Nationwide Travel Insurance: Quick Overview
Nationwide is a long-standing name in the American insurance landscape, but its travel insurance offerings are less mainstream than its ubiquitous auto and home products.
Overall, we rated Nationwide Travel insurance 7.9 out of 10, which means it offers an acceptable service without major concerns. However, it didn’t score high enough to secure a spot on our list of the best travel insurance companies. That doesn’t mean it might not be right for you. Read more to learn about what Nationwide Travel Insurance has to offer.
Key Strengths
- Strong financial backing with an A+ rating from AM Best, meaning your claims will actually get paid
- Excellent cruise insurance options with three dedicated cruise plans that cover specific scenarios like itinerary changes and mechanical breakdowns
- Flexible last-minute coverage available up to one day before departure, which is perfect if you’re the spontaneous type
Key Weaknesses
- Claims processing can drag on for months, with some customers reporting three-month waits and needing to escalate to state insurance departments
- Customer service isn’t available on weekends for non-emergencies, which is honestly baffling considering most travel emergencies happen when you’re actually traveling.
- Trip interruption coverage has a bizarre exclusion for intermediate flights between cities, something basically no other insurer does
Who is Nationwide Travel Insurance Best For?
Cruise travelers and budget-conscious travelers who want solid coverage without breaking the bank. Also great for procrastinators who book insurance at the last minute. Not ideal if you need primary medical coverage or if your trip involves multiple cities connected by flights.
Nationwide Travel Insurance
Nationwide Travel Insurance is a good option primarily due to its outstanding financial stability and long-standing corporate history. The company holds an A+ financial strength rating from AM Best, which is considered the gold standard and offers travelers a high degree of confidence that any approved claim will be paid. With nearly a century of experience in the insurance game, Nationwide has the stability and resources of a Fortune 100 company, having weathered numerous economic storms. This robust financial backing and deep experience provide a solid, trustworthy foundation for their travel insurance offerings.
Furthermore, Nationwide stands out with its highly specialized and flexible coverage options. It offers an excellent lineup of plans for cruise enthusiasts, including three dedicated cruise plans (Choice, Universal, and Luxury) that cover specific scenarios like itinerary changes and mechanical breakdowns—a specialization few other insurers can match. For all types of travelers, the company offers surprisingly flexible purchase timing, allowing coverage to be bought up to one day before departure. Additionally, Nationwide includes 'Interruption for Any Reason' benefits as a standard protection, a rare feature that gives policyholders more flexibility than typical trip interruption coverage.
The Prime plan, in particular, offers strong overall value with high coverage limits, making it a competitive choice for comprehensive protection. Trip cancellation coverage goes up to $30,000 per person, emergency medical coverage is up to $150,000, and emergency evacuation coverage can reach $1 million. The Prime and Luxury Cruise plans also offer the valuable Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) add-on. For frequent travelers, the annual Pro Plan is highly economical at just $59 per year, covering multiple trips with basic yet solid protection. This combination of specialized, flexible, and competitively priced plans ensures a good match for several types of travelers, particularly those on cruises or looking for high coverage limits.
- Solid financial strength with an A+ AM Best rating gives you confidence that your claims will be paid if approved.
- Excellent specialized cruise coverage with three dedicated plans for different cruise types and budgets
- Flexible purchase timing up to one day before departure, perfect for last-minute planners
- Comprehensive coverage options with good customization through add-ons
- Competitive pricing relative to the coverage provided, especially for the Prime plan
Nationwide Travel Insurance Overview
Nationwide has been in the insurance game since 1926, which means they’ve got nearly a century of experience under their belt. The company is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, and has grown into one of the largest insurance providers in the country. While most people know Nationwide for its “Nationwide is on your side” jingle and auto insurance, it’s also offered travel insurance for quite a while.
Nationwide Travel Insurance is available in all 50 states, though coverage details can vary depending on where you live. The company holds proper licensing and accreditations across states, and Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company underwrites its travel insurance plans. In Washington state specifically, coverage gets underwritten by both Nationwide Life Insurance Company and Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.
The company operates on a massive scale. As a Fortune 100 company, Nationwide serves millions of customers across a range of common insurance products like life, home, and car insurance. This size gives them serious resources and stability, but as we’ll see later, it doesn’t always translate to nimble customer service.
