Rating Summary
- Coverage Options: ★★★★☆ (8/10)
- Price Value: ★★★★☆ (8/10)
- Adventure Readiness: ★★★★☆ (8/10)
Pros
- Tailored for thrill-seeking travelers with coverage for 200+ adventure activities
- Unique flexibility to purchase coverage after departure
- Explorer Plan offers robust coverage and added benefits for high-risk travel
Cons
- Not ideal for luxury or high-cost trips exceeding policy limits
- No coverage for pre-existing medical conditions
- Limited cancellation coverage in the Standard Plan
Introduction
In the ever-evolving landscape of travel insurance, World Nomads stands out as a niche provider, specifically catering to adventure travelers. Backed by Nationwide and administered by TripMate, World Nomads offers two distinct plans—the Standard Plan and the Explorer Plan—both designed to meet the needs of those embarking on action-packed journeys around the globe.
Unlike many traditional insurers, World Nomads permits travelers to purchase coverage after they’ve already begun their trip, offering unmatched flexibility. This, along with extensive coverage for extreme sports, has made it a preferred travel insurance provider recommended by renowned travel publications like Lonely Planet.
Who Is World Nomads Best For?
If your travels include diving with sharks in the Galapagos, hiking across the Andes, or skiing down remote alpine slopes, World Nomads is likely your best match. Its policies are ideal for:
- Backpackers and long-term travelers
- Extreme sports and outdoor adventure enthusiasts
- Travelers seeking international medical and evacuation coverage
- Digital nomads and last-minute trip planners
However, if your trip involves luxury cruises or high-ticket, resort-style vacations with minimal physical risk, other travel insurers may offer more cost-effective solutions.
Key Feature: Adventure-Focused Coverage
One of World Nomads’ strongest differentiators is its emphasis on adventure activity coverage. Most travel insurers limit or exclude risky activities, but World Nomads flips the script by clearly listing over 200 sports and adventure activities that are explicitly covered under its plans. Activities range from snowboarding, scuba diving, and rock climbing to more niche pursuits like bungee jumping and paragliding.
That said, anything not listed in their policy document is automatically excluded, so travelers should always confirm that their intended activities are explicitly covered.
World Nomads Travel Insurance Plan Comparison
Let’s break down the core features and limitations of the two available options:
1. Standard Plan
Designed for moderate travelers who may still engage in physically demanding activities, the Standard Plan offers:
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption: Up to $2,500
- Emergency Medical: $100,000
- Medical Evacuation: $300,000
- Cancel for Work Reasons: Included
- Pre-existing Conditions: Not covered (90-day lookback period)
- Activity Coverage: Broad but excludes high-risk adventures
This plan is best suited for travelers with lower trip costs and relatively low-risk activities. It falls short for trips that exceed $2,500 in prepaid, non-refundable expenses, making it a weaker fit for more costly itineraries.
2. Explorer Plan
The Explorer Plan is built for high-intensity travel and covers a broader range of adventurous activities not included in the Standard Plan.
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption: Up to $10,000
- Emergency Medical: $100,000
- Medical Evacuation: $500,000
- Rental Car Damage: Up to $35,000
- Pre-existing Conditions: Not covered (same 90-day lookback)
- Activity Coverage: Includes high-risk adventures (e.g., heli-skiing, caving)
For a trip costing $10,000—like a couple traveling to the Galapagos Islands—the Explorer Plan ensures full trip cancellation protection and enhanced evacuation support, making it the better option despite the slightly higher premium.
Medical Coverage: Strengths and Weaknesses
World Nomads provides solid baseline medical coverage ($100,000) and generous emergency evacuation benefits, especially under the Explorer Plan ($500,000). While this is sufficient for most international emergencies, the lack of pre-existing condition coverage is a notable drawback.
Unlike competitors that offer waivers for pre-existing conditions if you purchase the plan within a specified time window (usually 14–21 days from initial trip payment), World Nomads uses a rigid 90-day lookback and offers no such waiver.
How World Nomads Compares to Other Providers
To give some context, we compared World Nomads’ plans with options available on AARDY, a travel insurance marketplace.
Best Value Alternative: John Hancock Silver Plan
- Cost: ~$634 for two 65-year-olds traveling to Ecuador
- Medical Coverage: $100,000
- Evacuation Coverage: $500,000
- Pre-Existing Condition Waiver: Available if purchased within 14 days
- Adventure Coverage: Limited compared to World Nomads
John Hancock Silver is a reliable alternative, especially for travelers with pre-existing health issues or those looking for broader cancellation terms. However, it may fall short in covering risky activities included in the Explorer Plan.
Maximum Flexibility: Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) Coverage
The John Hancock Silver CFAR (75%) policy costs around $951, offering:
- Full trip cost refund for standard cancellations
- 75% refund for any non-covered reason
- Automatic pre-existing condition waiver
- Must be purchased within 14 days of the initial deposit
While significantly pricier, CFAR plans are ideal for those seeking maximum flexibility and risk mitigation for high-cost trips.
Unique Benefits of World Nomads
- Post-Departure Enrollment: Ideal for spontaneous or long-term travelers already abroad
- Global Assistance Network: Access to medical and travel support teams while on the move
- Modular Adventure Coverage: Perfect for customizing based on specific trip activities
- Lonely Planet-Endorsed: Trusted by some of the most reputable names in travel media
Final Verdict: Is World Nomads Worth It in 2025?
For travelers chasing adrenaline and unique experiences, World Nomads continues to be a top contender in the travel insurance market. While its medical coverage may not accommodate those with existing health concerns, its robust adventure coverage and post-departure policy options are virtually unmatched.
- Choose the Standard Plan if your trip is budget-friendly and activities are moderately adventurous.
- Opt for the Explorer Plan if you need extended trip cancellation protection or intend to engage in high-risk outdoor activities.
Pro Tip Before You Buy
Before committing to World Nomads or any insurer, it’s wise to compare policies via aggregators like AARDY, especially if you’re concerned about price, pre-existing conditions, or need CFAR protection. Speak to an advisor or use the live chat feature to explore customized plans that best suit your itinerary and risk tolerance.
Recent Customer Experiences (via Trustpilot)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Peter was responsive to all our questions and found us the best coverage.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Great help on the phone – made the process simple and stress-free.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “The agent explained everything in detail and helped us secure a great policy.”
