In the hours after returning from Antarctica—the trip of our lifetime—we were amazed to find it was our travel insurance, not the adventure itself, that seemed like the best money we had spent.
If you have been reading our stories for a while, there’s a good chance you remember that our Antarctic adventure didn’t end when we got off the boat. Instead, it was extended by four days when we discovered a widespread labor strike had grounded every flight in Argentina. Instead of returning home, we dealt with four days of searching for hotels, taxis to and from the airport, and unexpected meals while we tried to find a way to get back to the United States. If it weren’t for our travel insurance policy through World Nomads, we would have spent more than $600 on those unplanned expenses. Instead, we received full reimbursement for the costs associated with our unexpected trip delay.
Why Should You Consider Travel Insurance?
There are many things to consider when looking at travel insurance for your next big trip. Here are a few of the items you might find beneficial.
► Protection against common travel issues
World Nomads travel insurance is designed to cover common issues like overseas medical expenses and lost luggage, and that is why we purchase a policy before every trip. Our health insurance at home won’t cover us overseas, and it can be incredibly expensive to replace the contents of your luggage if it goes missing. We also love that a World Nomads policy covers the unexpected as well: no one expects to need an emergency evacuation during their vacation, but many policies cover that kind of an unplanned event. Trip delays might be anticipated, but when we were stuck due to a very unanticipated flight cancellation, World Nomads was ready to help!
► Coverage for (Almost) Any Country
Our trip to Antarctica required us to provide proof of travel insurance, and we were thrilled to learn World Nomads offers policies that extend to one of the most remote places on the planet. Backed by global assistance partners and reputable insurers, World Nomads provides travel insurance to travelers from over 140 countries, so there is a good chance you can find it where you need it as well.
► Help When You Need It Most
When we made a panicked phone call to World Nomads from the only quiet corner of the Ushuaia airport we could find, we were more than relieved when our call was quickly answered. With 24-hour emergency assistance, World Nomads gave us the peace of mind we needed to know our policy covered the expenses we were about to incur. No matter what time zone you are in or what time of day you need help, World Nomads is available to answer questions and provide you with the same sense of relief we had.
► Flexibility on the Go
Plans change when you travel, and World Nomads makes it really easy to add and change your coverage even after you have started your vacation. Whether you decide to extend your trip or want to add coverage for a new activity, making updates is quick and simple.
► Trip Cancellation
No one likes to cancel a vacation, but unexpected situations change plans every day. If you have a death in the family, an accident, or have an illness that prevents you from traveling, an insurance policy can provide a great safety net. Purchasing a policy when you book your trip can go a long way to ensuring your resources are protected if your plans need to change.
► Coverage for Adventure Activities
If you are thinking about a trip that will test your limits—especially one where a little risk is involved—don’t risk traveling without an insurance police. World Nomads covers dozens of adventure activities, and whether you are camel riding in Morocco or hot air ballooning over the Great Barrier Reef in Australia you’ll enjoy yourself much more if you know you have insurance.
Travel Insurance Prices
Do I Really Need Travel Insurance?
If you are traveling, one of the most important questions you will need to consider is whether to purchase travel insurance. We never leave home without a policy, and after a great experience with World Nomads after our Antarctica trip we’ll continue to purchase their policies for all of our upcoming vacations. When you look at travel insurance policies, be sure to read the policy wording carefully to understand the extent of your coverage. Not all policies are the same, and it is important that you know what you are buying and what the policy will cover in case you need to use it. We weren’t thrilled to be stranded in Ushuaia—the southernmost city in the world—but our time was much more relaxing because we knew our policy covered our expenses. Others from our trip had the unhappy surprise that their policies didn’t cover trip delays, and many fellow travelers had a much more stressful (and expensive) experience than we did!
Want to Learn More About Travel Insurance?
You can visit WorldNomads.com for more information about the policies they offer.
If you have any questions about your travel insurance or travel safety in general, please contact World Nomads directly for assistance.
Full disclosure:
We may receive a small affiliate payment as a result of travel insurance purchased through this page, but that does not impact your price or buying experience—or why we love this service. We have never received a World Nomads product in exchange for a review or compensation; these recommendations are provided as an option based on our own travel experiences. You can learn more about our travel philosophy here. Any purchases made through this page will help us to maintain this website, so thank you in advance for your support!