Nationwide Travel Insurance Financial Strength
Nationwide boasts an A+ rating from AM Best for financial strength, which is basically the gold standard in the insurance world. This rating means the company has strong financial health and the ability to pay out claims when you need them. For context, A+ is the second-highest rating AM Best gives, sitting just below A++.
The company has been around for almost 100 years, which speaks volumes about its staying power and financial management. Unlike some newer travel insurance companies that might fold under pressure, Nationwide has weathered numerous economic storms and continues to operate with strong fundamentals.
From a claims-paying perspective, you can feel reasonably confident that Nationwide will be around to honor your policy. The company’s size and diversification across multiple insurance products also mean they’re not overly dependent on travel insurance revenue, which provides additional stability. That said, having the money to pay claims and actually paying them promptly are two different things, as we’ll discuss in the claims section.
Nationwide Travel Insurance Coverage Options
Nationwide offers a solid lineup of plans for different types of travelers. For single trips, you’ve got two main options: the Essential and Prime plans. The Essential Plan is a comprehensive travel insurance package that covers various incidents that can occur before and during your trip, including trip cancellation, interruption, travel delay, and lost luggage. The Prime plan steps things up with higher coverage limits and additional benefits.
If you’re a cruise person, Nationwide actually shines here with three dedicated cruise plans: Choice Cruise, Universal Cruise, and Luxury Cruise. The Choice Cruise Plan is geared toward cruisers seeking higher coverage levels or embarking on longer cruises. At the same time, the Luxury Cruise Plan offers the highest benefits for experienced cruisers with complex itineraries.
For frequent travelers, Nationwide offers annual plans including the Pro Plan, Travel Plus Plan, and Travel Pro Deluxe Plan. The Pro Plan is available for $59 per year and covers trip delays, emergency medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, lost luggage, and travel assistance services. The plan covers your spouse and dependent children, too, which is a nice touch for families.
Here’s what’s typically covered across plans:
Trip cancellation and interruption: You’ll get reimbursed for non-refundable trip costs if you have to cancel or cut your trip short for a covered reason, such as illness, injury, or a family member’s death. The Prime plan covers up to $30,000 per person for cancellation and up to 200% of the trip cost (max $60,000) for interruption.
Medical coverage: All of Nationwide’s travel insurance policies include at least $75,000 in Emergency Medical coverage. The Prime plan bumps this up to $150,000, which is solid for international travel. However, keep in mind this is secondary coverage, meaning you’ll need to go through your primary health insurance first.
Emergency evacuation: Coverage ranges from $250,000 to $1 million, depending on your plan. This is crucial if you’re traveling to a remote area or to a place with limited medical facilities.
Baggage protection: The Essential plan covers up to $600 for lost baggage, while Prime covers up to $2,000. Baggage delay coverage is $100 on Essential and $600 on Prime if your bags are delayed more than 12 hours.
Travel delays: Essential covers $600; Prime covers $2,000. You’ll also get $500 in missed connection and itinerary change coverage on the Prime plan.
Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) is available only as an add-on to the Prime and Luxury Cruise plans. With that coverage, you will be eligible for reimbursement of up to 75% of nonrefundable trip costs. The catch is you need to add it within 21 days of your initial trip deposit.
Pre-existing condition coverage: Both plans offer waivers for pre-existing conditions if you purchase within specific time frames. For Prime, it’s 21 days from initial deposit; for Essential, it’s 10 days.
Adventure sports coverage: Available as an add-on if you’re planning activities like skiing, scuba diving, or other adventurous pursuits.
Coverage Limits & Flexibility
The range of coverage limits is flexible. Trip cancellation coverage goes from the basic Essential plan up to $30,000 on Prime for single trips. Annual plans offer trip cancellation options ranging from $1,250 to $10,000 per trip.
Customization is one of Nationwide’s stronger points. You can add various upgrades depending on your plan tier, including CFAR, adventure sports coverage, 24-hour accidental death and dismemberment coverage, rental car damage coverage, and flight-only coverage.
Now for the exclusions, and this is where things get interesting. Nationwide denied reimbursement for flight costs in trip interruption claims because they cover “pre-paid unused, non-refundable land or sea expenses to the Travel Suppliers.” They only cover land or sea expenses for intermediate travel. This is a huge gotcha that other major insurers don’t have. They’ll cover your flight home if you need to return early, but not unused flights between destinations in your itinerary.
