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Travel Insurance when sailing

Don’t let an accident take the wind out of your sails.

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When you’re sailing, you can navigate the storied inlets of the French Riviera or British Virgin Islands, using the wind as your guide.

Along with your boat shoes, boating license and guide to nautical terminology, it’s worth considering bringing travel insurance onboard. Having it in your (waterproof) pocket can help if you were to fracture your finger hoisting a sail or lose your wallet to the churning white caps in a squall.

What’s covered for sailing?

Even as a seasoned sailor, you don’t want to be caught up the creek without a paddle (or, in this case, a mast and jib). Here are a few eventualities typically covered in World Nomads plans for inland sailing and coastal waters:

Emergency medical

Even without wet decks and choppy seas, you could find yourself with a medical emergency, be it an ankle sprain or a collarbone fracture. Our coverage may help cover everything from the services of a physician to ambulance services and x-rays in the case of an accident or injury at sea or on shore. World Nomads policy holders also have access to 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team... a wonderful thing if you need to translate your medical needs to your kind, but non-English-speaking doctor.

Evacuation

Most of our earth is covered in water... which means you have plenty of places to sail but could easily hit a snag in a far-flung destination. Subject to approval of 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team, your World Nomads policy can transport you by air ambulance to get treatment at an appropriate medical facility if medically necessary.

Baggage protection

Maybe your backpack slipped off the sopping wet stern, or your windbreaker got stolen right off the port. Our gear coverage can help replace your stuff, up to its actual cash value at the time of the loss.

Trip cancellation

Say a physician advises you to not to travel until your health improves, or a hurricane at your destination renders your chartered course and your pre-sail accommodation totally unusable, you may be able to recoup your pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses... handy when you’re ready to re-book the adventure.

World Nomads water sports coverage

Besides sailing, World Nomads covers other activities on island and coastal waters, such as:

  • Yachting
  • Parasailing
  • Sailboarding
  • Cruising
  • Catamaran sailing
  • Hydro foiling
  • Hydrospeeding
  • Water skiing
  • Barefoot water skiing
  • Deep Water soloing
  • Kiteboarding (on land or water)
  • Kayaking
  • Sea Kayaking
  • Wakeboarding
  • Wake skating
  • Scuba diving

Your coverage depends on your Country of Residence, and certain conditions may apply for coverage to be available. An additional premium may also apply. Check out the sports, activities and adventures covered by World Nomads for more details.

What’s not covered?

Not every day is smooth sailing, but if you check the weather forecast, you can avoid some choppy waters. The same is true for travel insurance: if you know what’s excluded beforehand, you’ll be better equipped to navigate any unexpected losses. And sorry, we may not be able to cover you for:

  • Sailing beyond the allowed distance from a safe haven or shore, as specified in your policy
  • Racing and/or professional sailing
  • Boat rental damage or loss
  • Search-and-rescue missions
  • Extreme sport sailing
  • Losses that come from knowingly exposing yourself to needless risk
  • Fraudulent and criminal acts
  • Any claims resulting in the violation of local laws
  • Any losses related to non-compliance with a license, contract or permit
  • Sports equipment such as scuba, snorkel and scuba gear if it’s damaged while in-use

In addition to life jackets, floatation devices and other safety gear, be sure to BYO sunscreen. For more travel info, read our Explore, Travel Safety, and Responsible Travel articles.

Get a quote for your next sailing trip

Fill out the form below and navigate your way to the right travel insurance for your next boating adventure.

Got questions? We’re here to help. Get in touch and we can help get you set sail with peace of mind.

Frequently asked questions

Should I consider insurance to sail while overseas?

Without the right cover, you could be setting sail for disaster. Consider choosing travel insurance that covers you for all the water-based adventures you plan to enjoy overseas, even sailing. Securing travel insurance specifically for sailing means you and your vessel will be protected for a wide variety of unforeseen disasters. Check your country’s policy wording for details on what’s covered.

Which destinations am I covered for when sailing?

Depending on your Country of Residence and the policy you choose, your boating in your desired destination could be just a gust of wind away. Check your country’s policy wording to see if your preferred destination is covered for sailing trips.

About World Nomads

World Nomads polices are designed by travelers for travelers to provide simple and flexible travel insurance. Featuring coverage for more than 150 activities, you can get a quote, claim, or extend your policy online at www.worldnomads.com. All the information we provide about travel insurance is a brief summary only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the travel insurance plans described. Coverage may not be available for residents of all countries, states or provinces. Please carefully read your policy wording for a full description of coverage.

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Simple and flexible travel insurance designed by travelers, for travelers. See why over 3 million travelers have chosen World Nomads for more than 20 years.

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?

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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 hospitalized?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Work emergency?

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?
  • Medevac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

Protect your gear
  • Luggage lost?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Tech trashed?

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)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.