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Everything you need to know about travel insurance for surfers

Updated: Sep 22

Embarking on a surf adventure overseas can be an unforgettable experience, but it's also important to ensure you have the proper financial safeguards in place. Taking out comprehensive travel insurance is a particularly wise investment for surfers, as the sport inherently carries a higher risk of injury compared to more conventional vacation activities.


In this article, discover everything you need to know about travel insurance for surfers, from inclusions and exclusions to online providers.


vintage luggage stacked ready for travel

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Do you need travel insurance for surfing?


It's a smart move to insure all of your overseas trips, but it's particularly important for surf adventures because of the higher risk of injuries. If you’re still weighing up the decision, consider whether you have the financial capability to cover medical expenses abroad, where costs can be significantly higher. Also, think about the costs of replacing your beloved surfboard if it's stolen while you're away. Taking out travel insurance for surfers can provide you with the necessary financial protection in case of unexpected events.



What does travel insurance for surfing cover?


Depending on how much coverage you purchase, travel insurance for surfers can provide financial protection and peace of mind in the event of unexpected incidents and emergencies while travelling abroad. For instance, your policy may cover overseas medical costs if you suffer an injury or illness during your trip, allowing you to get the care you need without the enormous bills you'd otherwise face. It may also cover medical evacuation back home if the local healthcare system can't provide the treatment you require. This is particularly important if you're surfing in remote regions.


Additionally, many travel insurance for surfers' policies include trip cancellation coverage in case you have to scrap your vacation due to unforeseen events like a serious injury before departure or a family emergency. Lost, stolen or damaged baggage is another common benefit, with some insurers even covering sports equipment like surfboards. 


Comprehensive policies may also offer benefits for accidental death, loss of income, and disability stemming from a covered incident. You can also purchase liability coverage to protect yourself financially if you unintentionally cause injury or property damage to others.


If you're a budget-conscious backpacker who loves to surf, you can still protect yourself with a simple medical-only policy. This policy will provide coverage for any medical mishaps you may encounter on land or at sea, within the limits of your policy. 


Ultimately, travel insurance allows globetrotting surfers and adventurers to hit the open road with confidence, knowing they have a safety net in case the unexpected occurs.


Before purchasing any travel insurance policy for surfers, make sure to review the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to understand what is included and excluded in the policy, and read the Target Market Determination (TMD) to ensure it suits your specific circumstances.

a surfer at Cloud 9 in Siargao

Travel insurance for surfers


What is excluded from travel insurance for surfers?


When choosing surfing travel insurance, it's crucial to understand the policy exclusions - the situations, events and conditions that the insurance company will not cover. While policies vary, some common exclusions for surfers include professional or competitive surfing, being under the influence of drugs or alcohol during an incident, and leaving valuables unattended in public. 


Pre-existing medical issues known but not disclosed to the insurer are also typically excluded, as are illegal activities and recklessness. Losses related to pandemics may have limited or no coverage - check the policy carefully regarding this one in light of the recent COVID-19 pandemic. 


Travel to destinations under an active government travel warning is also usually excluded, so check the travel warnings issued by your government before departure. Also, failing to follow reasonable safety precautions or instructions from authorities abroad would not be covered. For example, don’t go out surfing in dangerous conditions if you have been pre-warned by the local authorities not to do so. Finally, a travel insurance policy for surfers won’t cover anything that happened before coverage started.


The specifics of exclusions, restrictions and coverage limits differ across insurers and policies. To avoid any surprises, it's essential to read the product disclosure statement closely, rather than assume you're covered. Pay particular attention to sections on general exclusions, covered activities and specific exclusions for surfing. Understanding precisely what scenarios and losses are excluded from your policy is just as crucial as knowing what is included in your coverage.





Does travel insurance cover surfboards?


Surfboards represent a significant investment for most surfers, with high-performance models easily costing $1,000 or more. When travelling abroad on a surf vacation, it's crucial to have adequate insurance to cover potential theft, damage or loss of your board. 


