Travel Insurance for Kayaking and Rafting

Ready to explore the world from a kayak or go rafting in the great outdoors? Whether you’re planning to paddle lakes, beaches and rivers you may need travel insurance for unexpected accidents if you’re already on the water or working out your next kayaking and rafting adventure.

Rafting and Kayaking activities: What am I covered for?

When you get a travel insurance quote for your kayaking or rafting trip, you need to add your kayaking/rafting adventure activity when prompted to. World Nomads plans for British residents cover the following categories of kayaking and rafting:

• Kayaking/canoeing: (inland/coastal waters, grades 1-3 only, Sea kayaking/Sea canoeing)
• White water rafting (grades 1-3): special condition (a)
• Black water rafting (cave tubing) (grades 1-3): special condition (a) and Special Exclusion (iv)

Travel Insurance Tip: for some activities you must be with a professional, qualified and licensed guide, instructor or operator. If you're not sure if the operator you're planning on rafting with is properly licenced ask to see their credentials and if you're still not sure, don't risk it.  Not only can it be dangerous rafting with an operator who isn't properly licensed but it can affect your cover for any claims that you may make.

Travel Insurance for British and International River Grades

Whether you’re white water rafting in Alaska, canoeing in the fjords of Norway or kayaking around Patagonia in Chile you’ll need to be aware of international river grades.

International River Grading

• Grade 1: Easy
• Grade 2: Novice
• Grade 3: Intermediate
• Grade 4: Advanced
• Grade 5: Expert
• Grade 6: Extreme and Exploratory Rapids
  (Note: We can't insure kayaking or rafting at grades 4 - 6)

The scale is used for various water sports and activities, such as black and white water rafting, river boarding, white-water canoeing, stand up paddle surfing, and whitewater kayaking. When you are about to head down the river or rapids, make sure you know the rating as you wouldn’t want to be up a certain creek without a paddle! For more information you can always research the ‘International River Grading System’.

Please note that different activities may have different levels of cover. You may have to upgrade the policy and sporting level to make sure you’re covered for the type of activity you plan to do. Please read your policy documentation carefully before you buy it.

What’s covered: kayaking, rafting and canoeing

There are a number of different things our travel insurance cover can protect you from while you’re out on the water, or making your way to that next rafting hotspot.

Baggage protection: Have you had your kayak and gear stolen while travelling? Our gear cover may help with replacing belongings that were swiped from under your nose.

Emergency medical: Have things not gone to plan while white water rafting? Maybe the rapids got the better of you? Our emergency medical cover may come to the rescue in the case of an accident or injury.

Evacuation: You’ve managed to find a hidden hotspot for your next canoeing adventure but it’s nowhere near a hospital or medical centre that can help you if you get ill or injured. We have cover that can get you transported to the closest medical facility which may be best for your care, subject to approval from the 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance team.

Trip cancellation: Has a sick or injured travelling companion put a stop to your kayaking trip?  Your plan may be able to recover the travel expenses.

How to get the most out of your travel insurance

When it comes to any activity, safety should always come first. Your health ─ and your travel insurance cover ─ depends on your responsible behaviour. Follow these tips to stay alert and aware (and to ensure that you won’t invalidate your travel insurance).

• Know where to go. Don’t frequent bodies of water that are known to be dangerous or go kayaking or canoeing near areas with violent rapids, powerful currents, big drops and steep, congested chutes. Where there are warnings, be careful – and heed them.
• Stay in your skill level.  It’s not a good idea to hop in a kayak or go white water rafting if you don’t know how to swim. Don’t attempt white water rafting or kayaking at higher difficulty grades if you don’t have the experience.
• Follow the rules. Check for suitable weather conditions before kayaking, canoeing or rafting.
• Look after your equipment. Don’t leave your limited-edition kayak and gear unattended out on a beach, camping site or in public areas unattended or declare your wallet stolen when you forgot it on the airplane. Those ’I spaced out’ moments don’t qualify for cover.

Your cover will vary according to whether you choose a Standard or an Explorer plan. Read your policy for details on maximum benefit limits and exclusion and conditions of your cover.

