The Essential plan from Nationwide Mutual Insurance is for travelers planning trips on a budget who don't want to sacrifice coverage. Coverages include Trip Cancellation and Interruption, Medical, Emergency Medical Evacuation, and Assistance Services.
To learn more, see the Nationwide Essential trip insurance product page.
The policy that you purchased does cover the following if you had to cancel or interrupt your trip.
"(a) Sickness, Accidental Injury or death of You, a Traveling Companion, or Family Member which results in medically
imposed restrictions as certified by a Physician at the time of Loss preventing Your participation in the Trip. A Physician
must advise cancellation of the Trip on or before the Scheduled Departure Date;"
It would be standard procedure with any travel insurance policy that you would have to file a claim in order to be compensated for Trip Cancellation. We would be happy to speak with you further about your experience and/or provide any clarification of policy terms and conditions. Please let us know if you have any questions or need further assistance, we can be reached at 800-487-4722.