nationwide bank travel insurance claim

• Credit cards
• View all credit cards
• Banking guide
• Loans guide
• Insurance guide
• Personal finance
• View all personal finance
• Small business
• Small business guide
• View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

Nationwide Travel Insurance Review: Is it Worth The Cost?

Many or all of the products on this page are from partners who compensate us when you click to or take an action on their website, but this does not influence our evaluations or ratings. Our opinions are our own.

Table of Contents

What does Nationwide travel insurance cover?

What does nationwide travel insurance cost, what isn’t covered by nationwide travel insurance, can you buy a nationwide plan online, is nationwide travel insurance worth it.

Are you considering purchasing travel insurance for your next vacation? It could be a good idea, especially in an era of overbooked flights, travel delays and lost luggage. Insurance company Nationwide can sell you travel insurance, which will cover you in the event that things stray from the plan. 

Let’s take a look at Nationwide travel insurance, the policies available and the benefits that they provide. 

Nationwide offers two different travel insurance plans for its customers: an Essential option and a Prime version. As the name implies, Prime provides more coverage and is more expensive. 

With the essential plan, you'll have benefits like trip cancellation or interruption, coverage for medical emergencies and a fixed fee for delayed/lost luggage. The prime plan includes missed connection reimbursement, and generally, a higher reimbursement amount per benefit.

» Learn more: Common myths about travel insurance and what it covers

To do a proper Nationwide travel insurance review, we input a search for a 28-year-old from Michigan traveling to France for three weeks on a $7,000 trip. 

A quick Nationwide travel insurance review shows that you’ll see quite a few more benefits associated with the Prime plan, though neither option is especially cheap. Coverage areas that are missing from the Essential plan include missed connection reimbursement, itinerary change reimbursement and 24-hour AD&D insurance, though this last one can be added on. 

The Essential plan also sees significant drops in the monetary reimbursement you can expect when things go awry. Despite being only 38% cheaper than the Prime plan, coverage is significantly stripped down. You can especially see this with baggage delay ($100 versus $600), lost baggage ($600 versus $2,000) and trip delay ($600 versus $2,000). Trip cancellation is basically the only coverage area that remains the same — 100% no matter which plan you choose.

» Learn more: How to find the best travel insurance

Additional options and add-ons

No review of Nationwide travel insurance would be complete without mentioning add-ons. Your available options will differ based on the plan you choose.

As you can see, the available options and their costs can range quite a bit. If you’re looking for maximum coverage, it’s easy to more than double the cost of your original quote. 

The most expensive add-on is only available to Prime policyholders. Cancel For Any Reason insurance allows the ultimate in flexibility as it’ll refund you up to 75% in trip costs in the event you want to cancel your trip. 

Those opting for an Essential plan can also choose to purchase 24-hour AD&D coverage, which comes included with the Prime policy. Doing so includes flight-only coverage for Essential plans, though strangely that’s considered an add-on for Prime. 

Finally, rental car insurance is available regardless of which plan you pick, though you can receive more coverage with the higher-tier Prime policy. 

Many different travel credit cards provide complimentary trip insurance when you use your card to pay. Check these before purchasing travel insurance. 

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

As nice as it would be to purchase fully comprehensive travel insurance, the truth is that nearly all policies have exclusions of some kind. This may mean that your policy won’t cover instances of COVID-19 or the decision to jump out of a plane. 

Here are some general exclusions you can expect:

Accidental injury or sickness when traveling against the advice of a physician.

Participation in canyoning or canyoneering, extreme sports or bodily contact sports.

War or any act of war whether declared or not.

Exclusions vary based on the policy and where you live, so you’ll want to read your guide to benefits carefully to see what coverages apply to your policy. 

» Learn more: Is there travel insurance that covers COVID quarantine?

If this Nationwide essential travel insurance review has spurred you to make a decision, it’s simple to find a quote for yourself. You’ll need to navigate to Nationwide’s travel insurance page , where you’ll find a form asking for your personal information. 

In addition to single-trip coverage, Nationwide also provides multi-trip plans and plans focused on cruises.

» Learn more: How much is travel insurance?

Nationwide has been in operation since 1925 and is a well-established insurance provider. They offer a range of insurance policies including car, motorcycle, homeowners, pet, farm, life and travel insurance. Nationwide's travel insurance policies can be purchased for cruises , single trips or multi-trips.

Nationwide travel insurance plans have various benefits including trip cancellation, interruption or delay, financial default, missed connection, itinerary change, Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR), medical emergencies, 24-hour accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), pre-existing conditions exclusion and waiver, and baggage delay. Each policy is different, so you'll want to ensure you read the fine print to know your coverage.

Nationwide's essential plan does not cover Cancel For Any Reason. However, for an additional cost, you can add CFAR to Nationwide's Prime plan. With that coverage, you will be eligible for reimbursement of up to 75% of nonrefundable trip costs. Note that this must be added on within 21 days of your first trip payment.

If you need to submit a claim, you'll first call the CBP Claims Department at 888-490-7606. A representative will provide a claim form and a list of documents to submit. Claims can then be submitted via U.S. mail, fax or through email. Assuming your claim is reimbursable, you'll receive payment via direct deposit or a check.

Nationwide has been in operation since 1925 and is a well-established insurance provider. They offer a range of insurance policies including car, motorcycle, homeowners, pet, farm, life and travel insurance. Nationwide's travel insurance policies can be purchased for

, single trips or multi-trips.

Are you looking for strong coverage over a wide range of incidents? Nationwide could be a good travel insurance option for you, but only if you’re willing to shell out for its more expensive policy. 

That being said, if you hold a travel credit card, odds are that you already have some form of complimentary travel insurance. You’ll want to check this first to see if those benefits are enough for your trip — if not, a Nationwide insurance policy could offer the coverage that you need. 

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

85,000 Earn 85,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Need help? Contact Us

Travel insurance

Cover to suit your every need while travelling

Nationwide Bank Travel Insurance

Nationwide Bank Travel Insurance is designed to offer a choice of single trip or annual multi-trip cover.

• Up to $10 million of medical cover

For emergency medical treatment and associated expenses

• Up to $5000 cancellation cover

Refund of non-recoverable travel and accommodation costs should you be forced to cancel or cut short your holiday

• Cover for airspace or port closures

If you are prevented from travelling or stranded abroad for at least 24 consecutive hours due to airspace or port closures, you'll be covered

• 15% online discount

Receive a 15% online discount when you buy your single trip or annual multi-trip policy online. Offer only available on new policies.

• Cover for major incidents

If you need to cancel or abandon your trip due to major incident such as a terror attack, you'll be covered.

