- Travelers keen to engage in popular adventure activities during their holidays should be mindful of potential insurance coverage gaps, experts warn.
Holiday activities commonly excluded from standard travel insurance advice from an industry professional
Activities such as snorkeling, camping, and hiking are often considered low-risk, but many standard insurance policies may exclude them or have restrictions, leaving vacationers vulnerable to both safety and financial risks.
Terra Baykal, senior marketing manager at travel insurer World Nomad, explains that policies may have exclusions for sports or activities, even those perceived as low-risk. "Activities like hiking or camping above certain altitudes, or scuba diving or free diving below certain depths, may be excluded given the inherent risk," she says.
If traveling without proper insurance coverage and an accident occurs, potential issues include steep medical expenses and lack of emergency evacuation coverage. "Travelers risk being left with significant hospital bills and no support for the aftermath," Baykal notes. "Moreover, absence of emergency evacuation coverage can result in high, financially devastating out-of-pocket costs in severe cases."
For activities not covered by the initial policy, travelers can check if they can purchase new insurance or modify their plan while abroad. World Nomads allows policy purchases even at the traveler's destination, though wait periods may apply.
It's essential to verify coverage for high-risk pursuits, as some destinations may offer unavoidable or central adventure experiences. For example, motorbiking, resulting in many insurance claims, is the main mode of transportation in places like Thailand and Indonesia. Moreover, trekking at high altitudes, leading to altitude sickness, is a common issue in destinations like Peru and Nepal.
prey to large medical bills in case of an accident. In such scenarios, it is crucial to have proper insurance coverage. To ensure adequate protection, it's advisable to thoroughly review the travel insurance policy before embarking on high-risk adventures or extreme sports. If necessary, purchase specialized coverage to avoid financial hardship in the event of an accident.
Vacationers planning an adventure-travel holiday that includes activities like hiking, camping, or snorkeling should carefully review their travel insurance policies, as these activities may not be covered or may have restrictions. Purchasing specialized coverage can help prevent financial hardship in the event of an accident, especially in destinations known for high-risk pursuits such as motorbiking in Thailand and Indonesia, or trekking at high altitudes in Peru and Nepal.
