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Best Adventure Sports Travel Insurance

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Heading out on a vacation can be an exhilarating experience, especially if you’re into adventure activities. However, with increased adrenaline comes increased danger — and decreased coverage from insurance companies.

Being protected in an emergency is valuable when you’re doing something risky, so we’ve gathered some of the best adventure travel insurance policies.

Factors we considered when picking adventure sports travel insurance companies

You’ll want to consider the following facets of travel insurance during a comparison:

Cost . We looked for a mix of affordability and comprehensive coverage. 

Types of coverage . Extreme sports insurance isn’t usually included with standard travel insurance, which is why we’ve made sure it’s included. 

Coverage amounts . Being underinsured is almost as bad as having no insurance at all. 

Customizability . Plans that can be customized offer more flexibility for travelers. 

» Learn more: What does travel insurance cover?

An overview of the best adventure travel insurance

To determine the best extreme sports insurance, we gathered quotes from various companies using insurance aggregator SquareMouth. To do so, we input a sample trip of a 33-year-old from Colorado traveling to New Zealand for two weeks. The total trip cost was $3,400, and activities included hiking and camping.

SquareMouth came back with 16 policies offering varying levels of coverage. Among the six we chose as the best, the average cost totaled $147.18 — though you’ll find significantly lower and higher on this list. Here are our picks.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Top adventure travel insurance options

Let’s take a closer look at our top six recommendations for adventure travel insurance.

What makes Battleface adventure insurance great:

Much lower cost than other options.

Provides primary health insurance. 

Includes six customizing options. 

Battleface is known for its adventure sports travel insurance, which makes it much more compelling than other products. Even at less than half the cost for other options, Battleface is providing you $100,000 in primary health insurance, $500,000 for medical evacuation and even coverage for pre-existing conditions .

Although its basic plan lacks features like lost luggage reimbursement, you’ll still get standard trip protections such as trip cancellation and employment layoff coverage. The extremely low cost may make this an enticing option for backpacker travel insurance or anyone wishing to save money on their travels.

What makes Travelex great:

Strong travel protections.

$50,000 in primary medical insurance. 

Coverage for medical quarantine included. 

Here’s a snippet from our Travelex review :

“Travelex’s primary goal is to provide travel insurance protection personalized to the type of trip you’re taking and the style of traveler you are. And regardless of which plan you choose, you’ll always have 24/7 access to travel assistance.”

What makes Tin Leg great:

Coverage for activities such as bungee jumping and skydiving. 

No medical deductible.

Strong trip protections.

Here’s a snippet from our Tin Leg review :

“The Adventure Plan … features primary medical coverage and work-related cancellations, plus more lost luggage insurance than the Luxury plan, coverage for accidental death and dismemberment during the trip (excluding flights) and extra coverage for delayed sports equipment. It’s also the only plan that offers medical coverage for adventure activities like mountain biking.”

What makes IMG great:

Up to $300 in reimbursed kennel fees for delays in returning home. 

Comprehensive trip protections, including trip delay and trip interruption reimbursement. 

Lower-than-average cost. 

Here’s a snippet from our IMG review:

“Some policies provide emergency medical evacuation coverage, while others skip this benefit entirely. This benefit may be more important if you travel to a remote location or engage in physical activity such as trekking.

“More comprehensive plans may include other benefits such as assistance with acquiring a new passport, reimbursing reward mile redeposit fees or coverage for pre-existing conditions. If these are something you’re interested in, be sure to check that your policy includes these options.”

John Hancock

What makes John Hancock great:

Trip delay reimbursement after three hours.

No medical deductible. 

$750 reimbursement for missed connections.

Here’s a snippet from our John Hancock review :

“The Gold plan provides the greatest benefits, including a much higher limit for emergency medical and lost baggage reimbursement. Other than that, however, the Silver level is fairly similar, enjoying the same 150% reimbursement rate for trip interruption and a three-hour window for trip delay to kick in.

“The Bronze level is the least expensive, but it’s not all that far off from the cost of the Silver level. At this rate, you’ll be looking at far less coverage for emergency medical and trip delay, though you’ll still have $200 in coverage for change fees and 100% of costs incurred for trip cancellation.”

HTH Travel Insurance

What makes HTH Travel Insurance great:

$500,000 in primary medical coverage. 

$1 million in medical evacuation. 

High-limit travel protections. 

Here’s a snippet from our HTH Travel Insurance review :

“HTH offers several types of travel medical insurance, as well as trip protection plans that include coverage for trip cancellation or interruption, baggage delays, and accident or sickness. … The cheapest plan … included 100% of the trip cost in case of cancellation, up to 150% of the trip cost in case of trip interruption and a variety of other benefits, including medical insurance coverage.”

What does travel insurance cover?

You’ll find a wide variety of coverage types offered by travel insurance policies. This is true whether you’re purchasing a single-trip or annual travel insurance plan.

Accidental death insurance .

Baggage delay and lost luggage insurance .

Cancel for Any Reason insurance .

Emergency evacuation insurance .

Medical insurance .

Rental car insurance .

Trip cancellation insurance .

Trip delay insurance .

Trip interruption insurance .

How to choose the best adventure travel insurance policy

Travel insurance can be good to have while you’re away from home and can provide coverage when your plans go awry. Standard plans will generally include coverage for trip interruption, lost luggage and emergency medical situations.

However, they also usually include a provision excluding adventure sports from their policies, so it’s important to read over your plan documents thoroughly. Companies like SquareMouth also allow you to filter travel insurance plans by the types of activities you’re doing, which may make it simpler to find one that fits your needs.

» Learn more: How to find the best travel insurance

If you want to buy adventure sports travel insurance

Participating in adventure sports or extreme activities can be thrilling but also riskier than the average traveler’s trip. Because of this, if you’re interested in purchasing travel insurance, you’ll want to be sure it provides coverage for your planned activities — whether you’re camping or cliff diving.

How to maximize your rewards

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Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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Best Travel Insurance for Winter, Adventure, and Extreme Sports

Jessica Merritt

Editor & Content Contributor

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Table of Contents

Why get adventure sports travel insurance, travel insurance often excludes high-risk sports, credit card travel insurance often excludes high-risk activities, travel insurance for high-risk sports, how to get travel insurance for high-risk sports, what sports travel insurance costs, how to choose travel insurance for high-risk sports, the best sports travel insurance plans, final thoughts.

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Planning an adventurous trip? Your travel insurance might not cover everything you want to do — particularly if you plan on adventure activities or winter or extreme sports. 

Whether diving the ocean’s depths or ziplining through a forest, sports travel insurance can help you go confidently on adventures knowing you’re covered if anything goes wrong. Whether you need emergency assistance and evacuation or a reimbursement for a trip cut short by injury, travel insurance with sports coverage can help.

While standard travel insurance typically offers medical coverage, most policies exclude certain activities, particularly risky sports. But you can purchase a travel insurance policy that provides coverage for all your adventures , either as a stand-alone policy or an add-on to a comprehensive travel insurance package.

Let’s explore everything you need to know about travel insurance for sports and adventure activities and how to get that coverage for any high-risk activities you may plan for your travels.

Adventure sports travel insurance covers activities such as mountain climbing or deep-sea scuba diving (i.e. any activity that has a higher risk level than a “regular” travel activity).

