- The best adventure travel insurance plans
- Adventure Travel Insurance Explained
- The price of adventure travel insurance
- What does adventure travel insurance cover?
- The conditions of adventure travel insurance
- Why take out adventure travel insurance?
- How to choose the right adventure travel insurance
- Is adventure travel covered under my current insurance policies?
- FAQ
adventure travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Adventure travel insurance covers high-risk activities like skiing or scuba diving, which standard policies often exclude.
2. Price: For one week in Europe, expect to pay between £40 and £80 for specialist adventure cover.
3. Coverage: It typically covers medical emergencies and rescue but often excludes pre-existing conditions or professional sports participation.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Bank cards and the NHS/GHIC offer very limited or no cover for adventure sports abroad.
5. Tips: Check your specific activities are listed and that medical and rescue cover limits are sufficiently high.
6. Other useful info: Declare all activities and your experience level honestly, as failure to do so can void your policy.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 41 travel insurance policies available in the UK, our experts share everything you need to know to choose the best adventure travel insurance.
The best adventure travel insurance plans
Here is a selection of the best adventure travel insurance policies available for UK residents in 2025. These options are among the best for their high coverage limits, low deductibles and simplified conditions, offering protection for a wide range of adventure activities.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | £10M | £50 | • Covers over 150 adventure sports. • Equipment covered up to £2,000. • Emergency mountain rescue included. • 24/7 multilingual support. |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | £8M | £75 | • No exclusion for age. • Mobile app for assistance. • Equipment theft covered. • Multisport and trekking included. |
| Tourist Card | £5M | £100 | • Fast-track claims for injuries. • Specialist climbing and diving cover. • Legal assistance for sporting incidents. • Adventure activity upgrade options. |
| World Travel | £5M | £50 | • Search and rescue up to £100,000. • High-altitude and winter sports included. • Policy covers all continents. • Quarantine costs reimbursed. |
| Globe Partner | £6M | £80 | • Professional instruction covered. • Rental equipment protection. • Emergency cash advance. • Direct hospital billing. |
| Globe Traveller | £6M | £80 | • Long trips up to 12 months. • Stable pricing by age. • All-level trekking and cycling included. • 24/7 medical hotline. |
• Equipment covered up to £2,000.
• Emergency mountain rescue included.
• 24/7 multilingual support.
• Mobile app for assistance.
• Equipment theft covered.
• Multisport and trekking included.
• Specialist climbing and diving cover.
• Legal assistance for sporting incidents.
• Adventure activity upgrade options.
• High-altitude and winter sports included.
• Policy covers all continents.
• Quarantine costs reimbursed.
• Rental equipment protection.
• Emergency cash advance.
• Direct hospital billing.
• Stable pricing by age.
• All-level trekking and cycling included.
• 24/7 medical hotline.
The best adventure travel insurance may vary depending on your needs. Please use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find the plan that suits you best and subscribe directly online.
Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareAdventure Travel Insurance Explained
Adventure travel insurance is a policy designed to cover travellers participating in high-risk activities and extreme sports abroad.
It extends beyond basic travel insurance to include protection for hazardous pursuits, emergency rescue, and loss or damage to specialist equipment.
This insurance is essential for people engaging in activities like mountaineering, diving, or skiing, where standard policies may exclude claims.
Adventure travel insurance is sometimes called extreme sports insurance, and it covers risks usually not included in regular travel cover.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out adventure travel insurance is especially important if you live in the UK:
- When participating in high-risk activities like skiing, diving, or climbing.
- If your trip involves remote locations with limited medical access.
- For activities requiring potential search and rescue operations, like mountaineering.
- When travelling with expensive or specialised sports equipment you need covered.
- If you need cover for emergency medical evacuation from difficult terrain.
- If your standard or bank policy explicitly excludes hazardous activities.
- When the GHIC does not cover activity-specific rescue or repatriation.
The price of adventure travel insurance
On average, adventure travel insurance costs between 4% and 10% of the total price of your trip.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| Skiing week in the French Alps | £900 | £36 to £85 |
| Two-week diving trip to the Maldives | £2,200 | £85 to £180 |
| Three-week trek in Nepal | £2,700 | £120 to £250 |
| One month multi-adventure in New Zealand | £3,800 | £180 to £350 |
These prices are provided as an indication and may vary depending on the type of plan chosen (standard or premium) and the specific conditions of each insurer.
The price of your adventure travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: longer adventures require higher premiums.
- destination: countries with costly healthcare or limited access raise prices.
- activity type: higher-risk activities like mountaineering or scuba diving cost more to insure.
- equipment cover: including expensive gear increases the premium.
- traveller’s age: costs can be higher for older adventurers.
