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.

• What kinds of kayaking and rafting do we cover?
• What do those River Grades mean?
• Choosing the right plan for you
• What is covered by World Nomads Travel Insurance?
• What's not covered?

Going kayaking or rafting on your vacation?

Exotic sunsets, the water hitting your face, hurtling down river rapids; experiences on the water are often the most unforgettable part of any vacation. From paddling with the family on Lake Superior, to sea kayaking the turquoise waters around Indonesia’s Raja Ampat archipelago, get your next vacation flowing on a kayaking or rafting adventure.

What kinds of kayaking and rafting do we cover?

When you get a travel insurance quote for your kayaking or rafting trip, you need to double-check the Adventure Sports & Activities list. The following categories have coverage under all our plans:

• Kayaking
• Sea kayaking
• Sea canoeing
• White water rafting and kayaking
• Black water rafting (grades 1-5)
• Cave Tubing (grades 1-5)
• Hydrospeeding (grades 1-5)
• Riverboarding (grades 1-5)

What do those River Grades mean? 

Several activity options above mention International River Grades which can be described as:

• Class 1: Easy
• Class 2: Novice
• Class 3: Intermediate
• Class 4: Advanced
• Class 5: Expert
• Class 6: Extreme and Exploratory Rapids

We offer coverage for river grades (also known as classes) from Class 1 to Class 5. We do not offer coverage for Class 6 rapids.

When you are about to head down the river or rapids, always be aware of the rating. Read more about the International River Grading System from the American Whitewater association. 

Choosing the right plan for you

We offer four travel insurance plans – Standard, Explorer, Epic and Annual – each with different levels of coverage. It is up to you to choose what plan has the right level of coverage to meet your travel needs and that matches the adventure activities you’re planning. In addition to kayaking and rafting, we over coverage for more than 250 adventure activities for our U.S. nomads.

When you get a quote, you can compare the travel insurance plans, which offer coverage up to 180 days per trip. Choose the one that best meets your needs and level. If you plan to take numerous trips during the year, then the Annual Travel Insurance Plan could be best for you. 

What is covered by World Nomads Travel Insurance?

Our plans may cover you on your kayaking and rafting adventures (up to the plan limits) for:

• Emergency medical: Emergency medical expense coverage could come in handy if you suffer an accident or injury that results in you going to the hospital.
  
• Evacuation coverage: Your water adventure may be far away from medical facilities. If your condition warrants it, you may be transported to an appropriate medical facility. And if your injuries are worse than first thought, you could be repatriated back home, subject to approval from the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team.
• Trip cancellation or interruption: If your trip is cancelled, interrupted, or delayed due to an unforeseen event like an illness or injury, you may be able to recover your nonrefundable, prepaid travel expenses through our trip cancellation, trip interruption or trip delay coverage.
• Natural disaster: If you find yourself amid a natural disaster that renders your destination accommodation uninhabitable, you may have coverage for trip cancellation. Just note you’ll need to have purchased your World Nomads plan before the storm is named or the disaster happens.
• Concerned about any scenario not covered here? Consider the optional ‘cancel-for-any-reason' benefit. If you have an Explorer or Epic plan, by adding this benefit (for an additional charge), you can cancel your trip for any reason and get reimbursed for up to 75% of non-refundable costs. You must purchase this benefit during the time sensitive period.

Rafting and kayaking: what’s not covered

While there are many kayaking and rafting adventures we can offer coverage for, there are also things we just won’t cover. These include, but are not limited to:

• Working or participating professionally as an athlete in any activity or sport.
• Participation in a sport or activity not named in our adventure activities list.
• Search and rescue missions.
• Any pre-existing medical condition, unless you purchased your plan within the time-sensitive period and have a waiver. 
• If you travel against medical advice.
• Any Class 6 kayaking or rafting trips – sorry, but that’s a no-go for us.

Safety tips and handy hints for your paddling trip 

• Before you launch, remember to check the International River Grading of the river or water you’re on so you won’t invalidate your coverage. 
• Kayaking and rafting are physically demanding – make sure you’re up to it. Plan a trip within your capabilities.
• Check the weather, check your equipment, and check the credentials of your instructor/guides.
• Wear the right gear – it can get cold on the water, and being cold and wet can lead to hypothermia.
• Get fit – kayaking requires a certain amount of strength and stamina, so be sure you are physically capable of what you plan on doing. Consider using our non-insurance service partner Runway Health for pre-trip medical support to get travel medicines, like altitude sickness pills, delivered to your door before you leave on your trip.