Rafting and Kayaking: What’s not covered

Here are some other things we don’t cover:

• If you refuse to be repatriated or evacuated
• If you don’t follow your doctor’s instructions or what we or the 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance team advise you to do
• Any expenses that relate to a pre-existing medical condition, as explained in the policy wording
• Expenses that can be recovered from another source
• The policy excess as shown in the policy wording

This is a summary only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the plans described. Please refer to the actual plans for complete details of cover and exclusions.

Whether you’re looking for stunning sunsets with a water perspective, or just wanting to escape the crowd and surf at a secluded surf spot half way across the world, it’s always a good idea to be prepared if your gear gets lost or stolen. Our travel cover can help get you back on your feet and back on the surfboard in no time.

Along with packing your surfboard, sunblock and shades, you should look at adding travel insurance. World Nomads can help get you back on your feet if your surf break turns into a total wipe-out.

Travel insurance for surfing

As surf enthusiasts, many of our international travellers can catch the waves with the coverage we provide, from uncharted towns with pristine beaches to the most popular surf breaks.

• Gear protection: Got your surfboard or stolen while surf town-hopping in Costa Rica? Our gear coverage can help with replacing belongings that were swiped from under your nose.
• Emergency medical: Long lefthanders can be epic to ride but not if it ends up in a crash. Emergency medical coverage may come in handy in the case of an accident or injury.
• Evacuation: Your bohemian surfer paradise may be far away from the medical facilities that can give you the treatment you need. You can get transported to the medical facility which may be best for your care, subject to approval from the 24/7 Emergency Assistance.
• Trip cancellation: Has a sick or injured traveling companion put a stop to your surf break? Your plan may be able to recover the travel expenses.
• Checked-in baggage: We offer cover if your gear is stolen, lost or accidentally damaged by a common carrier (e.g. airline or bus company). Sporting equipment checked-in is only covered where the carrier requires it be checked-in due to its size or weight.

Your coverage will vary according to whether you choose a Standard or an Explorer plan. Read your policy for details on maximum benefit limits and exclusion and conditions of your coverage.

Besides wave surfing, World Nomads may also cover:

• Land surfing
• Stand-up paddle surfing
• Windsurfing
• Sandboarding
• Kite surfing
• Wakeboarding

An upgrade for certain sports may be required and terms and conditions apply for each sport. Check your policy for details or contact us if you have questions.

What's not covered for surfing travel insurance?

Sorry – we won’t cover you if you do something reckless (like tackle big-wave off-shore surfing when you’re only a beginner).  Some things we may not cover include:

• If you refuse to be repatriated or evacuated
• If you don’t follow your doctor’s instructions or what we or the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team advise you to do
• Any expenses that relate to a pre-existing medical condition, as explained in the policy wording
• Expenses that can be recovered from another source
• The policy excess, deductible or co-pay amount as shown in the policy wording
• If you surf while under the influence of alcohol or drugs… water and alcohol never mix!
• Search and rescue costs
• Professional competitive surfing

How to get the most out of your travel insurance

When it comes to any sport, safety should always come first. Your health ─ and your travel insurance cover─ depends on your responsible behaviour. Follow these tips to stay alert and aware (and to ensure that you won’t invalidate your travel insurance).

• Know where to go. Don’t frequent beaches with dangerous shore breaks, riptides or shark sightings or surf near areas with piers, cliffs, rocks and boats. Where there are warnings, be careful – and heed them.
• Don’t go in over your head. Not a good idea to hop on a board if you don’t know how to swim. Or attempt big-wave surfing or aerial manoeuvres when you’ve only taken one lesson.
• Follow the rules. Check for suitable weather conditions before heading to the beach; use a surf leash / leg rope.
• No pro sports. So cool that your 9-to-5 is spending time on the waves but unfortunately, professional sporting activities aren’t covered by travel insurance.
• Keep an eye on your equipment. Don’t leave your limited-edition surfboard unattended out on the beach when you go for a water break or declare your wallet stolen when you forgot it on the airplane. Those 'I spaced out' moments don’t qualify for cover.

