Travel insurance for road trips
Whether you’re embarking on a cross-country adventure or taking the coastal route, don’t start your road trip without considering travel insurance
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Hitting the road? Get your travel insurance sorted with World Nomads
Road trips are a great way to experience local culture, see sights off the beaten track and immerse yourself in your travel destination. But there can be a lot of unknowns driving in a foreign country and it pays to research and plan ahead.
- Good News: World Nomads can cover your Road Trip
- Choosing the right policy for you
- What's covered on road trips?
- What's not covered on road trips?
- Handy tips for a safe and fun road trip
Good News: World Nomads can cover your road trip
One of the best things about road trips is the freedom to explore at your own pace, on your own terms. Our Travel insurance is designed by travelers for travelers, and our policies can cover some key benefits to make sure you’re protected on the open road.
Choosing the right policy for you
We offer two plans – Standard and Explorer – each of which offers different levels of coverage. It is up to you to choose what plan has the right level of coverage to meet your travel needs and that matches your specific plans.
What’s covered on road trips?
Depending on the plan you choose and your Country of Residence, our policies can offer cover (up to policy limits) for:
Sudden trip cancellations
Anything from an unexpected illness, a car accident or even jury duty can prevent you from going on your road trip. Trip Cancellation can offer cover for some of your pre-paid, non-refundable deposits if an emergency happens.
Unexpected medical emergencies on the road
Your health and safety are a priority when you’re getting behind the wheel and traveling to new destinations. That's why our plans cover emergency medical expenses in the times when you're most vulnerable – when you're sick, get into an accident or get hurt.
Your cross-country adventure may take you far from medical help, and if you need emergency evacuation our policies can also cover you.
Emergency assistance 24/7
When you’re in an unfamiliar place, it’s hard to know where to go for help. Buying a World Nomads policy means you’ll have access to our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team. Whether you’re stranded in the middle of nowhere, or need urgent medical attention, our Emergency Assistance team can facilitate a range of services in most parts of the world where you may be traveling.
Rental car insurance for vehicle damage
Car breakdowns and traffic accidents can put a dent in your wallet (as well as your car) if you don’t have vehicle coverage. Some World Nomads plans offer damage collision waiver coverage depending on your Country of Residence and your choice of a Standard or Explorer plan. Check the details of your plan for restrictions on vehicle types: RVs, motorbikes, and luxury-model cars may not be covered.
Road trip interruptions and delay
Don’t let an incident throw a wrench in your driving plans - our trip interruption coverage can help salvage your pre-paid, non-refundable trip expenses that you’ve had to forfeit because of a covered event that has disrupted your travels.
You may also need help getting your trip back on track. If you get delayed, you may need a hotel or a meal as you catch up to your itinerary. Check your policy for any conditions you need to meet: your delay might need to be a certain number of hours or be caused by a covered reason.
If you’re not sure what you’re covered for, contact us.
Protection for stolen belongings and baggage
You may have camping gear in your trunk, sunglasses in your glove compartment or your wallet hidden in the back of the seat pocket. Unfortunately, thieves can be crafty enough to dodge security measures and get into locked spaces.
With our travel insurance, you may be able make a claim for a replacement or a reimbursement of your stolen items, up to a per item and total maximum limit. Terms and conditions apply so be sure to check the policy wording and contact us if you have any questions.
Cover for more than 150 activities, sports and experiences
Road trips give you the flexibility to expand your adventures. Our policies cover more than 150 activities, sports and experiences including hiking, camping and surfing.
If you’re not sure whether the activity you want to do is covered, or have any questions about your policy, just ask us.
What’s not covered on road trips?
Our policies aren’t designed to cover everything, and exclusions include but are not limited to:
- Pre-existing conditions, including illness, disease or other medical condition for which you’ve previously shown symptoms or been treated for. Read your policy wording for more details.
- Fancy Vehicles: Some of our plans offer coverage for rental car damage, but not for high-end cars, camper cars or RVs.
- Alcohol and drug related incidents that are a result of acting irresponsibly under any sort of intoxication or influence.
- Select personal belongings, such as bicycles (unless checked into a common carrier), professional equipment, and musical instruments.
Handy tips for a safe and fun road trip
- Be sure to drive to the conditions – take your time, especially on unfamiliar roads.
- Don’t ever drink alcohol and drive, not only is it extremely dangerous but it could invalidate your policy
- Don’t leave valuable items in the car, even for a short time.
- Have your GPS handy and bring back-up directions.
This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. You should read your policy wording 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.
Car theft in South Africa
We parked a rental car in the parking lot of a restaurant in Haut Bay, an area of Cape Town. After eating dinner, we returned to the car to find that a window had been broken and anything within easy reach had been stolen. Luckily for us, we had been smart enough to bring our very expensive camera inside the restaurant with us, only leaving behind the case and an extra lens.
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
- Unexpectedly hospitalized?
- 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
- Need medication?
- Suddenly sick?
- Accidentally injured?
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
- Hurt abroad?
- Medevac home?
- Need an ambulance?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
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)
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
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.