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World Nomads Travel Insurance Review: Is it Worth The Cost?

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Table of Contents

What does World Nomads travel insurance cover?

World nomads single trip plans, which world nomads insurance plan is best for me, can you buy world nomads travel insurance online, what isn’t covered, is world nomads insurance worth it.

World Nomads

• Travelers can extend coverage mid-trip.
• The standard plan covers up to $300,000 in emergency evacuation costs.
• Plans automatically cover 200+ adventurous activities.
• No Cancel For Any Reason upgrades are available.
• No pre-existing medical condition waivers are available.

World Nomads offers the Standard and Explorer travel insurance plans and excels in sports/activity related travel insurance coverage while offering solid trip delay, baggage delay and lost luggage protections.

The provider offers insurance plans for travel to nearly any country and is available to residents of most countries. In the U.S., World Nomads policies are administered by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, a Fortune 100 company offering various types of insurance and financial products.

Here’s what you need to know about World Nomads travel insurance to help you decide which plan makes sense for your trip.

Before you buy a plan, check to see if you already have coverage through a premium travel credit card , and if so, verify whether those limits are sufficient. If they are, standalone emergency medical coverage may be adequate as the travel insurance provided by credit card often excludes healthcare expenses or offers a low limit (the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is one of the few cards to offer emergency medical and dental, however coverage is capped at $2,500 ).

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

World Nomads offers different coverage levels for its travel insurance options, but both qualify as single trip plans.

Single trip plans are designed for individuals who are leaving their home, visiting another destination (or destinations) and returning home. These travel insurance plans are the most comprehensive and provide benefits like trip cancellation, trip interruption and medical coverage. 

World Nomads is unique amongst other providers as it is a good fit for adventurous travelers. Its plans automatically include coverage for over 200+ activities, including skiing , rafting, backpacking and bouldering. Note that extreme sports are not covered.

All plans include trip protection, emergency medical insurance , emergency evacuation and coverage to protect your gear.

World Nomads offers two plans, with the latter offering higher limits and additional adventure sports coverage.

The plans can be purchased for trip duration up to a maximum 180 days, and you can extend your coverage mid-trip. The price of the policy will depend on the duration of the trip and the countries that you're visiting.

To see the cost of the insurance plan, you will need to input your trip details, your age and state of residence. Unlike many other insurers, you do not need to include the cost of your trip when searching for a World Nomads policy because trip cancellation and interruption benefits are capped at a specific dollar amount rather than a percentage of money spent.

We input a sample trip of a two-week vacation in December 2023 to Italy by a 30-year-old from Illinois.

World Nomads single trip plan cost

Here are some example World Nomads insurance costs based on our example trip.

Standard Plan

The Standard Plan ($86) is a good choice for those who are satisfied with trip cancellation and interruption coverage of $2,500 or less, do not need rental car damage protection, find the limits to be sufficient and do not need coverage for certain adventure sports.

However, this plan still shines in sports coverage, covering activities like wind surfing and bungee jumping, which are seldom covered by travel insurance companies. A full list of covered sports by plan type is available on the World Nomads site.

Explorer Plan

The Explorer Plan ($155) includes all the benefits of the Standard Plan along with higher limits, rental car damage insurance (in the states where it is available) and adventure sports (e.g., skydiving, heli skiing) coverage.

This choice is also good for those whose trips costs less than $10,000 as this is the maximum trip cancellation and interruption protection.

A Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) upgrade is not offered by World Nomads. If this option is a must, look for a travel insurance company that offers CFAR.

Selecting the appropriate plan for your travels involves understanding which coverage you’d like on the trip.

If you have a premium travel card : If you have a premium travel card that offers an adequate amount of trip cancellation / interruption benefits, you may only need to get a standalone emergency health care policy. For example, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express offers $10,000 per trip and $20,000 per year in trip cancellation benefits . Terms apply. Only the Explorer Plan ($10,000) has a comparable level of trip cancellation protection. Terms apply.

If the coverage provided by your card isn’t adequate or applicable: If you don’t have a premium travel credit card , the coverage provided by your card isn’t sufficient or you didn’t use the card to pay for your trip, then a comprehensive insurance plan like the Standard or Explorer plan might be the best choice.

More chill travelers: If you don’t need adventure sports coverage and your trip costs less than $2,500 (or you already have trip cancellation / interruption benefits from your credit card), the Standard Plan would be sufficient.

