Strapped into your harness, ready to ascend the craggy cliffs of El Capitan or perhaps the limestone routes in Thailand? UK climbers are no strangers to adventure, scaling heights that test every muscle and nerve. But while you're plotting your route up these epic rock faces, don't overlook the essentials for those less thrilling parts of your climbing journey – one of those items could just be travel insurance. Whether it's a twisted ankle or a weather-worn delay, World Nomads could turn out to be the safety rope you never anticipated needing!

• What's covered?
• Why do I need to consider travel insurance when rock climbing?
• What to look out for on your next rock climbing adventure
• What to look out for on your next rock climbing adventure
• What’s not covered?

What's covered?

World Nomads offers coverage across two insurance policies (Standard and Explorer) for four different rock climbing activities:

• Rock climbing (indoor) – Level 1, covered under all plans
• Rock climbing (outdoor / traditional) – Level 2
• Rock climbing (bouldering) – Level 2
• Rock climbing (sport climbing/bolted) – Level 2
• Free climbing / mountaineering – Level 4

If a climb does go wrong, here are some of the ways travel insurance could help:

• Trip Disruption: you’re covered if there's a death in the family, you're called up for jury duty or the UK Government's Travel Advisory issues a Do Not Travel warning after you've been issued with your Certificate of Insurance (Explorer cover only). Please note events must be unexpected and unforeseen. The Explorer Plan covers cancellations up to £5,000, while the Standard Plan covers up to £3,000. These figures also apply if you are forced to cut your trip short.
• Activities cover: travel and adventure go hand-in-hand, that's why our policies cover more than 150+ sports, experiences, and activities. While hiking and football are considered less dangerous, outdoor rock climbing requires an insurance upgrade and an additional premium.
• Extended stays: if you are scheduled to head home but have found another incredible climbing location you can't pass up, we allow an extension of your cover right up until your Single Trip policy expires at 11:59pm GMT on your Certificate of Insurance end date. The maximum duration of a policy is 365 days from the start date.
• Baggage and personal belongings: Setting your sights on the iconic El Capitan in Yosemite National Park for your next climbing adventure? Be mindful, popular destinations can sometimes lead to unexpected luggage delays or losses. With our travel insurance, whether it’s the Standard or Explorer plan, you're protected. If your baggage is delayed for more than 24 hours, we cover the cost of essential items. And if your prized climbing gear is lost or stolen, we’re here to help cover replacement costs. For high-value gear, consider upgrading for coverage up to £750 per item on the Explorer Plan and £400 per item on the Standard Plan, with maximum upgrade limits of £2,250 and £1,200 respectively.
• Emergency medical and evacuation cover: if you suffer a fall or are injured during a climb and require medical assistance or evacuation, we may be able to help. The Standard Plan offers cover of up to £5,000,000 for emergency medical expenses and medical repatriation, and £10,000,000 on the Explorer Plan. Exclusions, and in some cases excesses, do apply.

Make sure that you've selected the right travel insurance plan for your specific needs. Get a quote online anytime, anywhere.

Travellers tip: if your climbing gear is stolen, it’s imperative you get on the front foot by reporting it to the authorities and obtaining a police report. Always keep copies or originals of any receipts in case you need to make a claim for stolen gear and valuables.

Why do I need to consider travel insurance when rock climbing?

We all know that British adrenaline-seekers are daring, but most know there are always risks. Rock climbers may be confronted with falling rocks, the weather may change suddenly, and gear failure can cause severe injury.

Having travel insurance can also help take some of the stress out if you end up in hospital with unexpected medical costs from a broken leg or bangs and scrapes. Importantly travel insurance offers coverage for those ‘worst possible case' scenarios when you need to be repatriated to the UK to recover.

Please be aware that if you need to make a claim at any point of your trip you must prove you acted responsibly, and used the recommended safety clothing and equipment. Special exclusions and conditions apply – see the Policy Wording for details.

Travel insurance tip: check what vaccinations you need to get before travelling to any foreign country. You can ask your doctor about this. You should also make sure you pack and use any necessary insect repellents, as many diseases can be contracted by mosquitoes, tsetse flies, lice, and other insect bites.