This is a summary only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the plans described. Please refer to the actual plans for complete details of cover and exclusions.

Whether you’re looking for a stunning sunset with a water perspective, or just wanting to escape the crowd and surf at a secluded surf spot half way across the world, it’s always a good idea to be prepared if your gear gets lost or stolen. Our travel cover can help get you back on your feet and back on the surfboard in no time.

Along with packing your surfboard, sunblock and shades, you should look at adding travel insurance. World Nomads can help get you back on your feet if your surf break turns into a total wipe-out.

Travel insurance for surfing

As surf enthusiasts, many of our European travelers can catch the waves with the coverage we provide, from uncharted towns with pristine beaches to the most popular surf breaks.

• Gear protection: Got your surfboard or stolen while surf town-hopping in Costa Rica? Our gear coverage can help with replacing belongings that were swiped from under your nose.
• Emergency medical: Long lefthanders can be epic to ride but not if it ends up in a crash. Emergency medical coverage may come in handy in the case of an accident or injury.
• Evacuation: Your bohemian surfer paradise may be far away from the medical facilities that can give you the treatment you need. You can get transported to the medical facility which may be best for your care, subject to approval from the 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance team.
• Trip cancellation: Has a sick or injured traveling companion put a stop to your surf break? Your plan may be able to recover the travel expenses.
• Checked-in baggage: We offer cover if your gear is stolen, lost or accidentally damaged by a common carrier (e.g. airline or bus company). Valubales and gadgets checked-in are only covered where the carrier requires it be checked.

Your coverage will vary according to whether you choose a Standard or an Explorer plan. Read your policy for details on maximum benefit limits and exclusion and conditions of your coverage.

Besides wave surfing, World Nomads may also cover:

• Land surfing
• Stand-up paddle surfing
• Windsurfing
• Sandboarding
• Kite surfing
• Wakeboarding

An upgrade for certain sports may be required and terms and conditions apply for each sport. Check your policy for details or contact us if you have questions.

What's not covered for surfing travel insurance?

Sorry – we won’t cover you if you do something reckless (like tackle big-wave off-shore surfing when you’re only a beginner). Some things we may not cover include:

• If you refuse to be repatriated or evacuated
• If you don’t follow your doctor’s instructions or what we or the 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance team advise you to do
• Any expenses that relate to a pre-existing medical condition, as explained in the policy wording
• Expenses that can be recovered from another source
• The policy excess, deductible or co-pay amount as shown in the policy wording
• If you surf while under the influence of alcohol or drugs… water and alcohol never mix!
• Search and rescue costs
• Professional competitive surfing

How to get the most out of your travel insurance

When it comes to any sport, safety should always come first. Your health ─ and your travel insurance cover─ depends on your responsible behaviour. Follow these tips to stay alert and aware (and to ensure that you won’t invalidate your travel insurance).

• Know where to go. Don’t frequent beaches with dangerous shore breaks, riptides or shark sightings or surf near areas with piers, cliffs, rocks and boats. Where there are warnings, be careful – and heed them.
• Don’t go in over your head. Not a good idea to hop on a board if you don’t know how to swim. Or attempt big-wave surfing or aerial manoeuvres when you’ve only taken one lesson.
• Follow the rules. Check for suitable weather conditions before heading to the beach; use a surf leash / leg rope.
• No pro sports. So cool that your 9-to-5 is spending time on the waves but unfortunately, professional sporting activities aren’t covered by travel insurance.
• Keep an eye on your equipment. Don’t leave your limited-edition surfboard unattended out on the beach when you go for a water break or declare your wallet stolen when you forgot it on the airplane. Those “I spaced out” moments don’t qualify for cover.

This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limits and exclusions of the policy. You should read your policy wording in full so you understand what is and isn’t covered.

If surfing at Pipeline in Hawaii or heading to Kuta beach in Bali is on your next surf break abroad then it’s a good idea to know how you could be covered if you happen to have your gear lost or stolen. If your surf trip is cut short our coverage can help get you back on your feet and back on the surfboard in no time.

