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Travel Insurance for Rock Climbing

Taking your adventure to new heights? Learn about the benefits of travel insurance for rock climbing.

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When looking for a mix of thrills, adventure and awesome natural landscapes, rock climbing delivers on all three. With so many top rock-climbing destinations globally such as the Dolomites in Italy, Kalymnos in Greece, and Yosemite National Park here in the US, adrenaline junkies don’t have to look far.

Rock climbing can test your physical and mental abilities. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber, you may want to consider travel insurance for adventure activities that could get you the help you need if you are injured or if severe weather derails your trip. 

What type of rock climbing is covered?

World Nomads covers several rock-climbing activities whether it’s an indoor rock-climbing day with friends or a week away at Squamish in British Columbia. 

The rock-climbing activities we can cover include:

  • Scrambling under 6,000 meters (19,685 feet) is covered under our Standard plan and up to 7,000 meters (22,965 feet) under our Explorer plan – steep terrain using only hands for holds and balance                   
  • Indoor rock climbing
  • Outdoor rock climbing/bouldering under 7,000 meters (22,965 feet) is covered under our Explorer plan – multi-pitch climbing / sport climbing / bolted / aid climbing / traditional climbing / top or bottom rope climbing

World Nomads offers coverage for more than 200 activities for US residents. When you get a quote, you can compare our Standard and Explorer plans to compare coverage side by side. The Explorer plan has higher limits and sub-limits of coverage, and also includes more activities.

Check out both options to see what makes the best sense for your climbing plans, because only you can decide the best travel insurance for your needs. If you aren’t sure if something is covered, contact our customer service team and they can help explain what each policy includes. 

What does travel insurance for rock climbing cover?

Travel insurance is designed to cover losses arising from sudden, unexpected, and unforeseeable circumstances. For US residents, World Nomads may offer coverage for:

  • Baggage and Gear: If the airline lost the bag that held your rappelling gear, we may help reimburse the cost to replace it if it’s lost by a common carrier. If your baggage is delayed for more than 12 hours on your way to your destination, you may also be reimbursed for things like toiletries and a change of clothes until you are reunited with your bag. Check the policy wording for per-day and maximum benefit limits.  
  • Emergency Medical: Rock climbing and fresh air can be great for the body and soul but not if it ends up in a bad fall. Emergency medical coverage could help if you need urgent medical treatment for an injury. 
  • Evacuation: Your next rock-climbing adventure may be far away from medical facilities. With medical evacuation coverage, the World Nomads 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team could help you get transported to a place that offers the level of care you need. 
  • Trip Cancellation or Interruption: Sometimes unexpected things happen – like a sick or injured traveling companion that puts a stop to your rock-climbing adventure. If you need to cancel or interrupt your trip, you may be able to recover your unused, prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses. 

What's not covered?

Travel insurance does not cover:

  • Participation in a professional rock climbing event
  • Damage that happens to your climbing gear while you are using it
  • Going against local authority warnings by entering closed or restricted areas
  • Not following your doctor’s instructions or what the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team advises you to do.
  • Mountain guiding
  • Rock climbing higher than the altitude listed in your policy (Up to 7,000 meters for the Explorer)
  • Rock climbing within 100 miles of your home 

Key travel insurance tips for your rock-climbing trip

  • Got your paperwork? You’ll need the right visas and permits wherever you go to climb – insurance doesn’t cover you for not doing your paperwork.
  • Know where to go… and where not to. Check to make sure you are allowed to camp, climb, or just generally be wherever that ‘hot’ climbing spot is. You don’t want to find yourself spending dinner in the local police station instead of the local bar… and insurance doesn’t cover you for illegal acts.
  • Proof of purchase. Yep, any claim you make will need supporting documentation such as receipts of your purchases. 
  • It pays to be prepared. Check the weather, check your equipment, and check the credentials of your climbing instructor (if it’s a group climb) – if any seem unreliable, then reconsider if it’s a smart move to go.
  • Don’t get in over your head. Be responsible when choosing a rock-climbing destination or activity. Does it suit your experience level? Are you using an accredited tour operator?
  • Keep an eye on your gear. Don’t leave your expensive rock-climbing gear or any other baggage unattended – those 'I spaced out’ moments might not qualify for coverage.
  • Be responsible. Choose a tour operator that promotes responsible tourism, works as part of the local community, and actively helps to conserve the environment.

This is not a full list of what is and isn’t covered, so please check your policy for a full list of terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions that may apply to your 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. If you have any questions about what is and is not covered, please reach out – we’re happy to help.

Travel insurance. Simple & flexible.

Travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families. Nobody wants to think about all the things that could go wrong on their trip, but these things can and do happen. So be prepared and get your travel insurance today.

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True Claims Stories

  • Never travel without insurance. This was the first time I ever purchased travel insurance and I am so glad I did. A few days into my trip to Spain I twisted my foot heading down to the metro. Thanks to World Nomads I was able to get medical attention in Spain and since, as luck would have it, I had a fracture that required surgery, they got me a flight home the next day. Filing a claim was surprisingly easy and when the claim was finally processed, I was reimbursed for all of my expenses including things like the extra week in the hotel I didn't get to take advantage of.
    L.D.
    U.S. resident in Spain
  • I recently had a serious injury traveling on my own & the team was amazing. Being confused with a brain injury they took care of everything. Claiming was no problem, they were on the phone constantly to see if all was OK. I can't recommend them enough. Absolutely fantastic & l will always travel with World Nomads Insurance. Thanks guys for getting me home safely.
    A.B.
    Australian in Thailand
  • I was bitten by a monkey at the Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur. I went to a nearby clinic and they gave me a rabies shot, antibiotics to take for 4 days, pain medicine, and anti-inflammatory medicine.
    T.R.
    Canadian in Malaysia

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Protection

Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation.

  • Explorer Plan: $10,000
  • Standard Plan: $2,500
Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalised?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Been made redundant?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Insurance

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

  • Explorer Plan: $100,000
  • Standard Plan: $100,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need meds quick?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Evacuation

We'll provide assistance to get you to the hospital or home quickly.

  • Explorer Plan: $500,000
  • Standard Plan: $300,000
Emergency Evacuation
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • Medivac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Covers the loss, theft or damage of your bags, tech and gear.

  • Explorer Plan: $3,000
  • Standard Plan: $1,000
Protect your gear
  • Luggage lost?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Tech trashed?

Help starts here.

  • Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical Expense
  • Repatriation of Remains
  • Trip Cancellation
  • Trip Interruption
  • Trip Delay
  • Baggage & Personal Effects
  • Baggage Delay (outward journey only)
  • Rental Car Damage – where permissible
  • Accidental Death & Dismemberment
  • Generali Global Assistance 24-Hour Assistance Services
  • Generali Global Assistance Non-Medical Emergency Transportation Services
This is a general summary for US residents only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Check the plan documents for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical or dental assistance or advice, emergency evacuation or travel assistance, our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.

Wherever you are, we’re here 24/7 to help you in any emergency.

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

Contact Generali Global Assistance:
Telephone: +1 954-334-8143 (Collect outside the US)
+1 877-289-0968 (Toll-free in the US and Canada

Contact the team