The Best Travel Insurance… and why you want it

In all my years of traveling, I’d never bought travel insurance. I thought it was just to cover trip cancellations (which it does) and as I’m an independent traveler, often booking tickets at the last minute, I didn’t think it applied to me. And too, being a bit of a rebel, I’ve never liked insurance of any sort as it’s betting against yourself. Of course I’ve always carried auto insurance – being that a car accident is probably the most statistically likely “bad thing” that can happen, and it’s mandatory. And I’ve always carried homeowner’s insurance when I’ve owned a house. And, for a number of years I carried health insurance because, in the U.S., the majority of bankruptcies are due to people losing their homes if they have a major medical expense not covered by insurance. After decades of paying on these policies, I’ve never made a claim. I’m sure that’s something to be grateful for, and that I am the insurance industry’s dream client.

But in 2014, traveling, er, rather wandering around Europe for six months, I read somewhere that the UK required visitors to show proof of travel insurance. In my typical fashon, I researched the topic extensively and found the one company whose coverage, rates and services seemed the best. I purchased a 6-month upgraded Explorer policy with WorldNomads for $483, (a standard policy is about $100 less) and plan to purchase another as soon as I hit the road again.

Thankfully, I did not need to make any claims, but I saved over $200 when I rented a car in France for two weeks, in that the Explorer offers a $35,000 Collision Waiver on a rental car, saving about $15 a day in additional collision insurance from the rental company. That alone made the policy worthwhile, plus if I had lost baggage, needed medical care, experienced trip delay or cancellation, or even died (in which case I would not be writing this :)), tWorld Nomads would be there.

They also offer The One Call multi-lingual professionals 24 hours a day to provide help, advice and referrals for medical emergencies to help you locate local physicians, dentists, or medical facilities. When medically necessary, they will arrange and pay for appropriate transportation, including an escort, if required, to a suitable hospital, treatment facility or home. And finally, they’re recommended by Lonely Planet, Nat Geo Adventures, Rough Guides and others I respect. So, next time you’re taking a trip, for a week or a year, I highly recommend you get travel insurance from WorldNomads. And their customer service support is excellent too.

Travel insurance: simple & flexible

You can buy, extend and claim online, even after you’ve left home. Travel insurance from WorldNomads.com is available to people from over 140 countries. It’s designed for adventurous travellers with cover for overseas medical, evacuation, baggage and a range of adventure sports and activities.

 7 things you should know about travel insurance from WorldNomads.com

1. Trusted reliable underwriters
   WorldNomads.com is backed by a suite of strong, secure, specialist travel insurers who provide you with great cover, 24 hour emergency assistance and the highest levels of support and claims management when you need it most.
2. Value for money with the cover you need
   WorldNomads.com provides cover for what’s important for travellers from over 150 countries. By focussing on what you need and leaving out what you don’t, World Nomads prices are some of the most competitive online.
3. Flexibility when you need it most
   Had a change of plans? You can extend your policy or claim online while you are still away. You can even buy a World Nomads policy if you’re already travelling.
4. Cover for a range of adventure activities
   From skiing & snowboarding in New Zealand to whitewater rafting in Colorado, WorldNomads.com covers a range of adventure activities, giving you peace of mind to get the most from your travels.
5. World Nomads keeps you travelling safely
   All WorldNomads.com members have access to up-to-date travel safety alerts, as well as travel safety advice and tips online through the World Nomads Travel Safety Hub.
6. More than just great value travel insurance
   All WorldNomads.com members can learn the local lingo through a series of iPod & iPhone Language Guides and can stay in touch with family and friends with an online travel journal.
7. Commitment to exceptional customer service
   We want to make sure you get the most from WorldNomads.com. You can find out more about why travel insurance is important for your trip. If you have any questions about your travel insurance or travel safety in general, please contact WorldNomads.com directly.