- The best adventure travel insurance plans
- What exactly is adventure travel insurance?
- The cost of adventure travel insurance
- What adventure travel insurance covers
- The conditions of adventure travel insurance
- Why take out adventure travel insurance?
- How to choose the right adventure travel insurance
- Do your current insurance policies cover adventure travel?
- FAQ
adventure travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Adventure insurance covers high-risk activities like skiing or diving, which standard policies often exclude.
2. Price: For a one-week trip to Europe, expect to pay between $75 and $150 USD.
3. Coverage: It typically covers emergency evacuation and medical care, but excludes incidents related to pre-existing conditions.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Your credit cards and domestic health plans like Medicare usually offer little to no adventure coverage.
5. Tips: Always verify that your specific activities and potential evacuation costs are explicitly covered by the policy.
6. Other useful info: Some destinations now require proof of adventure insurance for entry to national parks or remote areas.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 41 travel insurance policies available in the US, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best adventure travel insurance.
The best adventure travel insurance plans
Here is a selection of the best adventure travel insurance available for residents of the United States.
These plans are recognized for their high coverage limits, low deductibles and clear policy terms, ensuring travelers engaging in adventure activities are fully protected.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 1.0M $ | None mentioned |
|
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 1.0M $ | None mentioned |
|
| Tourist Card | 0.5M $ | 32 $, 65 $ for USA/Canada |
|
| World Travel | 0.75M $ | 54 $ per claim |
|
| Globe Partner | 0.6M $ | None mentioned |
|
| Globe Traveller | 0.6M $ | None mentioned |
|
- Coverage for extreme sports and activities.
- Medical teleconsultation worldwide.
- Emergency evacuation included.
- Quick claims process.
- 24/7 multilingual support.
- Equipment protection.
- Pet care in emergencies.
- Flat premiums regardless of age.
- Fast online refunds.
- Includes legal assistance.
- Rescue operation coverage.
- Flexible trip changes.
- Global guide and expedition coverage.
- Sports equipment insured.
- Evacuation from remote areas.
- Telemedicine services.
- Paperless enrollment.
- Specialized claims for adventure travel.
- Coverage for equipment rental.
- Up to 12-month trip coverage.
- Premiums unchanged after age 60.
- Assistance in multiple languages.
The best adventure travel insurance depends on your specific travel activities. Use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find the most suitable policy and enroll directly online.
Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareWhat exactly is adventure travel insurance?
Adventure travel insurance is specialized coverage that protects travelers participating in high-risk or extreme activities during their trip. It provides benefits for accidents, injuries, and emergencies resulting from sports like mountaineering, scuba diving, or skiing.
The policy typically includes coverage for emergency evacuation, rescue operations, and adventure equipment, which standard insurance often excludes.
Adventure travel insurance is also called extreme sports or high-risk activity coverage in the US.
It is distinct from regular travel insurance, which does not cover incidents related to adventure activities.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out adventure travel insurance is especially important for travelers from the US:
- When participating in high-risk activities like climbing, skiing, or diving.
- If your trip involves remote locations far from medical facilities.
- For activities that may require costly search and rescue operations.
- When traveling with expensive or specialized sports equipment.
- Since most US health plans offer little or no coverage abroad.
- When trekking or climbing at high altitudes above 15,000 feet.
- If your tour operator requires proof of coverage for activities.
The cost of adventure travel insurance
On average, adventure travel insurance costs between 6% and 12% of the total price of your trip.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week skiing in Colorado | $2,000 | $120 to $210 |
| 2 weeks hiking and canyoning in Costa Rica | $3,500 | $220 to $350 |
| 1 month mountaineering and rafting in Nepal | $6,000 | $360 to $600 |
| 3 weeks diving and trekking in Thailand and Vietnam | $4,500 | $270 to $470 |
These prices are provided as an indication and may vary depending on the type of plan chosen (standard or premium) and the specific conditions of each insurer.
The price of your adventure travel insurance depends on several factors:
- type and risk level of activities: coverage for extreme or high-altitude activities generally costs more.
- trip duration: longer trips require a higher premium.
- destination: costs are higher for countries with expensive medical care or remote rescue needs.
- traveler’s age: older travelers often pay more for adventure coverage.
- coverage limits and added options: higher guarantees for medical expenses, evacuation, equipment, or search and rescue will increase the policy cost.
What adventure travel insurance covers
Adventure travel insurance is designed to protect you when participating in high-risk sports and outdoor activities during your trip.