• Up to 9 people covered

Ideal for solo travellers, couples, families and groups

• Optional extras

To cover baggage, extended trip, scuba diving, golf and winter sports

• Choice of single trip or annual multi-trip policies

With US only, European or Worldwide cover available

Start your application

Nationwide Bank Travel Insurance is provided by Aviva Insurance Limited and is designed to cover all of your travel needs.

Please ensure you see the full eligibiltiy requirements before applying.

More details

• Cover for up to 9 people - ideal for individuals, couples, families and groups
• Single trip policies for trips between 2-120 days
• Annual multi-trip policies with trip limits of 31, 45, 60 or 90 days

Choose an area of travel from:

• US - single trip only
• US & Europe
• Worldwide, excluding USA, Canada & Caribbean
• Worldwide including USA, Canada & Caribbean

Optional cover for:

• Extended trip
• Scuba diving
• Winter sports

What's covered?

• Pre-existing medical conditions of any travellers named on the policy and anyone whose health may affect your decision to take or continue your trip unless accepted in writing by us
• Leisure activities not listed in the policy document
• Missed international departure due to strike if the date of strike is known at the time of booking
• Winter sports above the 31 days maximum stated on annual policies
• Business trips which involve manual work or dealing with the public
• Claims for your death, injury, illness or disability are not covered if they result from you misusing alcohol or drugs.

Please note, all trips must begin and end in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man. Holidays in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man must include a minimum of 2 consecutive nights stay in pre booked accommodation.

Make a claim

Contact the relevant helpline number for assistance as soon as you can, quoting your policy number if possible.

Claims for emergency medical treatment

Medical emergency Line

+447402678864

Lines open 24 hours a day.

Other claims

Lines open: 8am - 8pm every day except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.

Initial notification can be made 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

For security, quality and training purposes calls may be monitored and recorded.

Documents you may need when making a travel insurance claim

• Original receipts, bills, cash withdrawal slips, flight and luggage tickets, guarantees, instruction manuals, accident reports, any photographs of your belongings and medical certificates or reports
• A written police report made as soon as reasonably possible for any theft or loss
• A "Property Irregularity Report" for baggage lost or damaged by an airline
• Written confirmation from your tour operator or carrier to validate any delays

Please note, this is not a complete list as each claim is different. Please read your policy document for full details.

Your cancellation rights

You have a statutory right to cancel your policy within 14 days from the day of purchase or renewal of the policy or the day on which you receive your policy or renewal documentation, whichever is the later.

Please call +447402678864

Lines open 8am to 8pm Monday to Thursday and 8am to 7pm Friday, 9am to 5pm Saturday and 10am to 2pm Sunday except Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Year's Day.

How to apply for Nationwide Bank Travel Insurance

If you meet the eligibility criteria below, you can get a quote online or by contacting us:

Please ensure you can answer YES to the following questions:

• Are you aged between 16 and 79 for a Single Trip policy or aged between 16 and 74 for an Annual Multi-trip policy?
• Have you been resident in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man for the last six months?
• Are you liable to pay tax in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man and are you registered with a local doctor?

To ensure you avoid having duplicate cover, please check whether you or any traveller who would be covered by this policy have any other products that currently provide travel insurance.

Before applying, please also take the time to read important information on the policy.

Apply online

Get a quote and save 15% when you apply online.

Offer only available on new policies.

Apply by phone

Call us for immediate cover

Lines are open from 8am – 8pm Monday – Thursday, 8am – 7pm Friday, 9am – 5pm Saturday and 10am – 2pm Sunday. (except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day)

Please answer all questions accurately, any incorrect information may invalidate your insurance should you take out a policy.

Retrieve a saved quote.

Return to a previous quote you obtained in the last 30 days.

For details on how we will use your personal information, please see our Privacy Notice (PDF) . Nationwide Bank Travel Insurance is provided by Aviva Insurance Limited. Please read Aviva’s Privacy Notice shown within the application

Things you should know

Please take the time to read the following:

• Nationwide Bank Travel Insurance Product Information Document (PDF)
• Privacy Notice (PDF)
• Important Information (PDF)
• Nationwide Bank Travel Insurance Policy Booklet (PDF)
• Summary of limits and excesses (PDF)
• Insurance Privacy Notice Overview (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions

You will be covered for your unused travel and accommodation costs if you have to cancel your trip provided it is for one of the reasons shown in your policy booklet.

No. Insured persons under 16 years of age will only be covered when they are travelling with an adult named on your policy schedule.

For single trip policies the maximum trip length is 120 days. If you have an annual policy the standard trip length is 31 days but it is possible to extend this before you travel to either 45, 60 or 90 days. You must not spend longer than 183 days outside the US in any consecutive 12 month period.

If you miss your flight, ship or train at your point of international departure due to a failure of public transport or because the vehicle you are travelling in breaks down you will be covered. You will not be covered for any connecting or onward travel. If you think you are at risk of missing your transport you should call the Travel Assistant helpline on +447402678864 / +447402678864 .

Yes, holidays in the UK, including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, are covered provided they include 2 or more consecutive nights' stay in pre-booked holiday accommodation.

Additional FAQs about our travel insurance policies

Connect with us

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Newsletters
• Trip Planning
• Safety & Insurance

Nationwide Travel Insurance: The Complete Guide

Digital Vision / Getty Images

About Nationwide Travel Insurance

Already one of the biggest names in insurance, Nationwide Travel Insurance is one part of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. As a whole, the Columbus, Ohio-based insurance giant started in 1925 , when the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation incorporated the Farm Bureau Mutual Automobile Insurance Company. The insurer officially changed its name to Nationwide in 1955, after expanding service to 32 states and the District of Columbia. Today, Nationwide offers more than just insurance – their divisions include a bank, a financial services company, a farmland insurance company and even a pet insurance brand.

Compared to other companies, Nationwide is a relatively new travel insurance provider. The company began offering their travel insurance products on InsureMyTrip.com in 2015, and expanded to Squaremouth.com in 2018. Currently, the insurance company focuses on three types of products: cruise travel insurance , single trip travel insurance, and annual travel insurance .

How is Nationwide Travel Insurance rated?

As one of America’s oldest insurance companies, Nationwide has a solid reputation for their financial stability and commitment to policy holders. All travel insurance policies are underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, which has an A+ Superior rating from A.M. Best in the financial size category of $2 billion or greater. The company also holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau , with a composite customer review score of one star (out of five).

In the travel insurance marketplaces, InsureMyTrip.com gives Nationwide an average score of 4.5 stars (out of five) for their cruise travel insurance and single trip travel insurance products. At Squaremouth.com , Nationwide has earned a rating of 4.04 out of five stars, and has sold over 5,783 policies since January 2018.

What travel insurance products are available from Nationwide?

