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Kayaking and Rafting Travel Insurance Coverage

US Residents can protect their trips on the water with travel insurance

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

At a glance:

  • All World Nomads plans may cover losses from kayaking and whitewater rafting, with some plans that offer higher limits of coverage.
  • Coverage for injuries if you're seriously hurt while kayaking or rafting, plus transportation if you’re hurt on a remote river, and your condition is severe, acute, or life threatening and adequate medical treatment is not available in your immediate area. Additional terms apply. 
  • Reimbursement for canceled tours, delays, or interruptions due to covered events — whether it's a missed whitewater rafting trip or a multi-day kayaking tour.
  • 24/7 Non-Insurance Global Help: Access to emergency assistance anytime, on any river, lake, trail or road.


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.

From kayaking alongside glaciers in Alaska to whitewater rafting down the Balsa River in Costa Rica, there are 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 while traveling.

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, the unexpected could happen like a sprained muscle or heat exhaustion that requires medical attention. Travel insurance and non-insurance services 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.

Travel insurance and non-insurance services for kayaking and rafting: 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.

  1. Emergency Medical Expenses
    For broken bones, cuts, and sprains after a kayaking or rafting accident

  2. 24/7 Non-insurance Emergency Assistance
    Available 24/7 to assist in an emergency situation, on or off the river

  3. Baggage & Gear Coverage
    Reimbursement for damaged or stolen paddling gear, or swimsuits packed in lost checked luggage

  4. Trip Delays, Interruptions & Cancellations
    A money-saver if inclement weather throws a wrench into your plans.

Terms, conditions, and limitations apply to all coverage mentioned.

NOMADS TIP: Depending on the plan purchased, consider the optional ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ benefit for added flexibility and protection for shifting plans. Optional benefits come at an additional cost; CFAR not available in NY. 

All plans also include several additional non-insurance services that may support you both before and during your trip. These include delayed or lost baggage tracking and delivery, portable health records, and pre-departure telehealth services that may support you both before and during your trip.

Get a quote  and compare the plans to see which level of coverage is right for you.

What level of travel insurance coverage do I need for my kayaking and rafting trip?

World Nomads offers four plans for US residents – Standard, Explorer, Epic and Annual – each with different levels of coverage. Even if your main goal is to go kayaking or whitewater rafting, you’ll probably be doing other fun things like snorkeling or swimming. That’s totally fine, because you may be covered for more than 250 other sports, activities and experiences.

  • The Standard and Annual plans include travel insurance coverage for kayaking, sea kayaking, and sea canoeing, as well as whitewater rafting and kayaking. Black water rafting, cave tubing, hydrospeeding, and riverboarding are also covered for grades/classes 1-5. 
  • The Explorer plan covers more activities, including cave diving (to 165 feet/50 meters) and skydiving. It also has higher maximum amounts.
  • The Epic plan covers everything the Explorer plan covers, plus even more activities – including deep water soloing and using a jet pack. It also has the highest limits of coverage. 

Get 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
A group of people white water rafting

What may not be covered when kayaking or whitewater rafting?

  • Kayaking or whitewater rafting under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Unattended baggage, sporting equipment or personal items
  • Kayaking, rafting, or traveling within 100 miles of your home
  • Any Class 6 kayaking or rafting trips 
  • Rafting or kayaking against medical advice 

Top safety tips we recommend for your kayaking or whitewater 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 get hurt, you may not covered by your kayaking and rafting travel insurance benefits.
  • 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. 
  • Don’t drink and paddle: Alcohol doesn’t mix well with kayaking and whitewater rafting, and being impaired could increase your risk of an accident. If you’re drinking and paddling, you also may not have travel insurance coverage for kayaking or rafting if something does happen. You can toast to a great day on the water after your paddling trip, but not before. 
  • Get a good dry bag to hold a copy of the documents showing your kayaking and whitewater rafting travel insurance coverage: If an accident happens, you’ll want that handy – and dry. Make sure you have the phone number for the 24/7 non-insurance Emergency Assistance Team easily accessible, as well as your plan 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

