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation
Emergency medical transportation: we’ll get you to hospital or home quickly.
- Explorer Plus: USD $80,000
- Explorer Plan: USD $60,000
- Standard Plan: USD $40,000
Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation
- Ambulance transfers
- Medevac flights
- Medical escort services
Help starts here.
Checked-in Baggage Loss
Covers the loss, theft or damage of your bags by a common carrier.
- Explorer Plus: USD $1,200
- Explorer Plan: USD $1,000
- Standard Plan: USD $500
Checked-in Baggage Loss
- Stolen I.D.s
- Checked-in sports equipment
- Damaged luggage
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- Baggage
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatration
- 24 Hour Assistance Services
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical or dental assistance or advice, emergency evacuation or travel assistance, our team 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?
Your World Nomads policy is provided through Chubb Seguros:
Phone: +1 212-315-1806 (from anywhere in the world)
Phone: 0800-591-1043 (from Brazil)
WhatsApp message: +54 911 3053-3959
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.