What to look out for on your next rock climbing adventure

Gear up for your next rock-climbing adventure by paying close attention to both the thrill and the risks involved. Whether you're scaling indoor walls or venturing onto remote crags, here’s a few tips for a safe and successful climb:

• Before you ascend, compare the route's difficulty with your experience. Remember, biting off more than you can climb might leave you hanging! 
• Lovers of crags, beware! Ticks fancy rock climbers, and not in a good way. Post-climb, do a tick check to avoid unwanted souvenirs like Lyme Disease.
• Safety starts with your equipment. Give your gear a thorough pre and post-climb check to ensure everything is in top condition.
• Check in with your doctor to ensure you're in peak shape to tackle those peaks. Climbing demands more than just courage – your body needs to be up for the challenge as much as your mind!
• Inform a local assistance company and your family of your rock-climbing location and trekking route and policy details. Just in case.

Travellers tip: make sure you refer to your policy wording before leaving, as we don’t offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.

What's not covered?

While there are several situations we can cover you for, there are also some we just won't cover. These include, but are not limited to:

• World Nomads does not offer coverage for free soloing – so make sure you keep those ropes firmly attached!
• Travel against medical advice or neglect to adhere to World Health Organization or UK Government-issued warnings prior to departure.
• Pre-existing medical conditions as outlined in your policy.
• Any remote search or rescue operations to remove you from a life-threatening situation. Professional competitive rock climbing.
• You act irresponsibly or recklessly and injure yourself or others in the process.
• Expenses you incur after you return to the UK.

Rock climbing comes with its fair share of gnarly moments, which is why it’s imperative you deep dive into your insurance inclusions (and exclusions) before hitting the rockface. This is not a full list of what's covered and what’s not; please check your Policy Wording for a full list of terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions that may apply to your specific plan. If you are unsure of your level of travel cover, please contact us for help.

Climbing the walls may be a popular global colloquialism, but for Irish travellers the phrase is often exactly as it sounds. Whether eyeing off a challenging indoor facility or preparing to descend Morocco's Todra Gorge, research is imperative. Make sure you get a handle on the conditions, pack a map and some courage. Oh, and don't forget insurance, as fun as climbing is, it can be risky.

• What's covered?
• Why do I need to consider travel insurance when rock climbing?
• What to look out for on your next rock climbing adventure
• Choose a plan that suits your needs
• What's not covered?

What's covered?

Whether harnessing a new skill or climbing like a boss, World Nomads has cover (up to the policy limits) for the following:

• Trip cancellation cover: if there’s a death in the family, you're called up for jury duty or Ireland's Travel Advisory issues a warning against; All or all but essential travel after you’ve been issued your Certificate of Insurance (Explorer plan only) and up to 7 days before the certified departure of your trip. Please note events must be unexpected and unforeseen.
• Activities cover: travel and adventure go hand-in-hand, that’s why our policies cover more than 150 activities, sports, and experiences. While hiking and swimming are considered less dangerous, rock climbing requires an insurance upgrade and an additional premium.
• Extended stays: if you are scheduled to head home but have found another incredible climbing location you can’t pass up, we allow an extension of your cover (Single Trip policy only) right up until your policy expires at 11:59pm IST/GMT on your Certificate of Insurance end date. The maximum duration of a Single Trip policy is 365 days from the start date, including extensions.
• Baggage delays and personal belongings: we cover baggage delays that stretch beyond 24 hours (terms and conditions apply). If belongings such as phones, headphones or cameras are lost or stolen, and they are deemed to have been reasonably and responsibly secured out of plain sight, you can make a claim.
• Emergency medical and evacuation cover: if you suffer a fall or are injured during a climb and require medical assistance or evacuation, we may be able to help. Conditions, exclusions and excesses, do apply.
• Cover for some Coronavirus (COVID-19) related events: to find out more about our cover for COVID-19 related events, including benefit limits and exclusions, read our Coronavirus cover article.

Why do I need to consider travel insurance when rock climbing?

We all know that Irish adrenaline seekers are daring, but most know there are always risks. Rock climbers may be confronted with falling rocks, the weather may change suddenly, and gear failure can cause severe injury.

Travel insurance can help take some of the stress out if you end up in hospital with unexpected medical costs from a broken leg or bangs and scrapes. Importantly travel insurance offers coverage for those ‘worst possible case’ scenarios when you need to be repatriated to Ireland to recover.