  • Can kayaking be covered under World Nomads Travel Insurance?
    Yes, kayaking may be covered under all four plans offered by World Nomads Travel Insurance. This includes sea kayaking, sea canoeing, and whitewater kayaking, up to grade/class 5. If you want higher maximum amounts of coverage, you’ll want to consider the Explorer or Epic plan.
  • What types of incidents may be covered while kayaking or rafting abroad?
    If your trip is cancelled or interrupted due to an unforeseen, covered event, you may be able to recover your travel expenses (up to the maximum benefit amount), and this may include unused, pre-paid, non-refundable rafting or kayaking tours that you paid for in advance. If you fall out of your kayak or raft, get hurt, and require medical assistance, emergency medical expense coverage may come in handy in the case of an unexpected injury. You may also be covered for unplanned situations such as lost bags.
  • Can I purchase a plan after my trip starts?
    Yes. If your trip has already started, World Nomads can still offer you coverage. You can buy a plan online anytime, from anywhere in the world. World Nomads Travel Insurance for U.S. residents take effect at 12:01 a.m. local time the day after you purchase your plan. If you’re already traveling and want to get coverage for a kayaking or whitewater rafting excursion, you’ll need to buy your plan at least the day before you need coverage.
  • Do I get my money back if I cancel a trip?

    Trip cancellation coverage is offered by all plans offered by World Nomads, and you may be reimbursed for pre-paid, unused, non-refundable expenses like flights, kayak rentals, whitewater rafting tours and accommodations if your trip is cancelled for a covered reason. U.S. residents (except those that live in New York) also have the ability to add at an additional expense our optional cancel for any reason coverage when certain World Nomads plans are purchased. 

  • What happens if my bags are delayed?

    When you purchase travel insurance coverage for kayaking or rafting, baggage protection 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. Your coverage also includes a non-insurance service that can help track down your bag and get it delivered to you.

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

20250730-4693876. This is not a full list of what is and isn’t covered, so please check your plan document for a full list of maximums, terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions that may apply to your state specific plan. Any example scenarios provided above are not a guarantee of coverage. All claims are subject to review, require documentation and are considered individually. Exclusion applies to Adventure or Extreme Activities.

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)
*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
Photo © Vitalalp/IStock

Bungee Jumping Travel Insurance Coverage

Learn how US Residents can bungee jump with confidence with travel insurance

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

At a glance:

  • All World Nomads plans cover losses resulting from bungee jumping trips, with some plans that offer higher limits of coverage.
  • Emergency Medical Coverage may assist with medical costs and transport if you're seriously hurt while bungee jumping.
  • Our travel protection plans include transportation if your condition is severe, acute, or life-threatening and adequate treatment is not available in your immediate area. Additional terms apply.
  • An optional Cancel for Any Reason upgrade is available on some plans (additional cost and state restrictions may apply.)

Maybe you’re taking the leap in New Zealand, the birthplace of commercial bungee jumping, or perhaps you want to be surrounded by the scenery of Costa Rica’s lush foliage when you make your first jump. Either way, it helps to always be prepared for the unexpected. If you’re planning an epic trip that includes bungee jumping, you may want to protect yourself with a travel protection plan that includes a range of travel insurance benefits and non-insurance services for bungee jumping. It may help with everything from stolen gear to unexpected medical expenses.

Why should I consider travel insurance for my bungee jumping trip?

Unexpected issues can mess up even the most carefully planned bungee jumping trips. An unexpected hurricane can put a halt to your jump, but adventure travel insurance and non-insurance services designed for bungee jumping 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 when you’re bungee jumping on a trip.

Travel insurance and non-insurance services for bungee jumping trips: What may be covered?

Bungee jumping can test you both physically and mentally – and as adrenaline-seekers ourselves, that’s part of what we love. Since unexpected situations can happen when bungee jumping though, we’ve designed coverage for losses resulting from bungee jumping while traveling. We also offer coverage for losses related to more than 250+ other sports, activities and experiences.

  1. Emergency Medical Expenses
    For injuries that happen when on your bungee jumping trip

  2. 24/7 Non-insurance Emergency Assistance
    Available 24/7 to assist in an emergency situation

  3. Baggage & Gear Coverage
    Damaged or stolen gear or luggage that is lost

  4. Trip Delays, Interruptions & Cancellations
    A money-saver if inclement weather keeps you from bungee jumping

Get a quote and compare the plans to see which level of coverage is right for you.

Terms, conditions, and limitations apply to all mentioned coverages.

All plans include adventure travel insurance coverage for bungee jumping, as well as several additional non-insurance services that may support you both before and during your trip. These include delayed or lost baggage tracking and delivery, portable health records and pre-departure telehealth services.

What level of travel insurance coverage do I need for my bungee jumping trip?

World Nomads offers four plans for U.S. residents – Standard, Explorer, Epic and Annual – each with different levels of coverage. Even when your main goal is to go bungee jumping, you may want to do other fun things when traveling too, like rock climbing or zip lining. That’s totally fine, because you may be covered for more than 250+ other sports, activities and experiences when you purchase a travel protection plan that includes extreme sports travel insurance coverage and non-insurance services.