» Learn More: How to find the best travel insurance

Go to worldnomads.com and input your trip details.

If your country of residence is the U.S., an additional row will appear asking you to input your state.

» Learn more: Is travel insurance worth it?

Trip insurance plans are filled with exclusions, so you’ll want to pay attention to what is and isn’t covered so there aren’t any surprises. Here are some exclusions you can expect from World Nomads:

Pre-existing conditions: If you’ve sought treatment for any illness or condition in the 90-day period preceding the start of the policy and then seek medical care for the same illness/condition, you may be on the hook for the bill since World Nomads does not cover pre-existing conditions.

Intentional acts: Losses sustained from self-harm, intoxication, drug use or criminal activity are not covered.

Travelers with pre-existing conditions might consider policies from providers like Travel Guard by AIG or Allianz .

» Learn more: The best travel insurance companies right now (World Nomads is on the list!)

World Nomads has been offering insurance since 2002. The company is well established and offers two single trip travel insurance policies to fit many different needs.

Both plans offered by World Nomads include trip cancellation, interruption and delays; emergency accident and sickness medical expenses; emergency evacuation; repatriation of remains; non-medical emergency transportation; baggage and personal effects; baggage delay for outward journeys; rental car damage in certain locations; accidental death and dismemberment; Generali Global Assistance; and adventure sports and activities.

World Nomads does not include Cancel For Any Reason coverage, even as an add on.

You will need to file a claim with the insurer after you’ve incurred costs related to a covered expense. If the claim is approved, you will receive a reimbursement. In some instances, such as baggage delay, World Nomads pays you a fixed amount per day rather than 100% coverage for costs incurred.

World Nomads offers some good travel insurance plans for adventurous, single-trip travelers. This is also a good fit for anyone who is uncertain about their trip length (since you can add coverage during your vacation).

Insurance can be extended mid-trip.

You can insure trips up to 180 days in length — which makes it an attractive option for digital nomads .

Adventure sports coverage is more robust than many other plans.

Simple choice of two plans.

Extreme sports are not covered.

There is no annual plan option. A policy ends once you return within 100 miles of home, even if you’re only home briefly as part of a long trip.

Regardless of your trip cost, trip cancellation and interruption coverage is capped at a dollar amount rather than as a percentage of trip cost. The Standard Plan and Explorer Plan cover trips up to $2,500 and $10,000, respectively. If you’re going on a more expensive trip, you won’t be able to protect the entire trip.

You must be 70 years old or younger to qualify for coverage.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

A previous version of this article misstated World Nomads' insurance offerings. This article has been corrected.

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

• Available Travel Insurance Plans
• World Nomads Cost

Compare World Nomads Travel Insurance

• Why You Should Trust Us

World Nomads Travel Insurance Review 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

If you're looking for travel insurance that allows you to confidently participate in a wide range of sports and adventure activities around the world, then World Nomads might be right for you. The company's policies cover travel to almost anywhere on the globe and are available to residents of nearly every country. 

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Coverage for 200+ activities like skiing, surfing, and rock climbing
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Only two plans to choose from, making it simple to find the right option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. You can purchase coverage even after your trip has started
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. If your trip costs more than $10,000, you may want to choose other insurance because trip protection is capped at up to $10,000 (for the Explorer plan)
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't offer coverage for travelers older than 70
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) option
• Coverage for 150+ activities and sports
• 2 plans: Standard and Explorer
• Trip protection for up to $10,000
• Emergency medical insurance of up to $100,000
• Emergency evacuation coverage for up to $500,000
• Coverage to protect your items (up to $3,000)

World Nomads Travel Insurance Review: Types of Policies Offered

World Nomads has two basic policies: Standard and Explorer. Each covers essentially the same things, but Explorer has higher amounts that World Nomads is willing to pay out for claims. The company's policies cover more than 150 specific activities. These range from bungee jumping and rock climbing to hang gliding and hot-air ballooning. You can see the full list on the company's website.

Additional Coverage Options (Riders)

One of the most common upgraded features of a travel insurance policy is cancel for any reason (CFAR) , where you really can cancel for reason beyond what's in a standard policy. This is not available on every policy, but it is often a feature that travelers are looking for while shopping for travel insurance before their trip. At this time, World Nomads doesn't offer CFAR coverage .