It covers medical emergencies, rescue operations, and equipment specific to adventure pursuits.
This insurance fills the gaps left by standard policies, providing peace of mind for adrenaline-filled journeys.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Refund of trip costs if you cancel for a covered reason before departure. | Opt for at least $5,000 cover with no deductible over $100. Cancellation for change of mind or non-documented reasons is usually excluded. |
| 🧳 Baggage loss or theft | Compensation for lost or stolen luggage, including adventure equipment. | Minimum $2,500 cover, and deductible under $50. Normal wear, unattended baggage, and improper packing are not covered. |
| 🏥 Medical expenses abroad | Key guarantee. Pays for urgent treatment after injury during adventure activities. | Choose at least $100,000 cover, deductible no more than $100. Routine care, intoxication, and unapproved sports are excluded. |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation | Key guarantee. Emergency transport from remote locations to hospital. | Aim for $500,000 minimum, with no or low deductible. Evacuation for comfort, minor incidents, or refusal by insurer is excluded. |
| 🪂 Search and rescue reimbursement | Pays costs for professional rescue in wilderness or remote environments. | Look for at least $25,000 cover and deductible under $50. Self-rescue, military involvement, or reckless activity typically excluded. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental care | Covers urgent dental treatment for injuries from adventure sports. | Seek at least $1,000 cover, deductible under $30. Routine dental or cosmetic work, and untreated pre-existing issues are not included. |
| 🏕️ Adventure equipment protection | Compensates you for lost, damaged, or stolen specialized gear. | Minimum $2,500 cover with deductible below $75. General wear and tear and neglect are excluded. |
| 🧍♂️ Personal accident | Compensation for severe injury, disability, or accidental death. | $25,000 cover is a good starting point, no deductible. Participation in unlisted sports or under influence of substances is not covered. |
| 🤝 Personal liability | Covers injury or property damage caused to others during adventure activities. | At least $100,000, deductible no more than $100. Injury to family, professional acts, and intentional harm are excluded. |
| ⚖️ Legal assistance abroad | Pays for lawyer and legal costs after an accident or incident. | Look for at least $3,000 cover. Costs related to criminal offenses or intoxication are often excluded. |
Cancellation for change of mind or non-documented reasons is usually excluded.
Normal wear, unattended baggage, and improper packing are not covered.
Routine care, intoxication, and unapproved sports are excluded.
Evacuation for comfort, minor incidents, or refusal by insurer is excluded.
Self-rescue, military involvement, or reckless activity typically excluded.
Routine dental or cosmetic work, and untreated pre-existing issues are not included.
General wear and tear and neglect are excluded.
Participation in unlisted sports or under influence of substances is not covered.
Injury to family, professional acts, and intentional harm are excluded.
Costs related to criminal offenses or intoxication are often excluded.
Reimbursement limits vary depending on the insurer and the plan selected (eco, standard, premium). They must always be checked in the general terms and conditions.
To find the adventure travel insurance best suited to your profile and your trip, easily compare offers on HelloSafe.
The conditions of adventure travel insurance
Adventure travel insurance takes effect only if several specific conditions are respected throughout your trip.
- Timing of purchase: you must buy the policy before starting your adventure trip, ideally before any departure from the United States.
- Residency requirement: you must be a resident of the United States at the time of subscription.
- Activity disclosure: you must declare all planned adventure activities and ensure they are explicitly covered by the policy.
- Certification proof: for some activities, such as scuba diving or mountaineering, you may need to provide valid certifications or experience records.
- Destination limitations: coverage may not apply in certain countries or remote areas, particularly those under US Department of State advisories.
- Adherence to safety guidelines: you must follow the safety regulations and guidelines required by professional instructors or local authorities.
- Prompt incident notification: you must contact your insurer as soon as reasonably possible after an accident or claim incident.
- Supporting documentation: you must submit all required documents for claims, including medical reports, receipts, and activity certifications.
Watch out!
A critical oversight is assuming your policy covers every adventure. Insurers have specific definitions; your casual "hike" could be classified as uncovered "mountaineering" above a certain altitude. Always verify your exact activities are explicitly named in the policy to avoid a denied claim when you need it most.
Why take out adventure travel insurance?