Most travel insurance providers allow you to specify your surfboard under the personal items coverage, often with the option to designate it as a "high-value item" for additional protection beyond the standard limits. This is important because a quality surfboard is on the higher end of typical luggage value - ensure it's covered up to its full replacement cost. Some insurers may also offer extras like "adventure sports equipment coverage" to include your board. 


Carefully check the product disclosure statement for any exclusions, like not covering damage while the board is in use, which could leave you unprotected when out in the water. Wear and tear over time may also be excluded. While no one wants to think about their board being stolen or broken, having the right travel insurance gives you peace of mind so you can focus on finding that perfect wave.



colourful surfboards standing in a rack

Travel insurance for surfers


Are rental surfboards covered by travel insurance?


While your travel insurance policy will likely cover any bodily injuries you sustain from an accident on a rented board, the same coverage does not extend to the board itself. Any damage that you cause to the rental, whether it's a scratch, chip or even completely snapping the board in half, will be your financial responsibility to repair or replace.


When you rent a surfboard, inspect it closely for any existing dings or cracks beforehand. Also, be sure to choose a board that matches your skill level and is appropriate for that day's surf conditions. Ride carefully to avoid collisions and aggressively wiping out in shallow water, where you're more likely to hit the seafloor or reef and damage the board. 





What is the best travel insurance for surfers?


There are so many providers out there offering travel insurance for surfers, each of which offers different inclusions/exclusions and excesses. To easily compare policies from some of the top providers all in the one place, head over to VisitorsCoverage. As an insurance broker, VisitorsCoverage partners with well-known insurance companies like Allianz, AXA, and Travel Guard, providing a comprehensive platform that allows users to easily compare, obtain quotes and purchase policies. Once you've chosen and bought an insurance policy with VisitorsCoverage, the insurance provider takes over the responsibility of handling any claims or providing ongoing support directly.



Since its establishment in 2006, VisitorsCoverage has established itself as a leading player in the online travel insurance industry, with an impressive track record of assisting more than one million travellers. TrustPilot reviews of VisitorsCoverage highlight the convenient quoting process, transparent plan information and helpful customer support, especially when compared to traditional insurance purchasing. The website presents coverage details and exclusions in a clear and easy-to-understand way, ensuring that you know exactly what you're purchasing and can enjoy your surf vacation with peace of mind.


If you're travelling with family, friends or coworkers, consider VisitorsCoverage's group travel insurance option. The website allows you to easily compare quotes and purchase a single policy that provides health coverage for up to five travellers in case of an accident or illness, all at a discounted rate of around 20% less than buying five separate individual policies.


an aerial view of surfers on their boards

Travel insurance for surfers


How much does travel insurance for surfers cost?


Travel insurance for surfers prices can vary significantly, with an average range of 4-8% of total trip expenses and most premiums falling between $100-$200. While this may seem high compared to other insurances, it's crucial to consider potential costs for medical emergencies, lost luggage or trip cancellations while travelling. Premiums are based on the traveller's risk profile and trip details, including age, health, destination and duration. Comparing quotes from different providers, like VisitorsCoverage, helps find the best balance between protection and cost.


How to file a travel insurance claim with VisitorsCoverage


VisitorsCoverage travel insurance connects travellers with various insurance providers, acting as a middleman rather than an actual insurer. This means they do not handle claims or reimbursements on their own. Instead, VisitorsCoverage helps direct clients to the specific insurance company that issued their policy. Simply input your policy number on their website to identify your insurer and receive the required claims forms and contact details. Even without a policy number, you can still browse through their partner companies and find basic claims information for each one.


It is of utmost importance for travellers who use VisitorsCoverage to initiate the claims process promptly after an incident takes place during their journey. This is especially vital for medical claims, as submitting them in a timely manner is essential for receiving reimbursement for covered expenses. Remember to not only submit the claim form but also provide supporting documents such as passport copies, receipts for medical treatment, and any relevant bills or invoices.


Make sure to thoroughly review the terms and conditions of any travel insurance for surfers' policy before making a purchase. This will help you confirm if your planned activities are included in the coverage.

By opting for comprehensive travel insurance, you can freely discover the most amazing surf destinations around the globe, with the peace of mind that you're protected in case of any unexpected events.

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