At the time of this review, World Nomads also offers sports equipment coverage. In February of 2022, it expanded coverage to include more than 150 sports and activities including Pickleball and FootGolf. So, as you can imagine, plans with sports coverage will cover virtually any sport you might play.

World Nomads Travel Insurance FAQs

If you're based in the USA, Nationwide Mutual underwrites World Nomads policies. 

According to World Nomads' website, both families with kids and people up to age 70 qualify for coverage. 

Your World Nomads plan will cover emergency medical evacuation, including helicopter evacuation, if it's been recommended by a doctor.

World Nomads Travel Insurance Cost

World Nomads' standard plan is $79. It's a great option for travelers who don't care about some of the extra benefits that the Explorer package covers, like rental car coverage and extreme adventure sports. 

If you're looking to have a more comprehensive travel insurance policy, look into World Nomads' Explorer plan for $120. It includes all of the standard package perks as well as extra sports like skydiving, scuba diving, and heli-skiing. 

This is a perfect package for someone who's a little more dare-devilish and wants to be taken care of during their risky activities. 

How to File A Claim with World Nomad Travel Insurance

You can start an insurance claim by filing it on the company's website. 

You can call toll-free in the US and Canada if you need to reach the company in an emergency at: (877) 289-0968.

Callers from outside the US and Canada can reach the company at: (954)-334-8143.

The email address is:  [email protected]

You'll need to have the following ready to file a claim:

• Your policy number
• A contact number
• The nature of your problem
• Your location
• Prescribed medication (if any)

See how World Nomads stacks up against the competition. 

World Nomads Travel Insurance vs. Allianz Travel Insurance

Allianz is a strong competitor against World Nomads, especially for travelers looking for a more business-oriented option. The co many has been in business for more than 120 years and offers a wide range of insurance, not just travel-related, around the world. A key difference between World Nomads and Allianz is that Allianz offers travel insurance that can cover multiple trips in the same year. You can take an unlimited number of trips within the same calendar year, but you do have to double-check that all of your destinations are covered by the policy you select. 

Another difference is that Allianz offers coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. World Nomads doesn't have the same coverage, requiring that the pre-existing condition is fully stable in order for limited coverage with respect to trip cancellations or having to end a trip early. 

Allianz Travel Insurance Review

World Nomads Travel Insurance vs. AIG Travel Guard

Travel Guard , a product backed by AIG Travel, is another potential alternative to World Nomads. AIG is a prominent player in the insurance industry, and the Travel Guard product represents true global coverage. 

Like World Nomads, Travel Guard does have coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, but there are conditions. This coverage is in the form of an exclusion waiver, and this add-on must be purchased within 15 days of the initial trip payment. 

Both travel insurance companies use a tiered approach, but Travel Guard has higher dollar amounts across the board. For example, trip cancellation for Travel Guard covers 100% of the trip cost, while with World Nomads the amount will depends on the tier of the coverage you purchase. Trip Interruption is also a fully covered event with Travel Guards. Depending on the plan selected, it will either cover 100% or 150% of the trip cost. 

If you're concerned about COVID-19 coverage with trip insurance, there's more coverage with World Nomads than Travel Guard. With Travel Guard, coverage for having to stay in a country past your original booking dates is an add-on, not a standard part of the policy. 

AIG Travel Insurance Review

Compare World Nomad vs. Credit Card Travel Insurance

If you already have a major credit card in your wallet, you most likely have some travel insurance benefits that come with it. These benefits do vary from card to card. Be sure to check your card's specific policies.

Not all credit cards will feature travel insurance protection. The ones that do may have specific limitations. For example, many credit cards with travel protection require that your airfare is paid for with the card in question for protections to take effect. 

Reimbursement isn't guaranteed. The credit cards do require that you file your claim and wait for a decision. World Nomads makes it easy to file a claim online and submit receipts and documentation. The response is fairly quick based on reviews from travelers that have actually had to file claims. 

The more premium the credit card, the more likely expanded travel protections are part of its features. If you don't already have a premium credit card, it's better to get travel insurance. This is also the case if you have multiple trips planned. Some credit cards limit not just the total dollar amount, but the number of claims within a 12-month period.

Best Credit Cards with Travel Insurance

Why You Should Trust Us: What Went into Our World Nomads Travel Insurance Review

To prepare this review on World Nomads, we started by detailing the company's travel insurance offerings. Then we looked at the best travel insurance plans and compared them to World Nomads. We looked at things like typical policy costs, coverage options, available add-ons, what's covered, and claim limits.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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Reviews 3.3.