Travel involving adventure activities carries unique risks that can lead to high and unexpected costs if you need medical treatment abroad.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs abroad:
| Type of treatment | Average cost | Covered by insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Foot sprain (X-ray and consultation) |
| Up to 100%, often from the first dollar |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Up to 100%, depending on policy limit |
| Consultation and treatment for an intestinal infection |
| Up to 100%, less deductible if any |
| Emergency tooth extraction |
| Partial reimbursement, usually up to policy limit |
- Europe: $800
- North America: $1,200
- Asia: $400
- Europe: $600
- North America: $900
- Asia: $300
- Europe: $400
- North America: $600
- Asia: $200
- Europe: $500
- North America: $800
- Asia: $250
Coverage varies greatly depending on the plan chosen (standard or premium) and the insurer. Refer to the general conditions and always compare with tools like HelloSafe.
Adventure travel insurance may also include useful benefits such as search and rescue costs, coverage for adventure sports equipment, trip interruption, emergency evacuation, liability during activities, and 24/7 assistance. This protection is valuable when participating in sports or exploring remote areas.
Good to know
Your US health plan won't cover a mountain rescue. Adventure insurance is vital. Specialized policies from insurers like Chapka cover emergency evacuation and medical bills that can exceed $50,000. It's essential protection for any high-risk activity not covered by standard plans.
How to choose the right adventure travel insurance
Adventure travel insurance policies are not all the same: coverage limits, exclusions, and reimbursement terms can be very different. Comparing guarantees is crucial for travelers who plan to take part in high-risk activities or explore remote destinations.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💵 Reimbursement limits | Many adventure activities can lead to accidents or high medical costs abroad. | Make sure your plan includes at least $100,000 for medical and $500,000 for emergency evacuation. |
| 📉 Deductible | The amount you pay before insurance applies can be significant for costly emergencies. | Choose a low deductible, ideally under $250, so you are not surprised by large expenses if injured. |
| 🧗 Planned activities | Some policies exclude specific sports or require you to declare all activities beforehand. | Always list each adventure activity you will do, from climbing to diving, to be sure of coverage. |
| 👤 Traveller profile | Your experience, age, and group type can affect both eligibility and cost. | Confirm age limits and skill requirements, especially for children, seniors, or extreme sports enthusiasts. |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Evacuation, rescue, and medical services can be limited or more costly by location. | Check that your destination and altitude are covered, particularly for remote, high or politically unstable areas. |
| ⏱️ Trip duration | Some policies do not cover longer expeditions or offer only limited days for adventure sports. | Verify the maximum covered period covers your entire adventure, including prep or training days. |
| 🧳 Equipment coverage | Specialized gear can be valuable and is often at high risk for loss or damage. | Confirm sports equipment coverage is specifically included with limits that meet the value of your gear. |
| 🛡️ Existing coverage | Standard health and credit card insurance rarely covers adventure activities, leading to dangerous gaps. | Review your current policies to avoid overestimating protection and missing key adventure guarantees. |
| 🦺 Search and rescue | High-risk trips in remote places may require expensive rescue missions not included in basic travel insurance. | Choose adventure coverage that pays for search, rescue, and remote evacuation up to a realistic maximum. |
Do your current insurance policies cover adventure travel?
It is completely reasonable to question if your current insurance, such as credit card insurance or public health coverage, can meet your adventure travel insurance needs, but unfortunately such coverage is typically insufficient. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Adventure travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare) | Never | Covers emergencies only within the US, never international. Does not cover: evacuation, search and rescue, equipment, sports injuries, repatriation, extreme sports. | Travel insurance covers up to $1,000,000 for medical and evacuation, including adventure sports accidents, rescue, and your equipment worldwide. |
| Private health insurance (Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna) | Almost Never | May cover limited emergencies abroad, typically $50,000–$100,000, never adventure sports. Does not cover: high-risk sports, rescue, trip cancellation due to sports injury, equipment loss. | Travel insurance insures up to $1,000,000 for adventure medical, rescue, gear, and personal liability, even at high altitude or remote areas. |
| Classic credit card (Visa Classic, Mastercard Standard) | Never | Offers basic accident cover, up to $10,000. Does not cover: extreme sports, equipment, mountain rescue, search operations, sports medical care, evacuation. | Travel insurance reimburses up to $1,000,000 for medical, evacuation, rescue and expensive gear for adventure travelers anywhere. |
| Premium credit card (Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum) | Limited coverage | Trip cancellation/interruption and baggage, up to $10,000 and $3,000. Does not cover: evacuation, search/rescue, high-risk sport, equipment protection, sports medical care abroad. | Travel insurance fully covers $1,000,000 for medical/evacuation, gear loss, rescue, and most extreme activities unique to adventure travel. |
Does not cover: evacuation, search and rescue, equipment, sports injuries, repatriation, extreme sports.