While accidents can happen anywhere, you’re particularly vulnerable when away from home. Medical expenses and evacuation can be costly , especially if traveling to remote areas or a foreign country where you’re unsure about quality medical care. Sports travel insurance covers emergency medical expenses, ambulance services, and evacuation.

Some travel insurance companies offer emergency assistance services , which can help you get the medical care you need in a remote location or challenging environment. The travel insurance company can provide access to medical professionals, coordinate your care, and arrange an emergency evacuation if needed.

For example, if you’re climbing a mountain and break a leg, adventure sports travel insurance can help get you off the mountain and connected with medical care.

Adventure sports travel insurance can also help if a sports-related injury requires you to cancel or interrupt your trip or if you experience equipment loss or damage. That can save you money on non-refundable expenses and help you replace sports equipment.

While getting travel insurance is wise, you should understand that standard travel insurance policies may not include coverage for certain sports activities . Some travel insurance plans offer coverage for sports-related injuries and accidents, but others may have exclusions or limitations for high-risk or extreme sports.

When you purchase a travel insurance policy, review the terms and conditions to know which sports and activities are covered and any exclusions or limitations you may need to work with. Usually, travel insurance medical coverage encompasses unexpected accidents or injuries, which can include some sports like hiking or snorkeling, for example. But extreme or high-risk sports such as white water rafting or skydiving may not be included.

Exclusions depend on the insurance policy, but here are some examples of sports and activities that your standard travel insurance policy may not cover:

• Base jumping
• Bungee jumping
• Martial arts and combat sports
• Motor racing and motorsports
• Mountaineering and rock climbing
• Off-piste skiing and snowboarding
• Paragliding and hang gliding
• Scuba diving and deep-sea diving

If you find your travel policy lacking in coverage for the activities you’ve planned, you should consider getting additional coverage, such as a specialized sports travel insurance policy or add-on coverage.

Don’t expect your credit card travel insurance to cover extreme sports. 

While you should read the terms and conditions of the policy, most credit card travel insurance policies exclude risky activities , which extends to sports considered extreme. 

Credit card travel insurance often covers basic medical expenses, trip cancellation or interruption, lost baggage, and travel accidents. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve ® has premium travel insurance, offering up to $1 million in travel accident insurance, along with emergency evacuation and transportation insurance, emergency medical and dental benefits, and other travel insurance benefits.

If you plan to do high-risk activities and use credit card travel insurance, check your coverage and consider upgrading your travel insurance to include your desired activities.

Credit card travel insurance is helpful but sometimes limited, especially compared to adventure sports travel insurance policies. You may need to pay for travel insurance if you’re planning extreme sports or activities.

As you plan an adventurous trip, consider which travel insurance coverage may be most appropriate for your plans. Some travel insurance policies are comprehensive and cover multiple types of high-risk sports, while others are more specialized. 

Because there’s a wide variety of what’s covered (or not) on each policy, using a travel insurance comparison service such as Squaremouth can be helpful. You can search for travel insurance policies that cover the activities you’re looking for and compare costs and coverage.

Consider these types of adventure travel insurance policies or add-ons:

• Adventure Sports: On an adventure sports travel insurance policy, look for covered activities such as hiking, mountaineering, or rafting. The policy may encompass injuries, medical expenses, trip cancellations or interruptions, and equipment loss or damage.
• Extreme Sports: Travel insurance for extreme sports typically covers skydiving, bungee jumping, or rock climbing, providing coverage for accidents, injuries, medical expenses, and emergency evacuation.
• Sports Equipment: Some travel insurance offers coverage for sports equipment, which can reimburse you for loss, theft, or damage to your gear.
• Team Sports: A travel insurance policy may cover team-related expenses, such as tournament cancellations or travel delays if you travel for competitive events.
• Water Sports: Water sports travel insurance policies may cover surfing, diving, snorkeling, or water skiing. For diving coverage, you should verify that the policy covers the depths you’re planning and whether you need certifications for coverage.
• Winter Sports: Winter sports travel insurance policies are designed for winter sports enthusiasts, offering coverage for skiing or snowboarding-related injuries and emergency medical expenses or equipment loss or damage. Some also cover ski resort closures.

While you can get travel insurance for sports, including high-risk sports, most travel insurance companies have personal liability requirements . Generally, you’re required to act responsibly to use your coverage. That includes not going against local authority warnings, like entering restricted spaces, working close to dangerous animals, or not using proper safety equipment.

Do some pre-trip planning on your chosen activities to learn about the risks and requirements for everything you want to do. You may need to complete certifications or training to participate safely.

Generally, if you want travel insurance for adventurous activities, you should get quotes for a comprehensive travel insurance plan and add a hazardous sports rider. Or specialized insurance providers may offer comprehensive plans for high-risk sports and activities.

Looking for insurance companies specializing in adventure sports is often a good idea to get comprehensive coverage for all your planned activities. 

With any travel insurance policy, you should review the terms and conditions to verify your planned activities are covered. Read your policy documents for exclusions, limitations, or requirements for your chosen activities. You should also verify your coverage limits. 

If you have a health or life insurance policy, check with your insurance carrier about coverage for high-risk sports during travel. While these are likely not covered, you may be able to add a special endorsement to your policy.

Travel insurance that can evacuate you off a mountain sounds like it would be costly, but it might be more affordable than you’d think. It’s certainly less expensive than calling for your own rescue helicopter.

You should expect to pay around 5% to 10% of your total trip cost for sports travel insurance. Your actual adventure sports travel insurance costs will vary depending on your age, trip cost and duration, location, planned activities, and other factors. 

To give you an idea of what you should expect, we got a quote from IMG for an iTravelInsured Travel Sport policy. For a 29-year-old traveler on a $1,500 5-day skiing trip in the U.S., coverage costs $119.65 . 

This policy includes $1 million in medical evacuation coverage and $50,000 in search and rescue coverage. You’re covered for up to $50,000 for medical expenses due to adventure or organized sports, though hazardous and extreme sports are limited to $5,000.

Consider these factors as you compare high-risk sports travel insurance coverage:

• Claims Process and Customer Support: Get the details on what happens if you need emergency assistance or want to file a claim. For example, find out how to get medical attention if injured in a remote area and whether you’re expected to pay upfront and file for reimbursement.
• Cost: Expect adventure travel insurance to cost more than standard travel insurance. Cheaper policies tend to offer less comprehensive coverage, so consider your needs as you balance cost and coverage.
• Duration: Some sports travel insurance policies limit the length of coverage for certain activities, so make sure you have coverage for your whole trip.
• Emergency Assistance and Evacuation: You may engage in high-risk activities in remote locations or challenging environments where medical attention is unavailable immediately. A travel insurance policy can offer emergency assistance or evacuation for medical care.
• Exclusions, Limitations, and Deductibles: Every policy has limits — even extreme policies. Find out what’s excluded, the limits of what you can claim, and if you’re expected to pay a deductible before getting reimbursed. Also, understand the terms and conditions, such as duration and geographical coverage.
• Medical Coverage: With a greater risk of injuries from extreme sports, you should ensure that the insurance policy has adequate coverage for medical emergencies, including hospitalization, ambulance services, and, if needed, medical evacuation.
• Requirements: You may need to meet age limits and disclose any preexisting medical conditions to get appropriate sports travel insurance coverage.
• Reviews: Consider customer reviews and ratings, which can give insight into a travel insurance provider’s coverage quality, customer service, and claims handling.
• Sports Coverage: Find out which sports and activities are covered so you can verify yours are covered.
• Sports Equipment Coverage: If you’re traveling with costly sports equipment such as scuba gear or snowboarding equipment, compare coverage for loss, theft, or damage to your equipment.
• Trip Cancellation and Interruption: A travel insurance policy should cover trip cancellation or interruption due to sports-related injuries.