Nationwide Travel Insurance primarily focuses on three travel insurance products: cruise trip insurance , single trip insurance , and annual trip insurance . The company also offers two student education plans, which are available through InsureMyTrip.com : Academic Explorer All Inclusive Domestic and Academic Explorer All Inclusive International.

Please note: all schedules of benefits are subject to change. For the most up-to-date coverage information, contact Nationwide Travel Insurance.

Nationwide Cruise Travel Insurance

Universal Cruise Plan: Nationwide is among the few travel insurance companies to provide an independent cruise-only travel insurance plan. At the lowest end, the Universal Cruise Plan covers many of the basic situations that can go wrong while embarked at sea.

• Like traditional travel insurance plans, the Universal Cruise Plan covers a maximum trip cancellation benefit of 100 percent of non-refundable trip costs and a trip interruption maximum benefit of 125 percent of non-refundable trip costs. Covered reasons for trip cancellation or trip interruption include weather, extension of a school operating session, work-related issues, or an act of terrorism in the itinerary city. 
• This plan differs from a traditional travel insurance plan by offering an Interruption for Any Reason benefit, which reimburses transportation change costs up to $250. Missed connections that cause a delay of over three hours or trip delays of over six hours are also covered, with a maximum benefit of $500 for each type of incident.
• Should you get ill or injured on the ship, this plan offers up to $75,000 of both emergency accident and sickness medical expense coverage. It is important to note that this is secondary coverage, not primary coverage. This means that all other insurance, including policies from a credit card  must be depleted  before the Nationwide insurance plan will cover claims. The plan also offers up to $750 of emergency dental expense coverage and up to $250,000 of emergency medical evacuation coverage.
• If your bags are delayed or lost , Nationwide’s Universal Cruise Plan can help. If your bags are delayed by more than eight hours, the baggage delay benefit will cover up to $250 in qualifying expenses. If your luggage is outright lost or stolen, the insurance plan offers a maximum of $1,500 in payouts, including a maximum of $600 for special items and a $300 per article limit.
• Finally, unplanned itinerary changes are also covered under this plan. If a port of call is changed prior to departure, this plan offers a maximum of $500 in coverage. If a covered issue impacts your cruise experience, like a fire or mechanical issue, you could qualify for up to $100 in coverage. These two specific benefits are not available to residents of Florida, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia, or Washington state.
• As a third-party travel insurance plan covering a cruise, Nationwide’s Universal Cruise Plan is a frugal purchase with lots of benefits. For a 34-year-old male traveling on a $1,500 four-day cruise from North Carolina sailing to the Bahamas, we were quoted a price of $51.45, but your insurance quote and benefits may vary based on age, location, trip price, trip length, cruise line and destination.
• See the sample certificate of coverage

Choice Cruise Plan: While the Choice Cruise Plan introduces new benefits, including the pre-existing condition waiver, non-medical evacuation and accidental death and dismemberment coverage, the primary advantage over the basic Universal Cruise Plan is the higher maximum benefits.

• For those concerned about a pre-existing condition , this plan offers a waiver if it is purchased prior to the final trip payment and all eligibility requirements are met. The additional accidental death and dismemberment benefit offers up to $25,000 of coverage in the event of an emergency causing the loss of life or limb. If a non-medical evacuation from the ship is required, this plan offers a maximum of $25,000 of coverage.
• Like the Universal Cruise Plan, the Choice Cruise Plan offers a maximum of 100 percent trip cancellation coverage of non-refundable trip costs. The plan also offers a 150 percent maximum of non-refundable trip costs for trip interruption, an increase of 25 percent. The plan may pay up to $500 towards transportation change cost reimbursement under the interruption for any reason benefit, if eligibility requirements are met.
• If you miss a connection which causes a delay of more than three hours, the plan offers up to $1,500 in coverage for lost events or costs incurred. If your trip is delayed by over six hours, the trip delay benefits can reimburse up to $750 of incidental costs.
• Emergency accident and sickness medical expense benefits are increased to a maximum of $100,000 of secondary coverage, meaning other insurance plans must be exhausted before this plan will pay for coverage. Emergency medical evacuation coverage is increased to a maximum of $500,000, and emergency dental expense is a maximum of $750.
• For those concerned about their luggage getting lost or stolen, this plan offers increased maximums from the Universal Cruise Plan. If baggage is delayed by eight hours or more, this plan offers a maximum baggage delay reimbursement of $500 towards incidental costs. Baggage that is lost or stolen is covered to a maximum of $2,500, with a special item maximum of $600 and a limit of $300 per article. The plan also offers itinerary change coverage: a maximum of $750 for ports of call change prior to departure, $200 maximum for fire, mechanical, or other covered issue affecting your cruise experience after departure and $500 maximum for an itinerary change after departure that causes you to miss a pre-paid shore excursion . Again, changes to the ports of call and cruise experience impact coverage are not available to residents of Florida, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia, or Washington state.
• The Choice Cruise Plan is also the first to offer the Cancel for Any Reason benefit , which allows travelers to recover up to 70 percent of non-refundable trip costs if you decide not to take your cruise after all. The Cancel For Any Reason option is an additional purchase, priced based on your quoted rate.
• Compared to the Universal Cruise Plan, the Choice Cruise plan is equally as economic as the lower plan but with more benefits. When we quoted the same trip above for the Choice Cruise Plan, we saw only an 8 percent price increase for more maximum allowances. At the price point, it could make more sense to purchase the Choice Cruise Plan to ensure you get a higher level of coverage for almost the same price.

Luxury Cruise Plan: If you are planning an expensive, once-in-a-lifetime cruise, then you may definitely want to consider the Luxury Cruise Plan.

• Offering the highest level of coverage, the Luxury Cruise Plan increases all of the maximum coverage levels, helping you retain the most peace of mind on your trip.
• Like the Choice Cruise Plan, the Luxury Cruise Plan offers a maximum 100 percent trip cancellation benefit for non-refundable trip costs, as well as a maximum 150 percent trip interruption benefit for non-refundable trip costs. The interruption for any reason benefit is increased to $1,000 to cover transportation costs if eligibility requirements are met.
• If your trip is delayed by three hours or more from a missed connection, this insurance plan can cover up to $2,500 of costs. If your trip is otherwise delayed, the Luxury Cruise Plan can reimburse up to $1,000 in costs if you are delayed for more than six hours.
• Emergency accident and emergency sickness medical expenses are still secondary coverage, but provide a large safety net for cruise travelers. Should you fall ill or have an accident, this plan offers a maximum coverage limit of $150,000. If emergency medical evacuation is required, this plan can cover up to $1 million in costs. The emergency dental expense is also increased to a maximum of $750, but accidental death and dismemberment coverage still maxes out at $25,000.
• As with the Choice Cruise Plan, this travel insurance plan offers a $25,000 non-medical evacuation benefit, along with coverage for lost and stolen luggage or delayed baggage. The plan also includes a pre-existing condition waiver if your plan is purchased prior to final trip payment and all eligibility requirements are met.
• Using the same itinerary for the Universal Cruise Plan, this high-end plan is priced significantly higher than both lower plans. Compared to the Universal Cruise Plan, prepare to pay nearly 50 percent more for the best benefits offered on a cruise ship by Nationwide.

