10 Extreme Activities that Travel Insurance Covers

01 Jun 2017 by Olga Brighton

Travel Insurance Tips

There are Annual and Single Trip travel insurance policies that not only cover the usual aspects that you would expect, such as baggage loss and emergency medical expenses, but also provide cover for many extreme activities that you might think would be classified as a higher risk.

If you are planning on trying a new pursuit or activity while travelling, be a savvy traveller and check you’re covered. It’s a must to ensure that you choose travel insurance that covers your high-adrenaline activities. After all an injury could cost you a fortune if you end up in hospital.

Here are 10 extreme activities that travel insurance will usually cover, either as standard or for an extra premium.

1. Paragliding and parasailing

Paragliding travel insurance

If you decide to go paragliding or parasailing on your next holiday, your travel insurance will cover medical expenses if an accident occurs. There are, of course, certain conditions you need to fulfil, such as using a licensed operator or instructor and making sure you are a passenger and not responsible for controlling the aircraft.

2. Hiking

Hiking up to 2,500ft is covered – so you’ve got plenty of trails to choose from, but check what the maximum height of any routes you’ll be taking to ensure you’re covered in the even that you need medical rescue.

3. Skydiving

Skydiving is still considered an extreme sport and many policies won’t cover you so it’s essential that you specifically choose travel insurance that provides cover for your tandem or solo jumps.

4. BMX Freestyle and amateur BMX racing

BMX racing insurance

You can get cover for participating in this type of activity as long as it’s in a non-professional capacity while on a trip abroad.

5. Martial Arts

You would be surprised how many people travel abroad on a trip involving Martial Arts. Particularly to locations where they originated from, such as Japan, China, Korea, Brazil. Ensure you’re covered by your travel insurance just in case you get one of those common injuries such as a sprains, fracture, or dislocations.

Read also: Ecotourism: 6 Places to Enjoy the Nature

6. Rock climbing

If you are fan of rock climbing, check that the type of climbing you’ll be doing is covered. Also check the maximum height you will be climb at, because there is usually a limit on your policy. Whatever rock climbing you’re into - bouldering, free soloing, or indoor climbing – check you’re covered for medical expenses and even emergency medical evacuation.

7. Bungee jumping

Bungee jumping travel insurance

Travel insurance cover is available as long as you use a licenced operator. Check the maximum number of jumps and other terms.

8. Snowboarding and Skiing

Snow-related activities such as snowboarding and skiing are covered by most travel insurance policies with a Winer Sports extension. Snow-related activities can be risky, and expensive if you have an accident. Rescue off the piste alone will cost thousands, let alone hospital treatment. Most policies will have off-piste restrictions, so don’t get too adventurous.

9. Cave Diving

Cave diving activities usually involve remote and wild territories around the world. It is risky and requires a certain level of physical fitness and endurance. If you are planning a cave diving trip, check that your travel insurance covers you. It’s likely there will be an additional premium to pay.

10. Snorkelling and Scuba Diving

Scuba diving travel insurance

Some of the best snorkelling and scuba diving sites around the world are found in countries in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Travel insurance will usually cover you for dives to a certain depth and provided that you hold the correct open water diving license or if you are diving under licensed instruction.

Prepare for your adventurous trip, always check if you will be covered before you try an extreme activity and stay safe!

Read also: 11 Questions & Answers on Family Holiday Insurance

We accept