Travel Insurance for 180+ Adventure Sports and Activities
Travel insurance designed for adventures while traveling.
- As featured in:
As featured in:
- 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
World Nomads covers more than 180 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
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 180 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.
We cover 180 activities you love + more
- Scuba diving
- Surfing
- Snowboarding
- Skiing
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.
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 teamGet a travel insurance quote
Simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world.
Get a quote
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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
Surfing travel insurance
World-class breaks and classic beach towns. Surf’s up! Where’s your travel insurance?
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As featured in:
Stoked to be hitting those waves you’ve only dreamed of until now? You’ve mastered all that Brazil’s coasts have to offer and now it’s off to the Gold Coast, Indonesia or Oahu. But an awkward wipeout or an encounter with hidden rock could bring your dream to a premature end. So before paddling out, it’s a good idea to have your travel insurance in place.
What’s covered by travel insurance for surfing?
You might be a seasoned surfer and know the risks, but riding the waves knowing that you’re covered in the event of an accident makes you a smart surfer. A World Nomads travel policy for surfing may cover:
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Baggage Loss: What if the airline misplaces your prized board and other baggage before you’ve even seen the ocean? Make sure you follow the correct Property Irregularity Procedures and your insurance may mean you can still head to the beach.
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Lost documents: Mislaid your travel documents and wallet hopping from one beach town to another in Nicaragua? You may be able to rely on your travel insurance to ensure arranging replacements is smooth and easy.
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Emergency Medical Care: One minute you’re flying across the waves, the next you’ve seriously wiped out. Getting overseas travel insurance for urgent or emergency medical issues before traveling may have been the best decision you make if you have an accident or even suffer a disability.
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Transportation: The world’s best swells aren’t necessarily conveniently located next to the local hospital. Your travel insurance may well help you get from your secluded surfer’s paradise to the nearest medical center for treatment.
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Trip cancellation: If you or a travel companion has an accident on the waves or falls ill, meaning your trip is cut short, your policy may help you get back home and recover your pre-paid travel expenses.
Besides wave surfing, your World Nomads policy may also cover:
- Land surfing
- Stand-up paddle surfing
- Windsurfing
- Sandboarding
- Kitesurfing
- Wakeboarding
Be sure to read through your travel insurance policy carefully as certain complementary forms of medical treatment may not be covered for surfing-related accidents.
What's not covered for surfing travel insurance?
World Nomads believes in providing support so that everyone has the chance to explore all the world has to offer. But you shouldn’t visit regions that have been deemed unsafe or unadvisable for travel, and you always need to be sensible and take care. World Nomads can’t cover everything, so please be aware of a few things, such as:
- If you’re a beginner, take lessons at a surf school. Don’t go looking for a wave ‘pocket’ or a ‘ramp’!
- Don’t go out on the ocean after drinking or taking drugs.
- We can’t cover you if you don’t follow your doctor’s advice after an accident.
- You should always take due care of your personal items when heading out on the waves.
- If anything happens to you as a result of a pre-existing medical condition, you can’t expect to have your treatment covered.
How to get the most out of your travel insurance
As a surfer, there’s a good chance you’re going to be up for trying a few other adventure sports or activities while on vacation.
World Nomads provides cover for more than 150 different exciting sports and activities that you can try out while traveling overseas. But you should always make sure you carefully read the different policies - Standard, Explorer and Explorer Plus - and decide which one is right for you.
Enjoying your vacation to the max often means making the right decisions. So when heading out for those early morning breaks:
- keep an eye on the storm warnings.
- recognize your own limits and respect the ocean’s warning signs.
- check out the area beforehand and watch out for submerged rocks and reefs.
- it may be a good idea to surf with others so you can always take it in turns to stay with everyone’s stuff on the beach. Your insurance won’t cover it if your belongings have been left unattended.
Obviously, on a surfing vacation, this is what you’ll want specific coverage for. But World Nomads travel policies cover many of those other unexpected and sometimes unavoidable things that can happen when away from home.
You may need medical attention after twisting your ankle hiking over the hill to another beach or eating some local seafood that didn’t agree with you. There is still even the possibility that you might catch COVID-19. Whatever happens, travel insurance for medical emergencies is important as it may provide you with medical care and attention when far from home.
The World Nomads emergency assistance team can also provide you with 24/7 help on a range of unexpected events. These may include providing guidance to the nearest hospital or police station or informing your family back home of any emergencies and helping receive funds quickly and easily if you find yourself in difficulty.
Obviously, this is just a brief outline of why it’s a good idea to have some travel insurance if you’re on a surfing vacation. For more detailed information, get a quote online and carefully read through the policy options available. If you have any questions, feel free to contact 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
- 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 teamGet a travel insurance quote
Simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world.
Get a quoteTravel insurance for water sports and activities
What to know when getting your adrenaline rush in and around the water
- As featured in:
As featured in:
Making the most of stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) in Aruba, a casual reef snorkeling experience in Hawaii, oryou want to dial up the adrenaline and go parasailing in France.