2,496 total

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Excellent Customer Service with Nicole

I recently worked with Nicole to solve a double booking I made by mistake. Nicole replied promptly and was able to help me ensure that I had the correct policy and cancel the policy that was booked on error. She was friendly, responded quickly, and provided me an excellent solution. Everything was so easy and I am so grateful. Having such a great experience really gives me the peace of mind to continue using World Nomads as my travel insurance of choice for years to come. Thank you!

Date of experience : April 03, 2024

Reply from World Nomads

Hi Tara, Thank you for the fantastic 5-star review 😍 We’re glad to hear you had a great experience and we will pass on your wonderful feedback! Safe Travels - Ayden ✈️ World Nomads

It takes some time, be patient

Overall very good. It did take some time to get my claim through. Many emails back and forth. They are very thorough but I guess they have to be to make sure the claim is genuine. My advice is keep records of absolutely everything. Aoife was great, took a long time to respond sometimes but always came back. Overall worth it.

Date of experience : April 05, 2024

Hi Daniel, We appreciate you for the 4-star review. Thank you so much for the feedback you provided today. We value your thoughts and strive to provide our customers with the best customer experience possible. Safe travels - Babita ✈️ World Nomads

Super easy and responsive…

Super easy and responsive communication. Nicole and Naimh have been so helpful to sort out my issues - very grateful indeed :)

Date of experience : April 04, 2024

Hi Ranya, Thank you for the 5 stars ⭐ and taking the time to leave your review! We love hearing from our Nomads 😍 Safe Travels - Ayden ✈️ World Nomads

Where are my policy documents

I bought this insurance off a recommendation from my friend but I haven’t even received my policy documentation/ number since I purchased about a week ago despite emailing and enquiring twice. I’d hate to think how slack they are if I had to make a claim. Not happy.

Date of experience : April 02, 2024

Hello Georgia we're sorry to hear that you didn't receive your policy documents. We're happy to resend your Certificate of Insurance, so we have sent you a request for further information to make sure we can verify you and send the documents to you. Safe travels - Babita ✈️ World Nomads

The service website is useless

The service website is useless. One issue is my policy does not show up on my member dash board so I cannot do anything with it. I have created a membership account and it still show no policy. I was looking to print the "purchase confirmation brochure" that had helpful information like I didn't in the past but no luck. Fingers crossed everything goes well because I can't image what it would look like to submit a claim.

Date of experience : April 06, 2024

Hi Laura, We are aware that some of our nomads were having issues creating and/or signing into their accounts. Our IT team has advised us that this issue should be resolved now. I've merged your policy with your membership so if you log in now you should see the details online. Safe travels - Babita ✈️ World Nomads

Best insurance plan there is out there

Best insurance plan there is out there. Strongly recommend it.

Date of experience : February 24, 2024

Hi Benjamin, Thank you for the 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review and taking the time to leave an excellent rating. We really appreciate you being a customer and helping to share the word about us. We’re here for you anytime. Safe travels - Babita ✈️ World Nomads

Awful. Had problems 1st Feb. Aoife just leaves it a week or 2 then asks for the same things Ive already sent on a few occasions. Beyond a joke now. Yesterday I asked for her managers details. Surprise surprise, no response yet, and weekend starts soon. Thank goodness Im not waiting to settle a huge medical bill. Really fed up with it.

Date of experience : February 01, 2024

Hello Linda, We're sorry to hear you didn't have a good experience regarding your policy inquiry 😥. I have escalated this matter to the right team on your behalf and the respective team will contact you accordingly. - Babita - Safe travels - ✈️ World Nomads

Concerned customer

I have used World Nomads a couple of times on trips to Asia. However, I have never had to make a clam and the 31% one star reviews are concerning. I travel often and next time I may look around for an alternative.

Date of experience : March 30, 2024

Hi John, we're sorry to hear you are feeling hesitant, if you have any specific questions relating to our policies, please reach out and we will be happy to answer them. Safe travels - Leah ✈️ World Nomads

Mostly positive claim experience

Claim was handled efficiently and relatively quick. Only issues were 1)requests for info that had already been provided, and 2)*no explanation* whatsoever of how the claim was adjusted down from the original request.