- level of coverage: broader medical cover, search and rescue, and high payout limits all add to the cost.
- declared experience level: declaring beginner or professional status can affect pricing and eligibility.
What does adventure travel insurance cover?
Adventure travel insurance is designed for trips involving high-risk sports or outdoor activities.
It offers specific protection for adventure pursuits that traditional travel insurance may exclude, making it essential for thrill-seeking travellers.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ? Activity cancellation | Refund of prepaid adventure activity costs if you cannot participate for a covered reason. | Choose at least £1,500 cover, avoid deductibles over £50. Change of mind, moderate weather or lack of permits are usually excluded. |
| ?️ Search and rescue | Covers rescue or evacuation costs in remote or mountainous areas during the trip. | Minimum £50,000, preferably higher for remote places, no deductible. Non-essential rescues and criminal acts are not covered. |
| ? Adventure equipment cover | Reimburses for loss, theft or damage to specialist adventure gear and rented equipment. | Aim for at least £1,500 cover, deductible under £50. Damage due to wear, negligence, or unreported loss is excluded. |
| ? Emergency medical expenses | Key guarantee. Pays for medical care needed after injury during adventure activities abroad. | Minimum £5M cover for serious injuries, deductible under £50. Pre-existing conditions and risky activities beyond policy scope are excluded. |
| ? Emergency repatriation | Key guarantee. Covers airlift, ambulance or other transport back to the UK if medically necessary. | Look for unlimited or at least £10M cover, arranged by insurer. Voluntary returns or non-approved cases are not included. |
| ? Emergency dental treatment | Pays for urgent dental care needed during adventurous trips. | At least £500 cover recommended, deductible under £30. Planned, cosmetic or routine dental work is excluded. |
| ? Travel delay | Fixed payment if flights or transport are delayed due to adventure trip logistics. | Opt for at least £100 after 4-hour delay, no deductible. Shorter delays or missing official delay proof are almost always excluded. |
| ?♂️ Personal accident | Compensation for permanent disability or accidental death during adventure activities. | At least £15,000 is reasonable, no deductible. Injuries during professional competitions and deliberate acts are excluded. |
| ? Personal liability abroad | Pays damages if you accidentally injure others or damage property while undertaking adventure activities. | At least £1M, deductible under £100. Deliberate actions, damages to rented equipment and professional use are excluded. |
| ⚖️ Legal assistance abroad | Pays lawyer’s fees or legal costs after incidents linked to adventure pursuits abroad. | At least £5,000 cover and £10,000 bail, no high excess. Acts related to crime, alcohol or drug use are generally excluded. |
Change of mind, moderate weather or lack of permits are usually excluded.
Non-essential rescues and criminal acts are not covered.
Damage due to wear, negligence, or unreported loss is excluded.
Pre-existing conditions and risky activities beyond policy scope are excluded.
Voluntary returns or non-approved cases are not included.
Planned, cosmetic or routine dental work is excluded.
Shorter delays or missing official delay proof are almost always excluded.
Injuries during professional competitions and deliberate acts are excluded.
Deliberate actions, damages to rented equipment and professional use are excluded.
Acts related to crime, alcohol or drug use are generally excluded.
Reimbursement limits vary depending on the insurer and the plan selected (eco, standard, premium). They must always be checked in the general terms and conditions.
To find the adventure travel insurance best suited to your activity and destination, easily compare offers on HelloSafe.
The conditions of adventure travel insurance
Adventure travel insurance applies only when certain clear conditions are met before and during your trip.
- UK residency: you must be a resident of the UK when you buy adventure travel insurance.
- Policy timing: you must purchase the insurance before leaving the UK, not after your trip has started.
- Activity declaration: all adventure activities must be declared and specifically listed as covered in your policy documentation.
- Skill and certification: if required, you must provide proof of experience, training, or licences for certain high-risk activities.
- Equipment coverage: any specialist equipment you want covered must be declared and valued at the time of application.
- Destination compliance: your destination must not be subject to UK government travel restrictions or Foreign Office advisories.
- Trip duration: your trip must not exceed the maximum length covered under your adventure policy, which varies by insurer.
- Prompt incident reporting: you must notify your insurer quickly after an accident, theft, or medical emergency to remain covered.
Watch out!
A common mistake is assuming 'adventure travel insurance' covers all adventures. Policies list specific activities and often have altitude or depth limits. Your trekking cover might not include mountaineering over 3,000m. Always check the fine print to ensure your specific activity is explicitly included.
Why take out adventure travel insurance?
