Travel insurance for kayaking
Everything you need to know about travel insurance for kayaking and rafting
- As featured in:
As featured in:
- What Kayaking and Rafting do we cover
- What do those Grades Mean?
- Choosing the Right Policy For You
- What is Covered by World Nomads Travel Insurance?
- What's not covered?
- Safety tips and handy hints for your paddling trip
Going Kayaking or Rafting on your Holiday?
Exotic sunsets, the water lapping at your bow, hurtling down river rapids; experiences on the water are often the most unforgettable part of any holiday. From paddling with the family on Lake Superior, to sea kayaking the turquoise waters around Indonesia’s Raja Ampat archipelago, get your next holiday flowing on a kayaking or rafting adventure.
What Kayaking and Rafting do we cover?
When you get a travel insurance quote for your kayaking or rafting trip, you need to specify the adventure activity in your policy. If you don’t, you may not be covered.
When you 'choose your options', select your kayaking/rafting activity according to the following activity category:
- Kayaking: (inland/coastal waters within 3 nautical miles, grades 1-5)
- Sea Kayaking: (Beyond 3 nautical miles)
- Sea Kayaking: (inland/coastal waters within 3 nautical miles, grades 1-5)
- White Water Kayaking (inland/coastal waters within 2 nautical miles, grades 1-5)
What do those Grades Mean?
Several activity options above mention International River Grades which can be described as:
- Class 1: Easy
- Class 2: Novice
- Class 3: Intermediate
- Class 4: Advanced
- Class 5: Expert
- Class 6: Extreme and Exploratory Rapids (unfortunately we can’t offer cover for this class/grade of kayaking or rafting)
We offer cover for river grades (also known as classes) from Class 1 to Class 5.
Choosing the Right Policy For You
We offer two plans – Standard and Explorer – each of which offers different levels of coverage. It is up to you to choose what plan has the right level of coverage to meet your travel needs and that matches your specific activity plans.
Depending on the type of kayaking or rafting activity you’re planning on doing, you may need to pay for an upgrade to be covered.
For example, if you are venturing more than 3 nautical miles from your kayaking/rafting point of departure an additional specified item is required on our policies. This means your travel insurance policy will require an additional premium so that you can be covered. If you are kayaking/rafting more than 3 nautical miles and you haven't specified this on your World Nomads policy, you won’t be covered!
If you’re not sure whether your kayaking or rafting adventure is covered, you can contact us.
What is Covered by World Nomads Travel Insurance?
Our policies may cover you on your kayaking and rafting adventures (up to the policy limits) for:
- Emergency medical: Emergency medical coverage could come in handy if you suffer an accident or injury that results in you going to hospital. Find more info here.
- Evacuation cover: your water adventure may be far away from medical facilities. With our cover, you can get transported to the medical facility best for your care, subject to approval from our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team. If your injuries are worse than first thought, you could be repatriated back to your Country of Residence. Click here to learn more.
- Trip cancellation or disruption: if your trip is cancelled or interrupted due to an unforeseen event, you may be able to recover your travel expenses.
- Natural catastrophe: If you find yourself amid a natural disaster, or your destination is affected by extreme weather, we can offer coverage if you can’t use your booked accommodation or need to move to a safer location.
- And more! Check out what else is covered on our policies.
Keep in mind that benefit limits, terms and conditions and exclusions apply depending on your Country of Residence, so be sure to read your policy wording carefully. If you have any questions about your cover, contact us.
Rafting and kayaking: What’s not covered
While there are several kayaking and rafting adventures, we can offer coverage for, there are also things we just won’t cover. These include, but are not limited to:
- Any Class 6 kayaking or rafting trips – sorry, but that’s a no-go for us.
- If you travel against medical advice or neglect to adhere to government ‘Do Not Travel’ warnings issued prior to departure.
- Any pre-existing medical condition unless otherwise expressly stated in your policy.
- Participation in a sport or activity not listed as covered in the policy wording or agreed by World Nomads or where you haven’t paid the required additional premium.
- Expenses you incur after you return to your Country of Residence.
- Working or participating professionally in any activity or sport.
Safety Tips and Handy Hints for your Paddling Trip
- Before you launch, remember to check the International River Grading of the river or water you’re on so you won’t invalidate your cover.
- Kayaking and rafting are physically demanding – make sure you’re up to it. Plan a trip within your capabilities.
- Check the weather, check your equipment, and check the credentials of your instructor/guides.
- Wear the right gear – it can get cold on the water and being cold and wet can lead to hypothermia.
This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. You should read your policy wording in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. That way there won’t be any surprises if you need to use it. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you*
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the team
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.