Photo © Getty Images/Simon Winnall

Travel Insurance while camping

Simple and flexible travel insurance to take you camping around the world. Buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world.

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You want to escape from the hustle and unwind under a blanket of stars. We get it, we’re a community of adventure travelers, and sometimes getting off the beaten track is exactly what we need. From lush northern European forests to the endless horizons of Australia’s Outback, a camping trip offers the chance to get in touch with nature and explore a different side of travel. But as exciting as planning your outdoor adventure is, traveling far from home and urban comforts can also come with risks.

World Nomads Travel Insurance Standard and Explorer plans offer cover for independent travelers like you for sudden and unforeseen events on your next camping trip, such as being left empty-handed when the airline loses your baggage (with your tent in it), if you need to see a doctor if you are hurt or unwell, or if severe weather washes away your travel plans.

What’s covered

World Nomads can offer cover (up to the policy limits) for:

  • Baggage protection: Got your stuff stolen while camping? Our gear coverage may help with replacing belongings that were swiped.
  • Emergency medical: Camping and fresh air can be great for the body and soul, but not if it ends up in a bad fall. Emergency medical coverage can come in handy in the case of an accident or injury.
  • Evacuation: Your camping paradise may be far away from medical facilities. With our cover, you can get transported to the medical facility best for your care, subject to approval from us.
  • Trip cancellation: Has a sick or injured traveling companion, or a severe weather event put a stop to your camping adventure? Depending on your plan and Country of Residence, you may be able to recover your travel expenses.
  • Coverage for some Coronavirus (COVID-19) related events: To find out more, including benefit limits and exclusions, read our What’s Covered for Coronavirus article.

Your coverage will vary according to your country of residence and whether you chose a Standard or an Explorer plan. Read your policy for details on cover, maximum benefit limits, exclusions, and conditions of your coverage. Contact us if you have any questions about your cover.

Cover for adventure or sport activities while camping

It doesn’t matter if you’re camping in a van or hiking into a remote campsite – chances are you’re going to want to do some more adventuring wherever you’re headed.

Depending on your Country of Residence, and the plan you choose, you can be covered for several activities such as bungee jumping, kayaking, and scuba diving up to 30 meters. While there are many activities available on the Standard plan, those feeling extra adventurous can upgrade to the Explorer Plan. The Explorer plan offers upgrades for activities such as hiking up to 6,000 meters, or canyoning and scuba diving up to 50 meters.

Check your policy carefully for details or contact us if you have questions.

Know where you’re going, and what to do if the unexpected happens

Before you head off into the wilderness, it pays to arm yourself with these tips for a safer camping trip:

  • Make sure to include all the countries you’ll be visiting or traveling through on your policy, as well as the adventure activities you’re planning to do or participate in.
  • Check you have all the paperwork you’ll need for the countries you’ll be visiting, for example, visas, camping or visitor permits for national parks and campgrounds.
  • Check the local camping regulations for the places you are going. Some countries allow you to camp anywhere on public or private land away from habitation; however, many countries do not allow this, and if you cross a border unknowingly, you could be fined, and it could affect your cover.
  • Be responsible when choosing a camping destination or activity. Does it suit your experience? Are there any travel or weather alerts for your destination? Are you using an accredited operator? Can our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team reach you if you get into trouble?

What’s not covered?

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, e.g., transport carriers or accommodation providers.
  • Unattended baggage or personal items.
  • Any search or rescue operations to remove you from a life-threatening situation (unless covered by natural catastrophe).
  • Misuse of alcohol or drugs to the extent that it risks your health or impairs your faculties.

This is not a full list of what’s covered and what’s not; please check your policy for a full list of 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.

Did you know travel insurance covers...

You can also buy away from home or buy more cover if you extend your trip. Plus, you can claim online anytime, anywhere in the world.

True Claims Stories

  • Never travel without insurance. This was the first time I ever purchased travel insurance and I am so glad I did. A few days into my trip to Spain I twisted my foot heading down to the metro. Thanks to World Nomads I was able to get medical attention in Spain and since, as luck would have it, I had a fracture that required surgery, they got me a flight home the next day. Filing a claim was surprisingly easy and when the claim was finally processed, I was reimbursed for all of my expenses including things like the extra week in the hotel I didn't get to take advantage of.
    L.D.
    U.S. resident in Spain
  • I recently had a serious injury traveling on my own & the team was amazing. Being confused with a brain injury they took care of everything. Claiming was no problem, they were on the phone constantly to see if all was OK. I can't recommend them enough. Absolutely fantastic & l will always travel with World Nomads Insurance. Thanks guys for getting me home safely.
    A.B.
    Australian in Thailand
  • I was bitten by a monkey at the Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur. I went to a nearby clinic and they gave me a rabies shot, antibiotics to take for 4 days, pain medicine, and anti-inflammatory medicine.
    T.R.
    Canadian in Malaysia

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 team

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?
  • Been made redundant?

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
  • Luggage lost?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Tech trashed?

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)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.
Photo © Thinair28/IStock

Travel insurance for kayaking

Everything Brits need to know about travel insurance for kayaking and rafting

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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
What’s coveredWhat’s not covered
Whether you’re kayaking, rafting or canoeing our World Nomads plans may cover:
• Trip disruption
• Medical emergency expenses
• Emergency evacuation/repatriation
• Baggage delay
• Theft of baggage and personal belongings



We want to make sure that you are having fun out on the water but don’t overdo it as we won’t cover any incidents related to:
• If you kayak, canoe or go rafting while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• No pro sports or athletic competitions. Professional sporting activities aren’t covered by travel insurance
• Search and rescue costs
• Reckless behaviour
• Criminal or illegal acts
• Changing your mind about your trip


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 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)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

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 team