World Nomads offers three plans with increasing coverage limits and 24/7 assistance. Explorer and Epic plans include optional cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage.
World Nomads Travel Insurance Review
World Nomads leads our travel insurance analysis with a 93 out of 100 score, ranking first among 13 companies for adventure coverage and competitive rates.
Find out if you should buy travel insurance from World Nomads.
Updated: November 5, 2025
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World Nomads Review: Key Takeaways
World Nomads scored highest in affordability (98) with comprehensive coverage across all plan tiers.
All plans include coverage for over 250 adventure activities at no additional cost. Standard travel insurance excludes adventure sports or charges extra for coverage.
Plans start at $81 for basic coverage on a $2,500 trip with age-neutral pricing. A 65-year-old pays the same rate as a 25-year-old.
World Nomads Travel Insurance Pros and Cons
- Adventure coverage: Includes over 250 adventure activities across all plans at no extra cost, while competitors exclude adventure sports or charge additional fees
- Age-neutral pricing: Uses flat-rate pricing regardless of age, though coverage ends at age 70. Â See our list of the best travel insurance for seniors.
- Post-departure coverage purchase: Coverage can be purchased or extended while traveling for spontaneous trip changes
- Coverage gaps in basic plans: Standard plan lacks features included in competitor offerings, with upgrades to Explorer or Epic needed for comprehensive protection
- Claims processing delays: Customer reviews report longer claim resolution times than competitors, particularly for complex medical claims
- Secondary medical coverage: Functions as secondary coverage, requiring primary health insurance to pay first before reimbursement, which can complicate the claims process
World Nomads Travel Insurance Plans and Features
Emergency Medical | $100,000 | $150,000 | $250,000 |
Emergency Evacuation | $500,000 | $500,000 | $1,000,000 |
Trip Cancellation | 100% trip cost | 150% trip cost | 175% trip cost |
Baggage and Personal Effects | $1,000 | $2,000 | $3,000 |
Business Equipment | $500 | $1,000 | $2,500 |
Adventure Sports | 250+ activities | 250+ activities | 250+ activities |
COVID-19 | Basic medical | Enhanced coverage | Comprehensive |
CFAR | Not available | Optional add-on | Optional add-on |
24/7 Emergency Assistance | Included | Included | Included |
*Coverage amounts vary by country of residence and destination.
World Nomads Travel Insurance Rates
MoneyGeek analyzed World Nomads' single-trip coverage pricing:
World Nomad Quotes for $2,500 Trip Coverage (Ages 20 to 50)
Standard | $81 | $162 | $324 |
Explorer | $135 | $269 | $538 |
Epic | $248 | $496 | $992 |
World Nomad Quotes for $10,000 Trip Coverage (Ages 20 to 50)
Standard | $323 | $646 | $1,292 |
Explorer | $539 | $1,078 | $2,156 |
Epic | $992 | $1,984 | $3,968 |
World Nomads Senior Travelers Pricing (Age 65)
World Nomads uses age-neutral pricing, meaning senior travelers pay the same rates as younger travelers for identical coverage. This saves travelers money compared to competitors that charge 50% to 100% more for travelers over 65.
$2,500 trip | $81 | $135 | $248 |
$5,000 trip | $161 | $269 | $496 |
$10,000 trip | $323 | $539 | $992 |
*Rates are for single travelers. Actual pricing depends on your destination and trip length. World Nomads received our highest affordability score of 98.
Comparing World Nomads vs. Other Companies
World Nomads ranks #1 in MoneyGeek's overall analysis, outperforming competitors:
World Nomads | 93 | 98 | 86 | 89 |
Generali | 92 | 94 | 88 | 89 |
Allianz | 91 | 86 | 89 | 100 |
IMG | 91 | 83 | 95 | 95 |
Travel Guard | 91 | 88 | 86 | 98 |
- World Nomads vs. Allianz: World Nomads offers lower rates and stronger adventure coverage. Allianz earns a perfect 100 for claims service.
- World Nomads vs. IMG: World Nomads costs less. IMG has the best coverage score (95) with more policy customization options.
- World Nomads vs. Generali: World Nomads scores 4 points higher on affordability. Generali scores higher on coverage quality.