Date of experience : February 12, 2024

Hi Grant, thanks so much for the ⭐⭐⭐⭐ review! Safe travels - Leah ✈️ World Nomads

The website was pretty easy to use…

The website was pretty easy to use except there was not a save button when you are in the add documents area. I had to get out and then get back in for it to work. Initially they declined my claim with no hard explanation. I had to request a review and then they honored the claim.

Date of experience : March 18, 2024

Hi Tom, thanks so much for the review! Safe travels - Belle ✈️ World Nomads

The service website is useless. I have sent several emails to correct non claim issues. I never get a reply. One issue is my policy does not show up on my member dash board so I cannot do anything with it, including cancel the policy during the "free look" period.

Date of experience : March 28, 2024

Hi JM Brant, we're sorry to hear you are disappointed with the website. I can see that you still have a "Guest" account, you will need to upgrade to a "Member" account before we can merge your policy to your online account. You can do this by simply clicking visiting: https://www.worldnomads.com/Member/VerifyGuest Please reach out if you need any further assistance. Safe travels - Leah ✈️ World Nomads

Ease of Website Use for Coverage Quote

I have not yet traveled for this particular covered trip; however, I can say that the ease of getting a quote and paying for the level of coverage that I would like is very user friendly. I have had a challenge in the past with getting reimbursed for covered expenses; however, ultimately, those issues were resolved and I was satisfied with the result. Currently, I am choosing to use World Nomads again and will be very thorough in saving all documentation should the need arise - an accident or trip issue, to request reimbursement for covered issues.

Date of experience : March 20, 2024

Hi Joan - thanks so much for the review! Safe travels, Belle ✈️ World Nomads

Didn't Get Compensated

First flight was delayed due to mechanics on the plane. Missed connection and then missed 3 more connections, one a snorkel live-aboard ship. We had to pay $2000 to catch another boat to take us deep into Raja Ampat to get to our ship. This is EXACTLY why we bought insurance. But when we did a 2 am ticket change in the airport after missing connection, we lost our trail of the first flights!! Our reservation was for 24 hours later and couldn't prove that we missed the connection. World Nomads gave us a measly $500 against $3000 of changes we had to make.

Date of experience : March 09, 2023

Hi M Varrin, We're sorry to hear you had a negative experience with your claim .😥We've sent you a request for more information. So that we escalate it for you. Safe travels! Lucy ✈️ World Nomads

Easy and economical insurance but…

Easy and economical insurance but limited options.How about creating another higher tier category for larger amount??

Date of experience : March 31, 2024

Hi Sudir, we love to hear feedback from our loyal nomads! Thank you for the 4 🎇🎇🎇🎇 review! Safe travels - Leah ✈️ World Nomads

Thanks for providing travel insurance…

Thanks for providing travel insurance with a conscious. Too bad you don't cover travelers over the age of 70, I am traveling with my partner who cannot get covered by World Nomads.

Date of experience : February 29, 2024

Hi Roger, This isn't how we want our Nomads to feel 😢. World Nomads offers coverage to individuals aged 69 and under. We appreciate you taking the time to provide this feedback on our coverage. While we understand that your age does not necessarily mean you are at a higher risk of having problems traveling, unfortunately, the conditions around our coverage for travelers above the mentioned age has been a decision made by the insurer. Not all insurance companies can provide coverage for everyone, this is why there are some that can and some that can’t. This is not intended to inconvenience, nor offend anyone. Babita ✈️ World Nomads

DO NOT BOOK

Have not received my policy documents or confirmation of my policy however have been charged a considerable amount of money with no replies to my emails. DO NOT BOOK with World Nomads, I would hate to rely on them if I actually needed them.

Date of experience : March 26, 2024

Hi Chris! I am sorry to hear that you have not received your policy documents.😞 I have sent you a request for more information. Thanks for your feedback. We're constantly trying to improve our services, so your input is valuable. We'll look closely at what you've said and see how we can improve things." Safe travels - Lucy ✈️ World Nomads Thank you for providing the more information request - I have emailed your travel documents - I hope you have a wonderful trip when you travel,Chris. Safe travels - Lucy ✈️ World Nomads

Sooooo glad I bought this …

Sooooo glad I bought this trip insurance. They were a lifesaver… literally! I landed shortly after a terrorist event. They got me out swiftly and safely. They called me to personally explain the benefits and the claims process was straightforward. The representatives I spoke to were caring and resourceful. I had delayed baggage, trip interruption and emergency evacuation and all were smooth. I will be buying from World Nomads for ALL of my future trips. I would give them 10 stars if I could.