Your high-risk sports travel insurance may require you to participate responsibly. For example, terms of coverage may require you to choose reputable operators, obtain proper training or certifications, follow local regulations, and use appropriate safety gear.

Not all travel insurance providers offer sports travel insurance, but you have options. Compare these leading travel insurance policies for sports:

• battleface : battleface’s adventure sports coverage includes cycling, mountain climbing, scuba diving, canoeing, snowboarding, and more, but it has limitations, including how deep you can dive or how high you can climb.
• Cat 70 : Cat 70’s Travel Plan covers some adventure sports, including snowboarding, but excludes bodily contact sports, skydiving, scuba diving, and more.
• HTH Worldwide : The HTH Worldwide Trip Protector Preferred plan offers coverage for adventure sports, including certified divers up to 60 feet and water rafting grades 1 to 3.
• IMG : IMG’s iTravelInsured Travel Sport plan has a wide range of covered activities, including adventure, extreme, hazardous, and organized sports. However, there are exclusions for races, endurance competitions, and piloting or learning to pilot.
• John Hancock : You’re covered for some — but not all — adventure sports with a John Hancock Gold travel insurance plan. Some exclusions include diving deeper than 100 feet, participating in sports competitions, or contact sports.
• Nationwide : With a Prime plan, you can get covered for adventure sports such as cycling, fishing, rafting, and zip lining, but exclusions apply, such as extreme sports, mountaineering, and organized sports.
• Travelex : The Travelex Adventure Sports upgrade covers professional athletic events, mountain climbing, skydiving, and more. Travelex’s Travel Basic and Travel Select plans provide basic coverage for some activities, including skiing, snorkeling, and scuba diving up to 60 feet.
• World Nomads : With the World Nomads Explorer plan, you can get covered for more than 200 activities, including scuba diving, bungee jumping, and mountain biking.

The right travel insurance coverage is essential when embarking on an adventurous trip with high-risk sports or activities. Adventure sports travel insurance can coordinate medical care, offer evacuation, and save you thousands if you’re injured on a trip. Whether bungee jumping or scuba diving, sports travel insurance can provide peace of mind while you’re chasing thrills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are adventure sports covered by travel insurance.

Adventure sports can be covered by travel insurance, but extreme sports are usually excluded from standard travel insurance coverage. Review your policy’s terms and conditions to determine whether your desired activities are covered. If not, you may want to purchase additional coverage appropriate for the activities you’re planning for your travel.

Does travel insurance cover water sports?

Travel insurance coverage for water sports varies depending on the policy and provider. For example, your standard policy may cover snorkeling, shallow diving, and surfing but could exclude deep-sea diving or white water rafting.

Does travel insurance cover sports injuries?

Travel insurance often covers sports injuries, but it depends on the sport. If you’re injured doing a sport not covered by your policy — such as ziplining or skydiving — medical care for your sports injury will not be covered. 

What travel insurance includes cover for sports equipment?

Sports travel insurance typically offers coverage for sports equipment, which can reimburse you for loss, theft, or damage of your sports equipment while traveling.

What travel insurance company covers me for extreme sports?

Several travel insurance companies cover extreme sports, including battleface, Cat 70, HTH Worldwide, IMG, John Hancock, Nationwide , Travelex, and World Nomads.

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About Jessica Merritt

A long-time points and miles student, Jessica is the former Personal Finance Managing Editor at U.S. News and World Report and is passionate about helping consumers fund their travels for as little cash as possible.

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Home » Travel Insurance » Best Insurance Companies for Adventure Travel [Master Guide]

Best Insurance Companies for Adventure Travel [Master Guide]

Written by Antonio Cala

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Table of Contents

Traveling with an adventure travel insurance is crucial, especially when engaging in adventure sports and extreme activities. Many insurance companies provide travel coverage for international trips, but it’s difficult to know what’s covered what’s not when planning outdoor adventures or going to remote places.   

In this article, we’ve tried to compiled the best adventure travel insurance policies available, specifically those designed for adventure sports. There are definitely more insurance providers out there. Many offer generic travel insurance policies, but we’ve decided to only include the best adventure-specific ones to make the process of choosing one less overwhelming for you.

Quick Recommendations

Check out this quick list of our favorite insurance policies, or continue scrolling to see our full list of favorite companies with in-depth reviews.

Type of Adventure Trip

Independent Expeditions

Global Rescue

• Adventure Cruises

Diving Liveaboards

Dive Assure

Hiking Trips

Mountaineering

Adventure Motorcycling

Mountain Biking Trips

Individual Situations

Pre-existing Conditions

Seniors Over 65

Photographers

What Type of Adventure Trip Are You Planning?​

Many standard travel insurance policies cover a range of adventure and outdoor activities. However, if you plan to do more extreme and adventurous activities, you will need to purchase an adventure add-on or a completely different policy. 

Make sure you check if your trip already includes some insurance. For instance, some adventure cruises offer medical & evacuation insurance with every booking, so in this case what you really need is a policy with a high trip cancellation/interruption insurance, but not a high medical/evacuation coverage since you are already covered by the cruise company. 

These policies provide financial protection and peace of mind in the face of unpredictable events, ensuring you can fully enjoy your journey without worries about cancellations, medical emergencies, or unexpected disruptions in remote and challenging environments where adventure cruises take you.

Consider purchasing separate travel insurance for adventure cruises, as it’s often not included in bookings. Focus on high trip cancellation/interruption coverage due to the significant cost involved. Ensure your policy includes medical/evacuation coverage, especially for remote destinations.

Recommended Companies: Travelex Select | Faye | World Nomads – Explorer

Related Guide:   Best Travel Insurance for Adventure Cruises

If you would like to read more about insurance options for specific adventure cruise destinations from around the world, you can check out all the destinations we’ve covered by using the toggle below.

• Travel Insurance for Antarctica Cruises
• Travel Insurance for Alaska Cruises
• Travel insurance for South Pacific Cruises
• Travel Insurance for Australia Cruises
• Travel Insurance for New Zealand Cruises
• Travel Insurance for European River Cruises
• Travel Insurance for Viking River Cruises

Winter Sports

Obtaining insurance for winter sports is indispensable for mitigating the risks associated with this high-adrenaline winter sport. 

Skiing and snowboarding accidents and weather-related disruptions are not uncommon, and having the right insurance ensures that you’re covered for medical emergencies, equipment loss or damage, and trip interruptions, allowing you to hit the slopes with confidence, knowing you’re financially protected in the event of unforeseen setbacks.

Recommended Companies: Faye | World Nomads – Explorer | Travelex – Select

Related Guides:  

Best Travel Insurance for Skiing

Best Travel Insurance for Snowboarding

Securing insurance for hiking trips is fundamental to enjoying the great outdoors with peace of mind. Hiking adventures often take you to remote and rugged terrain, where injuries, unexpected weather changes, or emergencies can occur. 