World Nomads' User Reviews
Based on analysis of 4,932 customer reviews.
What Customers Love About World Nomads
Easy purchase process: Customers praise World Nomads' simple online booking that allows plan comparison and coverage purchase without phone calls.
Adventure activity coverage: Digital nomads and backpackers report successful claims for skiing accidents and adventure activity injuries.
Responsive emergency assistance: Customers highlight helpful 24/7 emergency support, particularly assistance coordinators during medical emergencies abroad.
Transparent policy terms: Customers report the policy is easier to understand than competitors', with clear coverage explanations.
Common Complaints About World Nomads
Claim processing delays: Some reviewers report long wait times for claims, with cases taking months to settle, particularly complex medical claims.
Coverage disputes: Some customers report claims denied for situations they believed were covered, leading to frustration with the appeals process.
Premiums for comprehensive coverage: World Nomads offers competitive basic rates, but some travelers report the Epic plan costs more than mid-tier plans from competitors.
Limited U.S. customer support hours: American customers report difficulties reaching customer service during U.S. business hours, as support is primarily based in Australia.
World Nomads Insurance Coverage Details
World Nomads covers over 250 adventure activities across all plans, organized by activity type and plan level. Standard travel insurance excludes adventure sports or charges additional fees for coverage.
Activities Covered on All Plans (Standard, Explorer, Epic)
Snow sports
Cross-country skiing, downhill skiing (on and off-piste within resort boundaries), heli-skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, glacier walking up to 19,685 feet, ice climbing up to 9,842 feet, dog sledding and ice hockey
Water activities
Scuba diving to 165 feet, white water rafting (grades 1 to 5), surfing, kayaking, jet skiing, kiteboarding, snorkeling, sailing, swimming with whale sharks, black water rafting and cave tubing
Air sports
Bungee jumping, zip lining, parasailing, gliding, indoor skydiving and flying as a passenger in private aircraft or helicopters
Land adventures
Rock climbing up to 9,842 feet (indoor and outdoor), hiking up to 19,685 feet, mountain biking, ATV riding, horseback riding, camping, abseiling, canyoning and paintball
Traditional sports
American football, boxing training, martial arts (judo, karate), rugby, soccer, tennis, golf, gymnastics and skateboarding
Explorer Plan Additional Coverage (250+ more activities)
Advanced snow sports
Backcountry skiing outside resort boundaries, freestyle skiing with acrobatics, ski racing, terrain park activities and glacier walking up to 21,325 feet
Enhanced water sports
Shark cage diving, cave diving to 165 feet, lifeguarding and working as a paid diving instructor
Air adventures
Skydiving, paragliding, hang gliding, hot air ballooning, stunt flying as a passenger and parachuting
Extreme land activities
Bull riding, cliff jumping, outdoor ultra-marathons, rock climbing up to 21,325 feet, spelunking, Tough Mudder events and Running with the Bulls participation
Professional activities
Construction work, paid outdoor instruction, high-risk volunteer work including disaster relief and medical volunteer work
Epic Plan Ultimate Coverage (340+ activities)
High-altitude adventures
Mountaineering and glacier walking up to 26,247 feet, extreme altitude hiking and camping at elevations exceeding 21,325 feet
Professional air sports
Flying as pilot or crew member, aviation activities and jet pack operation
Extreme water sports
Cliff diving, commercial scuba diving and cave diving to 196 feet
Motor sports
Motocross riding, motor racing (as a driver or passenger in competitions) and professional motorsport participation
Free solo activities
Free climbing without ropes and solo mountaineering expeditions
Add-on Coverages
Cancel for any reason (CFAR)
Available on Explorer and Epic plans. Reimburses 75% of nonrefundable trip costs when you cancel for reasons not covered in the standard policy.
Sports equipment coverage
For specialized gear like ski equipment, diving gear and photography equipment with higher limits than standard baggage coverage
Rental car excess coverage
Reduces deductibles on rental car damage claims in international destinations
Natural disaster coverage
Extended coverage for trip disruptions caused by hurricanes, earthquakes and other natural disasters
Political evacuation
Coverage for emergency evacuation due to political unrest or security concerns in your destination
What's Not Covered by World Nomads Travel Insurance
World Nomads excludes several types of incidents and situations from coverage.