Other standard exclusions apply: pre-existing conditions unless you get the waiver, acts of war, intentional self-injury, participating in professional athletics, and the usual suspects. Baggage has per-article limits ($250 on Essential, higher on Prime), and there’s a separate sublimit for valuable items like jewelry and electronics.
The 12-hour wait time for baggage delay reimbursement on non-cruise plans is also longer than some competitors, which can be frustrating if you’re stuck without your stuff.
Nationwide Travel Insurance Affordability
Pricing for Nationwide falls into the moderate range. Nationwide repeatedly appears on travel websites as one of the most affordable providers for comprehensive coverage. That said, the Essential plan, while cheaper than Prime, significantly reduces coverage.
For a real-world example: A 28-year-old traveling to France for three weeks on a $7,000 trip would see a noticeable price difference between Essential and Prime. Despite being only 38% cheaper than the Prime plan, coverage is significantly stripped down. When you compare baggage delay ($100 versus $600), lost baggage ($600 versus $2,000), and trip delay ($600 versus $2,000), the Essential plan starts looking less appealing.
The annual plans offer good value for frequent travelers. At $59 per year for the Pro plan, you’re covering multiple trips for less than what many people pay for a single international trip. However, the Pro plan has lower coverage limits, so you may need to purchase additional coverage for longer or more expensive trips.
Price transparency is decent. You can get quotes online relatively easily, though the final price depends on your age, trip cost, destination, and length of stay. Add-ons can quickly increase costs. CFAR coverage, in particular, is expensive and can add a significant chunk to your premium.
Compared to industry averages, Nationwide sits right in the middle. You’re not getting the cheapest option, but you’re also not paying premium prices. The value proposition depends on which plan you choose and whether you need their specific coverage strengths (such as cruise insurance).
Discounts are minimal. Unlike some insurers that offer multi-trip discounts or loyalty programs, Nationwide keeps things straightforward but doesn’t throw in many deals.
Nationwide Travel Insurance Customer Service
This is where Nationwide starts to show some cracks. Customer service hours are Monday through Wednesday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm ET; Thursday, 9:30 am to 5:00 pm ET; and Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm ET. Notice what’s missing? Weekend coverage.
When things go wrong on your trip, and you need guidance on what to do and to remain in compliance with the insurance policy so that a future claim will be accepted, waiting all weekend to speak with someone is infuriating. This is a massive oversight for a travel insurance company, considering most people travel on weekends.
They do offer a 24-hour assistance hotline for emergencies, which can help with things like finding medical care, getting emergency cash, or arranging evacuation. But for actual policy questions or claims guidance, you’re out of luck outside business hours.
Average wait times vary, but customers report that the phone support is generally accessible during business hours. Language support is primarily English, though the 24-hour assistance line may offer additional language options.
Support Channels
Nationwide offers several ways to reach them: phone support during business hours, email support, and online claim submission. Notably absent is live chat, which has become standard in 2025. Social media responsiveness isn’t a strong suit based on available information.
The claims department number is 888-490-7606. You can also submit claims by mail, fax, or email. While multiple options exist, the lack of modern conveniences like live chat or robust weekend support feels dated.
Customer Service Quality
Here’s where opinions diverge. Customers generally have positive experiences with Nationwide’s customer service, praising agents for their helpfulness and ease of reach. When you do get someone on the phone, they’re reportedly knowledgeable and friendly.
However, the claims experience tells a different story. Some note that claims can take longer than expected to process, with delays in response times once a claim is filed. Multiple customers report having to make numerous phone calls and experiencing significant delays.
One particularly telling review states: We bought travel insurance underwritten by Nationwide. We cancelled our trip for medical reasons on January 3, 2025, and filed a claim. It took 3 months, innumerable phone calls, and a complaint to the Colorado Division of Insurance to finally get paid. That’s a red flag for anyone considering Nationwide.
Nationwide Travel Insurance Online & Digital Experience
The quote process on Nationwide’s website is straightforward. You input your trip details, select your plan, customize with add-ons, and purchase. The information provided about each plan is reasonably straightforward, though you’ll want to read the fine print carefully, given some of the unusual exclusions.
