Adventure Sports and Activities
Travel insurance designed for adventures while traveling.
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- Adventure sports, travel insurance and what’s covered by our plans
- What activities are covered?
- What’s not covered
- Questions to ask when choosing a plan
Adventure sports, travel insurance and what’s covered by our plans
It’s a wide, wide world, and that can only mean one thing – Adventure! Here at World Nomads, we believe in helping you get the most out of your vacation and the most out of what the planet has to offer. That’s why we offer travel insurance covering more than 150 adventure sports and activities. So if you’re planning on scuba diving in Mexico or mountain biking the Himalayas, it may be a good idea to get travel insurance to cover your adventures.
Everyone envisages the end of a fun day skiing telling stories around a log fire, but what if it ends up with you telling the doctor how you hit a tree or broke your leg? Things don’t always go as planned, so all our policies include round-the-clock professional emergency assistance in the form of a support hotline.
Some of the situations covered by your adventure travel insurance may include:
Emergency Medical Care and Evacuation
If you tumble out of a dune-buggy miles from anywhere, we can help direct you to the nearest hospital and may even be able to arrange the transportation to get you there as soon as possible. Our Emergency Assistance team may also be able to contact your family back in Brazil to let them know what might have happened and how you are getting on.
Lost documents
If you’re out deep-sea fishing when your documents fell overboard while hauling in a 110kg tuna, your travel insurance may be able to arrange replacements to ensure your vacation continues and you’ll be able to get back home. Our Emergency Assistance team may be able to help here as well, offering guidance on getting money wired from overseas.
Baggage Loss
All ready to hit the Alpine slopes only to discover the airline has lost your skis and all your winter clothing? Unfortunately, it can happen, so your adventure travel insurance may be able to reimburse you for replacement gear while the airline sorts things out. Just remember to complete all the proper paperwork at the airport and keep it safe for when you’re ready to claim.
You might have finished the day’s trekking across Northern Spain without a hitch, but one of your buddies might not have been so lucky. If one of your traveling companions injures themselves or falls ill and you have to cut your trip short, your policy may be able to help you get back home and cover you for lost expenses.
What activities are covered?
There are some radical sports which we in Brazil particularly love, such as surfing and rappelling. While many forms of these sports are included in our policies, there are others which are popular amongst Brazilians, such as skydiving and mountain climbing, which may not be.
Before traveling, you should always read through the different World Nomads insurance policies - Standard, Explorer and Explorer Plus - to make sure you get coverage for all you plan on doing. Also check whether your travel companions are planning any adventure activities that you might want to get coverage for as well. You won’t be able to upgrade your existing plan mid-trip, so always make the right decision before leaving home.
What’s not covered
While World Nomads may provide insurance for a wide range of sports and unforeseen events, it can’t cover everything. The following are some situations that won’t be covered:
- Healthcare emergencies related to any pre-existing medical conditions.
- Sports or activities not covered in the policy you have chosen.
- Professional participation in an activity or sport (e.g.: professional mountain biking or surfing).
- Anything that happens if you have taken drugs or alcohol. Water and wine don’t mix!
- Reckless behavior or taking needless risk.
- Sports equipment damaged while traveling to your vacation destination may be covered, but damage while in use won’t be.
Adventure activity tips to help you have a safer experience
Choose the right guide
Even if you’re just floating on a tube in the hotel pool, you should always be aware of the risks surrounding you. So if you’re planning to tube down some canyon rapids, you should be that much more aware of risks you face!
When choosing a tour operator, always check they are properly certified and registered to guide you through your exciting new adventure.
Choose the right gear
Make sure you are properly protected for the adventure sports you plan on doing. Double-check the harness on that high-speed yacht and pop on your helmet and pads when going skateboarding.
Be aware of your own limitations
You may ride around town every day at home, but that doesn’t mean that your body will be ready for a full day’s mountain biking in the high Pyrenees. Always take a step back and sensibly consider whether the activity you want to get involved in is suitable for your specific levels of fitness.
If you have any questions about coverage, just ask us – we’re happy to help.
World Nomads covers more than 150 activities and sports, and if it’s not on the list you can contact us and we’ll let you know if we’ll cover it.
You can read more about coverage for some specific activities, or select your Country Of Residence and click here to see the activities covered by the plans available to you.
We offer cover for:
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance
- Overseas medical assistance
- Cancellation
- Baggage
I bit on something hard
A bone chipped my front tooth, on the top row, and cracked it. Blood started to run down so I had an emergency visit to the dentist to repair it.
B.P. U.S Resident in South Africa.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamTravel insurance. Simple & flexible.
Travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families. Nobody wants to think about all the things that could go wrong on their trip, but these things can and do happen. So be prepared and get your travel insurance today.
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about overseas medical insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team. If you’re looking for general travel advice, you can ask our community at Ask a Nomad.
-
Does my insurance cover medical costs upfront or do I have to pay and claim later?
Who pays depends on what’s happened! If it’s an emergency situation where hospital admission and/or medical evacuation is required, the insurer covers these costs upfront (provided the incident is covered as per the policy wording, of course).
-
Do you have a list of doctors/dentist so I know where to go in case something happens and make sure I’m covered?
We don't publish a list of doctors or dentists. If you need help finding one, call our assistance teams, and they'll guide to the most appropriate medical professional.
-
Why don't you cover ongoing treatment at home?
Travel insurance policies are designed for accidents or unexpected illness overseas. They don't stand in place of primary medical insurance or government healthcare.
Adventure Sports and Activities
Travel insurance designed for adventures while travelling.
- Trusted by:
Trusted by:
Whether you’re planning on going to Brazil, Spain, Thailand or the USA, make sure you’re prepared for any adventure activities you plan to do while abroad. Our plans offer coverage for more than 150 adventure sports and activities, from hiking, snowboarding, scuba diving, hot-air ballooning, skiing, and more. Before you go, be sure you understand the sports cover that is included with your selected World Nomads travel insurance policy, check your itinerary and the weather, and bring the correct gear to ensure you have a safe experience.
- What adventure sports activities are covered by travel insurance?
- What benefits are available for adventure activities?
- What’s not covered?
- FAQs
- Can I extend my policy?
What adventure sports activities are covered by travel insurance?
During your trip, you may want to try activities and sports that aren’t commonly done in Canada. You are automatically covered to participate in various activities under both the Standard Plan and Explorer Plan, however you must add any adventure, sports, work or volunteer activities that you think you’ll be doing while on your trip, at the time you purchase your policy, to make sure you are covered. Check the selected policy before you complete your purchase for the selected limits, as an upgrade for certain sports may be required and terms and conditions, limitations and exclusions apply.
As long as the activity is listed on your policy, if something goes wrong, your coverage may include benefits for:
World Nomads provides travel insurance for more than 150 activities, sports and experiences but it doesn’t cover everything so don’t assume every activity is included and covered.
If you’re planning on doing a specific sport or activity that isn’t listed as Level 1, then you may need to upgrade your policy. Sports and activities listed as Level 2 or Level 3 require an upgrade and an additional premium. Upgrades must be purchased when you buy your policy. Some activities have special conditions and special exclusions. You can contact us if you have any questions around coverage for any activities you plan to do.
What benefits are available for adventure activities?
World Nomads plans offer a variety of benefits that can help when doing adventure sports while overseas, and your coverage benefit limit will vary depending on whether you choose our Standard Plan or our Explorer plan. Read your policy for details on terms and conditions, maximum benefit limits, and any exclusions:
Emergency medical expenses while outside Canada: Our plans offer cover for expenses incurred resulting from injury, sickness or death while on your trip. If at any time during your holiday, you or any of your traveling companions become sick or injured, you’ll need to contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team as soon as possible. Our team can assist to locate the nearest hospital or medical facility and may transport you back to Canada if a treating doctor determines this to be medically necessary.
Trip cancellation: If you must cancel your trip due to a covered risk, we cover up to the maximum limit under the policy for your non-refundable prepaid trip costs of your unused travel arrangements. For example, if you or any of your travel companions get sick or injured and you need to cancel your holiday, we may cover prepaid and non-refundable expenses. Please note that you’ll need to submit documents when filing a trip cancellation claim for a covered reason. Depending on your case, you'll need copies of:
- Receipts
- Itineraries
- Doctors/death certificates
- Medical history
- Written documentation from your travel provider outlining any refund you received and their cancellation penalties
Coverage for baggage and personal belongings: The policy provides coverage if your baggage or personal belongings becomes lost or damaged by your Common Carrier or stolen. You’ll need to have receipts, along with reports from the authorities or an incident report from your airline or other carrier (if your belongings were lost in transit) in order to submit a claim.
What’s not covered?
Here are some examples of what is not covered under our plans. Please refer to your policy for the complete list:
- Pre-existing medical conditions (Please refer to the Exclusions for Emergency Medical and Dental Coverage section of the policy wording for more information on coverage for pre-existing medical conditions).
- If you do not use a professional qualified and licensed guide or operator where required.
- Any search or rescue operations to find or rescue you from a life-threatening situation.
- If you refuse to be repatriated or evacuated.
- Damage to any sports or activity equipment while in use.
- Unattended baggage or personal items.