Hiking trip insurance provides vital coverage for medical expenses, search and rescue, and trip cancellations, ensuring that you can explore nature safely and worry-free, even in the face of unforeseen challenges.

Recommended companies: Global Rescue |  Faye |   World Nomads – Explorer

Best Travel Insurance for Hiking Trips

Best Travel Insurance for Mountaineering & High Altitude Trekking

If you would like to read more about insurance options for specific hiking routes from around the world, you can check out all the trails we’ve written about by using the toggle below.

Himalayas Region

• Travel Insurance for Annapurna Circuit
• Travel Insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek
• Travel Insurance for K2 Base Camp Trek
• Travel Insurance for Stok Kangri Trek

Andes Region

• Travel Insurance for Inca Trail
• Travel Insurance for Lares Trek
• Travel Insurance for Salkantay Trek
• Travel Insurance for Mount Kilimanjaro Climb
• Travel Insurance for Tour du Mont Blanc
• Travel Insurance for Kokoda Track

Climbing Trips

Securing insurance for climbing trips is essential for those seeking to enjoy the thrill of rock climbing, ice climbing, and bouldering while mitigating potential risks. These activities are physically demanding, and the possibility of accidents is inherent, particularly when tackling difficult climbs.

By obtaining climbing trip insurance, you can safeguard yourself against unforeseen medical costs, equipment repairs or replacements, and interruptions to your journey, guaranteeing a carefree and invigorating adventure as you scale new heights and discover breathtaking locations.

Best Travel Insurance for Rock Climbing

Best Travel Insurance for Ice Climbing

Best Travel Insurance for Bouldering

Cycling Trips

Securing insurance for cycling holidays is crucial for enjoying adrenaline-packed adventures while minimizing potential risks. Mountain biking, bike touring or bike-packing can be physically demanding and accidents are a possibility, especially on challenging trails. 

With mountain bike holiday insurance, you can protect yourself against unexpected medical expenses, bike repairs or replacements, and trip disruptions, ensuring a worry-free and exhilarating experience as you explore new trails and destinations.

Related Guide:  

Best Travel Insurance for Mountain Bike Holidays

Best Travel Insurance for Bike Touring

Best Travel Insurance for Bike-packing

Paddling Trips

Securing insurance for paddling excursions is vital for those looking to immerse themselves in the excitement of kayaking, paddle boarding, and white water rafting, while managing potential hazards.

These water-based activities can be strenuous and the risk of mishaps is always present, especially when navigating turbulent waters or remote areas.

Best Travel Insurance for Kayaking Trips

Best Travel Insurance for White Water Rafting

Best Travel Insurance for Paddle Boarding

Water Activities

Securing insurance for water-based adventures is crucial for enthusiasts eager to enjoy the world of fishing, spearfishing, freediving, surfing, kite surfing, and sailing, while keeping safety concerns in check.

These aquatic adventures can be physically challenging, and the risk of accidents is ever-present, particularly when facing the unpredictable nature of the ocean or exploring secluded spots.

Best Travel Insurance for Fishing Trips

Best Travel Insurance for Spearfishing

Best Travel Insurance for Freediving

Best Travel Insurance for Surf Trips

Best Travel Insurance for Kite Surfing

Best Travel Insurance for Sailing Charters

Diving Liveaboard Trips

Obtaining insurance for diving liveaboard trips is paramount when embarking on underwater adventures in remote and diverse marine environments. Diving accidents and unexpected health issues can arise. 

This type of insurance covers you in the event of an accident while scuba diving and includes the cost of hyperbaric chambers and other related medical expenses.  Additionally, you can obtain insurance to protect your trip investment and diving equipment.

Recommended companies: Divers Alert Network | Dive Assure

Related Guide: Best Travel Insurance for Diving Liveaboards

Adventure Motorcycle Trips

Adventure motorcycle trip insurance is indispensable for those seeking thrilling journeys on two wheels through varied terrains and remote regions. 

Motorcycle adventures come with inherent risks and this type of insurance remains effective even if the accident occurs while you’re riding a motorcycle. 

With adventure motorcycle trip insurance, you gain critical coverage for medical emergencies and evacuation costs, enabling you to explore the open road with peace of mind, knowing you’re financially safeguarded against unexpected setbacks.

Recommended companies: Global Rescue | Faye |   World Nomads – Explorer

Related Guide: Best Travel Insurance for Adventure Motorcycle Trips

What's Your Personal Situation?

Depending on your personal situation like you place of residence, age or personal health, you might or not qualify for certain insurance policies. 

Make sure you check if your particular situation is covered by your policy. For instance, some companies only offer coverage for US residents while others might have an age limit or do not accept pre-existing conditions. 

Primary Residence

Your country of residence plays an important role when choosing an insurance policy. Not every company covers every nationality or country of residence, so you should first check which companies are you eligible to be insured with.

United States:   Faye   |   Travelex   |   Global Rescue   |   World Nomads

Europe, Canada, UK, Europe, Australia & New Zealand:   Global Rescue   |   World Nomads

Rest of the World:   Global Rescue   | World Nomads

Pre-Existing Conditions

Travel insurance for individuals with preexisting conditions is essential, as it provides tailored coverage for their unique healthcare needs while journeying abroad. 

This specialized insurance ensures access to medical treatment, medications, and emergency services related to preexisting conditions during travel, offering peace of mind and enabling those with prior health concerns to explore the world confidently, knowing they are financially protected against unexpected health issues while away from home.

Recommended companies: Faye | Global Rescue | Travelex – Select

Related Guide: Best Travel Insurance for Pre-existing Conditions

As age can bring increased health considerations, specialized travel insurance for seniors addresses their unique needs, covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen disruptions. 

This coverage ensures that mature adventurers can fully enjoy their journeys without worrying about unexpected setbacks, making their travel experiences not only memorable but also worry-free.

Recommended companies: Faye |   Global Rescue   | World Nomads

Related Guide: Best Travel Insurance for Seniors Over 65

Items You Bring

If you bring a lot of expensive gear with you, you might want to have an insurance policy that gives you a higher coverage against lost luggage or theft. 

Most travel insurance policies won’t cover anything above $3,000, so if you are traveling with serious camera equipment you should consider getting a separate camera insurance apart from your regular travel insurance policy.

For the average traveler (laptops, phones, cameras): Protect Your Bubble

For serious photographers (DSLR cameras, lenses, housings, drones, etc):  photoGuard   |   Full-Frame

Best Adventure Travel Insurance Campanies in 2024

Our Pick For

Independent Expeditions + Remote Locations + People Over 75

Nationalities: all nationalities are covered.

Pre-existing conditions: Yes.

Seniors Over 65: People aged 65-75 are included in the Individual Plan. Extended Plan memberships are available to those age 75-84 and include all services but are contingent upon completion of a medical form and a physician’s medical verification.

Trip Duration: Short term policies (7, 14 or 30-days) and long term policies (1 to 5 years) available.

Groups: Individual, family and student plans available.

Situations covered:  It covers civil unrest, natural disasters, government evacuation orders and other security emergencies (when purchasing the Security package).

• Pros & Cons

Reasons To Buy

Remote locations coverage. Coverage available for 65-84. Pre-existing conditions accepted. All nationalities accepted​.

Reasons To Avoid

The price is a bit higher than other insurance policies. However, no other company provides the same coverage as Global Rescue. It doesn’t cover trip cancellations or delays. It doesn’t cover equipment.

