Adventure Sports Travel Insurance: Climbing, Skydiving and More

MFAT's SafeTravel service says many insurance companies don't cover adventure activities, and recommends checking whether your policy covers all your planned activities — and, if it doesn't, asking whether extra cover is available (SafeTravel (MFAT): Adventure tourism). It also advises using a reputable operator, researching whether the activity is legal where you are going, and checking whether you need any certification or permits.

For diving, SafeTravel notes that most policies require divers to stay within the limits of their certification and that the instructor holds certain qualifications (SafeTravel (MFAT): Adventure tourism). Check the depth and qualification conditions in your own policy.

Policies tend to sort activities into three groups, though the lists differ between insurers:

• Covered as standard: often lower-risk recreational activities, sometimes with conditions such as using a licensed operator.
• Covered with an add-on or extra premium: commonly snow sports, and sometimes activities such as motorcycling or higher-risk water sports.
• Excluded: often professional or competitive sport, and some high-risk activities that a policy lists by name.

Read the activities or sports section of the policy wording, and the general exclusions. If an activity isn't mentioned, ask the insurer in writing before you go.

• Using a licensed or commercial operator, or a qualified guide.
• Wearing the safety equipment the activity requires, such as a helmet.
• Staying within your qualification or experience, for example a diving certification depth.
• Not taking part while affected by alcohol or drugs.
• Following local authorities and operators, including closures and weather warnings.

Sports equipment may be covered under the luggage section, subject to per-item limits and exclusions for damage while the item is in use. Hired equipment may be treated differently. Check the luggage and sports equipment wording if your gear is valuable.

See our adventure sports guide, ski insurance and common exclusions.