Kayaking and Rafting Travel Insurance Plans
Canadian Residents can protect their fun on the water with travel insurance
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At a glance:
- World Nomads plans may cover kayaking in inland/coastal waters and whitewater kayaking and rafting for grade/class 1-5, with the ability to pay an extra premium and be covered for sea kayaking outside coastal waters.
- Coverage for injuries and medical transport if you're seriously hurt while kayaking and rafting.
- Reimbursement for your non-refundable, prepaid rafting and kayaking tours if you need to cancel, plus coverage for trip delays or trip interruptions due to covered events.
- Gear & Baggage Protection helps cover lost, stolen, or damaged gear and luggage.
- Access to emergency assistance anytime, anywhere.
- Why should I consider travel insurance for my kayaking or whitewater rafting trip?
- Kayaking and rafting travel insurance: What may be covered?
- What level of travel insurance coverage do I need for my kayaking or whitewater rafting trip?
- What may not be covered when kayaking or rafting?
- Top safety tips we recommend for your kayaking or rafting trip
- FAQs
From kayaking alongside glaciers in Alaska to whitewater rafting down the Balsa River in Costa Rica, there’s plenty of ways to have fun on the water with a kayaking or rafting adventure. Our travel protection plans include a range of travel insurance benefits for kayaking and rafting that may help with everything from stolen bags to unexpected medical expenses.
Why should I consider travel insurance for my kayaking or whitewater rafting trip?
Nobody goes whitewater rafting with the intention of falling out of their raft, but it can happen. Even on a leisurely kayaking trip, you could sprain a muscle or get heat exhaustion. Travel insurance designed for kayaking and rafting may help you bounce back quickly with support for emergencies, delays, and disruptions. With coverage that is flexible to your needs, it’s a way to travel confidently – whether you're navigating rapids or calm waters.Kayaking and rafting travel insurance: What may be covered?
As paddlers ourselves, we’ve designed our plans that may cover kayaking and rafting while traveling. We also offer coverage for losses related to more than 250 other sports, activities and experiences.
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Emergency Medical Expenses
For broken bones, cuts, and sprains after a kayaking or rafting accident -
24/7 Non-insurance Emergency Assistance
Available 24/7 to assist in an emergency situation, on or off the river -
Baggage & Gear Coverage
Damaged or stolen paddling gear, or swimsuits that have gotten lost with your checked luggage -
Trip Delays, Interruptions & Cancellations
A money-saver if an unforeseen covered event throws a wrench into your plans
Terms, conditions, and limitations apply to all coverage mentioned.
What level of travel insurance coverage do I need for my kayaking or whitewater rafting trip?
World Nomads offers two plans for Canadian residents – the Standard and Explorer – each with different levels of coverage.
- The Standard plan includes travel insurance for kayaking, snow rafting, cave tubing, and sea kayaking. Whitewater rafting and kayaking, blackwater rafting, hydrospeeding, and river boarding for classes 1-5 are also included.
- The Explorer plan also covers these activities, but has higher limits of coverage.
When you purchase your policy, you’ll need to list kayaking, rafting, and all of the other activities that you plan to participate in while on your trip. There’s over 250 other sports, activities and experiences that may be covered. You won’t be able to add or remove activities after you make your purchase, so make sure you add them all at that time.
Kayaking in inland/coastal waters (within three nautical miles of shore), snow rafting, and cave tubing are considered Level 1 activities. Whitewater and blackwater rafting, hydrospeeding, and river boarding for grades/classes 1-5 are too. All Level 1 activities are automatically covered, but you’ll still need to list them when you purchase your policy. However, you will need to pay an additional premium to be covered for Level 2 and Level 3 activities like sea kayaking and swimming outside of coastal waters. If you are planning to participate in an activity that isn’t listed in our policy wording, you will need to contact us to determine if you will be covered.
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Simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world.
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What may not be covered when kayaking and rafting?
- Kayaking or whitewater rafting under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Unattended baggage, sporting equipment or personal items
- Kayaking, rafting, or travelling within your home province
- Rafting or kayaking if your doctor has advised against it
- Any Class 6 kayaking or rafting trips
Top safety tips we recommend for your kayaking or rafting trip
- Research your tour operator: If you’re going on a kayaking or whitewater rafting excursion, research the tour company’s credentials ahead of time.
- Know your own limitations: Kayaking and whitewater rafting are physically demanding, so make sure you’re up to it. If you have any concerns, talk to your doctor ahead of time, and make sure you plan a trip within your own skill level. If you decide to go kayaking or rafting after your doctor has told you not to, and then you get hurt, you won’t be covered by your travel insurance for whitewater rafting and kayaking.
- Wear a life jacket: Think less about your tan lines, and more about your safety. Accidents can happen at any time, and if you fall out of your kayak or raft, you may not have time to grab that if you unexpectedly go overboard.
