World Nomads
3.9
Cost:4.5/5
Coverage Extras:3.125/5
Coverage Details:5/5
Cancellation/Interruption Coverage Amount:4.6/5
Customer Service and Reviews:3.6/5
Quick Facts
- Average Cost: $153
- BBB Rating: F
- AM Best Score: A-
- Medical Expense Max: $100,000
- Emergency Evacuation Max: $500,000
Plan Options
| Standard Plan | Explorer Plan |
Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical Expense | Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical Expense |
| Emergency Evacuation | Emergency Evacuation |
| Repatriation of Remains | Repatriation of Remains |
| Non-Medical Emergency Transportation | Non-Medical Emergency Transportation |
| Trip Cancellation | Trip Cancellation |
| Trip Interruption | Trip Interruption |
| Trip Delay | Trip Delay |
| Baggage & Personal Effects | Baggage & Personal Effects |
| Baggage Delay (outward journey only) | Baggage Delay (outward journey only) |
Rental Car Damage – where permissible | |
| Accidental Death & Dismemberment | Accidental Death & Dismemberment |
Our pick for baggage coverage
4.1/5
Safety mobile app24/7 telehealth and travel supportAdjust coverage in real time
Our Take on World Nomads
We awarded World Nomads 3.9 out of 5 stars overall based on our provider review methodology, naming it our pick for adventure travelers. It has the lowest average cost of the 21 providers we gathered quotes from while providing high coverage limits for baggage and travel delays.
However, World Nomads does not offer cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage like most other companies we’ve reviewed, which allows you to cancel your trip for reasons other than those listed in your policy. It also holds an F rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which resulted in a lower score in the customer service and reviews section of our methodology. We reached out to the company for a comment on its rating but did not receive a response.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Access to both comprehensive trip protection and travel medical insuranceGood coverage for interruptions (up to 200%) and delays (up to $2,000)Groups of five or more receive a 10% discount
Cons
Low maximums and daily coverage limits on delays and cancellations on budget plansMedical plans may have a high deductible
How World Nomads Scored in Our Methodology
Based on our travel insurance methodology, World Nomads scored 3.9 out of 5 stars in our review. It earned maximum points for coverage details and delay coverage amount in our review, but lost points in every other ratings category.
Flip Card World Nomads Travel Insurance Rating
MarketWatch Rating 3.9 / out of 5 stars
Rating is based off of MarketWatch Methodology Guidelines
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Rating breakdown
Cost World Nomads offers a below-average annual travel insurance premium with two plans for travelers to choose from. 4.5 / 5
Coverage Extras We awarded full points in this rating category for World Nomads’ flight, medical and delay coverage details. 3.1 / 5
Coverage Details orld Nomads offers no CFAR coverage, resulting in no points for this factor. 0 / 5
CFAR Coverage Amount World Nomads has 12-hour-or-less claim eligibility windows for baggage and travel delays but lost some points for having a longer timeline for hurricane and weather delays. 4.2 / 5
Claim Eligibility Window World Nomads has 12-hour-or-less claim eligibility windows for baggage and travel delays but lost some points for having a longer timeline for hurricane and weather delays. 4.2 / 5
Cancellation/Interruption Coverage World Nomads earned points for offering 100% trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage. 4.6 / 5
Delay Coverage Over $500 in travel-delay coverage and over $200 in baggage-delay coverage earned World Nomads the maximum points for this factor. 5 / 5
Customer Service and Reviews A lack of a mobile app and no rating with the BBB lowered World Nomads’ score in this category. 3.6 / 5
Credit Rating World Nomads’ AM Best credit rating lowered its score for this rating factor. 3 / 5
World Nomads Travel Insurance Overview
World Nomads is a modern travel insurance provider that has been operating since 2002 and specializes in offering travel insurance policies for a range of vacations and excursions. It also offers travel safety advice and destination guides, and it promotes responsible travel practices.
We rate World Nomads as a good travel insurance company for adventurous travelers in particular. The company’s delay, cancellation and interruption coverage limits are highly competitive, and its travel insurance plans are designed for the vacationer who enjoys an adventurous trip that involves any kind of extreme sport.