As fun as they sound, water sports activities aren’t always smooth sailing. World Nomads travel insurance can help you keep your head above water if the unexpected occurs.
- What does World Nomads travel insurance cover?
- Why should I consider travel insurance when doing a water sports activity?
- What’s covered by water sports activity insurance?
- What's not covered
- Key tips for water activities and sports
What does World Nomads travel insurance cover?
Here are some of the key benefits of our coverage, depending on your Country of Residence and the plan you’ve selected:
- Emergency medical and evacuation coverage – if you or a member of your family suffers an injury or accident whilst participating in a covered water sports activity.
- Baggage and high value items cover – if your baggage or items are stolen, lost or damaged you may be covered, including if your bags are delayed.
- Cover for Coronavirus-related events – depending on your Country of Residence our policies offer medical coverage for Coronavirus. Our Explorer Plan also offers cover for Coronavirus travel costs.
- Coverage for extended stays – your plan can be extended while still traveling for up to 12 months from your departure date (terms and conditions apply).
Why should I consider travel insurance when doing a water sports activity?
With 71% of the Earth being covered by water, there’s no shortage of wet and wild adventures to be had on your travels. But before you head off it might be worth considering how travel insurance may help you have a safer and fun holiday.
Our policies can help with medical costs and evacuation if you suffer an injury while sailing the Italian coastline and need to seek medical treatment. Travel insurance can also help if your surfboard is damaged whilst on the way to your surfing adventure in Australia. Having travel insurance can even help if your diving trip in Thailand by is cancelled due to an insured event by the tour provider and you’re left out of pocket.
Make sure that you’ve selected the right travel insurance plan for your specific needs. With World Nomads you can get a quote, make a claim, or extend your policy instantly online, even while traveling.
What's covered by water sports activity insurance?
We want you to have the best experience on your travels, so we’ve designed our plans to cover the water sports that our nomads love the most including:
- Dragon boating
- Fishing
- Jet Skiing
- Kayaking
- Snorkelling
- Scuba diving (qualified to 40 metres)
- Surfing
- Stand-up paddle boarding.
World Nomads offers two plans – Standard and Explorer. Each policy provides different levels of coverage depending on what you need and your Country of Residence:
- The Standard Plan covers a range of benefits and certain adventure activities and has lower coverage limits.
- The Explorer Plan covers all the benefits of the Standard plan, with larger coverage limits, more benefits and covers more sports and activities.
- Both the Standard and Explorer plans offer cover for nominated low-risk water sports under “Level 1” cover. If you plan to participate in higher-risk water sports, as listed in section 8 of the PDS, you may need to upgrade your Standard or Explorer plan to “level 2” or “level 3” cover depending on which water sports activities you plan on participating in.
Depending on the level of cover you choose and your Country of Residence, our policies may cover you for the following when participating in water sports activities:
- Medical emergency: if you suffer an accident on injury whilst participating in a water sports activity, you are covered for medical expenses incurred including evacuation and even repatriation if you need to return home.
- Trip cancellation: if any part your trip is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances you may be covered for expenses incurred as a result of the cancellation.
- Cover for stolen baggage and gear: if your gear is lost, stolen or damaged on your trip you may be able to claim to have your gear replaced or repaired.
- Natural disaster: If a natural disaster impacts your planned water sports adventure our policies may cover you if you need to cancel or interrupt your travel plans.
What's not covered
While there are several circumstances we can offer coverage for, there are also those we just won’t cover. These include, but are not limited to:
- Damage to any sporting equipment while in use, sporting equipment over 3 years old or damage to or theft of any water sports equipment that are left unsupervised in a public place.
- Participation in a sport or activity not listed in the policy wording or agreed by World Nomads where you haven’t paid the required additional premium.
- If you travel against medical advice or neglect to adhere to government ‘Do Not Travel’ warnings issued prior to departure. (see US Department of State).
- A loss arising from participating in or training for a competition or race where you receive a financial reward (i.e., an appearance fee, a wage or salary).
- Any pre-existing medical conditions.
- Any costs related to illegal activities or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Key tips for water activities and sports
- Keep your receipts and paperwork:any claim you make will need supporting documentation such as receipts of your purchases. Keep these with you in printed or digital form if you intend to make a claim.
- It pays to be prepared:check the weather, check your equipment, and check the credentials of your instructors and guides – if any seem unreliable then reconsider if it’s a smart move to go.
- Monitor weather conditions and consider your fitness: you may want to reconsider your plans for a water-based holiday if you’re traveling to an island nation during the least optimal season weather-wise. You also need to ensure you are fit enough to take on any water-related activities or sports that you plan on doing. There’s no point signing up for cage-diving for instance if you’re prone to panicking or aren’t a proficient swimmer.
- Don’t get in over your head:be responsible when choosing a water sports activity. Does it suit your experience level? Are you using an accredited tour operator? Make sure to wear appropriate safety gear.
This is not a full list of what's covered and what's not; please check your Policy Wording for a full list of terms, conditions, 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.
True Claims Stories
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 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)