Does not cover: high-risk sports, rescue, trip cancellation due to sports injury, equipment loss.
Does not cover: extreme sports, equipment, mountain rescue, search operations, sports medical care, evacuation.
Does not cover: evacuation, search/rescue, high-risk sport, equipment protection, sports medical care abroad.
Expert advice
Your credit card or health insurance may not cover trip interruptions, like a relative's illness or death. Always read the fine print to avoid costly surprises abroad. In all cases, it's safer and more reassuring to purchase dedicated travel insurance tailored to your specific trip.
FAQ
Is adventure travel insurance mandatory?
Adventure travel insurance is required by some countries and tour operators, especially for high-altitude trekking in Nepal, diving in Australia, or joining guided expeditions. Even where not mandatory, it is strongly recommended as standard health insurance rarely covers injuries from adventure sports. For example, if you are hiking in Patagonia and need emergency helicopter rescue, insurance can save you tens of thousands of dollars.
When is it recommended to purchase adventure travel insurance?
The best time to buy adventure travel insurance is immediately after booking your trip or registering for specific activities. Purchasing early ensures your coverage is in place for unexpected events, such as injury or trip cancellation, from the moment your travel arrangements are confirmed. Delaying your purchase could limit eligibility for certain benefits or exclusions.
How do I purchase adventure travel insurance?
1/ Compare several adventure travel insurance options using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to find the best fit.
2/ Check guarantees and exclusions in detail and make sure your planned adventure activities are included in the policy.
3/ Purchase your preferred plan easily online, providing accurate details and trip information.
4/ Receive the insurance certificate via email, which can serve as proof for tour operators or border authorities.
Can I purchase adventure travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, most insurers allow you to buy adventure travel insurance after you have booked your trip. However, some benefits like trip cancellation are only available if the insurance was purchased soon after booking. It is best to arrange coverage as early as possible to ensure full protection.
How do I make a claim with adventure travel insurance?
To make a claim, notify your insurer promptly and provide necessary documents, such as medical reports or receipts for lost equipment. Claims can typically be filed online or by phone. Check your policy for claim submission deadlines and required documentation to ensure fast and smooth reimbursement.
Does adventure travel insurance cover my specialized sports equipment?
Many plans offer protection for your adventure equipment, including loss, theft, or accidental damage. Coverage limits usually range from $2,500 to $10,000, depending on the provider. Always check what is included as some policies exclude normal wear and tear or offer reduced coverage for rented gear.
Is adventure travel insurance mandatory?
Adventure travel insurance is required by some countries and tour operators, especially for high-altitude trekking in Nepal, diving in Australia, or joining guided expeditions. Even where not mandatory, it is strongly recommended as standard health insurance rarely covers injuries from adventure sports. For example, if you are hiking in Patagonia and need emergency helicopter rescue, insurance can save you tens of thousands of dollars.
When is it recommended to purchase adventure travel insurance?
The best time to buy adventure travel insurance is immediately after booking your trip or registering for specific activities. Purchasing early ensures your coverage is in place for unexpected events, such as injury or trip cancellation, from the moment your travel arrangements are confirmed. Delaying your purchase could limit eligibility for certain benefits or exclusions.
How do I purchase adventure travel insurance?
1/ Compare several adventure travel insurance options using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to find the best fit.
2/ Check guarantees and exclusions in detail and make sure your planned adventure activities are included in the policy.
3/ Purchase your preferred plan easily online, providing accurate details and trip information.
4/ Receive the insurance certificate via email, which can serve as proof for tour operators or border authorities.
Can I purchase adventure travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, most insurers allow you to buy adventure travel insurance after you have booked your trip. However, some benefits like trip cancellation are only available if the insurance was purchased soon after booking. It is best to arrange coverage as early as possible to ensure full protection.
How do I make a claim with adventure travel insurance?
To make a claim, notify your insurer promptly and provide necessary documents, such as medical reports or receipts for lost equipment. Claims can typically be filed online or by phone. Check your policy for claim submission deadlines and required documentation to ensure fast and smooth reimbursement.
Does adventure travel insurance cover my specialized sports equipment?
Many plans offer protection for your adventure equipment, including loss, theft, or accidental damage. Coverage limits usually range from $2,500 to $10,000, depending on the provider. Always check what is included as some policies exclude normal wear and tear or offer reduced coverage for rented gear.
