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 kayaking
Everything Brits need to know about travel insurance for kayaking and rafting
- As featured in:
As featured in:
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 covered | What’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)
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