Very high-risk activities
Professional sports, racing (motor vehicles, motorcycles or watercraft), extreme altitude activities above certain elevations and activities requiring specialized licenses the traveler doesn't hold.
Pre-existing medical conditions
Pre-existing conditions unless travelers purchase the pre-existing condition waiver within 21 days of initial trip deposit.
Unattended personal property
Items left unguarded in public spaces, vehicles or hotel rooms, including laptops, cameras and other valuables left visible in rental cars.
Pregnancy-related claims
Routine pregnancy care, childbirth and pregnancy complications except unexpected medical emergencies.
Mental health and substance abuse
Treatment for mental health conditions and alcohol or drug-related incidents unless covered under the plan.
Government actions
Trip cancellations due to government travel advisories, border closures or travel restrictions (including those related to pandemics) unless travelers have CFAR coverage.
Business travel exclusions
Work trips may have limited coverage. Business equipment coverage has low limits.
Rental car coverage limitations
Explorer and Epic plans may restrict rental car coverage depending on your state.
World Nomads Claims Documentation Requirements
World Nomads requires travelers to provide specific documentation:
Medical Emergency Claims | Medical records and treatment receipts from health care providers, hospital discharge summaries, prescription receipts, proof of payment for medical expenses
For emergency evacuation: Medical certificate from attending physician stating medical necessity for evacuation, evacuation company receipts, transportation records |
Trip Cancellation and Interruption Claims | Documentation showing why you canceled (medical certificates, death certificates, employment letters), booking confirmations, payment receipts, proof of non-refundable costs and supplier refund statements For medical reasons: completed medical certificate form, doctor's note confirming you can't travel and supporting medical records. |
Adventure Activity Claims | Incident reports from operators or authorities, medical reports on injuries, proof of licensing or supervision when needed and equipment damage assessments |
Baggage and Personal Effects Claims | Police reports for theft or loss, proof you owned the items (receipts or photos), repair estimates for damage and airline reports for delayed or lost luggage |
Submission Process
Claims can be filed online through World Nomads' claims portal or by contacting its 24/7 claims hotline. Documentation can be uploaded electronically or mailed to its claims processing center. Travelers should report claims as soon as possible. World Nomads requires full documentation within 30 days of the incident.
FAQ: World Nomads Travel Insurance
Common questions about World Nomads travel insurance coverage, claims and policy features.
Does World Nomads cover pre-existing medical conditions?
World Nomads covers pre-existing conditions only if you purchase coverage within 21 days of your initial trip deposit and meet specific stability requirements. The Explorer and Epic plans offer more comprehensive pre-existing condition coverage than the Standard plan.
Can I extend my World Nomads policy while traveling?
Yes, World Nomads allows policy extensions while you're already traveling, provided you extend before your current policy expires and you haven't filed any claims. You can extend coverage online through its website.
What adventure activities does World Nomads actually cover?
World Nomads automatically covers over 250 adventure activities, including skiing, snowboarding, scuba diving (to 165 feet), whitewater rafting, bungee jumping and rock climbing. Activities like professional sports, racing and extreme altitude climbing may require additional coverage.
How does World Nomads' CFAR coverage work?
Cancel for any reason coverage is available for U.S. residents on Explorer and Epic plans. It reimburses 75% of nonrefundable trip costs when you cancel for reasons not covered in your standard policy. You must cancel at least 48 hours before departure.
Is World Nomads coverage primary or secondary for medical expenses?
World Nomads provides secondary medical coverage, meaning it pays after your primary health insurance. Its emergency evacuation coverage is primary, providing immediate assistance for medical emergencies requiring evacuation.
How does World Nomads compare for family coverage?
World Nomads' pricing structure makes it cost-effective for families. Each additional traveler doubles the premium without age-based increases. Its plans cover children at the same rate as adults, which can be advantageous compared to age-tiered pricing from other insurers.
What's World Nomads' coverage like for cruise travel?
World Nomads covers cruise travel under its standard policies, including missed cruise connections, cruise interruption and medical coverage while aboard. Specialized cruise coverage from dedicated cruise insurers may offer more comprehensive port-specific benefits.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.