Worldwide field rescue (up to $500,000) in remote or dangerous environments. Global Rescue’s deployable teams are standing by to rescue their members from the point of illness or injury for any serious medical emergency.

Medical Evacuation. Global Rescue’s fully deployable medical teams have unparalleled capabilities to transport our members back to their home hospital of choice from anywhere in the world. This includes global COVID-19 transport.

Medical & Security Advisory Services. Global Rescue’s operations centers are staffed by experienced nurses, paramedics and military special operations veterans. Global Rescue also has partnerships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations, Elite Medical Group and Partners HealthCare, the Harvard Medical School affiliate.

Security Membership. Global Rescue’s teams of military special operations veterans are available to provide advisory, consultation and evacuation services for events like natural disasters, terror attacks and civil unrest when you are in danger.

Destination Reports & Event Alerts. Destination reports for 215 countries and principalities worldwide include entry requirements, COVID-19 travel status and restrictions, detailed health and security assessments and required immunizations. Keep up to date on health and security events worldwide.

My Global Rescue Mobile App. Access Global Rescue services in one location. Browse destination reports and alerts, activate emergency assistance, real-time virtual health visits and keep track of the people you care about with GPS tracking and messaging.

Security Package. Physical extraction when you are in danger of bodily harm. It includes civil unrest, natural disasters, government evacuation orders and other security emergencies.

Global Rescue  is the most comprehensive travel protection available worldwide. It has the least restrictions and biggest coverage than any other medical insurance.

It’s a medical-only protection designed for adventure travelers planning to go remote in an independent or organized adventure trip. All nationalities are covered and options for people over 75 are available.

We recommend  Global Rescue  for:

• Independent expeditions
• Remote locations
• Mountaineering trips
• High altitude hiking trips
• Adventure motorcycling
• Trips in unstable countries

Global Rescue  stands out as the  most expansive global travel protection option , offering unparalleled coverage with minimal restrictions compared to other medical insurance plans.

American Residents Who Want the Highest Coverage​

Nationalities:  Only US citizens and residents are eligible.

Pre-existing conditions:  Pre-existing conditions can be covered for Trip Cancellations and Interruptions, as long as you purchase your plan within 14 days of your initial trip deposit, and are medically able to travel when you purchase your plan.

Seniors Over 65:  There is no maximum age limit.

Trip Duration:  All plans cover trips up to 180 days.

Groups:  Insurance policies for solo travelers, couples and families are available.

The prices are very competitive.

Plans are very customizable with plenty of extras available and the option of removing items you don’t need.

Pre-existing medical conditions accepted.

24/7 chat available with the Faye Mobile App

Only available to American residents.

Emergency Medical Expenses: Up to $250,000. If you experience sudden illness or injury in-trip, including COVID-19. We can cover prescription drugs, hospitalization and physician costs.

Emergency Evacuation: Up to $500,000. Coverage of transportation in the case of illness or injury that is acute, severe or life threatening when adequate medical treatment is not available in the immediate area.

Trip Cancellation: Up to 100%. If you need to cancel your trip for covered reasons, including if you get sick, contract COVID-19, or a travel provider goes bankrupt. We can cover flights, hotel bookings, tickets & activities, and quarantine accommodation.

Trip Interruption: Up to 150%. When you must unexpectedly cut your trip short or extend it for covered reasons, including if you contract COVID-19.

Trip Delay: Up to $4,500. Up to $300/day, for delays of more than 6 hours. When you’re stranded in transit due to reasons outside of your control such as flight delay or theft of passport.

Lost or damaged Belongings: Up to $2,000. Reimbursement for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage, including clothing, personal items and professional equipment like a phone or laptop.

Cancel for Any Reason: Up to 75% of Trip Cost. The ability to nix your trip for reasons other than those covered in your plan’s trip cancellation coverage, including fear of contracting COVID-19, as long as you purchase this coverage within 14 days of your initial trip deposit and cancel at least 48 hours in advance of your scheduled departure date.

Pet Care: Up to $2,500 in veterinary expenses & 
$250 for kenneling. Coverage of veterinary expenses if you take your furry friend along (including pet sickness or injury), or kenneling costs if you arrive back home later than expected.

Adventure & Extreme Sports: Up to $250K (international trips) or $50K (domestic trips) for accidental & sickness expenses. Medical and transportation coverage if you become injured while participating in an adventure or extreme sport, like skydiving, bungee jumping, motocross or free diving.

Faye insurance  provides American residents one of the biggest medical coverages on the market at a very competitive price. You can also add or subtract items so you only pay for what you really need.

We recommend Faye for:

• Seniors over 65
• Adventure cruises
• Mountain biking holidays

For U.S. residents seeking complete travel protection, including high medical coverage, trip protection, and baggage coverage,  Faye  emerges as  one of the best options available .

Expensive Trips ($10k+) + High Medical Coverage

Travel Guard

Nationalities:  Only residents of the United States, Canada, Hong Kong, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Norway, Sweden, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand and UAE can purchase a Travel Guard insurance policy. 

Pre-existing conditions:  Yes.

Seniors Over 65:  Travelers aged 65-75 are covered.

Trip Duration:  All plans cover trips up to 364 days.

Groups:  One children aged 17 and under is included with an adult policy at no extra cost.

Highest medical  expenses and trip cancellation/interruption coverage combined under the same policy.

Pre-Existing Medical Condition Exclusion Waiver Available (must be purchased within 15 days of the Initial Trip Payment).

Not all nationalities are covered.

Must be less than 75 years old.

Travel Medical Expense/Dental Expense: Up to $100,000/$500. Travel Medical Expense pays for medical expenses incurred due to a Sickness or Injury that happens while on a Trip. A $500 sub-limit applies for dental expenses.

Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation of Remains: Up to $1,000,000. Covers evacuation expenses as directed by a Physician to the nearest adequate medical facility or home in the event of death or if medically required.

Trip Cancellation: Up to 100% Insured Trip Cost. Reimburses nonrefundable, Unused payments or deposits if you must cancel your Trip due to an illness, Injury, or death of you, a Family Member, Traveling Companion or Business Partner, or for other covered reasons. Maximum of $150,000.

Trip Interruption: Up to 150% Insured Trip Cost: Reimburses nonrefundable, Unused payments or deposits if you must interrupt your Trip due to an illness, Injury, or death of you, a Family Member, Traveling Companion or Business Partner, or for other covered reasons. Maximum of $225,000

Trip Interruption – Return Transportation Only: Up to $1,000. Reimburses the additional Transportation expenses incurred by you to reach the Return Destination if your Trip is interrupted by one of the Unforeseen events shown in the Policy Trip Interruption section.

Trip Delay: Up to $1,000. Reimburses up to $200 per day for Reasonable Additional Expenses until travel becomes possible if your Trip is delayed for more than 5 hours due to covered reasons.

Baggage Coverage: Up to $2,500. Reimburses you if your luggage is lost, damaged, or stolen while on your Trip. Coverage is primary.

Trip Saver: Up to $5,000. Reimburses up to $5,000 for meals, Hotels and additional Transportation if the Insured must begin their Trip sooner than the originally scheduled Departure Date due to Inclement Weather or Common Carrier changes.

Baggage Delay: Up to $500. Reimburses you for the purchase of necessary personal effects if your bags are delayed for more than 12 hours.

