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Travel insurance for natural disasters

What happens when a natural disaster strikes?

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It’s one thing if a rainy day washes out your trekking expedition, but what if a hurricane blows the roof off your home before you leave for your trip? When a natural disaster strikes, it’s hard to classify your trip as anything but… a disaster. But World Nomads can offer some much-needed weatherproofing, with protection for trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and more.

What is a natural disaster?

A natural disaster is a natural event caused by weather or climate that causes destruction or loss, such as an earthquake, widespread flooding, wildfire, hurricane, blizzard or volcanic eruption. It could also mean any weather that causes severe and widespread damage, triggering a travel advisory from the Canadian Government or a ‘natural disaster’ declaration at your trip destination.

What am I covered for if there is a natural disaster?

While the forces of nature are unpredictable, your travel insurance should be a sure thing. World Nomads provides coverage for:

  • Trip cancellation: What happens if a flood or wildfire destroys your Canadian principal residence and leaves it in a state where you can no longer live there? Understandably, you may want to cancel to your trip. If you are unable to occupy your Canadian principal residence, or your destination residence, due to a natural disaster and need to cancel your trip, you may be eligible for reimbursement of your nonrefundable prepaid unused travel costs.
  • Trip interruption: If you are on your trip and a natural disaster destroys your Canadian principal residence and leaves it in a state where you would no longer be able to occupy the residence, you may be eligible for trip interruption benefits if your interrupt your trip to return home. Missed Connection? If you have departed for your trip and a blizzard (or other inclement weather) delays the scheduled arrival or departure of your common carrier transportation for at least three hours, you may be eligible for trip interruption benefits. Our plans also include trip delay coverage which may provide reimbursement for incidentals (such as accommodations and meals) expenses you incur to help you manage while you’re waiting.
  • Emergency medical expenses and medical evacuation: if you get caught in the aftermath of an earthquake or hurricane, you could get seriously injured. What could help in a pinch? Emergency medical benefits, which could help protect you from hefty medical bills. Our assistance coordinators can provide guidance. We will make every effort, although we cannot guarantee, to pay medical providers directly.

What is not covered under natural disasters?

  • If a natural disaster was already forecast or announced when you purchased your policy (such as if you heard about it in the news or a named hurricane is announced).
  • A natural disaster at your destination that interrupts your travels after you’ve left home.
  • Search-and-rescue missions such as during an avalanche.
  • Any weather conditions that cause a loss of enjoyment (such as if a storm results in a few trees coming down and ruins your beach vacation).

This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms and conditions of the policy. It is important you read and understand your policy as it contains benefits, conditions, exclusions and pre-existing condition exclusions. If you do not understand your coverage, or if you have questions, just ask us.

When you’re ready, you can get a quote and compare the coverages in our Standard and Explorer plans side-by side. And please reach out if you have any questions – we’re happy to help.

If you’re traveling to a region that’s known for natural disasters, it's a good idea to do some research to see if there have been any warnings. If you buy a policy after an event is known, and the natural disaster impacts your trip, you won’t be covered for any expenses.

Get a quote 24/7

World Nomads travel insurance is designed to help you come unstuck in sticky situations, like when you show up, but your bags don’t. Fill out the quick quote form below and get an instant quote today.

Tsunami in Sumatra.

One night, I was on the surf charter boat, in the Mentawai Islands, Sumatra, Indonesia. There was an earthquake and tsunami that hit and completely destroyed the boat. The boat caught fire. The fire spread rapidly and we had to abandon ship. The boat along with all personal belongs were completely destroyed. The fire spread so quickly that there was no time to collect any belongings. The only things I ended up with were the shorts I was wearing, my watch and wedding ring. Almost all my possessions and documentation were on the boat and destroyed.
W.H. Australia in Indonesia

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation.

  • Explorer Plan: $5,000
  • Standard Plan: $2,500
Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalised?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Close relative suddenly dies?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Insurance

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

  • Explorer Plan: $10 million
  • Standard Plan: $5 million
Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need meds quick?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation

We’ll get you to hospital or home quickly.

  • Explorer Plan: $500,000
  • Standard Plan: $500,000
Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • Medivac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Covers the theft, damage or delay of your bags, tech and sports gear.

  • Explorer Plan: $3,000
  • Standard Plan: $1,000
Protect your gear
  • Passport or tech stolen?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Bags delayed?

Help starts here.

  • Emergency Medical Expenses
  • Emergency Dental for Injury or Sickness
  • Bedside Companion Travel and Subsistence
  • Emergency Professional Services
  • Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Return of Travel Companion/Dependent Children
  • Return to Your Trip Destination
  • Return of Remains
  • Travel Accident
  • Flight Accident
  • Trip Cancellation
  • Trip Interruption
  • Trip Delay
  • Baggage and Personal Effects Theft or Damage
  • Baggage and Sporting Equipment Delay
  • Travel Documents Theft or Damage
  • Sporting Equipment Theft or Loss by a Common Carrier
  • Covered Adventure Sports listed in Policy
Assistance Services Included
  • LiveTravelTM Emergency Assistance
  • Worldwide Travel Assistance
  • Adventure Travel Hotline
  • 24/7 Security
  • Travel Medical Assistance
  • Bag Trak
This is a general summary for Canadian residents only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the travel insurance plans described. Coverage may not be available for residents of all provinces. Check the Travel Insurance Policy for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical or dental assistance or advice, emergency evacuation or travel assistance, our team 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?

Telephone +1 866 878 0192 (toll-free from Canada and the Continental U.S.) or +1 416 646 3723 (collect from anywhere else in the world)

Contact the team