Holidays are often seen as a chance to try out new sports or engage in a favourite pastime in an exciting new environment.
Snorkelling, camping and hiking are among the popular pursuits travellers typically don’t think twice about taking part in when on a trip.
But travel insurers warn that many common adventure activities are not included in standard insurance policies, leaving travellers with both safety and financial risks.
Here’s what one expert says are the sports that result in the most frequent claims and the most extreme activities that their insurance policies cover.
Travellers risk hefty medical bills if they participate in activities without insurance
Terra Baykal, travel insurer World Nomad’s senior marketing manager, says standard insurance policies may have exclusions for sports or activities, no matter how low-risk travellers may perceive them to be.
“There may be exclusions for participating in activities like hiking or camping above certain altitudes given the inherent risk,” she says. “The same goes for activities like scuba diving or free diving below certain depths.”
If you participate in activities you are not insured for, potential problems that could arise primarily include medical accidents, such as injuries.
“When these happen, travellers risk being left with hefty hospital bills to pay and no coverage to help support the aftermath,” Baykal explains.
“This also goes for lack of emergency evacuation coverage. If the traveller’s injury or incident is severe enough to require evacuation services, out-of-pocket costs tend to be very high and could be financially devastating (on top of the already physical devastation from the incident itself).”
What to do if an activity you want to try is not included in your policy
It’s not unusual to find yourself abroad and spontaneously wanting to take part in an activity not covered by your insurance plan.
In this case, travellers should check if they can buy new insurance or change their plan while they are away.
World Nomads allows travellers to purchase a policy even if they are already at their destination, but you are not immediately covered.
“It is important to note, however, that waiting periods can apply, so travellers should be mindful of this and plan accordingly,” says Baykal.
“For those seeking a single-trip travel insurance plan with World Nomads, benefits take effect at 12:01am the day after the policy purchase is made and World Nomads has received the payment.”
Waiting periods may vary between different insurance companies and plans.
Which activities result in the most travel insurance claims?
In general, if you have any doubts about participating in a sport or activity when abroad, even if it is very common, you should double-check your policy.
In some destinations, risky pursuits are unavoidable or a key part of the travel experience.
For example, motorbiking is one activity that results in the most insurance claims, according to World Nomads, but in places like Thailand and Indonesia, it is the main mode of transportation.
“Another activity that results in the most insurance claims is trekking at high altitudes, leading to altitude sickness,” says Baykal. “Destinations where these types of events typically occur include Peru and Nepal.”
What are the most extreme activities covered by travel insurance?
If you are planning on attempting some particularly extreme sports, you need to find a comprehensive insurance policy.
Within World Nomads’ Epic Plan, travellers are covered for glacier walking and ice climbing, both up to 8,000 metres.
Under both the Epic Plan and Explorer Plan, travellers can try out cave diving to 50 metres, free diving to 60 metres, bull riding, hang gliding, skydiving and cliff diving.