Missed Connection: Up to $1,000. Reimburses you if Inclement Weather or Common Carrier causes cancellation or a delay to your point of departure of regularly scheduled airline flights for three or more hours. Does not apply if you do not leave adequate time between connecting flights.

Security Evacuation: Up to $100,000. Coverage for security evacuation, Flight Guard® and Trip Cancellation or Trip Interruption due to a riot or civil disorder.

Cancel for Any Reason Bundle. Reimburses up to the Maximum Limit shown on the Schedule of Benefits if you cancel your Trip for any reason, not otherwise covered under the Policy, up to 48 hours prior to your scheduled departure.

Adventure Sports Bundle. Removes the exclusions for adventure and extreme activities from all benefits on the Policy.

Pet Bundle. Daily benefit for boarding, and a medical expense coverage for illness or Injury of dog or cat while traveling. Includes coverage for Trip Cancellation or Trip Interruption if your Pet is in critical condition or dies within seven days prior to the Departure Date.

Wedding Bundle. Trip Cancellation due to wedding cancellation. Coverage does not apply if you are the bride or groom in the wedding.

The  Travel Guard Deluxe plan  is the best plan on the market for those who need both the highest medical and trip coverage.

It offers a trip cancellation/interruption coverage up to $150,000 / $225,000, a medical coverage up to $100,000 and emergency evacuation up to $1,000,000.

We recommend Travel Guard for:

• Expensive trips, like adventure cruises
• People needing high medical coverage

Travel Guard  offers competitive packages with some of the highest medical expense coverage available in the market.

Americans Going on Adventure Cruises​

Nationalities:  All nationalities are covered, as long as they are US residents. 

Seniors Over 65:  Senior travel insurance package is offered to seniors over 65.

Trip Duration:  Travel Select and Travel Basic plans cover trips up to 364 days. Travel America plan covers trips up to 14 days. 

Groups:  Individual and family plans available. 

Destinations covered:  Covers worldwide, except Ukraine, Syria, Iran, North Korea, Libya, Belarus, and Russian Federation.

The price is competitive.

Pre–existing conditions accepted.

Covers worldwide, except Ukraine, Syria, Iran, North Korea, Libya, Belarus, and Russian Federation.

Only available to US residents.

They receive mixed reviews online.

Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical Expense: Up to $50,000. It comes with a dental coverage sublimit of $500

Emergency Evacuation: Up to $500,000. It comes with an escort coverage limit of $25,000.

Trip Cancellation: 100% of insured trip cost. It comes with a limit of $50,000.

Trip Interruption: 150% of insured trip cost. It comes with a limit of $75,000.

Trip Delay: Up to $2,000. The policy comes with a daily sublimit of $200 and a minimum delay of 5 hours

Baggage & Personal Effects: Up to $1,000. Items sublimits apply.

Additional Medical Coverage. Increase your medical expenses coverage by $50,000 and up your medical evacuation coverage by $500,000.

Adventure Sports. Get protection for participating in professional athletic events, ziplining, skydiving, mountain climbing, and traveling on any air-supported devices.

Cancel for Any Reason. Protect yourself against the unexpected – whatever it maybe – and cancel your trip for any reason up to 48 hours before your scheduled departure date.

The  Travelex Select Plan  is a good option for American residents going on adventure cruises (or other adventure trips that cost over $10k) and don’t need more than $50k of medical coverage.

We recommend Travelex for:

• Expensive trips.
• People NOT needing high medical coverage

Travelex  is particularly appealing   for high-ticket adventure trips , such as adventure cruises, where medical coverage is often included, and the priority is safeguarding your trip investment against potential cancellations.

Affordable + Good Medical Coverage + Some Baggage Coverage​

World Nomads

Nationalities:  Most nationalities can purchase insurance from World Nomads, including residents of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, India, Australia, or New Zealand. However, as of the current writing, most European residents are unable to buy a World Nomads policy.

Pre-existing conditions:  Not covered.

Seniors Over 65:  Travelers aged 70 and over are not covered.

Trip Duration:  All plans cover trips up to 365 days.

Prices and coverage vary greatly by the country of residence.

Some European nationalities are not covered.

Pre-existing medical conditions not covered

Max age is 70 years old.

Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical Expense: Up to $100,000. Coverage is for medical expenses for emergency treatment of an accidental injury that occurs during the trip. Emergency treatment must be medically necessary and performed during the trip. Refer to the certificate / policy for complete details.

Emergency dental treatment: Up to $750. Coverage is for emergency dental treatment for accidental injury to sound, natural teeth. The injury and treatment must occur during the trip.

Emergency Evacuation: Up to $500,000. Coverage is for an accidental injury or sickness occurring during the trip that results in your necessary emergency evacuation. An emergency evacuation must be ordered by a physician who certifies that the severity of your accidental injury or sickness warrants your emergency evacuation. Refer to the certificate / policy for complete details.

Trip Cancellation: Up to $10,000. Reimburses for prepaid, non-refundable cancellation charges if you must cancel your trip (after the effective date) due to covered sickness, accidental injury, or death of you, a family member or traveling companion; inclement weather, unforeseen natural disaster at home or at your destination, strike or other covered reasons. Refer to the certificate / policy for complete details.

Trip Interruption: Up to $10,000. Reimburses for prepaid, non-refundable, unused expenses if you must interrupt your trip (after departure) due to a covered sickness, accidental injury, or death of you, a family member or traveling companion; inclement weather, unforeseen natural disaster at home or at your destination, strike, or other covered reasons. Refer to the certificate / policy for complete details.

Trip Delay: Up to $3,000. Coverage is for unused portion of pre-paid accommodation or additional expenses, on a one-time basis, if you are delayed en route to or from the trip for 6 or more hours due to a defined hazard as explained in the certificate / policy.

Baggage & Personal Effects: Up to $3,000. Reimbursement is for loss, theft or damage during the trip to baggage and personal effects (including sporting equipment) owned by you, provided you have taken all reasonable measures to protect, save and recover the property. Per article limit of $500.

Activities covered based on 4 groups. You pay more for higher group. The Explorer plan includes more activities than the Standard Plan. Extreme activities not covered (cave diving, free soloing, etc)

The  World Nomads Explorer Plan  is a great option if you’re looking for an affordable travel insurance with good medical coverage and some equipment coverage (up to $3,000) under the same policy.

We recommend World Nomads for:

• Budget travelers
• Hiking trips

World Nomads  offers affordable packages that covers a good amount of adventure activities, along with solid medical expense coverage. However, the coverage for trip cancellations and interruptions is relatively small.  They are one of the  most budget-friendly companies  we’ve reviewed and receive relatively positive reviews online.

Dive Accident Insurance​

Divers Alert Network

Nationalities:  Most nationalities are covered. You will need to purchase your membership & insurance with the corresponding DAN office that serves your area (see Limitations section above). 

Pre-existing conditions:  Pre-existing conditions are not covered.

Seniors Over 65:  Includes coverage for divers age 70 and over in the U.S. and Canada

Trip Duration:  Both the DAN membership and dive accident insurance are only offered as annual. Travel insurance is offered for single trips or annual.

Groups:  Both membership and insurances are available as individual and family plans. 

Available for divers age 70 and over in the U.S. and Canada.