Nationwide Single-Trip Insurance

Essential Plan : Travelers who are not going to be on a cruise ship but still want a high level of protection may want to consider purchasing a Nationwide Single-Trip insurance plan instead. The Single-Trip Essential plan balances benefits with additional buy-ups in order to build the best protection for your trip.

• At the base level, this plans offers a maximum $10,000 benefit for trip cancellation, which will cover pre-paid, non-refundable trip costs if you are forced to cancel for a qualified reason. If your trip is interrupted early, this plan offers a reimbursement benefit of up to 125 percent of insured trip costs, with a maximum of $12,500. Should your trip be delayed for a covered reason by at least six hours, this plan offers a $150 per day trip delay benefit, with a maximum benefit of $600. Luggage delay benefits offer up to $100 of coverage for incidental costs if your luggage gets lost for more than 12 hours.
• If your bags are lost or stolen during your trip, the Single-Trip Essential Plan offers up to $600 of travel insurance benefits. Individual articles are limited to $250 maximum, while valuable items are capped at a combined total of $500.
• As a basic plan, Nationwide’s Single-Trip Essential Plan also offers coverage for emergency accidents and illness while abroad. The accident and sickness medical expense benefit offers up to $75,000 of secondary coverage, meaning all other collectible insurance must be paid up to its limits before this plan will pay benefits. Emergency dental coverage is capped to $500 and is included in the medical expense coverage, while emergency medical evacuation or repatriation of remains benefits are limited up to $250,000.
• Nationwide’s plan is unique in that it extends trip cancellation or trip interruption coverage due to an act of terrorism in an itinerary city. Should you decide to cancel your trip due to an act of terrorism, you may be able to receive benefit payments. If you buy your plan within 10 days of your initial trip deposit, you will also be covered for trip cancellation and interruption due to common carrier financial default and receive the pre-existing condition waiver benefit. Additional coverages you can purchase in this plan includes accidental death and dismemberment, accidental death during a flight, and rental car collision or loss coverage.
• When we requested a quote for a 34-year-old traveler going to Germany on a $1,500 trip, Nationwide priced our plan at $45.27, which is a competitive price for travel insurance. Your price will vary based on your age, destination, trip price, travel dates and any additional options you may choose.

Prime Plan : As the premier plan offered by Nationwide for a single trip, the Single-Trip Prime Plan offers the highest coverage levels and the most add-on options.

• Prime is the only single trip travel insurance plan to feature a Cancel for Any Reason benefit, along with add-ons for accidental death and dismemberment, flight-only accidental death and dismemberment and rental car collision/loss coverage.
• The trip cancellation benefit is increased to $30,000 and is limited to prepaid, non-refundable trip costs. If you decide to purchase additional Cancel for Any Reason coverage within 21 days of your initial trip payment, you can recover up to 75 percent of your non-refundable trip costs. Cancel for Any Reason benefits are not available to those in New Hampshire, New York, or Washington state.
• The trip interruption benefit is also increased to up to 200 percent of your non-refundable tour costs, with a maximum of $60,000. If your trip is delayed by at least six hours, you could also qualify for trip delay benefits of up to $250 per day. Trip delay is limited to a maximum benefit of $1,500. This plan also offers a missed connection or itinerary change benefit of up to $500.
• If your bags are delayed or lost, the Prime Plan may cover you. The baggage delay benefit can reimburse up to $600 of incidental expenses if you are delayed by 12 hours or more. If your bags are lost or stolen, the baggage and personal effects benefits offers maximum coverage of $2,000, including a $250 per article limit and $500 maximum for valuable items.
• As with the Essential Plan, the Nationwide Single-Trip Prime Plan offers emergency accidental and sickness medical expense coverage. In an emergency, this plan offers a maximum secondary benefit of $150,000 if all expenses are covered during your trip. Included in the medical expense coverage is a maximum emergency dental benefit of $750. If you need emergency medical evacuation or your remains must be repatriated, the maximum benefit is $1 million.
• By purchasing your plan within 21 days of your initial trip payment, you also qualify for two additional benefits: trip cancellation and trip delay due to financial default and the pre-existing condition waiver benefit. These two benefits can only be accessed through early purchase. If you might add additional costs to your trip later, still purchase your insurance early because you can always add more coverage later.
• Because this travel insurance plan offers a lot more coverage, it also comes with a higher price tag. When we priced out our trip, the cost was almost double that of the Essential Plan. 

What is excluded from Nationwide Travel Insurance?

All travel insurance plans have key exclusions. Before you file a claim, it’s important to know what situations are excluded from Nationwide plans. Exclusions on these plans include:

• War, Invasion, acts of foreign enemies, or civil war: If a war breaks out while in your destination country , don’t count on Nationwide Travel Insurance to pay out benefits. Any acts of war are specifically excluded from your travel insurance plan.
• Participation in underwater activities: Although deep sea diving and spelunking may sound tempting, injuries or death resulting from underwater activities are not covered under this plan. But recreational swimming is covered, so don’t be afraid to get in the water.
• Piloting an aircraft: Regardless of your status or experience as a pilot, operating an aircraft is not covered by Nationwide Travel Insurance plans. This includes actual piloting, learning to pilot, or acting as an aircraft crew member.
• Participation in hazardous activities or bodily contact sports: Much like other travel insurance plans , participating in activities such as rock climbing, hang gliding, rugby, or rodeo are not covered by Nationwide Travel Insurance. Nationwide Travel Insurance does not offer a hazardous activity add-on benefit, so you shouldn’t participate in hazardous activities while covered by these plans.
• Accidental injury or sickness when traveling against a doctor’s advice: If a doctor says you shouldn’t travel, it may be in your best interests to follow their advice. Should you get injured or ill, Nationwide Travel Insurance will not cover your treatment costs as a result.
• Confinement or treatment in a government hospital: Voluntary or not, receiving care in a government hospital is not covered under your travel insurance plan. But in some situations, the United States Government could seek claim payment for treatment.
• Pregnancy and childbirth: As with most travel insurance plans, pregnancy and childbirth is not covered. However, should you experience complications from either, those may be covered by your trip insurance.
• Services not shown as covered: Simply put: if it’s not on your travel insurance certificate of coverage, it isn’t covered.