*All information we provided here is a brief summary. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, and termination provisions of the plans described.  Please carefully read your state specific plan documents for a full description of coverage. Travel insurance is included as part of your travel protection plan which contains both insurance benefits and non-insurance assistance services. Material included on this page does not represent, nor is it specific to, United States Fire Insurance Company or travel insurance benefits provided on United States Fire Insurance Company’s travel protection plans.

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.

• What types of mountain biking adventures are covered?
• Whats covered when you go mountain biking?
• What's not covered when mountain biking?

Nothing beats heading down a mountain with your lunch in your backpack and a sense of adventure in your heart, ready to ride as far as your feet can pedal. We at World Nomads love mountain biking, which is why we have it on our list of 250 covered adventure activities. And, as mountain bikers, we also know that any time there's adventure, there's also a risk of inconvenience and even danger.

If your next vacation includes mountain biking, you could find yourself needing help for medical emergencies, evacuation, repatriation back home, or simply for disappointing travel interruptions. Some of our travel insurance* plans let you add optional cancel for any reason protection and include rental car protection or the possibility of getting $250 for annoying travel inconveniences. All plans also include non-insurance services like pre-trip medical support.

Here's what you need to know about travel insurance for mountain biking.

What types of mountain biking adventures are covered?

As long as you're not doing anything reckless, like riding without a helmet or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, World Nomads offers coverage for mountain biking, including on and off road, cross country, downhill, snow biking, and bikepacking. Bike polo and even unicycling are also covered!

What's covered when you go mountain biking?

If you're injured or have an accident while biking

It's not nice to think about, but if you suffer an injury or accident on your ride, our emergency medical expense coverage may assist you in emergencies that require:

• Hospitalization
• Day surgery and out-patient treatment
• Visits to registered medical practitioners
• Prescribed medicines
• Ambulances

If you need medical treatment, it's essential that you get in touch with the Emergency Assistance team as soon as possible so they can support you.

If you need to be evacuated or repatriated

You might be riding in a remote area, far from medical assistance, so our policies include coverage if your condition requires you to be evacuated to a medical facility or repatriated back home. Just remember that an emergency evacuation must be ordered by a physician who certifies that the severity of your accidental injury or sickness warrants your emergency evacuation, and it is approved by the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team.

Emergency Assistance team available 24/7

Having an emergency in a foreign country can be overwhelming but buying a World Nomads plan means you'll have access to the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team. Our Emergency Assistance team can help with a range of services in whatever part of the world you're traveling, can speak multiple languages, and they're available 365 days a year.

Cancellation of your ride

If your ride is cancelled or interrupted due to an unforeseen event like an illness or injury, natural disaster or a serious problem back home, you may be able to recover your non-refundable, prepaid, unused travel expenses.

Rental car coverage

If you've rented a car to take you to go on your rides and the car is damaged due to an accident or theft, or if it simply breaks down and you arrive at your destination 12 hours late, car rental damage protection may offer coverage. Check your Explorer or Epic plan wording for full details.

Delayed, damaged, or lost baggage (including your bike), when checked in with a common carrier

If you checked your bike in with your airline, and it takes a detour for more than 12 hours en route to your destination, or if it's been lost or damaged by your common carrier you could get reimbursed for the current value of your equipment (which factors in depreciation) or the cost of a replacement, up to a per item and total maximum limit.

All our plans also include non-insurance service, Blue Ribbon Bags, which will track and expedite the return of your airline baggage. Note that if your bike is delayed, lost, or damaged, you must report the incident as soon as possible to a responsible officer for the carrier. Make sure you get a Property Irregularity Report, or a similar official report, in writing and make a claim directly with the carrier first before making a claim with us.

Please note we do not offer coverage for damage to sporting equipment while in use.

Bad weather can cause delays, destruction, and cancellations

Maybe a mudslide buried your lodge, or a snowstorm or hurricane delayed your connecting flight. Our plans cover inclement weather under certain circumstances, including trip cancellation, trip interruption, and trip delay coverage due to a variety of reasons, including natural disasters.

What's not covered when mountain biking?

While we can offer coverage for mountain biking, there are some things we just won't cover. These include, but are not limited to:

• Participating in any activity or sport as a professional athlete.
• If you travel against medical advice.
• Bicycles and other sporting equipment that gets damaged while in use.
• Any activities that aren't on our adventure sports coverage list.
• Search-and-rescue missions.
• Any pre-existing medical condition, unless you purchased your plan within the time-sensitive period and have a waiver.
• Unattended baggage, sporting equipment or personal items.
• Expenses that can be recovered from another source, such as your carrier or primary health insurer.
• Biking while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Any damage related to the wear and tear of sports equipment.