Date of experience : October 07, 2023

Hi Jen, thanks so much for the 5 🌟 review! Safe travels - Belle ✈️ World Nomads.

Rude Associate

I called this company to ask about insurance for my trek on Mount Kilimanjaro. The associate would not let me ask my question without interruptions, All I was trying to do was to understand the difference between the two plants. She was interruptive and condescending. I asked that I speak to someone else and she would not transfer me to another associate. She took my number and told me someone would call me back. I have been on my trek and back and I am yet to receive the call back. I am glad I found another company who responded to me kindly and gave me exactly what I needed even at a higher rate.

Date of experience : February 23, 2024

Hi Shen, we're sorry to hear you had a bad experience with your consultant. We would like to pass your feedback on to the appropriate team, so we have sent you a request for more information. Safe travels - Leah ✈️ World Nomads

I got the help that I needed promptly…

I got the help that I needed promptly re changing my travel insurance end date. And everything was updated very quickly and easily. Happy with the customer service that I got

Date of experience : March 13, 2024

Hi Wai Hang! Many thanks for your 5 start review 😀 It's much appreciated! Our goal is always to provide excellent customer service here at Nomads. Safe travels! Lucy ✈️ World Nomads

Amazing customer service!

I’ve used World Nomads for quite a few years now and always found them to be very helpful, especially during the dubious covid years. But now I’m extra impressed because this week they’ve gone above and beyond to help me and I’m really grateful to Kasey and team for helping sort out a logistical nightmare. They were fast to respond and actually helped me find the best and cheapest option for me and my family. Thank you for actually taking the time to think about the best solutions for your customer. Great customer service!

Date of experience : February 08, 2024

Hi Katherine! Thank you for your valuable feedback.😃 We are thrilled that our company was able to help you in a meaningful way. I hope you have a wonderful trip when you travel. Safe travels - Lucy ✈️ World Nomads

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World Nomads Standard vs Explorer: An Ultimate Guide to The Best Travel Insurance for Your Adventure

World Nomads Travel Insurance offers great coverage that I’ve depended on for countless adventures around the world.  However, weighing your options between World Nomads standard vs explorer coverage can be an annoying and mind-breaking task. Don’t sweat! In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know to choose the travel insurance that’s right for you.

Note: This article may contain affiliate links

The major advantage of World Nomads over other travel insurance, like SafetyWing or Revolut Travel insurance, is their extensive coverage of adventure sports and adventure travel in general.  Unfortunately, comparing the World Nomads Standard Plan vs. the Explorer plan can get a little confusing, as can be deciding whether it is worth the extra cost when deciding whether it is worth it to pay a little extra upfront instead of paying for unexpected emergency medical expenses later. 

The main difference between the two plans is which adventure sports are covered under the travel insurance. To make it easier to pick which coverage is best for you I’ve organized a list of the covered sports.  If any of your planned sports falls in the explorer plan, opt for the explorer plan.  If not, save your hard earned cash and stick with the standard plan and the other coverages (trip interruption, emergency medical, lost baggage) will be more than enough

Below you’ll find a list of all adventure sports covered by World Nomad’s Travel Insurance and the policy you’ll need to purchase for that specific coverage

For the full original list, updates, and World Nomad’s fine print (Terms and Conditions) please visit World Nomad’s full list of covered adventure sports .

Contents of this Guide to Choosing the Right Travel Insurance for Your Adventure: World Nomads Standard vs Explorer

• Standard Policy Adventure Sports Coverage
• Explorer Policy Adventure Sports Coverage
• Excluded Adventure Sports Not Covered by World Nomads
• Common Trip Issues: Are they covered under your preferred World Nomads Coverage?
• Emergency Medical Expenses
• Emergency Medical Evacuation
• Gear Protection
• “Cancel For Any Reason” Option: Does World Nomads offer it?
• World Nomads Age Limit
• What isn’t covered under World Nomads

ADVENTURE SPORTS COVERED UNDER WORLD NOMADS STANDARD POLICY

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ADVENTURE SPORTS COVERED UNDER WORLD NOMADS EXPLORER POLICY

Adventure sports excluded from world nomad’s coverage, things keep in mind when weighing world nomads standard vs. explorer coverage.

