Travel Insurance for Surfing
Before you pack your surfboard, learn how travel insurance could help if things go wrong.
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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.
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 Surfing
While searching for the ultimate surf breaks and sleepy beach towns, don't forget to consider travel insurance.
- As featured in:
As featured in:
For many Aussies 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 Aussies 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, Aussies 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 traveling 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 sport. Check your policy for details or contact us if you have questions.
What's not covered for surfing travel insurance?
We won’t cover you if you do something reckless (like tackle big-wave off-shore surfing when you’re only a beginner). Some other 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
- 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. 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 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 Road Trips
Discover the coverage options of travel insurance for Americans on your next road adventure.
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As featured in:
One of the best things about road trips is the freedom to explore at your own pace, an on our own terms. Travel insurance is designed for many modes of transport, but there are specific reasons why it’s important for road trips.
Trip cancellation
Anything from falling ill to jury duty can prevent you from taking your trip. With this coverage, you may be able to recuperate your pre-paid, non-refundable deposits.
Emergency medical
Safety is a priority when you’re getting behind the wheel and traveling to new destinations. A trip protection plan can buffer the hazards of being on the road.
Rental car insurance
Car breakdowns and traffic accidents can put a dent in your wallet (as well as your car) if you don’t have vehicle coverage. World Nomads' Explorer plans offer damage collision waiver coverage.
Emergency Assistance
If you’re in a crisis, whether you’re stranded in the middle of nowhere or need urgent medical attention, our Emergency Assistance team is available 24/7 in whatever part of the world you’re traveling.
Trip interruption and delay
You may need help getting your trip back on track when you encounter problems, whether that be a sudden illness, or an incident caused by bad weather.
Baggage and personal belongings
If thieves get into a locked car or break into your hotel room, you can make a claim for a replacement or a reimbursement of your stolen items.
For information relating to policies purchased prior to October 23 2024, please check the Policy Wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For plans purchased after October 23 2024, please see below.
- Choosing the right policy for you
- What are the benefits of travel insurance for road trips?
- What are the exclusions of travel insurance for road trips?
Hitting the road? Get your travel insurance sorted with World Nomads
Road trips are a great way to experience local culture, see sights off the beaten track and immerse yourself in your travel destination. But, with the unknowns of driving in an unfamiliar place, it pays to research and plan ahead.
Good News: World Nomads can cover your road trip
One of the best things about road trips is the freedom to explore at your own pace, on your own terms. Our travel insurance* plans are designed by travelers for travelers, and they have some key benefits to make sure you’re protected on the open road.
Choosing the right plan for you
We offer four plans – Standard, Explorer, Epic and Annual Travel Insurance – each offering different levels of coverage. You’ll want to read about the differences between plans to make sure your all your adventures are covered under the plan you pick. Our single trip plans offer protection up to 180 days at a time. Our Annual Plan offers a full year of protection, with trip lengths up to 45 days at a time. You can compare our plans side by side to find out which one best matches your needs on your road trip.
What are the benefits of travel insurance for road trips?
Travel insurance is designed for many modes of transport, but there are specific reasons why it’s important for road trips.
Sudden trip cancellations
Anything from an unexpected illness, an accident or a call to do jury duty can prevent you from taking your trip. Trip cancellation coverage may help you recuperate your pre-paid, non-refundable trip deposits when an emergency happens.
Unexpected medical emergencies on the road
Your health and safety are a priority when you’re getting behind the wheel and traveling to new destinations. Many health insurance plans won’t cover you when you’re a certain distance from home or when you’re using out-of-network providers, so a travel insurance plan can make up for the gaps in emergency medical coverage. If your injuries are beyond minor bumps and scratches, you may need to check into a hospital. Our plans include emergency evacuation coverage for ambulances or transfers to an appropriate facility. Be sure to check the maximum benefit amount specified in your plan.
Rental car insurance for vehicle damage
Car breakdowns and traffic accidents can put a dent in your wallet (as well as your car) if you don’t have vehicle coverage. Our Explorer, Epic and Annual insurance plans offer rental car damage coverage, so you can head out on the road with an extra layer of security. While most cars are covered, certain vehicles are not including RVs, motorbikes, and luxury-model cars. Be sure to read your plan details for more information.
Emergency assistance at any hour of the day
When you’re in an unfamiliar place, it’s hard to know where to go for help. When you buy a World Nomads plan, you’ll have access to the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team to support you in a crisis. Whether you’re stranded in the middle of nowhere, need urgent medical attention or a referral for roadside assistance, the Emergency Assistance team can facilitate a range of services in whatever part of the world you’re traveling.
Road trip interruptions and delay
It’s a shame to make a big trip investment only to lose everything if an incident throws a wrench in your plans. Trip interruption and trip delay coverage can help salvage your pre-paid, non-refundable trip expenses that you’ve had to forfeit because of a covered event (like a natural disaster, inclement weather, sickness, rental car breakdown, etc) that has disrupted or delayed your travels.
You may also need help getting your trip back on track. If you get delayed, you may need a hotel or a meal as you catch up to your itinerary... that is where your trip delay insurance benefit can come in. Check your plan for any conditions you need to meet: your delay needs to be a certain number of hours and be caused by a covered reason.
Protection for stolen belongings and baggage
You may have coverage if your belongings and baggage are stolen during your road trip, up to the limits listed in your plan. But it’s important to note that theft from an unattended vehicle, even if locked, is not covered. So make sure you keep your valuables with you or locked in your hotel safe.
Coverage for more than 250 activities, sports and experiences
Road trips give you the flexibility to expand your adventures. Our plans cover more than 250 activities, sports and experiences including hiking, camping and surfing.
If you’re not sure whether the activity you want to do is covered, or have any questions about your plan, just ask us.
What are the exclusions of travel insurance for road trips?
- Any pre-existing medical condition, unless you purchased your plan within the time-sensitive period and have a waiver.
- Fancy Vehicles: Check your plan carefully as some vehicles are not covered, including luxury cars, camper vans and RVs.
- Incidents that are a result of acting irresponsibly under any sort of intoxication or influence.
- Select personal belongings, such as bicycles (unless checked into a common carrier), professional equipment and musical instruments.
Handy tips for a safe and fun road trip
- Be sure to drive to the conditions – take your time, especially on unfamiliar roads.
- Don’t ever drink alcohol and drive - not only is it extremely dangerous but it could invalidate your plan.
- Don’t leave valuable items in the car, even for a short time; they are not covered.
- Have your GPS handy and bring back-up directions (such as a printed map!).
- Check out more tips for driving in remote areas in our article How to Plan a Safe Road Trip.
Car theft in South Africa
We parked a rental car in the parking lot of a restaurant in Haut Bay, an area of Cape Town. After eating dinner, we returned to the car to find that a window had been broken and anything within easy reach had been stolen. Luckily for us, we had been smart enough to bring our very expensive camera inside the restaurant with us, only leaving behind the case and an extra lens.
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 hospitalized?
- 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
- Need medication?
- Suddenly sick?
- Accidentally injured?
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
- Hurt abroad?
- Medevac home?
- Need an ambulance?
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 team