Plans recognized worldwide

You need to join DAN first, then add your insurance

Only annual coverage available. You cannot buy a week or month coverage.

Accidental Medical Expense Coverage. Coverage for hyperbaric chamber treatment, physician and hospital charges and emergency transportation by ground, air or marine ambulance.

Accidental Death & Dismemberment. Coverage for loss of life or limb resulting from a covered diving accident or named water sport accident while on a trip.

Permanent & Total Disability Coverage if permanently unable to return to work due to a covered diving accident or named water sports accident while on a trip.

Search & Rescue Coverage. Coverage to support the Coast Guard, local police or the efforts of other international services to locate you at sea due to a covered diving accident.

Extra Transportation & Accommodation.  Coverage for airfare, hotels, meals and incidentals if your return travel is delayed due to treatment prescribed by a doctor after a covered diving accident.

Lost Diving Equipment. Coverage for equipment such as a regulator, BCD, dive computer or fins that are unintentionally lost or damaged as a result of a covered diving accident.

DAN dive accident insurance  is an affordable way for divers to obtain insurance against the costs of dive injuries that are often left uncovered by most  travel insurances. You need to be DAN member to be able to purchase the insurance.

We recommend DAN for:

• Dive accident insurance

DAN  is the most popular insurance for divers traveling internationally. Their membership, combined with dive accident insurance, provides comprehensive coverage that every diver should have when traveling.

Scuba Diving Liveaboard Trips​

Nationalities:  Most nationalities are covered. 

Seniors Over 65:  Includes coverage for divers age 74 and under.

Trip Duration:  The maximum trip length for single-trip programs is 180 days, while the maximum trip length for multi-trip program is 42 consecutive days (per trip).

Unlike DAN, short term plans are available.

Liveaboard rider protects your trip investment in almost any situation.

Available for divers age 74 and under.

You need to purchase a membership first, then add your insurance.

Emergency Medical Expenses – Diving Related: Up to $1,000,000.

Emergency Medical Evacuation – Diving Related: Up to $1,000,000.

Emergency and Accidental Medical Treatment and Evacuation – Non-Diving Related: Up to $50,000.

Cancellation and Interruption- Comprehensive Coverage: Up to $15,000.

Lost Diving Days due to Weather: Up to $200/1000 (day/total). Travel Delay: Up to $1,000.

Dive Assure  stands as one of the popular insurance choices for international travelers who are avid divers. Their membership, coupled with dive accident insurance, travel insurance, and the liveaboard rider, offers a comprehensive protection package for every diver. It’s the best option for travelers wanting to insure their liveaboard trip.

We recommend Dive Assure for:

• Diving liveaboard trips

Dive Assure  stands as one of the popular insurance choices for international travelers who are avid divers. Their membership, coupled with dive accident insurance, travel insurance, and the liveaboard rider, offers a comprehensive protection package for every diver.

It’s the  best option for travelers wanting to insure their liveaboard trip .

Comparison Table

Generic travel insurance vs adventure travel insurance​.

An adventure travel insurance policy differs from a generic travel insurance policy by providing specialized coverage for high-risk and adventurous activities. 

While a generic travel insurance policy typically covers standard travel components such as trip cancellations, medical expenses, and lost baggage, an adventure travel insurance policy extends its coverage to include specific adventure activities like mountaineering, bungee jumping, or scuba diving.

These policies account for the increased risks associated with these activities and offer additional benefits such as emergency evacuation, search and rescue costs, and coverage for equipment or gear used during the adventures. 

Adventure travel insurance policies are designed to cater to the unique needs of adventure travelers, ensuring that they have adequate protection and peace of mind while engaging in thrilling pursuits.

What's Covered & What's Not

Many standard travel insurance policies typically cover a range of adventure and outdoor activities. However, if you plan to do more extreme and adventurous activities, you will need to purchase an adventure add-on or a completely different policy.

It’s important to note that the coverage provided by each travel insurance policy can differ significantly. Therefore, it is essential to carefully review the policy wording and contact the insurance provider to understand exactly what activities are covered and if any additional coverage is required.

The following table shows what’s normally expected from a travel insurance policy and what activities require a specific adventure add-on.

Things to Be Aware​​

When shopping for travel insurance, there are several important points to consider to make sure you select a policy that best suits your needs and provides peace of mind during your trips.

Every insurance has its own small print which sometimes might be confusing. So we’ve compiled the key things you need to check before purchasing any policy for travel.

Coverage Types & Limitations

Understand the different types of coverage offered, such as medical expenses, trip cancellation/interruption, emergency evacuation, lost baggage, and travel delays. Check how much are you cover for each and if there are any limitations. 

Typical limits include a trip cancellation of 100% but with a limit of certain amount (i.e. Up to $10,000). So it’s not really 100% if your trip cost you over $10,000. 

Luggage protection is a tricky one as well. They will offer you a total amount (i.e. $3,000) but they will have certain limits per item (i.e. $300 per item). So if your $2,000 camera is lost, you will only receive $300 compensation.  

Trip Duration and Frequency

Consider the duration and frequency of your trips. Some insurance policies may have restrictions on trip length or provide coverage only for a specific number of days. Ensure the policy aligns with your travel plans.

Destination Coverage

Verify that the policy covers the destinations you plan to visit. Some countries may have specific requirements, or might not covered at all. So make sure your destination is included in the policy you purchase.   

Medical Coverage

Review the medical coverage limits and inclusions. Ensure the policy covers emergency medical expenses, hospitalization, medical evacuation, and repatriation.

Check if pre-existing conditions are covered or require additional riders. If covered, you normally have to purchase it within 15 days of the initial trip payment

Deductibles and Limits

Understand the deductibles and limits associated with various coverage areas. Deductibles are the amount you must pay before the insurance coverage kicks in, and limits are the maximum amount the insurer will pay for a particular category of expenses.

Policy Exclusions

Carefully read the policy exclusions to understand what is not covered. Common exclusions may include pre-existing conditions, adventure sports, high-risk activities, or acts of terrorism. Be aware of any limitations that may impact your coverage.

Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage

Evaluate the terms and conditions for trip cancellation or interruption coverage. Understand the covered reasons for cancellation, the reimbursement limits, and any required documentation.

Some insurance companies provide a Cancel for Any Reason rider, which needs to be purchased separately. 

Travel Assistance Services

Check if the insurance provider offers 24/7 travel assistance services. These can include emergency hotlines, medical advice, translation services, or help with lost documents. Having reliable support during your travels can be invaluable.

Claims and Assistance

Filing a claim.

In the unfortunate event that a traveler needs to  file a claim , the process is usually straightforward. The traveler should contact their insurance provider as soon as possible and provide all relevant information. This may include documentation of the incident, such as police reports or medical bills.

It is important to note that different insurance providers may have different requirements for filing a claim. Some may require the traveler to fill out a claim form, while others may allow the traveler to file a claim online. It is important to read the policy details carefully and follow the instructions provided by the insurance provider.

Emergency Assistance Services

In addition to providing coverage for medical expenses and trip cancellations, many adventure travel insurance policies also offer emergency assistance services. These services can be invaluable in the event of an emergency, such as a medical evacuation or a natural disaster.

Emergency assistance services may include access to a 24-hour hotline, which can provide immediate assistance and advice in the event of an emergency. They may also include assistance with finding medical care or arranging for transportation back to the traveler’s home country.