Please note that this is not a comprehensive list of all exclusions. Before filing a claim, be sure to refer to your certificate of coverage to see all exclusions.

How do I file a claim with Nationwide Travel Insurance?

Nationwide Travel Insurance does not allow you to file a claim online, nor do they allow you to access the required claim forms online. Instead, if you need to file a claim, you must first contact Co-ordinated Benefit Plans, LLC, who processes the claims on behalf of Nationwide. The number you will call will depend on which plan you purchased and can be found on the Nationwide website .

When you call, a customer service agent will help determine if your situation may be covered under your plan and will forward claim forms you will need to return. When completing your claim, be sure to submit supporting documentation, including receipts, doctor’s reports, or time-stamped lost luggage claims with your common carrier. A claims adjuster will then determine if your situation qualifies for payment under the policy.

Some situations, like doctor or facility referrals, may be handled through Nationwide’s 24/7 travel assistance partner, On Call international. Contact phone numbers, both toll-free and collect, are available on Nationwide’s website. 

Who are Nationwide Travel Insurance products best for?

Hands down, Nationwide offers the best travel insurance products for those embarking on a cruise. Because of their specialized attention to the needs of cruise travelers, their three cruise insurance plans provide an increased level of care that many others can’t provide. If you are planning a cruise and are concerned about the worst that could happen, you should definitely consider Nationwide’s cruise insurance plans ahead of plans offered by the cruise lines.

The single trip plans are comparable to many other plans, but the costs do not necessarily equate to the level of coverage you are receiving. In addition, the medical coverage offered by the plans are secondary, which could be okay if you don’t have any other medical insurance available. Before you decide to purchase a single-trip plan, be sure to weigh all your options: filing an emergency medical claim may require you to exhaust any options available through credit cards or other sources first. 

Related Articles

More related articles.

Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market.  See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our  credit card rating methodology .

Nationwide Travel Insurance Review — Is It Worth It?

News Managing Editor

254 Published Articles 234 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 197 U.S. States Visited: 50

Jessica Merritt

Senior Editor & Content Contributor

111 Published Articles 562 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 4 U.S. States Visited: 23

Stella Shon

Senior Features Editor

129 Published Articles 815 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 25 U.S. States Visited: 22

Table of Contents

Why purchase travel insurance, travel insurance and the covid-19 virus, types of policies available with nationwide, how to obtain a quote, how nationwide compares — summary, how to file a claim with nationwide travel insurance, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

If you’re looking at travel insurance policies, you may feel overwhelmed by the seemingly endless number of options. Some of the names of insurance providers will sound familiar; others you’ve likely never heard of. If you’re wondering about the first step for narrowing down your options, choosing a well-known name like Nationwide could be a good start.

Nationwide began in Ohio as Farm Bureau Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, selling its first policy (automobile insurance) in 1926. Thus, the company has nearly a century of insurance experience. It’s a household name at this point, meaning you can trust that it knows how to process claims should you need to submit one and isn’t likely to give you the headaches of a company that just started and needs to work out a few kinks. Nationwide and its subsidiaries have “Superior” financial ratings from A.M. Best. ¹

Now that we’ve established Nationwide as a quality travel insurance provider, let’s see if what it provides works for your trip and your budget.

Travel insurance , as with other types of insurance, protects your investment (read: money) from loss because of unforeseen circumstances. The more money that’s at risk, the more it makes sense to protect it with an insurance policy.

Travel insurance can protect more than your money, though. It can provide medical coverage in case of an accident or illness while you’re away from home.

The following are some of the reasons you may want to buy travel insurance:

• Your existing healthcare coverage won’t cover you at your destination or for some of the activities you’ll be doing.
• Your trip involves costly, nonrefundable deposits or prepayments that you would lose if the trip were canceled at the last minute .
• Health care at your intended destination may not be sufficient, and you might need evacuation (which is costly) if you become ill or injured.
• Your trip involves multiple destinations or forms of transportation, creating additional chances for a missed connection or delay.

Travel insurance isn’t always necessary. However, getting a travel insurance policy is smart if you’ve invested significant money or are worried about medical coverage during your trip.

As nearly all destinations worldwide have been affected by COVID-19, Nationwide says canceling a trip for “ general concerns related to potential COVID-19 exposure is not generally covered under our travel protection plans.”

However, specific plan terms and reasons for trip cancellation/delay will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis for every claim. That’s because certain elements of your travel insurance plan “may provide coverage if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, are under quarantine or are traveling to a destination that is currently under a CDC travel restriction.”

Rather than canceling a trip, postponing it due to COVID-19 is another option. Your plan may be extended to cover your new trip dates if your travel is no more than 18 months from the original dates and if you pay the difference in fare (if any) for the adjusted plan.

Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage , added at the time you purchased your plan, may provide certain benefits if you cancel a trip due to COVID-19 concerns. However, this may not result in a 100% refund for all losses you incur. Nationwide says CFAR means “you may be covered for a percentage of the loss in the form of a credit or refund based on the terms of your specific plan.”

A few other situations are worth considering as well:

• If you test positive or are sick because of COVID-19, proof of this and a doctor’s note stating you’re medically unable to travel (or proof of quarantine requirements) should be sufficient for trip cancellation coverage.
• If your plan includes medical expense coverage, this benefit should apply if you become sick with COVID-19 during a trip.
• If you are forced to quarantine, your plan should remain in effect until the quarantine ends. And trip cancellation, interruption, or medical expense benefits should apply.

Nationwide offers 3 main tips of travel insurance plans: single-trip, cruise, and multi-trip.

Single-Trip Plans

There are 2 types of single-trip plans : Essential and Prime . The Prime Plan has higher coverage limits in nearly every category. Note which coverage types are secondary in the following comparison.

Cruise Plans

There are 3 types of plans available for cruisers : Universal , Choice , and Luxury . In addition to typical travel insurance inclusions, these plans have coverage for altered itineraries and even missed shore excursions due to altered itineraries.

Annual/Multi-Trip Insurance Policies

There are 3 types of annual insurance policies available: Pro, Plus, and Pro Deluxe. Interestingly, only the Plus plan includes an option for trip cancellation . The other 2 plans don’t offer this.

These plans include a $7 nonrefundable processing fee and aren’t available to residents of AK, CA, MT, or SC, or those 81+ years old. Plans must start in or include a stop in the U.S. and must be 30 days or less in duration.

To get a quote, head to the Nationwide travel insurance page and click on Get started .

The next page will ask you what type of plan you need.