Travel tips for mountain biking adventures:

• Get bike fit: Mountain biking requires a certain amount of strength and stamina, and in some cases, the ability to handle altitude. Be sure you are physically capable of it. Consider using our non-insurance service partner Runway Health for pre-trip medical support to get travel medicines, like altitude sickness pills or malaria medication, delivered to your door before you leave on your trip.
• Make sure your bike is set up correctly before you ride check the saddle, pedals, handlebars, brakes, and tire pressure.
• Put your safety first: only go riding with professional, qualified, licensed, and reputable operators. If you don't, your coverage may be void. If something doesn't feel right, then don't go.
• Keep your body loose and springy and be prepared to stand up on the bike doing this moves you with the bike and can help you avoid injury and accidents.

Choosing the right plan for you

The coverage and the maximum benefit limits of your specific activity depends on which plan you buy. Our article on covered sports and activities should help you decide on whether to buy a Standard, Explorer, Epic or Annual plan, as they have different levels of coverage. You can't upgrade your coverage after you purchase a policy, so it's important to get this right on the first go.

Are you traveling long-term? You, lucky mountain biking dog, you! You can buy always more travel insurance when abroad (waiting periods may apply) even if you don't have a return ticket. World Nomads plans offer coverage for up to 180 days at a time with the Standard, Explorer, and Epic plans.  And if you plan to take numerous trips during the year, then the Annual Multi-Trip plan could be best for you.

Get a quote 24/7

With World Nomads, you can buy travel insurance before you go or when you're already traveling, anytime, anywhere, 24-hours a day. When you get a quote, you can compare our plans side by side and pick the one that best suits your needs. You can't upgrade your plan after the satisfaction guarantee period, so choose carefully.

Need some inspiration for your next mountain biking adventure?

Check out our handy guides and insider travel tips on the best places to go mountain biking:

• The best mountain biking tracks around Nepal
• A guide to mountain biking in New Zealand
• 4 of the best places for mountain biking in the US

*All information we provided here is a brief summary. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, and termination provisions of the plans described. Please carefully read your state specific plan documents for a full description of coverage. Travel insurance is included as part of your travel protection plan which contains both insurance benefits and non-insurance assistance services. Material included on this page does not represent, nor is it specific to, United States Fire Insurance Company or travel insurance benefits provided on United States Fire Insurance Company's travel protection plans.

• Do I need travel insurance for Australia
• Travel insurance for activities in Australia
• Travel insurance for medical emergencies in Australia
• Travel insurance for lost bags in Australia
• Travel insurance for cancelled, interrupted, or delayed trips to Australia
• Tips for travelling to Australia from Canada

Australia is a dream vacation spot for many Canadians. Whether you’re visiting some of the larger cities like Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane, or venturing out into the remote Outback, there are so many incredible things to see and do. 

You may even choose to leave the mainland and check out the many islands off the coast of Australia. Maybe you’ll visit Tasmania or take a trip to Kangaroo Island in South Australia. With thousands of islands to explore, you have plenty of choices. 

In the Northern Territory you could explore Kakadu National Park, or if you’re in Far North Queensland you could take a hike to the top of Walsh’s Pyramid. Watch out for kangaroos, wombats, dingoes, and echidnas if you’re taking a road trip – you’ll definitely see plenty of amazing Australian wildlife. 

No matter where you go, the unexcepted can happen. To protect your adventures outside Canada, we recommend checking out travel insurance plans for Australia. 

Do I need travel insurance for Australia? 

International travel can bring unexpected surprises. Like accidentally stumbling upon one of the interesting pubs in the middle of the Outback. However, some surprises are not as exciting. Nobody wants to think about delayed flights or lost bags, but these things can happen unexpectedly. 

A good travel insurance plan for Australia could help with those types of situations. It could also assist with helping you get the care you need if you get injured participating in any of the unbelievable adventures and activities you’ll find there. 

If you fall and get hurt hiking on one of Australia’s trails, you may need to see a doctor. If you get bit by Australia’s Redback spider, you’re going to be headed to the doctor too - and your travel insurance for Australia could help you get reimbursed for the medical care you need. 

When you’re doing your research and looking for the best travel insurance for Australia, check to make sure there’s coverage for things like trip cancellation, overseas emergency medical coverage, natural disasters, and repatriation. 

We have two plans to choose from for different types of travellers and adventures.   