Compare World Nomads to the Competition
See the table below for a direct comparison of average plan costs, BBB ratings, CFAR coverage limits and COVID-19 coverage between World Nomads and its competitors.
| Company | Average Plan Cost | CFAR Coverage | COVID-19 Coverage | BBB Rating | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $161 | No | Limited | Not Rated | EXPLORE PLANS |
| $298 | Up to 75% | Yes | Not Rated | EXPLORE PLANS | |
| $212 | Up to 75% | Yes | A+ | EXPLORE PLANS |
| $175 | Up to 75% | Limited | A+ | EXPLORE PLANS |
| $255 | Up to 60% | Yes | A+ | EXPLORE PLANS |
| $227 | Up to 75% | Limited | A+ | EXPLORE PLANS | |
| $212 | Up to 75% | Yes | B | EXPLORE PLANS |
| $230 | Up to 75% | Limited | A- | EXPLORE PLANS |
| $221 | Up to 75% | Limited | A- | EXPLORE PLANS |
| $216 | Up to 75% | Yes | A+ | EXPLORE PLANS |
| $251 | Up to 50% | Limited | A+ | EXPLORE PLANS |
| Company | BBB Rating | Average Plan Cost | CFAR Coverage | COVID-19 Coverage | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Not Rated | $161 | No | Limited | EXPLORE PLANS |
| Not Rated | $298 | Up to 75% | Yes | EXPLORE PLANS | |
| A+ | $212 | Up to 75% | Yes | EXPLORE PLANS |
| A+ | $175 | Up to 75% | Limited | EXPLORE PLANS |
| A+ | $255 | Up to 60% | Yes | EXPLORE PLANS |
| A+ | $227 | Up to 75% | Limited | EXPLORE PLANS | |
| B | $212 | Up to 75% | Yes | EXPLORE PLANS |
| A- | $230 | Up to 75% | Limited | EXPLORE PLANS |
| A- | $221 | Up to 75% | Limited | EXPLORE PLANS |
| A+ | $216 | Up to 75% | Yes | EXPLORE PLANS |
| A+ | $251 | Up to 50% | Limited | EXPLORE PLANS |
No results were found.
World Nomads vs Allianz
World Nomads and Allianz Global Assistance both do not offer CFAR coverage, which may be a dealbreaker for travelers foreseeing a change of travel plans.
We found the main differences between World Nomads and Allianz based on our review of customer service and cost. At $265, the average cost of a travel insurance policy with Allianz is over 64% more than the average cost of a World Nomads policy.
Even so, some travelers may feel Allianz’s A+ rating and accreditation with the BBB offsets the high costs associated with its plans. Allianz also offers a mobile app and more than three ways to file a claim, which World Nomads lacks.
See the table below for a direct comparison between popular plans offered by World Nomads and Allianz.
| World Nomads Explorer Plan | Allianz OneTrip Premier | |
| Average cost | $197 | $349 |
| Trip cancellation | $10,000 per person | 100% |
| Trip interruption | $10,000 per person | 150% |
| Medical expense | $100,000 | $75,000 per person |
| Emergency evacuation and repatriation of remains | $500,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Lost baggage | $3,000 | $2,000 |
| Trip delay | $3,000 | $1,600 per person |
| Baggage delay | $750 | $600 |
Learn more about Allianz by reading our Allianz travel insurance review.
World Nomads vs Seven Corners
World Nomads and Seven Corners share few similarities. According to quotes gathered by our team, Seven Corners is, on average, 34% more expensive than the average World Nomads plan. World Nomads also offers more coverage for lost luggage, trip and baggage delays.
However, Seven Corners’ most comprehensive plan provides markedly better medical coverage than the World Nomads equivalent. It also offers double the amount World Nomads provides for emergency evacuation and repatriation of remains and five times the amount for medical expenses. Both insurance companies also offer two ways to file a claim.
The table below highlights key differences between popular plans offered by World Nomads and Seven Corners.
| World Nomads Explorer Plan | Seven Corners Trip Protection Choice | |
| Average cost | $197 | $263 |
| Trip cancellation | $10,000 per person | 100% |
| Trip interruption | $10,000 per person | 150% |
| Medical expense | $100,000 | $500,000 |
| Emergency evacuation and repatriation of remains | $500,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Lost baggage | $3,000 | $250 |
| Trip delay | $3,000 | $2,000 |
| Baggage delay | $750 | $100 per day (up to $500) |
Take a closer look at Seven Corners in our review.
Why Trust MarketWatch Guides
Our editorial team follows a comprehensive methodology for rating and reviewing travel insurance companies. Advertisers have no effect on our rankings.
