The Best Travel Insurance for Adventure and Extreme Sports
Do you usually take out insurance for your adventure trips? If yes, this post is for you. If not, it’s time to start thinking about it, as the headache in case of an accident can be huge for those without insurance.
People usually only realize the importance of having travel insurance when needed (when things go wrong!).
Please note, however, that for adventure sports, almost all companies have exclusions in their policies regarding the type of sport and where the activity is being practised, among other criteria.
We have heard many complaints from people who had extensive discussions with insurers when making the insurance claim, and many insurers claim specific exclusions in the policies to deny the premium payment. In this case, my advice to adventure travellers who are going to do some activity is the following:
Send an email to the insurer indicating which sports will be practised at your destination and ask them to suggest a plan for you. This way, you will be sure to have contracted the plan that best covers your needs and avoid the insurance companies using small print to deny insurance coverage!
If you don’t want to read the whole comparison, go to the end of this post and read the summary of our conclusions and recommendations.
Cover-More
When it comes to adventure travel insurance, Cover-More offers comprehensive options that cater to a wide range of activities. Their policies are designed for those who seek an adrenaline rush during their holidays, ensuring that emergency assistance and financial protection are available if something goes wrong.
Cover-More’s travel insurance plans automatically cover over 80 adventure activities, making them an excellent choice for sporty and adventure types. This extensive list includes activities such as abseiling, jet skiing, amateur sports like baseball and rugby, mountain biking (excluding BMX or racing), bungee jumping, and many more. All these activities are covered under the condition that they are undertaken recreationally and in a non-professional capacity.
Cover-More offers the option to add extra adventure travel insurance cover to the policy for those planning activities that are not automatically included. They provide two options: Adventure Activities and Adventure+ Activities, each covering different activities. This flexibility allows travellers to tailor their insurance to their specific adventure needs.
It’s important to note that while Cover-More covers a wide variety of adventure sports and activities, there are some exclusions. Activities like hunting, rodeo riding, BASE jumping, hang gliding, motocross, and running with the bulls are not covered. Also, trekking greater than 6,000 meters above sea level and scuba diving beyond specific depths without appropriate qualifications are excluded.
Cover-More also offers specific coverage for winter sports and motorcycle riding. Their snow sports cover includes options for on-piste activities and more adventurous pursuits like off-piste skiing/boarding and heli-skiing/boarding. For motorcycle enthusiasts, Cover-More provides protection under their Motorcycle/Moped Riding Cover, with two levels of cover based on engine capacity.
Lastly, Cover-More understands the importance of protecting sports equipment during travel. Their International and Domestic Comprehensive Plans offer coverage for adventure equipment under the included luggage and travel documents cover. Additional cover for specific sports equipment like golf, triathlon, mountain biking, and scuba diving equipment is also available with their Adventure Activities Bonus Packs.
In summary, Cover-More’s adventure travel insurance is an excellent choice for those engaging in adventure and extreme sports. Their policies offer flexibility, comprehensive coverage, and peace of mind for travellers seeking thrilling experiences.
World Nomads
World Nomads is an Australian company and one of the world’s largest travel insurance providers.
As soon as we first heard about World Nomads, we were very impressed by the clarity of the information they provide and the extent of their coverage. World Nomads has since been our insurance recommendation because of this.
The insurance offered by World Nomads covers more than 220 adventure activities, and their website is straightforward to navigate and find information, but we’ll give you a breakdown below.
You have two options: Standard and Explorer, with the Explorer being the plan covering adventure activities. On their website (link here), you can find all the activities that are and are not covered. Here are some examples:
Covered activities:
- Hiking and trekking up to 2,000 meters altitude;
- BMX – on road;
- Camping – up to 2,000 metres;
- Horse riding – leisure;
- Hot air ballooning;
- Boating;
- Glacier walking;
- Canoeing;
- Bungee jumping;
- Cycling – up to 2,000 metres in elevation;
- Scooter riding;
- Water skiing;
- Scuba diving – to 30 metres’
- Shark cage diving;
- Fishing;
- Rafting;
- Surfing;
- Wakeboarding;
- Windsurfing;
Regarding pricing, my simulation for spending one week in New Zealand as a 35-year-old traveller came up with AUD 91.85 for the explorer plan. Very cheap!
Analyzing their website, we saw they also list sports not covered in their policies but that can be added as optional extras.
World Nomads is our first option for adventure sports travel insurance companies.
Go to this link to check pricing and take out insurance with World Nomads.