  • Standard Plan – This is the most basic plan, but includes travel insurance coverage for incidents while bungee jumping. It includes up to $125,000 in emergency medical expenses and up to $2,500 for trip cancellation.
  • Explorer Plan – This plan also includes bungee jumping, plus even more activities – including skydiving. It also has higher limits of coverage for most benefits.
  • Epic Plan – This covers everything the Explorer plan covers, plus even more activities – including free soloing and cliff diving. It also has the highest benefit limits of coverage.
  • Annual Plan – If you’re planning multiple trips throughout the year, this plan may be for you. Just buy once and stay protected all year. It includes adventure travel insurance coverage for bungee jumping, as well as all of the other activities covered in the Standard Plan.

NOMADS TIP: For even more trip cancellation flexibility, check out the optional ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ benefit. It can be added to Explorer and Epic plans. Available at an additional cost for U.S. residents, except in New York.

Get 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
A man bungee jumping

What may not be covered when on your bungee jumping trip?

If you decide to throw back a couple of drinks to calm your nerves before your big jump – and then get hurt – you may not be covered. Your travel insurance coverage may not cover you if you get hurt when you’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Some other things that aren’t covered include:

  • Unattended baggage, gear or personal items
  • Not following ‘Do Not Travel’ warnings issued by the US government prior to departure
  • Participation in activities not listed in our 250+ sports, activities and experiences.
  • Ignoring your doctor if they have advised in writing that you are not medically fit to travel
  • Traveling or bungee jumping within 100 miles of your home

Top safety tips we recommend for your bungee jumping

  • Choose a reputable company. Take a look at their certifications, safety record and reviews.
  • Listen carefully to all instructions provided by your jump master.
  • Don’t try to show off. When you jump, don’t try to do flips or anything else that hasn’t been approved by the staff.
  • Take advantage of the pre-departure medical consultation included in your non-insurance services and see if there are any vaccinations or prescription medications, like altitude sickness pills, recommended for your destination. Depending on the medication, you may need to start it prior to your trip. 
  • Tell your jump master if you have any health concerns. Things like high blood pressure, heart conditions, dizziness, epilepsy, eye injuries, asthma, and neck, back, or spinal problems can make bungee jumping more risky.
  • Don’t drink and jump. Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs increases your chance of being injured.
  • Wear the right clothes. Comfortable clothing is recommended, but don’t wear anything loose.
  • If you have long hair, tie it back to keep it from getting tangled in equipment.
  • Check with the S. Department of State to see if they have issued any travel advisories for your destination.
  • Enroll in the free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to stay updated on emergency situations.
  • Have a copy of your plan documents saved in your phone. Save the phone number for the 24/7 Non-insurance Emergency Assistance team and have that easily accessible as well.

FAQ

Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for bungee jumping. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team

  • What should I do if I get hurt while bungee jumping?

    If you get hurt while bungee jumping, contact local authorities as soon as you’re able to do so for immediate attention. World Nomads Travel Insurance may help reimburse the cost of medical treatment, hospital stays, or even emergency medical evacuation if needed (subject to approval.) Access to a 24/7 Non-Insurance Emergency Assistance team is also included for support anytime, anywhere when you purchase a travel protection plan that includes travel insurance coverage for extreme sports.

  • Do I get my money back if I cancel a trip?

    Trip cancellation coverage is offered by all plans offered by World Nomads, and you may be reimbursed for pre-paid, unused, non-refundable expenses like flights, tours and accommodations if your trip is cancelled for a covered reason. U.S. residents (except those that live in New York) also have the ability to add additional cancel for any reason coverage when certain World Nomads plans are purchased.

  • What happens if my bags are delayed?
    When you purchase travel insurance for extreme sports trips, baggage coverage is also included. If your checked-in bags are delayed more than 12 consecutive hours on the way to your destination, your plan may reimburse you for reasonable essential items like toiletries and a change of clothes until you and your bag are reunited. Your coverage also includes non-insurance service that can help track down your bag and get it delivered to you.

Need destination inspiration for your next bungee jumping trip?

Ready to jump, but not sure where to go? There are plenty of great spots around the world to experience bungee jumping. Check out a couple of our favorite locations and get destination-specific travel insurance tips to help you plan with confidence.

New Zealand: Auckland

Africa: Victoria Falls

China: Macau Tower

20250929-4853600. This is not a full list of what is and isn’t covered, so please check your plan document for a full list of maximums, terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions that may apply to your state specific plan. Any example scenarios provided above are not a guarantee of coverage. All claims are subject to review, require documentation and are considered individually. Exclusion applies to Adventure or Extreme Activities.

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)
*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