Travel insurance for activities in Australia 

There’s certainly no shortage of adventures in Australia. World Nomads covers more than 250 activities for Canadians travelling to Australia – and you could be covered for things like hiking the Larapinta Trail or rock climbing the Blue Mountains. 

In a country surrounded by water, you’ll probably be enjoying aquatic fun. Home to the Great Barrier Reef, you’ll find extraordinary scuba diving spots in Australia. Whether you want to see shipwrecks like the SS Yongala in Queensland or dive with fur seals at Montague Island, there’s so much to witness beneath the water’s surface. 

It’s important to have a fairly concrete idea of your trip plans before you get a quote. You must list all your activities out when purchasing the plan—and if something happens while you are participating in an activity you didn’t list on your plan, then you won’t be covered. For example, if you go hiking while on your trip and you didn’t list that activity out when making your plan purchase, you won’t be covered if something were to happen on the trail. You may want to overshoot and list out all possible activities you may do, just in case. 

Also keep in mind that you will be covered under the base plan to participate in various adventure sports, activities, volunteer, and work experiences, shown as Level 1, under both of our Standard and Explorer Plans. To have coverage for adventures sports, work, and activities listed as Level 2 or Level 3, you will need to upgrade your adventure sports coverage and pay an extra premium. Note: Special conditions and exclusions may apply for certain sports and activities. For the full policy terms and conditions please review the policy wording. 

Travel insurance for medical emergencies in Australia 

Most Canadians diving in Australia have no problems at all, but sometimes things happen. Make sure to protect yourself. Never dive deeper than your qualification limits and never dive solo. If you get decompression sickness, emergency medical coverage under your travel insurance for Australia may reimburse you for your medical expenses. 

If you have a medical emergency in Australia, call the 24/7 emergency assistance team and they can help refer you to a place that offers the level of care that you need. You’ll need to call and report your emergency as soon as it happens, or as soon as you’re able. Also, remember to save all paperwork and receipts. You will need these when you submit your claim for reimbursement. 

If your medical team and the 24/7 emergency assistance team think it’s best for you to travel back home to Canada for treatment, travel insurance that covers repatriation may also help cover the costs to get you there. 

Travel insurance for lost bags in Australia 

What happens if you land in the Australian city of Melbourne and find out your bags went to Melbourne in Florida? If you’re left sitting at the airport carousel anxiously waiting for the bag that is at least 12 hours delayed, your travel insurance for Australia may reimburse you for a change of clothes and toiletries until your bag makes its way to you. 

Sometimes your baggage is lost forever. If you’re skiing Mt. Hotham and you packed your new ski jacket, you may be reimbursed for the cost of replacing it if the airline isn’t able to remedy the situation. The other belongings in your lost checked bag could be covered as well (up to plan limits, conditions and exclusions apply). 

Travel insurance for cancelled, interrupted, or delayed trips to Australia 

With travel insurance for Australia, you could be reimbursed for unused, prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses if your trip is cancelled, delayed, or interrupted for a covered reason. Just make sure you keep all receipts and documentation in case you need to make a claim. 

Sometimes unexpected situations happen that can derail your plans. What happens if you get sick a few days before leaving for Australia? If your doctor tells you not to travel at that time, you could be forced to cancel your trip. A travel insurance plan for Australia that includes cancellation coverage could reimburse you for those unused, non-refundable flights, hotels, and activities you paid for in advance. 

Travel insurance could help if a natural disaster occurs. If heavy rain makes your destination accommodation unsafe or a wildfire breaks out near your resort, you may be thankful you have the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team to call. 

Tips for travelling to Australia from Canada 

Australians are very friendly people and will welcome you with a smile and a “G’Day” as soon as you arrive from Canada. Crime is low there, but like any international destination, there are always things to look out for. 

Before you leave Canada, we encourage you to check out the Canadian government’s safety warnings for Australia. Weather, safety, and political situations can change at any time, and this is where they list their up-to-date warnings. 

Remember the numbers 000. That's the emergency service number you can call if you need help from the police or fire department, or if you need an ambulance when you’re in Australia. 

Take extra camera batteries. The worst feeling is to get set up for the perfect shot of a kangaroo, only to find out you have a dead battery. Prepare ahead of time, and make sure to read up on some of our tips on how to photograph wildlife in an ethical way. 

Speaking of wildlife, Australia has plenty of it. Of course there are the cuddly looking koalas, but the crocodiles, snakes, spiders, sharks, and Irukandji jellyfish aren’t quite as cute and cuddly. Most Canadians don’t have any issues, but it’s important to at least be aware of some of Australia’s dangerous wildlife. 

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 about your coverage, just ask us.