Experts weigh in on the best ways to protect yourself while enjoying your adrenaline rush.
What’s covered in travel insurance for adventure sports?
Travel insurance policies are designed to cover a broad range of adventure sports and high-risk activities.
According to Priya Deshmukh, Head of Health Products at ICICI Lombard, “These policies extend coverage for activities like paragliding, scuba diving, skydiving, rock climbing, and even more extreme pursuits like heli-skiing or motorcycle racing.”
Whether it’s airborne sports such as hot air ballooning or water-based activities like jet skiing, insurance can offer peace of mind for adventure enthusiasts.
Common high-risk activities covered include:
- Airborne sports: Paragliding, skydiving
- Water sports: Scuba diving, white-water rafting
- Mountain and climbing sports: Trekking above 2,000 meters, mountaineering
- Winter sports: Skiing, snowboarding
- Motor sports: Quad biking, powerboat racing
- Other extreme sports: Bungee jumping, cliff diving
However, it’s important to note that coverage can vary, and some insurers might offer exclusions depending on the nature of the activity.
What are the exclusions?
While most high-risk activities are covered, certain risks might not be.
Deshmukh explains, “Activities like mountaineering or paragliding could be excluded if they don’t adhere to safety guidelines or if the trip is to a restricted area under travel advisories.”
Reading the policy’s fine print is crucial, as exclusions can differ across insurers.
Specialised policies for extreme sports
For those planning extreme sports like base jumping or heli-skiing, specialised policies or riders are available.
ICICI Lombard’s TripSecure+ policy allows travellers to customize their coverage based on their adventure.
This option boosts limits for medical expenses and accident-related coverage/
Filing claims for adventure sports injuries
In case of an injury during a high-risk activity, the claims process is straightforward but varies by insurer.
Deshmukh advises that “Travellers should immediately inform their insurance provider, either through a helpline or e-claim link, to initiate the process.”
It’s essential to report injuries while travelling to avoid complications.
The necessary documents for filing claims typically include:
- A medical certificate confirming fitness for adventure sports
- Correspondence with the activity authority explaining the circumstances of the injury
- Receipts for medical expenses such as hospital stays, medical services, and prescriptions
Coverage limits for adventure sports
The cost of treatment for adventure sports injuries can be steep, especially abroad.
With policies like TripSecure+, coverage limits for medical expenses related to adventure sports typically range from $5,000 to $10,000.
However, higher coverage limits can be selected to match the specific needs of the traveller.
It’s crucial to consult with your insurer and select limits that ensure comprehensive protection.
Age and health restrictions
Age and pre-existing health conditions can affect your policy. Insurance providers often have age restrictions, and certain medical conditions may lead to exclusions or higher premiums.
Deshmukh emphasises the importance of transparency: “It’s essential to disclose any pre-existing conditions. Failure to do so can result in denied claims, especially when participating in risky sports.”
A look at some of the policies available for adventure sports
| Insurance Provider | Plan Name | Plan Highlights |
| Digit Insurance | Happy Traveller – Double Secure | 1. Adventure sports covered |
| 2. Personal accident covered | ||
| 3. Outpatient expenses for injuries | ||
| Reliance General | Reliance Travel Care Individual | 1. PED cover (emergency due to mentioned PED) |
| 2. Adventure sports covered | ||
| 3. Daily allowance in case of hospitalization | ||
| Care Travel Insurance | Care Explore Gold | 1. Life-threatening condition due to PED |
| 2. Home burglary insurance | ||
| 3. Adventure sport cover (Add-on for ₹320) | ||
| Star Health Insurance | Star Domestic Travel Insurance Policy – Platinum | 1. Adventure sports death, PTD and repatriation of mortal remains |
| 2. Emergency hospitalisation expenses | ||
| 3. Flight/rail delay and cancellation |