- Store a copy of your rafting and kayaking travel insurance documents in a dry bag: If an accident happens, you’ll want that handy – and dry. Make sure you have the phone number for the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team easily accessible, as well as your policy number. You may want to save that in your phone as well.
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for kayaking and rafting. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team
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Is kayaking covered under World Nomads Travel Insurance?
Yes, World Nomads offers kayaking travel insurance, but make sure you list this as an activity you’ll be participating in when you purchase your policy. Kayaking within inland/coastal waters is considered a Level 1 activity and is automatically covered, but you’ll still need to list it when you purchase your policy. However, you will need to pay an additional premium to be covered for Level 2 and Level 3 activities like kayaking and swimming outside of coastal waters. If you are doing something else on your trip and aren’t sure if it’s covered, we suggest you contact us to make sure.
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Is whitewater rafting covered under World Nomads Travel Insurance?
Yes, World Nomads offers whitewater rafting travel insurance for grades/classes 1-5, but make sure you list this as an activity you’ll be participating in when you purchase your policy. However, you will need to pay an additional premium to be covered for Level 2 and Level 3 activities like kayaking and swimming outside of coastal waters. If you are doing something else on your trip and aren’t sure if it’s covered, we suggest you contact us to make sure.
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What types of incidents are covered while kayaking or rafting abroad?
If your trip is cancelled, delayed, or interrupted due to an unforeseen event, you may be able to recover your travel expenses (up to the policy limits), and this may include unused, pre-paid, non-refundable kayak rentals or rafting excursions. If you fall out of your kayak or raft, get hurt, and require medical assistance, emergency medical coverage may come in handy in the case of an unexpected injury. You may also be covered for unplanned situations such as lost bags.
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Can I get coverage after my trip starts?
Yes. If your trip has already started, World Nomads can still offer you coverage. You may buy a plan online anytime, from anywhere in the world. If you buy a plan after departing from your home province, you won’t be covered for any loss or expense related to any injury or sickness that occurs in the 48-hour period after your departure date.
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Does World Nomads Travel Insurance offer coverage for kayaking and rafting outside of Canada?
Yes, there are so many great places around the world where you can kayak or go whitewater rafting, and World Nomads doesn’t want to limit your fun. For example, if you have coverage that includes travel insurance for Asia, you could have the opportunity to go whitewater rafting on the Trishuli River in Nepal or kayaking through the mangroves in Okinawa. When you get a quote for travel insurance for kayaking and rafting, you’ll need to input where you’ll be travelling, and also list kayaking as rafting as activities you’ll be participating in.
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What should I do if I get hurt while kayaking or rafting?
If you have travel insurance for rafting and kayaking and unexpectedly get hurt, you can contact the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team and they can help direct you to nearby medical facilities. They may also translate for you if you’re travelling outside of Canada and your medical team doesn’t speak French or English. Make sure you keep all documentation including doctor reports, invoices, etc. You’ll need those things if you plan to make a claim.
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Does World Nomads Travel Insurance cover other activities during my trip?
Yes, with your rafting and kayaking travel insurance benefits, you may be covered for more than 250 other sports, activities and experiences. Things like hiking, biking, rock climbing, and camping may all be covered. When you purchase your policy, you’ll need to list all of the activities that you plan to participate in while on your trip. You won’t be able to add or remove activities after you make your purchase, so make sure you add them all at that time. If you’re participating in an activity and not sure if it’s covered, you can contact us and ask.
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Do I get my money back if I cancel a trip?
Trip cancellation coverage is offered by both plans offered by World Nomads, and you may be reimbursed for pre-paid, unused, non-refundable expenses like flights, kayak rentals, whitewater rafting excursions, and accommodations if your trip is cancelled for a covered reason.
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What happens if my bags are delayed?
When you purchase travel insurance for rafting and kayaking, baggage coverage is also included. If your checked-in bags are delayed more than 12 hours on the way to your destination, your plan may reimburse you for essential, reasonable items like toiletries and a change of clothes until you and your bag are reunited.
Need destination inspiration for your next kayaking or rafting trip?
Not sure where your next paddling adventure should take you? Check out some of our favorite places around the world to go kayaking and rafting and get destination-specific travel insurance tips to help you plan with confidence.
Ecuador Discoveries: Kayaking the Amazon
Kayaking in the Shadow of Giants in Southern Greenland
5 of the Best Places to Kayak Around the US
Whitewater Rafting in Nepal: 7 Best Places to Go
Canada Discoveries: Rafting the Exploits River
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, just ask us.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
- Work emergency?
- Weather delay?
- Travel companion sick?
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
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
- Need a hospital?
