Travel Insurance for Surfers: My Complete Guide
Last Updated on August 19, 2023 by Matt Hapgood
If you have ever been in trouble in any sort of way when you’re away from home and you used your insurance to get out of a scrape, you will know how important a great travel insurance policy is.
In this post, I look at travel insurance for surfers – and take a look at everything you need to know.
Can I insure my board?
Will I get air-lifted home?
Can I get my money back if there are no waves?
Just kidding on the last one, although I seem to remember the tourist board of Portugal offering a money back guearantee if you went for a surf trip and there were no waves – Or maybe I dreamt that one…
Let’s dive in!
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Insured Nomads
Insured Nomads covers all bases with your insurance requirements.
If you go ahead and speak to them, they really understand what we need as surfers so they come in as my top pick.
Click the button to get a personalised quote now.
TL;DR (too long didn’t read)
Even with the best-laid plans, sometimes shit hits the fan, and you miss a flight, get sick or worse.
Travel insurance specifically for surfers is a thing – and some of the guys and gals that work at these places surf too, beleive it or not.
This blog post focuses on the best insurance companies specifically for surfers and surf trips.
Why Do I Need Surf Trip Insurance?
OK, let’s start at the beginning. Do I even NEED surf trip insurance?
In a word, YES
And depending on the level of insurance you opt for, will determine the amount of perks you can take advantage of when it comes to insurance and when you make a claim.
Here are a few scenarios that good travel insurance will cover
- Missed flight or trip calculation – These scenarios can be totally out of your hands. Tailback on the way to the airport or someone in your group becoming sick before the trip even begins. It happens, and if you have a good insurance policy you’re covered.
- Baggage – bags can get lost or even stolen. If you gear is covered by insurance it’s less of a worry from the get go.
- Surfboard protection – yes you can get your boards insured too – protection from theft or damage is an option with many of these policies, which is great to know.
Having a good insurance policy will not only get you out of a bind if you get into trouble, but it will give you peace of mind because you know you’re covered.
Want to jump straight to my top picks?
What are the Different Types of Travel Insurance?
There are a few differetnt things you can insure when it comes to surf travel. I’ve listed a few below.
Health or Accident Insurance
Surfing, with its powerful waves and potential for falls, makes injury a tangible concern. While we all wish to ride the waves without incident, a solid health or accident policy ensures that if things do go awry, medical bills won’t compound the stress. Moreover, the specific nature of surfing injuries might demand specialist treatment, which certain policies can cover.
Equipment Insurance
Of course, we love our surfboards nearly as much as *cough* our children/husband/wife/dog. And surfboards, wetsuits, and other gear as we all know can be pricey. Insuring them means that dings, theft, or other damage doesn’t hit your wallet hard.
Surf insurance premium variations are influenced by the make and model of your gear and even where you surf – check the small print though because if you need to make a claim you don’t wanna have to fork out hundreds of dollars before you even start the process!
Travel insurance for Surf Trips
Travel and surfing go hand and hand – I think it is one of the joys of being a surfer and heading off to some unknown place and scoring epic waves.
From Indo, South and Central America to the famous waves in Hawaii – they are all on the my list. But international escapades bring their own set of risks – lost equipment, health emergencies in foreign lands, or even cancelled planes, trains or buses.
A robust travel insurance policy tailored for surfers ensures these uncertainties don’t sink your plans before you even get started.
Third-Party Liability Insurance
As surfing’s popularity grows, so do crowded line-ups. Even the most careful surfer can accidentally clip another with their board or body. Third-party liability insurance offers a buffer against potential lawsuits or claims, letting you focus on the waves rather than legal woes – and it’s normally pretty cheap too, so don’t think you have to splash out a tonne on this one to be covered.
Life Insurance
Not to get too heavy on you here, but we’re all gonna pop off one day. The ocean’s vastness reminds me of life’s fragility. While the thought is a little grim, life insurance ensures that in the event of an unthinkable tragedy, your dependents or loved ones aren’t left struggling financially.
How to Choose Surf Travel Insurance
Picking the right surf travel insurance requires a keen eye and a little thought.
A policy might seem great until you uncover its pitfalls. It’s important to understand the scope – does it only cover the local area or international trips too?
Scrutinize the specifics for anything that might exclude surfing-related incidents.
Equally important are the costs involved, both upfront and in terms of deductibles, and the ease or difficulty of the claims process. Recommendations from fellow surfers and user reviews can also be invaluable.
And of course, how good your insurance policy is, only comes into play when you need to use it!
My Tips for Reducing Risks While Surfing
Safety is paramount in a sport as dynamic as surfing.
Continuous learning, even for seasoned surfers, can refine your techniques and responses to tricky situations.
As surfers, we are always learning – how conditions change, and how the currents and tides move too. Your equipment, our trusted companion, must be regularly checked for wear and tear. And you may feel a bit kooky doing this, but when in doubt, ask a local surfer or lifeguard.
