Planning to hit the slopes in the Alps or scuba dive in the Great Barrier Reef? You might assume your standard travel insurance has your back, but you could be in for a rude awakening.
Most basic travel insurance policies specifically exclude “high-risk” activities—what the industry calls hazardous sports. If you break a leg while skiing and only have a standard policy, your claim will likely be denied.
The Adventure Sports Rider
To ensure you’re covered during your adrenaline-fueled activities, you need an Adventure Sports Rider (or a policy that inherently includes these activities, like WorldNomads).
Here is a breakdown of activities commonly excluded from standard plans, requiring a specific rider:
- Scuba diving (especially below a certain depth)
- Snow skiing and snowboarding
- Bungee jumping and skydiving
- Mountaineering and rock climbing
- Zip-lining and white-water rafting
What Does the Rider Cover?
An adventure sports rider extends your policy’s emergency medical and evacuation benefits to injuries sustained while participating in these activities. It might also cover the loss, theft, or damage of your expensive specialized equipment.
Before you leap, always read the fine print! Some riders have specific restrictions, such as requiring you to be diving with a certified instructor or staying on marked ski trails.