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
- Ambulance transfers
- Medevac flights
- Medical escort services
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Stolen I.D.s
- Checked-in sports equipment
- Damaged luggage
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 for Mountain Biking
Whether you’re a hobby mountain biker or serious fiend, travel insurance for mountain biking can stand you in good stead when the mountain wins.
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As featured in:
Check what’s covered before you head up the mountain
Nothing shouts adventure for Irish travellers than the speed and thrills of mountain biking. But as fun as mountain biking can be it can also lead to nasty cuts, bruises and injuries. That’s why travel insurance comes in handy when your mountain bike ride doesn’t go to plan.
What’s covered for mountain biking?Our plans can help you navigate any unexpected mishaps and help get you back on track. World Nomads may offer cover (up to the policy limits) for:
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Two travel insurance plans to suit your sport and activity needs
Unfortunately we can’t help with that punctured tyre but if you’ve seriously hurt yourself World Nomads Travel Insurance Standard and Explorer plans can offer coverage for unforeseen medical costs on your next mountain biking adventure overseas. Both our plans offer optional upgrades so if you plan on taking lifts for some gripping descents, you must upgrade to the activity level that suits your needs at the time you purchase your policy.
What do you do if something happens to you?
We understand that unexpected accidents and illnesses may strike at any moment, that’s why the World Nomads 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance team is here to help you navigate any issues you may have if you end up in hospital. If you’re admitted to hospital, you (or someone else) must notify our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance team as soon as reasonably possible. Your medical expenses can be paid directly to the hospital, where possible, once cover is confirmed. For more information on what to do if you need emergency assistance while overseas check out our Overseas Medical Treatment and Hospitalisation Help Centre article.
Travel insurance tip: Irish travellers, if you require any medical treatment during your trip while outside of Ireland (and as soon as your medically able to do so) you’ll 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, get in touch with our 24-hour Emergency Medical Assistance Team as soon as reasonably possible before incurring medical costs, and also please provide us with details of your PMI provider to help us coordinate your care. For more information on what to do please refer to Section 8 Medical Sections of Cover, Important Information, in your Policy Wording.
You can also claim for your non-refundable costs of cancelling your trip if you or your travel buddy suddenly gets sick or hurt before you go on your trip. We also offer cover if you’re left empty-handed when the airline loses your baggage; or if a storm affects your connecting flight and puts the brakes on your travel plans (Explorer Plan only).
Why buy travel insurance when you’re going mountain biking?
Having travel insurance can help take some of the stress out if you end up in hospital with unexpected medical costs from a broken leg to some bangs and scrapes. Importantly travel insurance offers coverage for those ‘worst possible case’ scenarios when you need to be repatriated to Ireland to recover.
An upgrade for certain activities and sports may be required and terms and conditions apply for each activity. Check out our activities article for details or contact us if you have questions.
World Nomads plans offer cover for many mountain bike destinations:
- Les Gets, France where the lower Alps make for perfect mountain biking trails
- Spain’s southern Andalucía region for riding in the sun
- The downhill, cross-country and single tracks of Whistler Canada
- Desert riding around Colorado and New Mexico
What’s not covered?
Some things we may not cover for mountain bike riding include:
- Pre-existing medical conditions
- Theft, loss and damage to bikes and their related accessories
- Participating in racing events
- Personal liability while bike riding
- Leaving baggage, personal items or any mountain biking gear unattended
- Any search or rescue operations to remove you from a life-threatening situation
- Misuse of alcohol or drugs to the extent that it risks your health or impairs your faculties
- Damage from any illegal activity.
For more information, go to our Help Desk mountain biking article.
This is a summary only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the plans described. Please refer to the Policy Wording for complete details of cover and exclusions. If you are unsure of your level of travel cover, please contact us for help.
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 for Mountain Biking
Whether you’re a hobby mountain biker or serious fiend, travel insurance for mountain biking can stand you in good stead when the mountain wins.
- As featured in:
As featured in:
Embrace the thrill of the trails! Whether you're a weekend warrior, or a downhill daredevil, having travel insurance can keep you focused on the fun, not the what-ifs. From the rugged peaks of Scotland to the challenging trails of the Alps…there’s so many mountains waiting to be climbed on two wheels! But before you hit the paths less pedalled, check out our tips to ensure you're fully geared up with the right cover.
- Should I consider travel insurance when mountain bike riding?
- What’s actually covered when you go mountain biking
- What’s not covered when mountain biking?
- World Nomad’s handy tips for your mountain bike adventures
- Need some inspo for your next mountain biking adventure?
- Frequently asked questions
Should I consider travel insurance when mountain bike riding?
Accidents and Injuries: the rugged nature of mountain biking increases the risk of falls and injuries. Whether it's a minor scrape or a more serious injury requiring hospitalisation, travel insurance can cover medical expenses and emergency treatments.