20
Companies Reviewed
500
Quotes Collected
36
Rating Factors
What Does World Nomads Travel Insurance Cover?
World Nomads offers two insurance plans: Standard and Explorer. You can customize either plan to cover specific activities for your vacation, and each policy includes coverage for medical expenses, emergency assistance and personal effects.
The Standard Plan from World Nomads includes:
- $2,500 for trip cancellation or interruption
- $500 a day for trip or travel delays
- $750 for baggage delay
- $1,000 in baggage and personal effects coverage
- $100,000 for medical accidents and sickness
- $300,000 for emergency medical evacuation
- $25,000 non-medical emergency transportation, such as a natural disaster
- $5,000 for death and dismemberment on a trip
What sets World Nomads travel insurance apart from other insurers is the large number of adventure sports and activities that its basic coverage includes. In the Standard Plan, activities and extreme sports like bungee jumping, indoor skydiving, biking trips, resort skiing and windsurfing are all covered. More dangerous activities like scuba diving, hot-air ballooning and alpine ski touring are covered in the Explorer Plan.
Optional Riders
A rider is the official insurance term for “add-on.” You can buy one or more riders to attach to the travel insurance policy that you like, creating a personalized plan for your trip.
But World Nomads offers almost no add-ons. That’s because either of the two plans it sells already provides coverage for things that other insurers don’t as part of their base policies. The only extra coverage option you have is a rental car damage rider, and it is only offered with the more comprehensive Explorer plan.
However, you can extend your coverage during a trip, a benefit most travel insurance companies don’t have.
Policies Offered
Here’s a breakdown of the basic coverage options for the World Nomads Explorer Plan and Standard Plan.
| Policy Tier | CFAR | Trip Delay | Trip Interruption and Cancellation | Baggage | Medical |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | N/A | $500 | $2,500 for trip cancellation and interruption | $1,000 | $100,000 for an accident or sickness, $300,000 for emergency evacuation |
| Explorer | N/A | $3,000 | $2,500 for trip cancellation and interruption | $3,000 | $100,000 for an accident or sickness, $500,000 for emergency evacuation |
Cost of World Nomads Travel Insurance
According to our research, the average travel insurance plan with World Nomads costs $153. However, a solo traveler policy is much lower at $74 for the Standard plan and $116 for the Explorer plan.
When you buy travel insurance, the cost of the plan depends on a variety of factors, including whether you want coverage for dangerous locations or activities. Things like the age and health conditions of the people on the trip affect the price, especially if someone has pre-existing medical conditions.
World Nomads is known for having cost-effective travel insurance coverage, especially given the number of sports and activities covered in its two plans.
Use the chart below to compare World Nomads' average cost to competitors:
Read More: Travel Insurance For Parents Visiting The United States
Does World Nomads Offer 24/7 Travel Assistance?
World Nomads offers clients 24/7 travel assistance when they purchase any insurance plan. Provided by Generali Global Assistance 365 days a year, it gives customers access to professional help and advice for any emergency while they’re on vacation.
The toll-free number for this service is +1-877-289-0968, which can be accessed from the U.S. and Canada. The collect worldwide number is +1-954-334-8143.
You can also contact the service by emailing ops@gga-usa.com.
World Nomads Customer Reviews
Customer reviews and ratings can help indicate the level of service a travel insurance company offers its policyholders. At the time of this writing, World Nomads held a 1 out of 5 star rating with the BBB and a 3.3 out of 5 stars rating on Trustpilot.
To learn what customers like and dislike about World Nomads, we read dozens of customer reviews on the BBB and Trustpilot from recent months. Here are some common themes we found in our search:
What Customers Like
- Reasonably priced: Recent policyholders comment on receiving comprehensive coverage at a competitive price.
- Easy-to-navigate website: Users, including this reviewer, compliment how easy it is to navigate the World Nomads’ webpage and get a quote.
- Clear policy details: Reviewers note that World Nomads explained their purchased policies in great detail, making coverage easy to understand.
What Customers Don’t Like
- Slow claims process: This reviewer, amongst others, stated that they’ve spent months trying to resolve a claim with World Nomads.
- Excessive documentation requests: Many customers, such as this one, complain about the documentation World Nomad asks for during the claims process, stating that it’s more of an ask than with other travel insurers.