Along with your surfboard, wetsuit, sunblock and shades, you should also look at packing travel insurance. World Nomads can help get you back on your feet if your surf break turns into a bruising wipe-out.

Travel insurance for surfing

As surf enthusiasts, Irish can get ready to hit the surf with the coverage we provide, from uncharted towns with pristine beaches to the most popular surf breaks.

• Gear protection: Got your surfboard or stolen while surf town-hopping in Costa Rica? Our gear coverage can help with replacing belongings that were swiped from under your nose.
• Emergency medical: Long lefthanders can be epic to ride but not if it ends up in a crash. Emergency medical coverage may come in handy in the case of an accident or injury.
• Evacuation: Your bohemian surfer paradise may be far away from the medical facilities that can give you the treatment you need. You can get transported to the medical facility which may be best for your care, subject to approval from the 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance. 
• Trip cancellation: Has a sick or injured traveling companion put a stop to your surf break?  Your plan may be able to recover the travel expenses.
• Checked-in baggage: We offer cover if your gear is stolen, lost or accidentally damaged by a common carrier (e.g. airline or bus company). Sporting equipment checked-in is only covered where the carrier requires it be checked-in due to its size or weight.

Your coverage will vary according to whether you choose a Standard or an Explorer plan. Read your policy for details on maximum benefit limits and exclusion and conditions of your coverage.

Besides wave surfing, World Nomads may also cover:

• Land surfing
• Stand-up paddle surfing
• Windsurfing
• Sandboarding
• Kite surfing
• Wakeboarding

An upgrade for certain sports may be required and terms and conditions apply for each sport. Check your policy for details or contact us if you have questions.

What's not covered for surfing travel insurance?

Sorry – we won’t cover you if you do something reckless (like tackle big-wave off-shore surfing when you’re only a beginner).  Some things we may not cover include: 

• If you refuse to be repatriated or evacuated
• If you don’t follow your doctor’s instructions or what we or the 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance team advise you to do
• Any expenses that relate to a pre-existing medical condition, as explained in the policy wording
• Expenses that can be recovered from another source
• The policy excess, deductible or co-pay amount as shown in the policy wording
• If you surf while under the influence of alcohol or drugs… water and alcohol never mix!
• Search and rescue costs
• Professional competitive surfing

How to get the most out of your travel insurance

When it comes to any sport, safety should always come first. Your health ─ and your travel insurance cover─ depends on your responsible behaviour. Follow these tips to stay alert and aware (and to ensure that you won’t invalidate your travel insurance).

• Know where to go. Don’t frequent beaches with dangerous shore breaks, riptides or shark sightings or surf near areas with piers, cliffs, rocks and boats. Where there are warnings, be careful – and heed them.
• Don’t go in over your head.  Not a good idea to hop on a board if you don’t know how to swim. Or attempt big-wave surfing manoeuvres when you’ve only taken one lesson.
• Follow the rules. Check for suitable weather conditions before heading to the beach; use a surf leash / leg rope.
• No pro sports or athletic competitions. So cool that your 9-to-5 is spending time on the waves but unfortunately, professional sporting activities aren’t covered by travel insurance.
• Keep an eye on your equipment. Don’t leave your limited-edition surfboard unattended out on the beach when you go for a water break or declare your wallet stolen when you forgot it on the airplane. Those “I spaced out” moments don’t qualify for cover.

This is a summary only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the plans described. Please refer to the actual plans for complete details of cover and exclusions.

• Travel insurance for surfing
• Surfing the World's best waves all year? Consider Multi-Trip Insurance
• What’s not covered for surfing travel insurance?
• Surfing safety tips
• FAQs

Are you planning to catch waves in Bali, Australia, or Hawaii? For British surfers heading overseas, the thrill of surfing exotic breaks is unmatched. Surfing abroad comes with unique risks - whether it’s a wipeout, stolen gear, or an unexpected injury - which is why it might pay off to research travel insurance before packing the board and riding the waves.=

Travel insurance for surfing

As surf enthusiasts, Brits can get ready to hit the surf with the coverage we provide, from uncharted towns with pristine beaches to the most popular surf breaks.