Remote Locations: many of the best trails are off the beaten path. If you get injured in a remote area, emergency evacuation can be costly. Travel insurance can cover the expense of medically necessary evacuations, ensuring you receive the best possible care swiftly.
Damage or Loss of Gear: mountain biking gear is an investment. If your essential equipment is damaged or stolen during your trip, travel insurance can help cover these costs, allowing you to replace or repair your gear without significant financial burden. World Nomads provides baggage protection for lost, stolen, or damaged items of up to £3,000 with the Explorer Plan and £1,500 with the Standard Plan. For high-value gear, you may want to consider adding them as high value items. You can increase the level of cover of item up to £750 on the Explorer plan and £400 on the Standard. The maximum limit for all high value items is £2,250 on the Explorer and £1,200 on the Standard. An additional premium is required when adding high value items.
What’s actually covered when you go mountain biking?
As long as you’re not doing anything silly, like riding without a helmet or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, World Nomads offers cover for mountain biking (on and off road, cross country, or downhill). We offer two plans – Standard and Explorer – each of which offers different levels of coverage. It is up to you to choose what plan has the right level of coverage to meet your travel needs and that matches your specific mountain biking plans. Here are some of the things our plans over:
If you’re injured or have an accident whilst biking
It’s not nice to think about, but if you suffer an injury or accident on your ride, our emergency medical assistance coverage may protect you for emergencies that require:
- Hospitalisation
- Day surgery and out-patient treatment
- Visits to registered medical practitioners
- Prescribed medicines
- Ambulances
If you need medical treatment, it’s essential that you get in touch with our Emergency Medical Assistance team as soon as possible so they can support you.
If you need to be evacuated or repatriated
You might be riding in a remote area, far from medical assistance, so our policies include coverage if you need to be evacuated to a medical facility.
Emergency Medical Assistance Team available 24/7
Having a medical emergency in a foreign country can be overwhelming but buying a World Nomads policy means you’ll have access to our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance team. Our Medical Emergency Assistance team can help with a range of services in whatever part of the world you’re travelling 365 days a year.
Cancellation of your ride
If your ride is cancelled or interrupted due to an unforeseen event, you may be able to recover your unused/additional travel expenses. With the Explorer plan this can include if your destination is affected by a natural catastrophe.
Note: There are specific terms and conditions, limits and exclusions that apply to mountain biking, so be sure to check the exclusions section of this article, and also check your policy wording carefully. If you’re not sure whether something is covered, contact us.
What’s not covered when mountain biking?
While we can offer coverage for mountain biking, there are also things we just won’t cover. These include, but are not limited to:
- No matter how safe you are, we won’t cover any mountain biking on the infamous Death Road – otherwise known as Yungas Road in Bolivia.
- Riding at altitudes over 6,000 metres
- Participation in a sport or activity not listed as covered in the policy wording or agreed by World Nomads, or where you haven’t paid the required additional premium.
- Working or participating professionally in any activity or sport.
- If you travel against medical advice or neglect to adhere to government ‘Do Not Travel’ warnings issued prior to departure.
- Any pre-existing medical condition.
World Nomad’s handy tips for your mountain bike adventures
- Make sure your bike is set up correctly before you ride – check the saddle, pedals, handlebars, brakes, suspension, and tyre pressure.
- Put your safety first: only go riding with professional, qualified, licensed and reputable operators. If you don’t, your cover may be void. If something doesn’t feel right, then don’t go.
- Keep your body loose and springy and be prepared to stand up on the bike – doing this moves you with the bike and can help you avoid injury and accidents.
- Study the trail map and understand the route before you start. Use GPS or a reliable app to keep track of your location, especially in remote areas.
- Bring enough water and high-energy snacks to keep you hydrated and energised throughout your ride.
Need some inspo for your next mountain biking adventure?
Check out our handy guides and insider travel tips on the best places to go mountain biking:
- The best mountain biking tracks around Nepal
- A guide to mountain biking in New Zealand
- 4 of the best places for mountain biking in the US
This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. You should read your policy wording 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.
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 teamFAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about buying travel insurance for mountain biking. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team.
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Can I get travel insurance if I’ve already started travelling?
Yes! With World Nomads, you can purchase travel insurance after you’ve left UK. Keep in mind though, there is a 72-hour waiting period before cover is activated.
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Can I upgrade my travel insurance to include high-risk mountain bike riding
Here’s the deal: general off-road/cross-country mountain bike riding is covered under both our Standard and Explorer plan. However, if you intend to up the anti with some gnarly downhill trails, you’ll need to select add this activity from the beginning, and pay the additional premium, because you can’t upgrade once you’ve purchased.
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Does World Nomads travel insurance cover competitive mountain biking events?
No, World Nomads doesn’t cover competitive (or professional) mountain biking events.