The purchase flow works smoothly, and you can manage your policy online after buying. However, the overall user experience feels somewhat basic compared to more tech-forward competitors. It gets the job done but doesn’t wow you.
Mobile App
Nationwide has a general insurance app, but travel insurance functionality appears limited. There’s no dedicated travel insurance app with features like quick claims filing from your phone or easy document uploads while traveling. This is an area where Nationwide lags behind more modern competitors.
Without specific ratings in the iOS App Store or Google Play for a dedicated travel insurance app, it’s hard to evaluate the mobile experience thoroughly. The general Nationwide app gets mixed reviews, but that’s primarily focused on auto and home insurance.
Digital Tools
You can file claims online, which is a plus. You can file a Nationwide travel insurance claim online through your Nationwide account. Document upload capabilities exist, and you can access your policy documents digitally.
Travel assistance resources are available through their 24-hour hotline, which can help with tasks such as finding doctors, replacing prescriptions, or arranging emergency transportation. However, this is primarily phone-based rather than through a slick app or online portal.
The digital experience overall feels adequate but not innovative. Everything you need is there, but it’s presented in a utilitarian way that doesn’t make the process particularly easy or enjoyable.
Nationwide Travel Insurance Customer Satisfaction
Here’s what the internet is saying about Nationwide Travel Insurance:
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Nationwide has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for the corporate entity. However, Nationwide is rated 1.15/5 stars on BBB.org based on customer reviews of the overall company. It’s important to note this rating reflects all Nationwide products, not just travel insurance.
Complaints about travel insurance specifically mention claim denials and processing delays. The number of complaints relative to company size is moderate, but resolution can be slow. Common themes include frustration with claim denials, difficulty getting timely responses, and issues understanding policy exclusions.
Trustpilot
Nationwide has a Trustpilot Score of 4.2/5 for travel insurance specifically, which is solid. This suggests that when things go well, customers are satisfied with the coverage and service.
However, the Trustpilot reviews show a pattern: people who don’t need to file claims are generally happy with the price and coverage. Those who file claims have mixed experiences, with some receiving payment quickly and others facing significant delays and denials.
Reddit & Social Media Sentiment
Reddit discussions about Nationwide Travel Insurance are limited, but the sentiment that does exist tends to be cautious. The consensus seems to be that Nationwide is a legitimate company with decent coverage, but you need to read the policy carefully and be prepared for potential claims hassles.
The intermediate flight exclusion in trip interruption coverage is particularly frustrating when travelers discover it. This exclusion is so unusual compared to competitors that it catches people off guard, even those who think they’ve read their policy carefully.
Industry Awards & Recognition
Nationwide receives a 4.02 out of 5 rating on Squaremouth, which is a respected travel insurance comparison platform. Nationwide has a negative review rate of 0.2% from Squaremouth customers, which is impressively low.
The company is frequently mentioned in “best travel insurance” lists, particularly for cruise coverage and last-minute travelers. They don’t dominate awards categories, but they maintain a solid reputation for offering comprehensive coverage at competitive prices.
Nationwide Travel Insurance Claims Process
Filing a claim starts with calling the CBP Claims Department at 888-490-7606. A representative will provide a claim form and a list of required documents. Claims can then be submitted via U.S. mail, fax, or email. You can also file online through your Nationwide account.
Required documentation varies by claim type but typically includes receipts, medical records, proof of trip costs, and documentation of the incident that caused your claim. For medical claims, remember that Nationwide offers secondary medical coverage; you will first need to pay medical bills out of pocket or pass them off to your primary medical insurance company before claiming with Nationwide.
Nationwide’s team will review your claim and get back to you within 15 days. However, real-world experience suggests this is more of a starting point than a finish line. Travel insurance claims typically take a while to process and involve a lot of back-and-forth between the claims department and you. Patience and persistence are key.
The average processing time for complex claims is measured in months rather than weeks. The three-month example mentioned earlier isn’t an isolated case. Multiple reviews mention significant delays and the need to follow up repeatedly.
Customer feedback on the claims experience is decidedly mixed. When claims are straightforward and clearly covered, customers report a positive experience. When there’s any ambiguity or when Nationwide denies a claim, the process becomes frustrating. The intermediate flight exclusion has burned multiple customers who felt their claims were legitimate.