Please be aware that if you need to make a claim at any point of your trip you must prove you acted responsibly, used the recommended safety clothing and equipment, and were guided by a professional, qualified, and licensed guide, instructor or operator. Special exclusions and conditions apply - see the Policy Wording for details.

What to look out for on your next rock climbing adventure

Preparation and planning are key when activities such as rock climbing are in the mix. Whether tackling an indoor course or if you prefer to belay down a rocky mountain in Canada, it's important that you’re up to the challenge and well versed on the conditions, have the level of fitness required, and that you don’t have any niggling injuries that may be aggravated while climbing.

You may want to consider what you'd do if your bag or climbing gear are stolen, your connection is delayed, and you miss a climb you’d already booked and paid for months ago. Even worse, you could injure yourself a week out from your trip and need to cancel. Travel insurance can lessen the blows, and depending on your circumstances, we've got cover to suit you.

The following tips can help you maximise your safety and validity of cover.

• Inform a local assistance company and your family of your rock climbing location and trekking route and policy details.
• If you require any medical treatment during your trip while outside of Ireland, you first need to contact your Private Medical Insurance (PMI) provider (if applicable) and follow their emergency medical procedures and claims procedures. Where your PMI provider cannot provide assistance, please contact our 24-hour Emergency Medical Assistance Team before incurring medical costs.
• Check which countries your rock climbing trip passes through to ensure your policy covers you for that region.
• Make sure that you’ve selected the right travel insurance plan for your specific needs. Get a quote online anytime, anywhere.

Choose a plan to suit your specific needs

World Nomads offers two levels of cover, Standard and Explorer, and what is right for one person may not suit another. When it comes to rock climbing, a Level 2 activity(except rock climbing indoor, which is Level 1), consider our higher level of cover (Explorer) for an additional premium.

Our Standard Plan includes a range of benefits including overseas medical, baggage cover, trip cancellation and certain adventure activities, while the Explorer Plan has all the benefits of the Standard Plan and a few extras, but it’s more expensive. Choose the right cover for you and do note that once cover is purchased for your activities it can’t be changed.

What's not covered?

While there are several situations we can cover you for, there are also some we are unable to cover. These include, but are not limited to:

• Travel against medical advice or neglect to adhere to the Irish Government issued warnings prior to departure.
• Pre-existing medical conditions as outlined in your policy.
• Search and rescue costs.
• Professional competitive rock climbing.
• You act recklessly, maliciously or illegally and injure yourself or others in the process.
• Expenses you incur after you return to your home in Ireland.

This is not a full list of what's covered and what's not; please check your Policy Wording for a full list of terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions that may apply to your specific plan. If you are unsure of your level of travel cover, please contact us for help.

Travel insurance when rock climbing

If you feel like you need a bigger adventure that delivers more thrills than lying on a beach sunbaking, then rock climbing could be just what you need on your next trip.

Whether you're eyeing off a top indoor facility in Europe or preparing to tackle Spain's Costa Blanca, it pays to check the weather and travel restrictions, pack a map along with some courage and consider travel insurance – as fun as climbing is, it requires a lot of planning as the risks are evident.

• What's covered?
• How to get the most of your insurance if you're planning on rock climbing
• Will I be covered for helicopter evacuation and rescue?
• What to look out for when rock climbing
• Rock climbing travel insurance tips:
• What's not covered?

What's covered?

No matter your skill level – whether you're a pro determined to conquer your next peak or an amateur with the full gamut of climbing options in your sights – World Nomads may offer cover for the following (up to the policy limits):

• Overseas emergency medical expenses for sudden injury or illness.
• Emergency medical evacuation or repatriation back to your country of residence.
• Loss, theft or damage to baggage or personal items. It's important to keep copies of your original receipts if you need to make a claim.
• The non-refundable costs of cancelling a trip due to sudden injury or illness.
• The Explorer Plan includes cover for official 'Do Not Travel' advice issued for your destination after you've received your Certificate of Insurance, which requires you to cancel your trip.
• Checked-in baggage delayed for more than 24 hours and the replacement costs for essential clothing and toiletries while you wait.
• Cover for some Coronavirus (COVID-19)-related events. To find out more about our cover for COVID-19 related events, including benefit limits and exclusions, click here.

