Summer is just around the corner, and many of us dream about adventure travel sports activities, such as skydiving, hiking, diving, or surfing. However, before planning your new getaway, think about your safety — that means travel insurance. Let's talk about what exactly adventure sports travel insurance covers and how it differs from a standard travel policy.
Why Get Adventure Travel Sports Insurance When Doing Activities Abroad?
Doing sports while traveling is awesome. By the way, if you’ve already decided on your summer destinations, you might want to check out this list of popular summer spots. New countries, adrenaline, unforgettable experiences… But with that comes increased risk. Medical services abroad can be very expensive — even a simple sprain might cost you several thousand dollars. That’s why adventure travel sports insurance isn’t just a formality — it’s a real necessity.
Risks from adventure travel sports we often underestimate:
Snowboarding in the Alps. One day on the slope — and an unlucky fall. Without adventure sports insurance, transport to the hospital and an X-ray can cost $3,000–$5,000.
Surfing in Bali. Big waves + coral = deep cuts or injuries. At a private clinic, foreigners often pay $1,500 or more just for basic care.
Diving in Egypt. Barotrauma or ear problems after a dive require urgent help, and treatment in a hyperbaric chamber can cost upwards of $5,000.
Interesting fact! According to the World Health Organization (WHO), drowning is one of the top three causes of accidental death worldwide. Additionally, up to 40% of tourist injuries are related to water sports.
Why Standard Travel Insurance Isn’t Suitable for Adventure Travel Sports
Usually, travel insurance covers cases like lost luggage, medical issues if you suddenly fall ill, or even a broken leg at the airport. However, basic travel policies do not cover adventure activities considered risky, such as skydiving, mountain climbing, diving, and kitesurfing.
Of course, adventure sports come with additional injuries — and both their likelihood and severity increase. In case of an injury during adventure travel sports, you’ll have to cover the costs of treatment, evacuation, or damaged gear yourself. That’s why it’s better to choose adventure travel sports insurance or add sports coverage to your existing policy.
What Adventure Travel Sports Insurance Cover
Specialized policies for adventure travel sports usually include all the necessary cases related to your chosen type of sport. If you haven’t yet decided whether you’re going kayaking or diving, choose Sport or Extreme coverage, which combines all kinds of adventure activities:
Interesting! One of the most popular adventure travel sports in the world is diving. Over 1 million people earn scuba diving certifications every year. It’s a real physical challenge — so it’s better not to dive in without proper insurance.
How to Get Ready Before You Buy Adventure Sports Travel Insurance?
Adventure travel sports insurance isn’t just a checkbox — it’s your real protection in case something goes wrong. To choose the right adventure policy, you need to pay attention to the details. Here are a few simple but important tips to help you avoid unexpected issues during your trip:
Check the list of covered activities. Make sure your specific sport is included.
Clarify evacuation terms. Some policies only cover certain types of transportation.
Look at gear coverage. If you’re using your equipment, check if damage or loss is covered.
Prefer online payments. It’s faster, more secure, and lets you get instant confirmation.
Choose between group or single adventure travel sports coverage. Traveling with friends or family? Group insurance can be more convenient.
You can still buy adventure sports insurance on the go. Some providers allow you to purchase a policy even after your trip has started.
Conclusion
Adventure travel sports are an exciting way to spend your vacation, but they come with increased risk. To avoid unexpected costs and ensure peace of mind, it’s worth arranging the right insurance in advance. Not all adventure sports policies are the same, so read the terms carefully and choose the one that best fits your needs.
No comments