Adventurous activities during travel carry significant risks, and any accident or illness abroad can lead to high and unexpected costs for UK travellers.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs abroad:
| Type of treatment | Average cost | Covered by insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Foot sprain (X-ray and consultation) |
| Up to £10,000,000 |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Up to £10,000,000 |
| Consultation and treatment for intestinal infection |
| Up to £10,000,000 |
| Emergency tooth extraction |
| Typically up to £1,500, subject to dental limits |
| Medical repatriation |
| Up to £10,000,000 |
- Europe: £200-400
- North America: £800-1,500
- Asia: £100-300
- Europe: £300-600
- North America: £1,200-2,500
- Asia: £150-400
- Europe: £150-350
- North America: £600-1,200
- Asia: £80-250
- Europe: £250-500
- North America: £800-1,800
- Asia: £100-350
- Europe: £15,000-30,000
- North America: £50,000-100,000
- Asia: £20,000-40,000
Coverage varies greatly depending on the plan chosen (standard or premium) and the insurer. Refer to the general conditions and always compare with tools like HelloSafe.
Adventure travel insurance may also cover other useful guarantees: search and rescue operations, equipment protection, accidental injury or personal liability, activity cancellation, and 24/7 emergency assistance which are essential for peace of mind on high-risk trips.
Good to know
Your bank or GHIC policy won't cover a mountain rescue. With repatriation costs potentially exceeding £50,000, standard insurance falls short. A specialist policy from an insurer like Chapka is essential to cover high-risk activities, ensuring you’re not left with a life-changing bill.
How to choose the right adventure travel insurance
Adventure travel insurance policies are not all the same: covered activities, reimbursement limits, equipment protection, and rescue benefits can differ greatly. Reviewing these key criteria helps you select the right policy for your specific adventure plans.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| ? Reimbursement limits | Adventures often pose a higher risk of costly accidents and medical emergencies | Ensure at least £5 million in medical cover, especially if travelling outside Europe or the USA. |
| ? Deductible | The excess you must pay per claim can be higher than standard travel insurance | Choose the lowest deductible you can find for medical, rescue, and equipment claims. |
| ? Policy conditions | Insurers often exclude hazardous or non-declared activities | Always check the full list of covered and excluded adventure activities before purchasing. |
| ? Planned activities | Each adventure activity may require separate approval or a specific add-on | List every activity you will do, from hiking to scuba diving, to ensure full coverage. |
| ?️ Equipment protection | Loss or damage to specialised adventure gear can be expensive to replace | Take equipment cover matching the total value of your personal or rented adventure gear. |
| ? Search and rescue | Mountain, sea, or wilderness rescue can incur costs much higher than standard repatriation | Confirm your policy includes dedicated search and rescue cover for remote or high-risk locations. |
| ? Geographic area | Cover levels, available benefits, and exclusions can change according to countries visited | Check all destinations are included and adventure cover is valid in those regions. |
| ? Traveller’s age | Premiums may rise, or some policies set adventure age limits or require medical checks | If over 60, check right away if adventure activity cover and medical benefits are still valid. |
| ?️ Online subscription | Immediate proof of insurance and instant documentation is often needed for activity operators | Use insurers offering same-day certificates and documentation for peace of mind and border checks. |
Is adventure travel covered under my current insurance policies?
It is legitimate to wonder if your current insurances, such as credit card insurances or the public health system, can offer you an adventure travel insurance, but unfortunately it is often not enough.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Adventure travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why travel insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| NHS (National Health Service) | Never | Emergency treatment in the UK or basic care in EU only, not for adventure sports, no equipment, no rescue. No cover for adventure sports injuries, mountain rescue, or equipment loss is provided at all. | Travel insurance covers adventure activities, rescue costs, and equipment, with limits up to £10 million. |
| Private health insurance (Bupa, AXA PPP) | Almost Never | Emergency treatment abroad, limits up to £5 million, does not cover adventure sports or rescue. No cover for activity-specific accidents, rescue or lost adventure equipment during travel. | Travel insurance pays expenses specific to adventure, equipment loss or rescue, with cover up to £10 million. |
| Classic credit card (Barclaycard, Santander) | Never | May cover basic medical (£2-10 million), but excludes adventure and extreme activities. No cover for rescue, lost gear, activity cancellation or any adventure-related claims whatsoever. | Travel insurance covers activities, cancellations and gear, including search and rescue, up to £10 million. |
| Premium credit card (NatWest Black, HSBC Premier) | Limited coverage | Medical (£5-10 million). Most adventure sports, rescue, equipment, and specific risks excluded. No proper cover for search and rescue, equipment, or altitude and water sports specific incidents. | Travel insurance includes rescue, specialist activities and equipment, with benefit limits reaching £10 million. |
No cover for adventure sports injuries, mountain rescue, or equipment loss is provided at all.
No cover for activity-specific accidents, rescue or lost adventure equipment during travel.