Once you choose a plan type, you’ll provide information about the traveler(s) age(s), state of residence, and total trip cost . You’ll also include a date for the initial deposit and intended final payment date for your trip. For cruise and single-trip plans, you’ll also include a destination and dates of travel. Cruise trips also ask what line you’re sailing with.

The next page will show available plan options and let you compare them for coverage maximums and inclusions.

If you click on the text for a coverage amount in the chart, a pop-up window shows details. Here’s the description for the optional add-on for Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage.

Once you choose a plan, click on Buy this plan at the top, near the cost. On the next page, you’ll need to agree to certain disclosures and provide the names, birth dates, and contact information for the insured travelers.

If the detailed traveler information you provide doesn’t match what you originally included when obtaining the quote, the price may change. If that happens, you’ll see a message stating so at the top of the final payment page.

On this final page, you’ll provide your billing address and credit card number to complete the payment.

Nationwide vs. Credit Card Travel Insurance

It’s possible that you have a  credit card with travel insurance . This type of coverage may be sufficient for small, simple, or inexpensive trips, but it doesn’t offer everything that a comprehensive travel insurance policy covers when it comes to more complex itineraries.

For comparison, we’ll put Nationwide’s best policy side-by-side with 2 premium credit cards with robust insurance coverage:  The Platinum Card ®  from American Express  and the  Chase Sapphire Reserve ® . Before we get started, note that enrollment may be required for some of the Amex benefits described below and, unlike typical credit cards, the Amex Platinum card allows you to carry a balance for certain charges, but not all.

And while you’ll pay to get a separate travel insurance policy, there’s no fee for the insurance perks built into these credit cards. They come as part of the cards’ annual fees.

At first glance, it looks like these credit cards provide robust coverage. However, some of these coverage items are secondary, meaning you’d need to deal with other insurance providers first, such as your homeowner’s insurance or personal vehicle insurance, and then deal with your credit card’s insurance provider for any expenses not yet reimbursed or to cover the deductible on other policies. Having your car insurance rates go up because of a claim related to your vacation could be frustrating. Travel insurance policies, as primary coverage, mean you would deal with the travel insurance provider first.

Nationwide’s Prime Plan provides more robust travel insurance coverage in several key areas : trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical, and emergency evacuation.

Nationwide vs. Other Travel Insurance Companies

To compare Nationwide to other travel insurance companies, we obtained a quote for a couple, ages 38 and 36, traveling to Mexico for a 1-week trip that costs $2,000 (with the original payment made today). Note that the costs you see for a policy can vary, based on factors like age, trip cost, number of people covered, and where you reside.

We started our search with Squaremouth , a travel insurance comparison website analyzing numerous policies to help you find the right one. We listed a departure date 3 months in advance, an original deposit date the same day, and the state of residence as Arizona.

All 3 plans include COVID-19 coverage and 100% trip cancellation coverage. Nationwide’s travel insurance Prime Plan had the middle cost of the 3 options, yet it includes the best trip interruption level (200%, rather than 150% or 125% for the others). Nationwide also has the best coverage for financial default: 10 days wait, rather than 14 with Seven Corners Trip Protection Choice and no coverage with Generali Global Assistance Travel Insurance Standard.

Lastly, Nationwide has better coverage than Seven Corners for hurricane and weather, but the best coverage includes delays of “any time” with Generali — which also has the cheapest plan.

You can file a Nationwide claim online . Under File a personal insurance claim , find the button for File a claim .

The next page outlines the process for filing a claim, including the basic information you’ll provide, uploading documents, and then reviewing before submission.

Nationwide is a household name in insurance, and it offers multiple types of travel insurance to cater to different needs. While it doesn’t offer extreme sports-focused plans or numerous additional add-ons to customize everything you want, plans cover most of what you’re looking for when choosing a single-trip, multi-trip, or cruise-focused plan.

Within each plan type, you can choose different levels to save money with common coverage amounts or pay more to increase the maximum payout limits. This can be handy if you’re traveling to remote areas, have an increased risk of injury or illness during your trip, or have expensive items in your luggage.

Travel insurance options can feel countless. Ensure you check multiple plan types and coverage levels — as well as competing insurance companies — to find the plan that fits your needs and your budget.

For the baggage insurance plan benefit of the Amex Platinum card, baggage insurance plan coverage can be in effect for covered persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen baggage during their travel on a common carrier vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an eligible card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the common carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per covered trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each covered person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all covered persons per covered trip. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit  americanexpress.com/benefitsguide  for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the car rental loss and damage insurance benefit of the Amex Platinum card, car rental loss and damage insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the commercial car rental company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

For the premium global assist hotline benefit of the Amex Platinum card, eligibility and benefit level varies by Card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. If approved and coordinated by premium global assist hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, card members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

For the trip delay insurance benefit of the Amex Platinum card, up to $500 per covered trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per eligible card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

For the trip cancellation and interruption insurance benefit of the Amex Platinum card, the maximum benefit amount for trip cancellation and interruption insurance is $10,000 per covered trip and $20,000 per eligible card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here .

UP's Bonus Valuation

This bonus value is an estimated valuation  calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.

JavaScript is required to use this site.

U.S. News takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

Nationwide Insurance

Learn about travel insurance plans offered through Nationwide and how they compare.

Offers single-trip coverage, annual plans and coverage for cruises

Robust limits for emergency medical expenses and medical evacuation

Can purchase preexisting medical conditions waiver with some plans

10-day review period available

Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage available with some plans

Coverage may be more expensive than competitors

Baggage delay coverage for individual trips requires 12-plus hour delay

What Nationwide Travel Insurance Is Known For

Nationwide Insurance is unique among other top travel insurance providers since the company offers so many other types of insurance. For example, consumers can turn to Nationwide for homeowners insurance, auto coverage and renters insurance in addition to travel insurance protection.

The company's travel insurance offerings stand out for their generous limits for emergency medical expenses, which start at $75,000 for the single-trip Essential Plan. The higher-tier Prime Plan for single trips comes with $150,000 in medical expense coverage that kicks in after your own health insurance limits are exhausted (when it applies). This compares favorably to many other providers that offer coverage for single trips, which often have limits as low as $10,000 for emergency medical expenses.

Nationwide also has annual travel insurance plans , which is a benefit not all travel insurance companies offer. Annual trip insurance plans can provide protection for all trips taken over the span of 365 days, and they include coverage for trip delays, emergency medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, lost or delayed baggage, and more.

These basic offerings are in addition to Nationwide's cruise-specific travel insurance plans, which offer coverages that are specific to this type of vacation. For example, cruise insurance from Nationwide includes coverage for trip cancellations and interruptions, travel delays, missed connections, itinerary changes, emergency medical expenses and evacuation, baggage and personal effects, and more.

