Planning to go scuba diving in Belize? Skiing in the Swiss Alps? Trekking to Everest Base Camp?
If so, you need to read the fine print of your travel insurance policy immediately. Standard travel insurance policies almost always exclude injuries related to “hazardous activities” and “extreme sports.”
If you break your leg while hiking a simple nature trail, you’re covered. If you break it while rock climbing, a standard policy will deny your claim entirely.
What is an “Adventure Sport Rider”?
To get covered for high-risk activities, you must purchase a policy that either specializes in extreme sports, or offers an optional upgrade called an Adventure Sports Rider.
This upgrade explicitly waives the standard exclusions, ensuring that your emergency medical and evacuation benefits will kick in if things go wrong during your adrenaline-fueled activities.
Common Activities that Require Special Coverage
Insurance companies have different definitions of “extreme,” but generally, you will need specialized coverage for:
- Scuba diving (especially below certain depths)
- Mountaineering (especially if using ropes or above certain elevations)
- Bungee jumping and skydiving
- Backcountry or heli-skiing
- Zip-lining and white-water rafting
Don’t Risk a $100,000 Medevac Bill
Helicopter evacuations from remote mountains or dive sites are extraordinarily expensive, often exceeding $100,000. Do not rely on standard insurance if you are pushing the limits.
Find policies that explicitly support your specific activities by Comparing Adventure Plans using our Quote Tool.