World Nomads offer surfing insurance coverage on both their Standard and Explorer policies, although surfing is classed as a level two activity, it does require an upgrade. You can see more about the levels of coverage required for all 150+ sports and activities that we cover, here. In terms of World Nomads Travel Insurance for your surfing adventures, here’s a brief synopsis of what’s on deck;

• Gear protection: Got your surfboard or stolen while surf town-hopping in Costa Rica? Our gear coverage can help with replacing belongings that were swiped from under your nose.
• Emergency medical: Long lefthanders can be epic to ride but not if it ends up in a crash. Emergency medical coverage may come in handy in the case of an accident or injury.
• Air Doctor: Access trusted medical care no matter where you are with World Nomads powered by Air Doctor. Connect with local doctors around the world through World Nomads, ensuring your health is in good hands while you chase waves.
• Evacuation: Your bohemian surfer paradise may be far away from the medical facilities that can give you the treatment you need. You can get transported to the medical facility which may be best for your care, subject to approval from the 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance team. 
• Trip cancellation: Has a sick or injured traveling companion put a stop to your surf break? Your plan may be able to recover the travel expenses.
• Checked-in baggage: We offer cover if your gear is stolen, lost or accidentally damaged by a common carrier (e.g. airline or bus company). If you intend on checking in sporting equipment and you have listed it as s specified high value item, it may only be covered when the carrier requires it to be checked in.
• SmartDelay™: Enjoy lounge access and relax in comfort if your flight is delayed with World Nomads’ SmartDelay. It’s one less thing to worry about as you travel to your next surf destination.

No two travellers are the same, just as no two insurance policies are the same, it’s important that when you purchase your travel insurance, you select all the activities you’ll be participating in. and be sure to read your policy for details on maximum benefit limits, conditions and exclusions of your coverage.

Surfing the World’s Best Waves All Year? Consider Multi-Trip Insurance

If you’re a dedicated surfer traveling the globe in search of the best waves, an Annual Multi-Trip policy could be your perfect companion. This option provides year-round coverage for all your surfing adventures, from the beaches of Costa Rica to the shores of South Africa. It saves you the hassle of buying new insurance before each trip, giving you more time to focus on catching the next big wave

Besides wave surfing, World Nomads may also cover:

• Land surfing
• Stand-up paddle surfing
• Windsurfing
• Sandboarding
• Kite surfing
• Wakeboarding

An upgrade for certain sports may be required and terms and conditions apply for each sport. Check your policy for details or contact us if you have questions.

What's not covered for surfing travel insurance?

Sorry – we won’t cover you if you do something reckless (like tackle big-wave off-shore surfing when you’re only a beginner). Some things we may not cover include: 

• If you refuse to be repatriated or evacuated
• If you don’t follow your doctor’s instructions or what we or the 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance team advise you to do
• Any expenses that relate to a pre-existing medical condition, as explained in the policy wording
• Expenses that can be recovered from another source
• The policy excess, deductible or co-pay amount as shown in the policy wording
• If you surf while under the influence of alcohol or drugs… water and alcohol never mix!
• Search and rescue costs
• Surfing professionally

This is a summary only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the plans described. Please refer to the actual plans for complete details of cover and exclusions.

Surfing safety tips

When it comes to any sport, safety should always come first. Your health ─ and your travel insurance cover─ depends on your responsible behaviour. Follow these tips to stay alert and aware (and to ensure that you won’t invalidate your travel insurance).

• Know where to go. Don’t frequent beaches with dangerous shore breaks, riptides or shark sightings or surf near areas with piers, cliffs, rocks and boats. Where there are warnings, be careful – and heed them.
• Don’t go in over your head. Not a good idea to hop on a board if you don’t know how to swim. Or attempt big-wave surfing manoeuvres when you’ve only taken one lesson.
• Follow the rules. Check for suitable weather conditions before heading to the beach; use a surf leash / leg rope.
• No pro sports or athletic competitions. So cool that your 9-to-5 is spending time on the waves but unfortunately, professional sporting activities aren’t covered by travel insurance.
• Keep an eye on your equipment. Don’t leave your limited-edition surfboard unattended out on the beach when you go for a water break or declare your wallet stolen when you forgot it on the airplane. Those “I spaced out” moments don’t qualify for cover.