Nationwide Travel Insurance for Individual Trips

Nationwide offers two travel insurance plans to choose from that cover individual trips: the Essential Plan and the Prime Plan. Essential coverage is more basic with lower limits on coverage and no option to add cancel for any reason (CFAR) protection . The Prime Plan offers more included benefits and upgrade options for a higher total cost.

Here's a rundown of all the included benefits you can get with Nationwide travel insurance for individual trips.

Nationwide Travel Insurance for Cruises

Cruise insurance from Nationwide offers a range of important protections that make the most sense for cruise vacations, including specialty coverage for missed connections and itinerary changes. The company offers three tiers of protection that let you choose how much insurance coverage you want to pay for, as shown in the chart below.

Nationwide Travel Insurance for Multiple Trips

Annual travel insurance plans from Nationwide come in three different tiers: Travel Pro, Travel Plus and Travel Pro Deluxe. Note that annual plans from Nationwide are offered without any coverage for trip cancellations and interruptions. Otherwise, available plans let you tailor how much coverage you want for all individual trips you have planned within a single year.

Nationwide Travel Insurance Costs

Travel insurance premiums from Nationwide vary based on the plan chosen, how many travelers are in the plan, the age of travelers, total trip cost and more. To give you an idea of coverage, we received quotes for individual trips in several countries with varying costs.

Nationwide is an accredited business with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), where the company features an A+ rating. However, Nationwide has received an average star rating of 1.16 stars out of 5 across more than 300 user reviews with the BBB so far, and the company has resolved 221 individual customer complaints on the platform in the last three years.

The company has an average star rating of just 1.5 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, but a 4.6-star rating on InsureMyTrip. Here's an overview of some positive and negative user reviews that show the experiences of past customers.

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Essential

Being older, we prefer to be cautious and have been purchasing trip insurance for our major trips. It gave us peace of mind being able to purchase insurance based on our airfare and lodging expenses. Nationwide provided a good value and reassurance. – Paul T. via InsureMyTrip

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Choice Cruise

I did not need to file a claim for this trip, but I have filed 4 claims with Nationwide travel insurance over the last several years, and all 4 were handled promptly and courteously. We will continue to use Nationwide for our cruise travel insurance. – Anna M. via InsureMyTrip

The initial cost of the plan was okay when I first purchased the insurance, but when I tried to add more coverage for additional expenses prior to the trip (e.g., paid for a rented an apartment in Paris), the price was outrageously high. I didn't get all the coverage that I wanted because it became too expensive. – Jeffrey H. via InsureMyTrip

Terrible claim service

Terrible claim service. I filed a small claim for our cancelled Israel trip. All I get is endless requests for more documents. I've sent them everything you can imagine and just get back the same message, "Please send the official cancellation letter". I've sent all communications including one where the travel company offered a different trip. Nationwide is garbage coverage. Don't waste your money.

Update: Nationwide Consumer Relations got involved and approved my claim. I’m waiting on the check. – Rob via Trustpilot

Asking us to return claim $

Trip planned for Caribbean. 3 days before our trip our island was in the path of a Cat 5 hurricane. Hotel said under a hurricane watch we would be asked to leave property. Search of flight, none would have been available to escape. We would have been stranded with nowhere to go. We elected to not get caught in a Cat 5. Hurricane turned a little so the hotel didn't close down. Nationwide paid our claim. A gutless Nationwide auditor did a claims review 3 months later and they want the full amount returned. Three employees of Nationwide said we had a valid claim. Not the auditor. Buyer beware! Taking them to court. – Brian W. via Trustpilot

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a travel writer who covers topics like travel insurance, family travel, all-inclusive resorts and cruises. She has researched travel insurance options for her own vacations and family trips to more than 50 countries around the world and has experience navigating the claims and reimbursement process. Johnson works alongside her husband, Greg, who sells travel insurance through their travel agency, Travel Blue Book .

Read more about Nationwide Travel Insurance in:

• The Best Travel Insurance Companies
• The Best Vacation Rental Travel Insurance

MarketWatch Guides is a reviews and recommendations team, independent of the MarketWatch newsroom. We might earn a commission from links in this content.  Learn More

MarketWatch Guides may receive compensation from companies that appear on this page.
The compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear, but it does not influence the recommendations the editorial team provides. Not all companies, products, or offers were reviewed.

Nationwide Travel Insurance Review (2024)

with our comparison partner, Squaremouth

Alex Carver is a writer and researcher based in Charlotte, N.C. A contributor to major news websites such as Automoblog and USA Today, she’s written content in sectors such as insurance, warranties, shipping, real estate and more.

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.

Here’s a breakdown of how we reviewed and rated the best travel insurance companies

No matter your destination, travel insurance can offer peace of mind in the event of unforeseen circumstances while traveling. Learn about coverage options, costs, and if travel insurance is worth it in this Nationwide travel insurance review.

We at the MarketWatch Guides Team have reviewed the best travel insurance providers to help you choose the best policy for your trip. While Nationwide offers insurance for a variety of trips, it is our pick for cruise travel specifically. Read on to compare Nationwide’s many travel insurance plans and coverages.

• Average Cost: $206
• BBB Rating: A+
• AM Best Score: A+
• Medical Expense Max: $150,000
• Emergency Evacuation Max: $1,000,000

Nationwide Travel Insurance Overview

Nationwide offers comprehensive travel insurance coverage across a range of plans. The company’s insurance products include plans to cover standard and luxury cruises. Plus, Nationwide also has single-trip plans for one-time travelers and annual coverage for frequent and business travelers.

You can upgrade your Nationwide coverage with add-ons, such as cancel for any reason coverage (CFAR). Plus, Nationwide offers travel assistance at no additional cost with all its plans. Overall, the company earned 4.6 out of 5 stars based on our review standards.

According to our travel insurance survey of 1,000 people, 139 chose Nationwide for their coverage. Of those participants, 43 (31%) ended up filing a claim. All 43 claim filers received a reimbursement, with none having their claim denied , and all 43 were satisfied with their payout.

Pros and Cons

Has specialized plans for cruise travel

Annual plans provide affordable coverage for frequent travelers

Baggage delay reimbursement only available after 12 or more hours

Cannot add CFAR coverage to basic plan

Nationwide Travel Insurance Review: Our Ratings

Get a look at how Nationwide scored in our 2024 travel insurance study in the table below. You can also see the averages from all insurers in our study to help you compare.

Compare Nationwide to the Competition

The table below compares average cost, coverage, and more of Nationwide to other  to p travel insurance companies.

What Does Nationwide Travel Insurance Cover?