• Existing issues (rash, injuries, etc.) from before your coverage period will not be covered.
• If you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, your issue/accident will likely not be covered, so act accordingly
• If you ride a motorbike without a helmet or under the influence of drugs or alcohol as driver or passenger, any related accident or injuries will most likely not be covered, so act accordingly
• General Global Assistance: +1 954-334-8143 or +1 877-289-0968
• Contact number for World Nomads
• A contact number you can be reached at
• Your designated emergency contacts and their phone numbers/contact information
• Your policy number
• A copy of your passport

Common Trip Issues: Are they Covered under World Nomads?

• Theft: Violent and petty crime, including loss of your belongings due to no fault of your own and emergency medical coverage, may be covered under your World Nomads policy, so check the fine print.
• Muggings/robbery/Assault: Covers ambulance transportation, hospitalization, day surgery, outpatient treatment, medications, extra expenses to travel home caused by the incident
• Motorbike accidents: Emergency medical for injuries is covered as long as you were wearing a helmet, riding legally, and not intoxicated
• Adventure sports accidents : Adventure and sport-related accidents (Surf accidents, trekking accidents, etc.) are covered on a sport by sport and activity by activity basis in accordance with the coverages of your chosen policy (standard vs. explorer)
• Illness: Unexpected illness, such as travelers diarrhea, Bali belly, Dengue, etc., or illnesses common to your destination region are commonly covered – along with treatment, hospitalization, and evacuation flights if necessary – confirm to make sure by reading your polic
• Animal Issues: Bites, attacks, and the follow on emergency treatment are generally covered in World Nomads policies
• Emergency medical treatment:
• Emergency medical evacuation: Emergency medical evacuation is covered when recommended by a doctor and preapproved by World Nomads’ 24/7 support team and covers air ambulance, Medevac flights, sea level airlift, helicopter evacuation, and ground ambulance
• Political evacuation
• Delayed baggage: When baggage is delayed more than 12 hours, your policy covers purchase of essentials so you can continue your travels
• Trip delay: Airline flight delays of 6 hours or more trigger trip delay coverage and your coverage will trigger reimbursement for basic expense you have to pay additionally due to the delay in addition to compensation for non-refundable or prepaid portions of the trip forfeited due to the delay.
• Scams: Unfortunately, common scams pulled on travelers likely are not covered by World Nomads insurance, however, if theft or assault has occurred, file a police report and contact World Nomads for help
• Travel accidents: Motorbike accidents (while driving legally and responsibly) and adventure sports accidents are covered generally, but confirm coverage levels and activities in your chosen policy

Note: This is a quick summary of coverages to help in your research however, please visit **World Nomads information** as policies vary in coverage based on chosen coverages and your home country.

Other issues covered by World Nomads (list case plus example)

• Terrorist attacks: Hospitalization, emergency care, medical transport home, trip interruption and travel cancellation
• Emergency dental (overseas): Such as broken tooth, an infection or a injury to your mouth or jaw.  General checkups and routine medical (fillings, implants, etc.) are not covered
• Overseas medical: For unexpected medical issues, such as illness, motorbike accidents, or animal attacks, World Nomads covers hospitalization, outpatient medical treatment, prescribed medicines, X-rays, lab tests, and transportation home if required.  Additionally, World Nomads has a 24 hour multi-lingual support team to guide you through treatment and confirm your next actions are covered.

Review of World Nomads Coverage Limits and Coverage Explanations

World Nomads coverage is extensive and great for most travelers. However, you need to understand the primary coverages and coverage limits to be sure World Nomads in general is right for you.

Trip Cancellation Coverage

• Explorer Plan: $10,000
• Standard Plan: $2,500

If a covered emergency causes you to miss your trip, World Nomads’ trip cancellation coverage will reimburse you for any pre-paid, nonrefundable trip costs such as transportation, accommodation, and tours.

Common covered emergencies include sickness or illness, natural disasters, terrorism, and transportation industry strikes.

Emergency Medical Insurance Expenses

If you get sick or injured while you’re traveling, World Nomads will cover hospitalization, outpatient treatment for emergencies, necessary labs and X-rays, and transport home if medically necessary

World Nomads emergency medical coverage limits are:

• Explorer Plan: $100,000
• Standard Plan: $100,000

Emergency Medical Evacuation and Transportation and Medical Repatriation

Medical evacuation covers transporting a patient to a hospital or treatment center to respond to a medical emergency and in order to be treated.