It is important to note that emergency assistance services may not be available in all locations. Travelers should check their policy details carefully to understand what services are included and how to access them in the event of an emergency.

Tips for Travelers

Pre-trip preparations.

Before embarking on an adventure trip, it’s important to take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. One of the most important things to do is to purchase travel insurance that  covers adventure sports . This will provide coverage for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise during the trip.

When selecting a travel insurance plan, travelers should carefully read the policy and understand what is covered and what is not. Some policies may not cover certain activities, such as bungee jumping or skydiving, so it’s important to choose a plan that covers all the activities planned during the trip.

Staying Safe Abroad

While  traveling abroad , it’s important to stay alert and aware of the surroundings. Travelers should avoid carrying large amounts of cash or expensive items and keep important documents, such as passports and visas, in a safe place. It’s also a good idea to keep a copy of these documents in case they are lost or stolen.

In addition, travelers should research the local customs and laws of the country they are visiting to avoid any misunderstandings or legal issues. It’s also important to stay up to date on any travel advisories or warnings issued by the government.

By taking these precautions and purchasing the right travel insurance plan, adventure travelers can enjoy their trips with peace of mind, knowing they are prepared for any unexpected situations that may arise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What factors should i consider when choosing travel insurance for high-risk activities.

When  choosing travel insurance  for high-risk activities, there are a few factors to consider. First, make sure the policy covers the specific activities you plan to participate in. Some policies may exclude certain activities, such as bungee jumping or skydiving. Second, consider the level of coverage you need. If you’re participating in an activity with a higher risk of injury, you may want a policy with higher medical coverage limits. Finally, consider the deductible and other policy limits, as well as any exclusions or restrictions.

How much does adventure travel insurance typically cost?

The  cost of adventure travel insurance  can vary depending on a number of factors, including the level of coverage, the activities you plan to participate in, and the length of your trip. On average, however, adventure travel insurance can cost anywhere from 4% to 10% of the total trip cost.

What’s the best company for travel insurance that covers extreme sports?

There are several companies that offer travel insurance for  extreme sports and adventure activities . Some popular options include Global Rescue , Faye and World Nomads . It’s important to compare policies from different companies to find the one that best meets your needs.

How do I determine the right amount of coverage for my adventure trip?

When determining the right amount of coverage for your adventure trip, consider the potential risks and costs associated with your planned activities. Look for policies with high medical coverage limits, as well as coverage for  emergency medical evacuation  and trip cancellation/interruption . It’s also a good idea to consider the deductible and any exclusions or restrictions.

Are there any adventure activities that travel insurance won’t cover?

Yes, there are some adventure activities that travel insurance may not cover . These can vary depending on the policy and the insurance company, but common exclusions include activities such as base jumping,  mountaineering , and professional sports. It’s important to carefully review the policy details to ensure that your planned activities are covered.

What’s the claims process like for adventure travel insurance?

The claims process for adventure travel insurance is similar to that of other travel insurance policies. In the event of a covered loss, you’ll need to file a claim with the insurance company and provide documentation to support your claim. This may include medical bills, police reports, or other evidence of the loss. The insurance company will then review your claim and determine whether it’s covered under the policy.

Insurance for Adventure Travel Online

When doing your research, you might want to read what other publications have to say about the best insurance for adventure trips.

Here are some of the most popular articles I found interesting. 

Best Adventure Sports Travel Insurance – NerdWallet.com

7 Best Travel Insurance for Extreme Sports and Adventure Activities – Outofyourcomfortzone.net

About the Author

Antonio was born and raised in Southern Spain, and quit his job in 2013 to travel the world full-time with his wife Amanda for 10 years straight. Their passion for adventure took them to visit 150+ countries.

They cycled 25,000km + from California to Patagonia, sailed over 10,000NM around the Caribbean & Sea of Cortez, rode their motorbikes 30,000 kms+ across West Africa (Spain to South Africa) and visited Antarctica, among many other adventure expeditions.  Today, they’re still traveling,  currently around the USA with an RV.

Traveling to so many places, remote destinations and by different means taught them a lot about travel insurance, which policies to hold depending on the area and the type of adventure they were doing. Antonio now publishes regular content to help other travelers choose the best travel insurance for adventure trips.

Together, they also run the travel community Summit , the RV site Hitched Up , the boutique accommodation blog  Unique Places  and the popular newsletter Adventure Fix , where they share their knowledge about the places they’ve visited and the ones still remaining on their list.

Antonio Cala

Co-Founder of Adventure Fix

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So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services.

• Price My Plan

Take your Detour Travel insurance for your adventure

Plan options.

Basic protection for the casual traveler on a budget

• 100% of Trip Costs up to $1,000
• $100 reasonable expenses/day
• $25,000 maximum benefit
• up to $100 dental expenses
• $250,000 maximum benefit
• not included

Pre-Paid Expenses

• $500 maximum benefit
• $100 maximum benefit per day (after 12 hours)

Health + Safety

• up to $5,000

Gear + Personal Belongings

• $1,000 maximum benefit
• $100 per article
• $250 combined maximum
• up to $250 (after 24 hours)

Expanded coverage and benefits for adventure sports including gear rental

• 100% of Trip Costs up to $2,500
• $50,000 maximum benefit
• up to $250 dental expenses
• $500,000 maximum benefit
• up to $3,000 for lost/damaged
• $2,000 maximum benefit
• $150 maximum benefit per day (after 12 hours)
• $50,000 Maximum Benefit
• $5,000 maximum benefit
• up to $25,000
• $250 per article
• $500 combined maximum
• up to $500 (after 12 hours)

Superior benefits including extreme sport or activity coverage

• 100% of Trip Costs up to $5,000
• $100,000 maximum benefit
• up to $500 dental expenses
• $1,000,000 maximum benefit
• up to $5,000 for lost/damaged
• $200 maximum benefit per day (after 12 hours)
• $10,000 maximum benefit
• up to $50,000
• $3,000 maximum benefit
• $300 per article
• up to $750 (after 12 hours)

The benefits of @the edge , plus increased trip cancellation and interruption coverage

• 100% of Trip Costs up to $10,000

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* Benefits, coverage, terms and conditions and exclusions may vary by state.

Underwritten by Nationwide Life Insurance Company, Columbus, Ohio. In Washington, the plans are underwritten by Nationwide Life Insurance Company and Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, Columbus, Ohio. Applicable to policy forms NSIGTC 2000, NSHTC 2000, SRTC 2000, or state equivalent.

Nationwide and Nationwide N and Eagle are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.

Detour with Confidence™

When travel gives you a Detour, take it. Whether you are preparing for an adventure of a lifetime or leading a life of adventure, Detour Travel Protection safeguards your health and well-being, prepaid expenses, and gear and personal belongings should things wander off course.

Detour is founded and operated by adventurers who live the lifestyle and understand the rewards and risks associated with experiential travel. 

Designed for U.S. residents traveling more than 100 miles from their homes, Detour’s versatile plans include enhanced benefits such as non-insurance and emergency travel assistance services. Detour’s coverage options range from basic protection for the casual traveler on a budget to extreme sports coverage for the hardcore adrenaline junkie. It’s your experience to define.  It’s our mission to protect you before and during your trip.

Eco Friendly Travel Tips

Every Day Not Just on Earth Day

Turn to Music to Rest and Digest

Literally Tune In to Reduce Stress