Payment methods include direct deposit or check once claims are approved. This is standard, though some newer competitors offer faster payment options.
Unique Features & Differentiators
Nationwide’s cruise insurance lineup is genuinely strong. Having three dedicated cruise plans that address scenarios such as itinerary changes, missed ports, and mechanical issues sets them apart. If you’re a cruise enthusiast, this specialization is worth considering.
The ability to purchase insurance up to one day before departure is surprisingly flexible. Most insurers require earlier purchase to access full benefits, but Nationwide accommodates procrastinators and spontaneous travelers.
Nationwide stands out by including ‘Interruption for Any Reason’ benefits as standard protection, which is rare among providers. This gives you more flexibility than typical trip interruption coverage.
The 24-hour assistance hotline provides support for various scenarios beyond emergencies, including lost passports, legal referrals, and help replacing lost prescriptions or medical devices.
However, these positives come with that massive caveat about intermediate flights in trip interruption coverage. This exclusion is so out of step with industry norms that it overshadows some of Nationwide’s unique benefits.
Pros and Cons of Nationwide Travel Insurance
Pros
- Solid financial strength with an A+ AM Best rating gives you confidence that your claims will be paid if approved.
- Excellent specialized cruise coverage with three dedicated plans for different cruise types and budgets
- Flexible purchase timing up to one day before departure, perfect for last-minute planners
- Comprehensive coverage options with good customization through add-ons
- Competitive pricing relative to the coverage provided, especially for the Prime plan
- Nearly 100 years of insurance experience and nationwide availability
Cons
- Claims processing can be extremely slow, with some taking three months and requiring escalation to state regulators
- No weekend customer service availability, which is baffling for a travel insurance company
- Bizarre trip interruption exclusion for intermediate flights between cities that no other major insurer has
- Secondary medical coverage only, requiring you to go through primary insurance first
- Limited digital experience with no robust mobile app for managing policies and claims on the go
- Essential plan coverage is significantly stripped down compared to Prime, despite only being 38% cheaper
Our Verdict & Overall Score for Nationwide Travel Insurance
Nationwide Travel Insurance occupies an interesting middle ground in the travel insurance market. They’re not the cheapest option, not the most expensive, not the best at customer service, and not the worst. What they do offer is solid financial backing, decent coverage options, and firm cruise insurance.
You should consider Nationwide if you’re planning a cruise vacation, need last-minute coverage (within a day of departure), or want comprehensive protection at a reasonable price point. The Prime plan offers good value for money with high coverage limits and the option to add CFAR coverage. Frequent travelers might find the annual plans economical, especially the $59 Pro plan for basic coverage.
However, look elsewhere if you need weekend customer service support, want primary medical coverage instead of secondary, or are planning a multi-city trip with flights between destinations. That intermediate flight exclusion is a dealbreaker for anyone with a complex itinerary. Also, skip Nationwide if you value a seamless digital experience or need confidence in fast claims processing.
The bottom line is this: Nationwide can work well for straightforward trips, especially cruises, if you’re comfortable with their limitations. Read the policy carefully before buying, understand the exclusions, and be prepared to advocate firmly for yourself if you need to file a claim. The company has the financial strength to pay valid claims, but actually getting paid may require persistence and patience that not everyone has while dealing with a travel emergency.
For cruise travelers specifically, Nationwide remains one of the stronger options in the market. For everyone else, it’s worth comparing multiple quotes and reading reviews specific to your trip type before committing.
About Our Methodology
We use a weighted scoring system for travel insurance reviews. We compared 20 companies on key factors, including their travel insurance rates, to inform our ratings. Once we scored each company, we applied a curve based on the best overall product. Here’s what we look for:
- Financial Strength & Solvency: 20%
- Affordability & Value: 15%
- Customer Service: 20%
- Online & Digital Experience: 10%
- Customer Satisfaction & Reputation: 20%
- Claims Process: 15%
How Nationwide Travel Insurance Scored
- Financial Strength: 9/10
- Affordability: 7/10
- Customer Service: 6/10
- Online Experience: 6.5/10
- Customer Satisfaction: 6.5/10
- Claims Process: 5.5/10
You can learn more about how each company scored and what curve was applied here: Travel Insurance Reviews.