Medical repatriation covers transporting a patient back home at the recommendation of a doctor due to injuries or illness.

Both medical evacuation and medical repatriation are covered under World Nomads with the following coverages:

• Explorer Plan: $500,000
• Standard Plan: $300,000

Protecting Your Gear: Does World Nomads cover your personal belongings?

Yes, World Nomads covers against loss, theft, or damage to your bags and belongings with limits of $3,000 for the Explorer and $1,000 for the Standard Plan

• Explorer Plan: $3,000
• Standard Plan: $1,000

World Nomads, Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) Travel Insurance Explained

Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance is any travel insurance with a clause or option that allows you to cancel your policy after you have already purchased it and receive a refund.

World Nomads does not allow you to cancel a policy after it has been “used” or started, however, World Nomads insurance has a cooling-off period of 21 days from the purchase of the policy that allows you to cancel for any reason your planned coverage and receive a refund of 100% of the premium and fees you paid.

In order for your cancellation to qualify for World Nomads’ Cancel for Any Reason (before traveling) clause, you must not have started your policy and you must not have used your policy. 

“You must not have used your policy” according to World Nomads means:

• you haven’t travelled under your policy or started your trip; and 
• you have not made a claim and do not intend to make a claim; and 
• you are not exercising any other right under the policy.  

If all of these conditions apply, and you are within 21 days of your policy purchase date, you can cancel for any reason and receive a refund – whether your vacation dates from work have changed, you found a better destination, you decided to stay longer where you’re at, or your fear of travel simply kicked in, you’ll be covered.

Click here to learn more about how to cancel your World Nomads policy for any reason

24/7 emergency assistance

World Nomads maintains a multi-lingual team available 24/7 to advise you in responding to travel issues and emergencies and to approve use of major coverages, such as medical evacuation or repatriation.

To contact the World Nomads team, keep these numbers handy – General Global Assistance: +1 954-334-8143 or +1 877-289-0968

World Nomads Age limits: Under 70 Years Old

You need to be under 70 years old to qualify for a World Nomads policy.

What isn’t covered under World Nomads insurance

• Preexisting conditions
• Accidents that occur while using or under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Trip delays that are caused by a situation you are
• Any situation that occurs before the policy has started
• Injuries resulting from a fight you started with someone or placed yourself in danger
• Injuries from riding a motorbike without a helmet or under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Lost baggage replacement items that are clearly higher value than the lost items
• Routine medical, anything that happens because of taking drugs or alcohol, preexisting conditions, non-emergency treatment, care or treatment that can be covered under any other insurance
• Routine dental , general checkups, cosmetic dental work, major dental work such as dentures, implants, bridges, non-emergency dental
• Non-emergency issues
• Accidentally leaving your gear behind
• Items stolen due to negligence
• Medications prescribed before your trip
• Items stolen if there is no theft or loss report from the police or authorities
• Continuation of medical care at home
• Any loss related to illegal behavior or activities
• Trip delay or interruption due to not having an appropriate passport, visa, or fulfilled entry requirements at your destination
• Personal delays resulting in missing a flight
• Accidents resulting from participating in a sport or activity not explicitly covered under the chosen policy
• Search and rescue missions
• Claims that lack “proper documentation”
• Evacuation and emergency not authorized by World Nomads

What Next? Is World Nomads coverage right for you?

World Nomads is fantastic insurance, from my experience. Whether you’re adventuring through the Andean mountains of South America and the Himilayas, or diving in the beautiful waters of Southeast Asia, World Nomads coverage has proven reliable enough (for myself and other travelers) that it is very much worthwhile.

However, if you’re a young, nearly broke backpacker on a budget (or a quietly frugal millionaire), is World Nomads right for you?

Honestly, if you are in a travel period wherein you’re not heading to the highest heights or the lowest depths of the planet, you still need travel insurance, however, there are other, better, and cheaper options available.

If you are not adventuring hard at the moment, and have a credit card that can cover your emergency medical expenses in the short term (to be repaid by your travel insurance later) there are other, cheaper travel insurances available that are just as practical .

I highly recommend reading our Safety review , which shares everything you need to know about this travel insurance for nomads that costs roughly $1 per day.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carlos is a nomad, slow traveler, and writer dedicated to helping others live abroad and travel better by using his 7+ years of experience living abroad and background as a management consultant and financial advisor to help other nomad and expats plot better paths for an international lifestyle. Click here to learn more about Carlos's story.