Water-Sports Travel Insurance – Stay Protected on the Water
From swimming with whale sharks in Mexico’s Sea of Cortez to tackling white-water rapids in New Zealand, water-sports open the door to unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re paddling across a lagoon, sailing between tropical islands, or chasing waves on a reef break, the right insurance helps you enjoy the journey without worrying about the unexpected.
Water-Sports Travel Insurance from STI Surf Travel Insurance gives you tailored protection for ocean and river activities — covering medical emergencies, lost equipment, and weather-related delays, so you can focus on the experience.
Why You Need Water-Sports Travel Insurance
Many regular travel-insurance plans limit or exclude activities on or under the water. That can leave you uncovered if you’re injured while diving, surfing, or kayaking abroad.
Our dedicated water-sports cover protects you against medical emergencies, equipment loss, trip interruptions, and evacuation costs, ensuring peace of mind for every aquatic adventure — from calm lagoons to open-sea crossings.
What to Look for in a Water-Sports Insurance Plan
Most policies include or can add these benefits:
Who Should Consider Water-Sports Coverage?
You may need this coverage if your trip includes:
Whether you’re travelling solo, with friends, or as part of a guided tour, make sure your chosen activities are listed as covered before departure.
PROTECTING YOUR WATER-SPORTS GEAR & MAKING CLAIMS
For Water-Sports Equipment:
If your diving, sailing, or water-sports gear is lost, delayed, or damaged by an airline, request a written damage or loss report (for example, a Property Irregularity Report – PIR) before leaving the airport.
This record confirms the damage occurred in transit and is often essential when processing a travel-insurance claim.
Before You Travel:
Pack your boards and gear in padded or hard cases to help prevent transit damage.
Take dated photos of your bags and equipment before departure, showing their condition from multiple angles.
If an issue arises, photograph the case and the item on arrival — these images help verify the damage and strengthen any claim.
Typical Covered Activities (Varies by Insurer)
Plans may include:
- Recreational diving (up to 30m)
- Kite surfing and windsurfing
- Sailing, yachting (within defined nautical limits)
- Jet skiing and parasailing
- Wakeboarding, tubing, and banana boat rides
- River kayaking, rafting (Class I–III)
- Catch-and-release or deep-sea fishing charters
Note:
Professional racing, extreme endurance events, or stunt-style water-sports may require specialized coverage.
Check our Extreme Sports or Professional Athlete insurance pages or contact us for assistance.
Choosing the Right Level of Coverage
Most insurers offer several tiers of single trip plans. At Surf Travel Insurance, we guide you through:
- Basic Plans – Budget-friendly, essential benefits for healthy travelers on short trips
- Mid-Tier Plans – Balanced coverage with stronger baggage, medical, and delay benefits
- Comprehensive Plans – Higher limits, broader coverage, and added protections like pre-existing condition waivers or Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) options
We help you compare plans from trusted providers and match the best fit to your destination, trip style, and budget.
Ready to Find the Right Plan?
Some plans are only available to U.S. citizens or residents. Others are better suited for travelers from Australia, the UK, or Europe. Our quote tool will automatically show you options available based on your residence, ensuring a seamless and accurate match.
Depending on your destination and travel activities, certain plans may be a better fit — such as those that include coverage for specific water-sports, gear, or remote travel.