- If you participate in any sport or engage in any activity on a professional basis.
This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms and conditions of the policy. It is important you read and understand your policy as it contains benefits, conditions, exclusions and pre-existing condition exclusions. If you do not understand your coverage, or if you have questions about your coverage, just ask us.
FAQs
What questions should I ask when choosing a plan?
When purchasing your travel insurance policy you may be tempted to take the most cost-effective option without reading the policy first. Whilst reading the policy document can be a time-consuming task, it’s best to familiarize yourself with all the benefits, policy limits and exclusions before you buy your policy.
World Nomads offer two travel insurance plans, the Standard Plan and the Explorer Plan. Both plans offer levels of protection for many of the same types of risks and offer cover for, hospitalization, repatriation, lost, stolen or damaged baggage, and other unexpected costs.
However, the Explorer Plan offers higher policy benefit limits. For example, the Standard Plan offers a maximum benefit limit for emergency medical expenses of $5M, whereas the Explorer Plan offers a maximum benefit limit of $10M.
When choosing which policy is best matched to your needs you should ask yourself:
- How much trip cancellation coverage do I need? (Our Standard Plan covers a maximum limit of $2,500 and our Explorer Plan covers a maximum limit of $5,000)
- How much emergency medical coverage do I need?
- What kind of activities will I be doing on holiday?
- What activities is my travel party planning?
- What coverage do the two different plans offer for these activities?
- What exclusions might apply?
Note: choose your policy carefully as you can’t upgrade from a Standard Plan to an Explorer Plan mid-trip.
Can I buy travel insurance? I’ve already started traveling.
If you forgot to buy travel insurance before you left home, you can still purchase while you’re travelling. Note that a waiting period may apply for some benefits.
Can I extend my policy?
Your policy may be extended up to a maximum 12 months (365 days) from your original policy start date. To qualify and apply for a policy extension:
- You must not have made a claim, or have a reason to claim, on your original policy.
- The request for an extension must be made through, and approved by, World Nomads prior to your original scheduled return date.
You may qualify for a policy extension if you have sought emergency medical treatment or filed a claim for emergency medical treatment prior to extending your trip, however any subsequent medical treatment related to your emergency will not be covered under the extension of coverage.
You must have been eligible for the insurance that you seek to extend at the time of your original booking of your trip and at the time of the request for the extension.
Please note that:
- Policy extensions are not eligible to be refunded.
- The 10-day ‘Right to Examine’ period does not apply.
If you are travelling and want to extend your trip, you can purchase a policy extension by logging into your World Nomads membership account. Select your current policy and follow the prompts to extend your policy.
World Nomads covers more than 150 activities and sports, and if it’s not on the list you can contact us and we’ll let you know if we’ll cover it.
You can read more about coverage for some specific activities, or select your Country Of Residence and click here to see the activities covered by the plans available to you.
We offer cover for:
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance
- Overseas medical assistance
- Cancellation
- Baggage
I bit on something hard
A bone chipped my front tooth, on the top row, and cracked it. Blood started to run down so I had an emergency visit to the dentist to repair it.
B.P. U.S Resident in South Africa.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamTravel insurance. Simple & flexible.
Travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families. Nobody wants to think about all the things that could go wrong on their trip, but these things can and do happen. So be prepared and get your travel insurance today.
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about overseas medical insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team. If you’re looking for general travel advice, you can ask our community at Ask a Nomad.
-
Does my insurance cover medical costs upfront or do I have to pay and claim later?
Who pays depends on what’s happened! If it’s an emergency situation where hospital admission and/or medical evacuation is required, the insurer covers these costs upfront (provided the incident is covered as per the policy wording, of course).
-
Do you have a list of doctors/dentist so I know where to go in case something happens and make sure I’m covered?
We don't publish a list of doctors or dentists. If you need help finding one, call our assistance teams, and they'll guide to the most appropriate medical professional.
-
Why don't you cover ongoing treatment at home?
Travel insurance policies are designed for accidents or unexpected illness overseas. They don't stand in place of primary medical insurance or government healthcare.
Adventure activities
Travel insurance designed for adventures while traveling.
- Trusted by:
Trusted by:
Whether you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica, Iceland, South Africa or Canada, make sure you’re prepared for any adventure activities you plan to do while abroad. Before you go, be sure to check your route and the weather, and pack the correct gear for a safer experience.
You may want to consider purchasing travel insurance as our plans offer coverage for more than 150 adventure sports and activities ranging from hiking, snowboarding, scuba diving, hot-air ballooning, skiing, and more.
Check your policy as your level of activity and sports cover is subject to terms and conditions, limitations and exclusions.