No cover for rescue, lost gear, activity cancellation or any adventure-related claims whatsoever.
No proper cover for search and rescue, equipment, or altitude and water sports specific incidents.
Expert advice
Bank card and health insurance policies often exclude key situations like trip cancellation for a relative's illness. Always read the small print to avoid nasty surprises abroad. For peace of mind, it's always safer and more reassuring to get dedicated travel insurance tailored to your specific trip.
FAQ
Is adventure travel insurance mandatory?
Adventure travel insurance is not legally required for most countries, but it may be mandatory for specific destinations, tour operators, or when participating in regulated activities such as scuba diving or mountaineering. Even where it is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended; for example, a skiing accident in the Alps without proper insurance can lead to medical or rescue bills of thousands of pounds.
When is it recommended to purchase adventure travel insurance?
You should arrange adventure travel insurance as soon as your trip involves any high-risk or specialist activities and before booking non-refundable elements. This ensures cancellation cover and guarantees that all your planned activities are included. Early purchase also protects you if an injury prevents you from travelling or participating.
How do I purchase adventure travel insurance?
Begin by comparing adventure travel insurance options using HelloSafe’s platform to find specialist cover. Check all guarantees and exclusions carefully, making sure your planned activities and destinations are specifically listed. Purchase the selected policy online, then receive a certificate which you may need for tour operators or visas.
Can I purchase adventure travel insurance if I’ve already booked my trip?
Yes, you can purchase adventure travel insurance after booking, provided you haven’t started your adventure. However, some benefits such as cancellation cover begin only from the date the policy starts. Buying early is always best, so you are covered for any pre-departure setbacks or injuries affecting your plans.
Are my adventure sports equipment and gear covered by insurance?
Most adventure travel policies offer cover for specialist sports equipment like bikes, skis, or diving gear, up to a certain limit (for example, £1,500–£5,000). Ensure you check the policy’s equipment coverage, excess, and specific exclusions, such as for unattended or hired items, to avoid gaps in protection.
How do I make a claim on adventure travel insurance?
If you need to claim, contact your insurer’s emergency helpline as soon as possible, especially in remote or high-risk locations. Keep all relevant documents such as medical reports, receipts, and evidence of the accident or activity. Many insurers allow claims online or via their mobile apps for greater convenience.
Are all adventure activities automatically covered by standard travel insurance?
No, standard travel insurance almost always excludes high-risk adventure activities. You must verify that your specific sports or adventure pursuits are listed as covered, otherwise you may need a specialist policy or add-on. Always declare the full list of planned activities before purchasing your policy.
Is adventure travel insurance mandatory?
Adventure travel insurance is not legally required for most countries, but it may be mandatory for specific destinations, tour operators, or when participating in regulated activities such as scuba diving or mountaineering. Even where it is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended; for example, a skiing accident in the Alps without proper insurance can lead to medical or rescue bills of thousands of pounds.
When is it recommended to purchase adventure travel insurance?
You should arrange adventure travel insurance as soon as your trip involves any high-risk or specialist activities and before booking non-refundable elements. This ensures cancellation cover and guarantees that all your planned activities are included. Early purchase also protects you if an injury prevents you from travelling or participating.
How do I purchase adventure travel insurance?
Begin by comparing adventure travel insurance options using HelloSafe’s platform to find specialist cover. Check all guarantees and exclusions carefully, making sure your planned activities and destinations are specifically listed. Purchase the selected policy online, then receive a certificate which you may need for tour operators or visas.
Can I purchase adventure travel insurance if I’ve already booked my trip?
Yes, you can purchase adventure travel insurance after booking, provided you haven’t started your adventure. However, some benefits such as cancellation cover begin only from the date the policy starts. Buying early is always best, so you are covered for any pre-departure setbacks or injuries affecting your plans.
Are my adventure sports equipment and gear covered by insurance?
Most adventure travel policies offer cover for specialist sports equipment like bikes, skis, or diving gear, up to a certain limit (for example, £1,500–£5,000). Ensure you check the policy’s equipment coverage, excess, and specific exclusions, such as for unattended or hired items, to avoid gaps in protection.
How do I make a claim on adventure travel insurance?
If you need to claim, contact your insurer’s emergency helpline as soon as possible, especially in remote or high-risk locations. Keep all relevant documents such as medical reports, receipts, and evidence of the accident or activity. Many insurers allow claims online or via their mobile apps for greater convenience.
Are all adventure activities automatically covered by standard travel insurance?
No, standard travel insurance almost always excludes high-risk adventure activities. You must verify that your specific sports or adventure pursuits are listed as covered, otherwise you may need a specialist policy or add-on. Always declare the full list of planned activities before purchasing your policy.