How to get the most of your insurance if you're planning on rock climbing

Safety is key to conquering new heights, no matter the destination – Europe, Australia, the United States, and every rugged landscape in between.

As daring as climbers are, falling rocks, unexpected changes in weather conditions, and equipment malfunctions are just some of the challenges faced.

Our Standard and Explorer plans are designed to provide cover for sudden and unforeseen events on your next adventure, such as being left empty-handed when the airline loses your baggage (with your gear in it), if you need to see a doctor if you are hurt or unwell or if severe weather interrupts your plans.

As a climber, there are different travel insurance requirements depending on the type of activity you are planning to undertake. While bouldering is automatically covered (special exclusions apply), when it comes to indoor and outdoor rock climbing and mountaineering increased cover is required, which means an additional premium. In some cases, there are height limits, and soloing is prohibited.

Will I be covered for helicopter evacuation and rescue?

As a rock climber, you'll often find yourself in locations that will be only accessible by helicopter. Depending on your Country of Residence and the plan you’ve selected, if you found yourself in an emergency and need to be evacuated or transported to the nearest medical facility or back to your Country of Residence, your helicopter rescue or air ambulance may be covered by travel insurance.

Please be aware of the following:

1. When we determine you're medically fit to travel, we may decide to either transport you to other medical care facilities; and/or repatriate you to your Country of Residence if you’re declared medically unfit to continue your trip.
2. You, your guide or travelling companion must advise our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team and your Private Medical Insurer of the situation as soon as reasonably possible to confirm cover, manage costs and any potential claim.

Travel insurance tip: your cover will depend on the activities you chose at the time of policy purchase and terms and conditions apply for each activity. Level 1 sports and activities are automatically covered on the Standard and Explorer plans. You can upgrade your cover for a range of other activities, experiences, and manual work if you select the activities (listed as Level 2, 3 and 4) but you'll need an upgrade to the Explorer Plan.

What to look out for when rock climbing

Preparation and planning are key when activities such as rock climbing are involved. Whichever peak or wall you have in your sights it pays to be versed on the conditions, have the level of fitness required, and ensure that you don't have any pre-existing medical condition that could be aggravated and cause further injury.

While we don't like to think about what can go wrong, these scenarios are often all too common:

• Think about what you'd do if your helmet, ropes, or camera are stolen.
• You arrive at your destination only to realize your climbing gear hasn't arrived and is going to be delayed more than 24 hours.
• Your flight is delayed or cancelled, and you miss a climb you pre-booked and paid for months ago.
• You’ve booked your insurance and you injure yourself or fall ill a week out from your trip and are forced to cancel.
• Our policies provide benefits that may assist with these challenges. Our Standard Plan include a range of benefits including overseas medical, personal belongings cover, pre-trip cancellation and certain adventure activities, while the Explorer Plan has all the benefits of the Standard cover and a few more, and it's slightly more expensive.

Rock climbing travel insurance tips:

• Inform a local assistance company and your family of your rock-climbing location and trekking route and policy details.
• Make sure to use a qualified tour guide if you're rock climbing as part of a group.
• Make sure all your gear is working correctly and always keep them nearby to avoid theft.
• Check which countries your rock-climbing trip passes through to ensure your policy covers you for that region.
• For the intrepid rock climber, be aware a higher policy excess applies if you need to be medically evacuated within Nepal.
• Make sure that you've selected the right travel insurance plan for your specific needs. Get a quote online anytime, anywhere.

What's not covered?

While there are several situations we can cover you for, there are also some we just won't cover. These include, but are not limited to:

• Any pre-existing medical conditions, as outlined in the policy wording.
• Unattended baggage or personal items.
• Working or participating professionally in any activity or sport.
• Any search or rescue operations to remove you from a life-threatening situation (unless cover is available for a natural catastrophe under your policy).
• Failure to adhere to local government authority warnings.
• Ignoring 'Do Not Travel' warnings from your local government.
• Damage from any illegal activity.
• Expenses that are recoverable from elsewhere, e.g. transport carriers or accommodation providers.

This is not a full list of what's covered and what's not; please check your Policy Wording for a full list of terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions that may apply to your specific plan. If you are unsure of your level of travel cover, please contact us for help.