And a golden rule is to never surf alone – especially in unfamiliar waters.
My Tip: Go and buy a bar of wax at a local surf shop and ask them when and where the waves are going to be good – You’ll be surprised at how much knowledge there is to gain from this simple $4 investment.
Where Can I Find The Best Surf Trip Travel Insurance?
My top pick for surf travel insurance is Insured Nomads – some of the team actually surf, so they get it.
Reach out to them here.
What Should a Good Travel Insurance Policy Cover
Medical emergencies
This includes hospital stays, treatments, surgeries, and, in severe cases, medical evacuation back to your home country.
Trip Cancellations and Interruptions
Refunds or compensation if you have to cancel or cut short your trip due to unforeseen events like illness or a family emergency.
Baggage and Personal Belongings
Coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage and personal items.
Activity & Sports Coverage
Especially important for surfers, this ensures that injuries or accidents while surfing are covered.
Travel Delays
Compensation for additional accommodation and other expenses due to delayed or canceled flights.
Personal Liability
Protection if you cause injury to another person or damage to their property.
24/7 Assistance
Access to a helpline for immediate assistance, especially during emergencies.
Will My Surfboard Be Insured?
Many travel insurance policies offer coverage for sports equipment including surfboards.
It’s essential to read the fine print!
While some policies might cover the surfboard when it’s in transit (e.g., during flights), others might also cover it while in use.
Always check for coverage limits, as there might be a cap on the claim amount, an excess you need to pay before the insurance pays you, and also for specific conditions, like if the damage was due to negligence.
How Much Does Travel Insurance Usually Cost?
The cost of travel insurance varies based on several factors:
Trip Length
Longer trips typically have higher premiums.
Destination
Some countries, especially those with high healthcare costs, might have higher insurance rates.
Coverage Type & Amount
Comprehensive plans with higher limits and lower deductibles will be more expensive.
Age of the Traveler
Older travelers might face higher premiums.
Activities Covered
Adding specific sports or activities, like surfing, might increase the cost, but be honest otherwise it might all count for nothing if you need to make a claim.
On average, travel insurance typically costs between 4% to 10% of your total trip cost. However, this is a general estimate and can vary massively based on the above factors.
Is Travel Insurance Still Worth It?
Absolutely. While no one expects to face a crisis during their travels, unforeseen events can happen.
From minor inconveniences, like lost baggage, to major emergencies, like a medical situation, the financial and logistical implications can be significant.
Surf travel insurance provides peace of mind, ensuring that these unexpected costs don’t ruin your trip or cause financial hardship in the future.
Does World Nomads Cover Surfing?
Yes, World Nomads does offer coverage for a range of adventure activities, including surfing.
They are popular among travelers for this reason. However, specific terms and conditions, as well as exclusions, might apply.
If you’re considering World Nomads or any other insurer, always review the policy details and confirm directly with the provider to ensure that surfing and related activities are covered as per your needs.
Surf Travel Insurance – My Top Companies
Insured Nomads
Insured Nomads is a travel insurance provider tailored to the unique needs of digital nomads, long-term travellers, and ex pats.
They offer products ranging from travel medical insurance to comprehensive travel coverage, emphasizing flexibility and coverage suitable for an on-the-move lifestyle.
Safety Wing
SafetyWing is another travel insurance company designed specifically for digital nomads and long-term travelers, offering medical and comprehensive coverage options.
With a subscription-based model, they provide flexibility to cater to the unpredictable schedules and needs of nomads worldwide.
Seven Corners
Seven Corners is an established travel insurance company offering a range of products, from trip protection to medical coverage for travelers and expatriates.
With a strong emphasis on customization you will be able to add surf specific requirements to your policy – they also cater to both short-term travelers and those living abroad for extended periods.
G1G Insurance
G1G Insurance is a platform that connects travelers with a variety of travel insurance options tailored to their needs.
With an emphasis on transparency and customer service, G1G helps users compare and purchase policies, ensuring they find the right coverage for their travels.
World Nomads
World Nomads is a widely recognized travel insurance provider known for its flexible and comprehensive coverage options tailored to adventurous travelers.
They cover a broad range of activities including surfing, which makes them a favorite choice for backpackers, explorers, and other adventurous types!
Surf Travel Insurance
Surf Travel Insurance (STI) is a specialized insurance provider catering specifically to surfers and their unique travel needs.
They focus on offering coverage for surfing-related incidents, equipment damage or loss, and other travel-related eventualities, ensuring surf enthusiasts have peace of mind while chasing waves around the globe.
To Sum Up
Surfing, for me, is not just a pastime but a passion and a way of life.
As with all passions, it’s essential to approach them with both enthusiasm and good judgement. A well-chosen surf travel insurance policy makes sure that unforeseen events don’t put a downer on the joy of the sport, letting you embrace each surf trip and each wave with confidence.
The world of insurance can be labyrinthine and I hope I’ve tried to answer any questions you had on the subject – and if not, reach out to me on X here.