For many Kiwis surfing isn’t just a hobby it’s a lifestyle. With the number of gnarly surf breaks and yet to be discovered beach spots worldwide it’s no wonder Kiwis are stoked to search far and wide for the next adrenaline-soaked surf trip. But with sun, surf and sand there are also dodgy stingray encounters, jagged coral reefs and (gulp!) shark attacks.

Along with your surfboard, wetsuit, sunblock and sunnies, don’t forget to pack your travel insurance. World Nomads can help get you back on your feet if your surfing adventure turns into a wipe-out.

Travel insurance for surfing

As surf enthusiasts, Kiwis can take on a six foot barrel without a worry by taking out World Nomads travel cover. Here is what we offer as part of our Standard and Explorer plans:

• Gear protection: Got your surfboard stolen while surf town-hopping in Costa Rica? Our gear coverage can help with replacing belongings that were swiped from under your nose.
• Emergency medical: Long lefthanders can be epic to ride but not if it ends up in a crash. Emergency medical coverage may come in handy in the case of an accident or injury.
• Evacuation: Your bohemian surfer paradise may be far away from the medical facilities that can give you the treatment you need. You can get transported to the medical facility which may be best for your care, subject to approval from the 24/7 Emergency Assistance. 
• Trip cancellation: Has a sick or injured travelling companion put a stop to your surf break?  Your plan may be able to recover the travel expenses.
• Checked-in baggage: You’ll be covered if your surf gear is stolen, lost or accidentally damaged by a common carrier (e.g. airline or bus company). Sporting equipment checked-in is only covered where the carrier requires it be checked-in due to its size or weight.

Your coverage will vary according to whether you choose a Standard or an Explorer plan. Read your policy for details on maximum benefit limits and exclusion and conditions of your coverage.

Besides wave surfing, World Nomads may also cover:

• Land surfing
• Stand-up paddle surfing
• Windsurfing
• Sandboarding
• Kite surfing
• Wakeboarding

An upgrade for certain sports may be required and terms and conditions apply for each activity and sport. Check your Policy Document for details or contact us if you have questions.

What's not covered for surfing travel insurance?

Sorry – we won’t cover you if you do something reckless (like tackle big-wave off-shore surfing when you’re only a beginner).  Some things we may not cover include: 

• If you refuse to be repatriated or evacuated
• If you don’t follow your doctor’s instructions or what we or the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team advise you to do
• Any expenses that relate to a existing medical condition, as explained in the Policy Documents
• Expenses that can be recovered from another source
• The policy excess, deductible or co-pay amount as shown in the Policy Document
• If you surf while under the influence of alcohol or drugs… water and alcohol never mix!
• Search and rescue costs
• Professional competitive surfing

How to get the most out of your travel insurance

When it comes to any sport, safety should always come first. Your health ─ and your travel insurance cover─ depends on your responsible behaviour. Follow these tips to stay alert and aware (and to ensure that you won’t invalidate your travel insurance).

• Know where to go. Don’t frequent beaches with dangerous shore breaks, riptides or shark sightings or surf near areas with piers, cliffs, rocks and boats. Where there are warnings, be careful – and heed them.
• Don’t go in over your head.  Not a good idea to hop on a board if you don’t know how to swim. Or attempt big-wave surfing when you’ve only taken one lesson.
• Follow the rules. Check for suitable weather conditions before heading to the beach; use a surf leash / leg rope.
• No pro sports or athletic competitions. So cool that your 9-to-5 is spending time on the waves but unfortunately, professional sporting activities aren’t covered by travel insurance.
• Keep an eye on your equipment. Don’t leave your limited-edition surfboard unattended out on the beach when you go for a water break or declare your wallet stolen when you forgot it on the airplane. Those “I spaced out” moments don’t qualify for cover.

This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. You should read your Policy Document in full so you understand what is and isn’t covered. That way there won’t be any surprises if you need to use it. If you have any questions, please get in touch.