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Travel insurance for vacation rentals

Support for a canceled trip, stolen belongings, medical emergencies, and more

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Space, privacy, the comforts of a home away from home – renting a vacation home is a great way to really get to know a place, whether it’s a lakeside chalet in Switzerland or a studio in New York City. But sometimes booking from a private homeowner could add a layer of “What if?”

World Nomads travel insurance is here to help with the need-to-know details of our vacation rental coverage, so you can get on with your getaway.

Why you should consider insurance when get a vacation rental

There are lots of reasons to consider travel insurance and hopefully, the worst thing that happens when you’re staying at your rental is eating the free snacks too fast. But, if you find yourself in a pinch or experience an emergency, travel coverage can save your sanity.

Note: 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 optional extras or upgrades you add.

Choosing the right policy for you

It’s important to know that we offer two insurance plans – Standard and Explorer – each of which offers different levels of coverage and benefits. 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 holiday plans.

Keep in mind that depending on your travel plans and Country of Residence, you may need to upgrade your policy to be covered for the activities and benefits you choose. 

You can get a quote, make a claim, or buy a policy instantly online, even while traveling.

What's covered by insurance when in a vacation rental?

Some of the benefits on our policies for vacation rentals may include cover (up to policy limits) for:

If your trip is cancelled

If you have to cancel your vacation rental at the last second due to something such as an urgent illness, you may be able to recoup your pre-paid, non-refundable trip costs, including your accommodation.

If your gear is stolen

Did a thief break into your vacation rental while you were out at dinner and make off with your expensive laptop or brand new DSLR camera? Personal effects may be covered, up to their cash value at the time they got swiped. (Just be sure to file a police report and keep a copy for your claim and keep any copies or original receipts.)

If you have a medical emergency

You may be staying in a comfortable home, but if you suffer an illness or injury in a foreign place, it can be a daunting experience. If you need to see a doctor or go to the hospital, you can claim your medical bills; just be sure to contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team.

Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to help you if you experience any issues on your travels including helping you access medical care in your location, help with translation at the medical facility and arrange medical evacuation or repatriation if required.

If there is a natural disaster

Is a flood or forest fire standing between you and the vacation rental of your dreams? If the property has been destroyed or you’ve been prevented from staying there due to an unforeseen natural disaster, we’ve got a silver lining in the cloud for you: you may be reimbursed your pre-paid trip expenses (moolah you can save for your next adventure!).

Keep in mind that terms, conditions, exclusions, and limits apply, so be sure to check your policy wording carefully. If you’re not sure whether something is covered, or have any questions, just contact us. 

What's not covered?

  • Illegal activities and any incidents caused from being under the influence (partying is banned at most vacation rentals, anyway.)
  • Loss of enjoyment. If the vacation rental doesn’t look exactly like it did in the pictures or has a weird smell, you may have to take Plan B into account and choose your second-choice place to stay, which will be on your own dime.
  • If you travel against medical advice, or neglect to adhere to government ‘Do Not Travel’ warnings issued prior to departure.

Tips to get the most out of your vacation rental

  • Be sure to book your vacation rental home through a reputable source or website to avoid being scammed or turning up and there’s no vacation rental at all!
  • Check the rules and fine print of the vacation rental. Many rental homes have rules about maximum occupancy, age requirements, party policies and pet policies. Understand what you’re agreeing to before you book.
  • If something does happen on your trip – for example, your personal effects are stolen, you need to go to hospital, or your travel is delayed – make sure you get official reports, documentation, receipts and other relevant evidence to support any claims.

Travel insurance doesn't cover everything. All of the information we provide is a brief summary. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the plans described. Coverage may not be the same or available for residents of all countries, states or provinces. If you’re not sure if something is covered, get in touch.

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?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Close relative suddenly dies?

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 meds quick?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

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
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • Medevac home?

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)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

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

Get an instant travel insurance quote

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.