Choosing Adventure Travel Insurance
Select a policy that explicitly covers your specific high-risk activities, such as mountaineering or scuba diving, and provides at least $100,000 in emergency medical evacuation coverage. Ensure the provider has a 24/7 global assistance line that functions in the countries you plan to visit.
- List your activities. Write down every sport or activity you plan to do. Be specific; 'hiking' is different from 'mountaineering above 4,000 meters'. Insurance companies have strict definitions.
- Check the 'Excluded Activities' list. Read the policy wording for the list of excluded sports. If your activity is not listed under 'Covered Sports' or 'Adventure Sports', you are not covered.
- Verify evacuation limits. Standard policies often provide $25,000 for medical evacuation. If you are going to remote areas, look for a policy with at least $100,000 to $500,000 in coverage for emergency air transport.
- Confirm hospital direct payment. Choose a provider that offers direct billing to hospitals. In a medical emergency, you don't want to be forced to pay $10,000 upfront and wait months for reimbursement.
- Review 'Search and Rescue' benefits. Ensure the policy covers search and rescue costs specifically. Not all medical insurance includes the cost of a helicopter team finding you in the wilderness.
- Does my regular health insurance cover adventure sports abroad?
- Usually, no. Most domestic health plans do not cover emergency medical evacuation or high-risk activities outside your home country.
- What if I decide to go bungee jumping on a whim?
- If it is not in your policy document, you are not covered. Some providers allow you to add 'Adventure Sports' coverage mid-trip through their mobile app, but do this before you jump.