1Cover
When considering insurance for adventure travel, 1Cover emerges as a strong contender. Offering comprehensive travel insurance, 1Cover includes overseas medical cover for COVID-19, but it’s important to note that trip cancellation due to COVID-19 is not covered. Their policies are designed to cater to a wide range of travel needs, including adventure sports.
1Cover’s travel insurance provides:
- Unlimited Overseas Medical Assistance: This is crucial for adventure travellers who might engage in activities with a higher risk of injury. The 24/7 emergency medical assistance can be a lifesaver in stressful circumstances.
- Cancellation Cover: If you become ill or need to change your travel plans for covered reasons, 1Cover can assist, which is vital for the unpredictable nature of adventure travel.
- Luggage & Belongings: Up to $15,000 luggage and personal effects cover loss or damage, essential for adventure travellers carrying specialized gear.
- Additional Expenses: Coverage for disrupted plans due to illness, a common concern for those travelling to remote or rugged destinations.
- Sports and Activities Coverage: 1Cover covers a range of sports and activities, a key feature for adventure travellers. It’s essential to check their policy details or contact them directly to confirm if specific adventure activities are covered.
- Pre-Existing Medical Cover: 1Cover has a robust medical screening process. It automatically covers 35 conditions for free, which is beneficial for travellers with pre-existing conditions looking to engage in adventure sports.
- Fast Claims Service: Their innovative online claims form is designed for quick processing, an essential feature for travellers needing to file claims for activities or incidents during adventure travel.
1Cover has been trusted by over 2 million customers and has won awards for its comprehensive travel insurance, making it a reliable choice for adventure travellers. Their customer service is known for being helpful and supportive, especially in emergencies, which is crucial for those engaging in high-risk activities.
For adventure travellers, 1Cover’s comprehensive coverage, including for a range of sports and activities, along with their strong customer support and fast claims service, makes them a suitable option for those seeking peace of mind during their adventurous excursions.
Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI)
Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) offers comprehensive coverage for travellers, making it a good option for adventure-filled journeys. With a focus on providing peace of mind, SCTI has been a trusted insurer for Australian travellers since 2009, recognized for its commitment to quality products and customer service.
Coverage of Adventure Sports – SCTI understands that adventure sports are an integral part of many travellers’ experiences. Their policies are designed to cater to the needs of adventure enthusiasts, offering coverage for a wide range of activities. This includes popular adventure sports, ensuring travellers can confidently enjoy their activities, knowing they are covered.
Key Features of SCTI’s Adventure Sports Coverage
- Comprehensive Coverage: SCTI’s policies provide extensive coverage for medical treatment, doctors’ visits, prescribed medication, specialist treatment, and medical transport costs.
- Flexibility and Customization: Recognizing that every traveller and trip is unique, SCTI offers different policies and add-ons, allowing travellers to choose the type and level of cover they need.
- Pre-existing Medical Condition Cover: Unlike many insurers, SCTI often covers pre-existing medical conditions, a significant advantage for travellers of all ages.
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance: Travellers can relax, knowing SCTI’s team is available to help whenever and wherever needed in the world.
- High Claim Approval Rate: With a high percentage of claims paid, SCTI ensures a stress-free process for travellers who encounter mishaps during their adventures.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are going to practice adventure sports on your trip, we recommend the following:
- World Nomads: Known for being the most comprehensive and for the clarity of its information. World Nomads covers over 220 adventure activities and is ideal for those seeking a wide range of covered activities. The Explorer plan is particularly recommended for adventure sports enthusiasts. It’s affordable and offers clear information on covered and non-covered activities.
- 1Cover: A strong contender for adventure travel, offering comprehensive coverage, including unlimited overseas medical assistance, crucial for high-risk activities. 1Cover is notable for its extensive coverage of sports and activities, fast claims service, and robust medical screening process. It’s a reliable choice for those needing peace of mind during adventurous excursions.
- Cover-More: Offers comprehensive options for adventure travel, automatically covering over 80 activities. It’s an excellent choice for those engaging in various sports, including winter sports and motorcycle riding. Cover-More also provides the flexibility to add extra coverage for activities not automatically included, making it suitable for tailored adventure needs.
- Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI): Provides comprehensive coverage focusing on adventure sports. SCTI is known for its extensive coverage for medical treatment and emergency assistance, flexibility in policy customization, and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. It’s a good option for those looking for a policy that caters to a wide range of adventure activities.
Remember, it’s crucial to read the insurance contract thoroughly and, if possible, contact the insurer directly to ensure your specific activity is covered. This post aims to assist you in choosing the best travel insurance for your adventure needs.