Nationwide offers basic travel insurance plans with the single-trip Essential Plan, which allows policyholders to benefit from affordable yet comprehensive coverage. The Essential Plan includes the following coverage limits:

• $10,000 of trip cancellation costs
• $12,500 of trip interruption costs
• $75,000 for emergency medical expenses (with $500 for emergency dental)
• $250,00 for emergency medical transportation
• $600 for baggage damage or loss
• $100 for baggage delay
• $600 for travel delays

Nationwide travel insurance also offers basic plans for cruise travel and annual trips, including:

• Universal Cruise Plan: This plan is designed to suit travelers taking short cruise vacations. It includes coverage for itinerary changes, including missed prepaid excursions after your cruise ship departs.
• Travel Pro Plan : A yearly plan that provides coverage for post-departure events such as trip delays , medical emergencies and lost luggage.

Optional Riders

Add-ons, otherwise known as riders, are optional benefits you can add to your policy to increase your coverage. Nationwide offers optional trip protection depending on the plan you choose. Available add-ons include:

• Rental car collision or loss : Extends insurance to cover damage or loss of a rental vehicle.
• CFAR coverage : Allows you flexibility in choosing to cancel travel plans by reimbursing a percentage of nonrefundable trip costs
• Accidental death and dismemberment: Similar to life insurance, this add-on provides benefits if you die or experience a qualifying accident while on a flight

Some comprehensive plans also offer the option to increase benefit levels for travel delays, lost or delayed luggage, medical emergencies and medical evacuation.

Policies Offered

The chart below compares travel insurance policies offered by Nationwide based on coverage limits and plan details.

How Much Does Nationwide Travel Insurance Cost?

Travel insurance costs depend on several factors, including your age, destination, and coverage selections. Based on our research, Nationwide’s travel insurance premiums compare favorably to those of other insurance providers. We obtained sample quotes from Nationwide’s website to give you an example of travel insurance costs.

Use the chart below to compare Nationwide's average cost to competitors:

*Insurance costs may vary depending on your trip details. For the most accurate estimate, we recommend obtaining a free insurance quote. 

Read More: Travel Health Insurance For Visitors To USA

Does Nationwide Offer 24/7 Travel Assistance?

Yes, Nationwide offers 24/7 emergency travel assistance with all insurance plans. Support teams can help you with the following:

• Insurance claim processing
• Finding medical facilities abroad
• Monitoring emergency situations
• Assisting with issues regarding passports, visas, missed connections and more

Nationwide Travel Insurance Reviews

Reading online reviews can help give you an idea of the customer experience. The company as a whole holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). However, since Nationwide offers multiple insurance products — including car and pet insurance — not all online reviews focus on travel insurance. We included customer reviews sourced from Squaremouth and Trustpilot below to give you an idea of the Nationwide customer experience. Satisfied customers report an easy claims process and supportive travel assistance. Negative comments include complaints about claims wait times and policy exclusions.

“ My grandson fell ill on our vacation and when I called [Nationwide], the person there helped me through many questions. It was very comforting to have someone give advice [during] a difficult time. After our trip, when I began my claim, [an] agent walked me through the steps, answered my questions and made it so easy to complete the process. I travel often and will be using Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company as my go-to travel insurance company.” —Susan via Squaremouth “The claims examiner was very efficient, considerate, patient and helpful in the handling of my claim. I was so happy with her assistance that I reached out to her manager to express my satisfaction with my contact with her. I would definitely use Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company in the future and recommend [it] to my friends.” —Richard via Squaremouth “I am still waiting for claim processing [and] had to call to get confirmation that I had a claim number. I filed my claim via email within days of cruise cancellation due [to] flooding in my arrival city, which closed the airport [and forced] our flight to return to [the] departure city. The lack of communication and length of time for processing from National is frustrating. I hope to find out if my claim is approved and get a refund soon.” —Joyce via Squaremouth “Due to Delta Airlines canceling our flight due to operational issues beyond our control, we found that our prepaid events were not covered by Nationwide Insurance. We thoroughly read the policy and thought all of our travel needs were covered. We never thought that operational issues were not covered. Nationwide Insurance misrepresented their policy.” —GP via Trustpilot

How To File a Claim with Nationwide

You can file a claim with Nationwide by phone, email, through the online customer portal or by using 24/7 assistance services. Once you contact Nationwide, travel insurance agents will send you the correct claim forms and requests for supporting documentation, such as receipts or medical records.

Nationwide does not include information on its website regarding claim processing times, but you can always follow up with your agent for updates.

Is Nationwide Travel Insurance Worth It?

Whether you are looking for basic travel insurance, going on a cruise, or need a multi-trip policy, Nationwide provides a range of plans to suit your needs and budget. The cruise-specific insurance plans are particularly unique in providing peace of mind if your itinerary changes or other events interrupt ship services.

98% of Nationwide travel insurance purchasers from our survey said travel insurance is worth the cost. 116 of 139 participants cited peace of mind as the reason.

Nationwide offers policies for any budget and various types of travelers. For example, the Essential and Prime plans include essential coverage for $79 to $121, and Annual Trip plans can cater to the needs of frequent and business travelers. Whichever policy is best for you, Nationwide can safeguard your nonrefundable trip payments and help cover medical emergency costs while traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nationwide Travel Insurance

What does travel insurance cover.

Most travel insurance policies provide a range of trip protections, including:

• Trip cancellation, interruption or delay
• Emergency medical coverage
• Emergency evacuation and repatriation
• Baggage loss or delay

Furthermore, add-ons or riders can provide extra protection for items such as rental cars, extended trip cancellation , business or sports equipment coverage, and more.

How do I file a claim with Nationwide travel insurance?

You can file a claim with Nationwide online, via email or by calling the Claims Department at (888) 490-7606. Customer service assistants will send you the correct forms to complete and advise you of supporting document requirements. Supporting documents depend on the type of claim you file, such as a trip delay, lost baggage, etc. You will typically need receipts and medical certificates to support claims.

Is Nationwide a reputable insurance company?

Yes, Nationwide is considered a reputable insurance company. With over 90 years of experience, Nationwide has grown from offering auto insurance and home insurance to being among the largest insurance and financial service companies worldwide. A Fortune-100 company , Nationwide provides a range of financial services and insurance products, along with mutual funds, retirement plans and specialty health services.

How much is Nationwide travel insurance?

The price of Nationwide travel insurance depends on the policy you choose and personal factors such as your age, destination and the type of insurance required. Based on sample quotes we pulled for a $2,500 trip to Mexico for eight days, it costs $79 to insure a 40-year-old traveler with the Essential Plan. More comprehensive coverage costs $121 with the Prime Plan.

Methodology: Our System for Rating Travel Insurance Companies

• 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 reimbursement amounts for baggage, travel and weather delays. Companies that offer customers reimbursement 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

If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team at editors@marketwatchguides. com .