Extreme sports: are they covered by my travel insurance?

Which sports are considered dangerous for travel insurance purposes?

In general, sports considered dangerous by insurers are extreme, contact or adventure sports. They usually involve speed, specialized equipment, stunts or physical contact.

Examples include hang gliding, skydiving, bungee jumping, backcountry skiing, mountain climbing and canyoning. They’re often excluded from insurer coverage. The reason is simple: these activities involve a high risk of injury, and insurers don’t like risk.

Do all insurers exclude the same dangerous sports?

Each insurer has its own list of dangerous sports. Take the time to do your research when you’re shopping for insurance: one company could cover your favourite sport, while another might exclude it.

In addition, there may be specific clauses in order for the coverage to be valid. Here are some examples:

• Possessing recognized certifications

  Scuba diving may be covered if you hold a certification or if you want to take a course given by an institution with the required expertise;

• Doing an activity at a low level of difficulty

  If you’re only doing Class 1–3 climbs (Yosemite Decimal System), rock climbing and other sports could be covered by your insurance.

• Practising a sport on marked trails

  Your insurance could cover skiing and mountain biking, as long as you stay on marked trails.

With CAA-Quebec Travel Insurance, you’ll enjoy a wide range of coverage. All of the sports mentioned above are covered without any restrictions. Sports involving a motor or flying apparatus, such as gliding, hang gliding, paragliding, kitesurfing, and parachuting are generally not covered.

Am I covered in case of injury at a sporting competition abroad?

Most regular travel insurance does not cover professional athletes or sportspersons who participate in an event where cash prizes are awarded. Going to a surfing or watercraft competition? Your travel insurance probably won’t reimburse you if you need medical attention because of an accident during the competition. To be sure you have the proper protection, contact your sports association before you leave: it will most likely be able to recommend the right type of insurance.

On the other hand, if you’re a runner – but not a professional one – and want to participate in a marathon in the United States, your insurance will probably cover you. Why? Because running is not a contact sport, and you’re practising it as an amateur.

How can I obtain insurance if I absolutely want to do extreme sports on a trip?

There are insurers that cover extreme, contact or adventure sports. However, because there is a greater risk of a claim, there is a good chance that your insurance premium will cost you more. But it’s better to pay a slightly higher premium than astronomical medical expenses if you’re injured during a sports activity.

The travelling sportsperson’s checklist:

• Make a list of the sports or excursions you intend to do at destination. This way, you can run it by your advisor. Even the activities offered by your all-inclusive might not be covered.
• Once on site, if you’re offered an activity and you have doubts, call your insurer to check if you’re covered. You have no excuse: most insurers offer 24-hour assistance. To learn more, read our article on travel assistance and how it can help you.
• Don’t withhold anything from your insurer. A false statement when making your claim can completely void the contract.
• Baggage insurance: Be aware of limitations regarding sports equipment in your travel insurance policy. And check what’s covered by your home insurance. For more information, read our advice on baggage insurance.