- Legitimate claims denied: Policyholders like this one felt their claims were denied when World Nomads should have provided coverage according to their contract.
We reached out to World Nomads for comment on its negative customer reviews but did not receive a response.
How To File a Claim with World Nomads
You can file a claim with World Nomads online on the World Nomads website. To complete the claim process, you need your policy number and copies of any relevant documents for things like a police report, medical insurance, credit card bills and emergency medical or dental records. The company promises to send you regular email updates about the progress of your trip insurance claim.
Is World Nomads Worth It?
Coverage from World Nomads may be worth it if you’re an adventurer looking for travel insurance on a budget. Policies cover a wide range of extreme sports and outdoor activities that other providers exclude. It also offers high coverage limits for baggage and travel delays.
However, World Nomads does not offer CFAR coverage, which is typically available through most other insurance providers. It also has lower-than-average customer review ratings and an F rating with the BBB. While our analysis of customer reviews suggests issues with claims processing and the company’s overall customer service, your individual experience may vary. We encourage you to consider what’s important to you in a travel insurance company before settling on a provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
World Nomads Standard and Explorer plans both cover some instances where flights are delayed, missed or canceled. However, exclusions will apply depending on the situation, and the amount of compensation you receive will depend on whether an alternative flight was offered, the impact on the rest of your trip and the reason for the cancellation.
Yes, you can extend a World Nomads travel insurance policy while in the middle of your vacation. This comes in handy if you want to stay somewhere for longer than planned. All you have to do is buy a new policy from the date your old one ends.
Yes, you can get a full refund on your World Nomads travel insurance policy if you cancel it within 14 days of purchase. This is only valid if you haven’t already started your insured trip and you’re not making a claim.
World Nomads offers two travel insurance plans: Standard and Explorer. The Standard Plan has lower coverage limits for things like medical treatment, baggage delay and trip interruption, but it covers many sports and activities. The Explorer Plan has higher limits and covers an extensive range of extreme or dangerous vacation activities.
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Methodology: Our System for Rating Travel Insurance Companies
Our team surveyed dozens of travel insurance providers and created a scoring system to judge each company based on coverage, quality and service. We also collected sample quotes from each company, both over the phone and on the internet, to simulate an authentic customer experience. Here are the factors we take into consideration when rating providers:
- Cost (10%): To determine a baseline average travel insurance cost, we gathered quotes from each travel insurance company based on different traveler profiles. Travel insurance companies at or below our calculated average cost of $221 earn full points in this category. Specifically, we obtained quotes for the following trips
- A 30-year-old couple taking a $5,000 vacation to Mexico.
- A family of four taking an $8,000 vacation to Mexico.
- A 65-year-old couple taking a $7,000 vacation to the United Kingdom.
- A 30-year-old couple taking a $7,000 trip to the United Kingdom.
- A 19-year-old taking a $2,000 trip to France.
- A 27-year-old couple taking a $1,200 trip to Greece.
- A 51-year-old couple taking a $2,000 trip to Spain.
- Plan availability (10%): We look for insurers with a variety of travel insurance plans and the ability to customize a policy with coverage upgrades.
- Coverage details (29%): We review the baseline coverage each company offers in its cheapest comprehensive plan. A provider with robust coverage earns full points, including baggage delay and loss, COVID-19 coverage, emergency evacuation and medical coverage, trip delay and cancellation coverage, and more. Companies also receive points for offering a variety of policy add-ons like accidental death and dismemberment, extreme sports, valuable items, cancel for any reason coverage and more.
- Coverage times and amounts (34%): We compare each company’s waiting periods and maximum reimbursem*nt amounts for baggage, travel and weather delays. Companies that offer customers reimbursem*nt after fewer than 12 hours of delays earn full points in this category. We also reward travel insurance providers that cover more than 100% of trip costs in the event of cancellations or interruptions.
- Company service and reviews (17%): We look for indicators that a company is well-prepared to respond to customer needs. Companies with an established global resource network, 24/7 emergency hotline, mobile app, multiple ways to file a claim and concierge services score higher in this category. We assess reputation by evaluating consumer reviews, third-party financial strength and customer experience ratings, specifically from AM Best and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
For more information, read our full travel insurance methodology.
A.M. Best Disclaimer
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Tori AddisonEditor
Tori Addison is an editor who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over five years. Her experience includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.