- Adventure sports, travel insurance and what’s covered by our plans
- What activities are covered?
- Questions to ask when choosing a plan
- What’s not covered
Adventure sports, travel insurance and what is covered by our plans
The following is a sample of what World Nomads plans offer (up to the benefit limits):
Emergency medical and evacuation: If during your trip, you or any of your traveling companions become sick or injured, then you’ll need to contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team as soon as possible. Our team can help to locate the nearest hospital or medical facility and may transport you back to the U.S. if your treating doctor deems this to be medically necessary.
Trip cancellation: If you or anyone in your party gets sick or injured and you need to cancel your plans, we may cover prepaid and non-refundable travel expenses up to the policy limits. You’ll need to submit documentation when filing a trip cancellation claim for a covered reason listed in your policy. Depending on your case, you'll need copies of:
- Receipts
- Itineraries
- Doctors/death certificates
- Medical history
- Written documentation from your travel provider explaining the reason for cancellation and any proof of compensation
Coverage for extended stays: if you’re having a great time on your trip and choose to delay your return to the US, then you may extend your travel insurance policy. You must not have had any change to your health, submitted a claim or intend to, and are 69 years old or younger at the time to be eligible to extend. This must be done prior to 11:59pm on the return date listed on your policy. The policy may be extended for a total of 12 months from the start date on your Certificate of Insurance.
Coverage for baggage and personal belongings: if your baggage or personal items are lost, damaged or stolen, then you’ll need to submit receipts, along with police reports or an incident report from your carrier (if your belongings were lost in transit). Your coverage will vary according to your specific policy and whether you choose a Standard or an Explorer plan. Read your policy for details on terms and conditions, maximum benefit limits, and exclusions of your coverage.
Extra coverage in case Covid-19 catches you off-guard: You may be covered for medically necessary expenses if you get Covid-19. To find out what cover applies to you, read our Covid-19 coverage article, which has all the details, including benefit limits, conditions, and exclusions.
If you forgot to buy travel insurance before you left home, you can still purchase while you’re traveling. Note that a waiting period may apply for some benefits.
What activities are covered?
During your trip, you may wish to try activities and sports that aren’t commonly done in the U.S. If the activity is listed in your policy, and if something unexpected happens, your coverage may include benefits for:
- Emergency Medical Expenses while outside the U.S.
- Medical Evacuation and Repatriation
- Trip Interruption
Before purchasing your travel insurance policy, ensure that all the sports and activities that you intend to do are covered. World Nomads provides travel insurance for over 150 activities, sports and experiences. While this list might seem huge, it doesn’t cover everything. That’s why you shouldn’t take for granted that your preferred activities will be covered.
To have cover for a specific sport or activity, you may need to add it to your policy or select a plan with more coverage when you buy and pay the extra premium. You can contact us if you have question. We can assist you with making sure you are covered for the activities you plan to do.
Questions to ask when choosing a plan
It may be tempting to consider the cheapest coverage option without reading the policy wording. Different plans may cover different types of trips and although reading the document can be a tedious task, it’s best to familiarize yourself with all the benefits, policy limits and exclusions before you buy.
World Nomads offer two travel insurance plans, the Standard Plan and the Explorer Plan. Both plans may offer protection for many of the same types of risks and could cover the costs associated with hospitalization, repatriation, replacing lost baggage, as well as other unplanned expenses.
However, the Explorer Plan offers a wider level of coverage, with a greater range of benefits, and higher policy limits. For instance, you might wish to include coverage for hiking or diving on your trip. When choosing between the two plans, you’ll need to know the exact altitudes of your hiking trips and the depths of your planned dives.
When deciding which policy is best matched to your adventures you might want to ask yourself:
- What kind of activities will I be doing on vacation?
- What activities are my travel companions planning?
- What coverage do the two different plans offer for these activities?
- What exclusions might apply?
Note: please choose your policy carefully as you can’t upgrade from a Standard Plan to an Explorer Plan mid-trip.
What’s not covered?
Here are some examples of what is not covered under our plans. Please refer to your policy for the complete list.
- Pre-existing medical conditions.
- If you do not use a professional qualified and licensed guide or operator where required.
- Damage to any sports or activity equipment while in use.
- Unattended baggage or personal items.
- You’re behaving in a reckless manner, or your actions are in breach of the local laws.
- If you participate in any sport or engage in any activity on a professional basis.
This is not a full list of what's covered and what's not covered. There are limits and conditions that apply, so for more information read your policy carefully before you buy.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamTravel insurance. Simple & flexible.
Travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families. Nobody wants to think about all the things that could go wrong on their trip, but these things can and do happen. So be prepared and get your travel insurance today.
