Travel insurance for surfing
World-class breaks and classic beach towns. Surf’s up! Where’s your travel insurance?
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For many Kiwis surfing isn’t just a hobby it’s a lifestyle. With the number of gnarly surf breaks and yet to be discovered beach spots worldwide it’s no wonder Kiwis are stoked to search far and wide for the next adrenaline-soaked surf trip. But with sun, surf and sand there are also dodgy stingray encounters, jagged coral reefs and (gulp!) shark attacks.
Along with your surfboard, wetsuit, sunblock and sunnies, don’t forget to pack your travel insurance. World Nomads can help get you back on your feet if your surfing adventure turns into a wipe-out.
Travel insurance for surfing
As surf enthusiasts, Kiwis can take on a six foot barrel without a worry by taking out World Nomads travel cover. Here is what we offer as part of our Standard and Explorer plans:
- Gear protection: Got your surfboard stolen while surf town-hopping in Costa Rica? Our gear coverage can help with replacing belongings that were swiped from under your nose.
- Emergency medical: Long lefthanders can be epic to ride but not if it ends up in a crash. Emergency medical coverage may come in handy in the case of an accident or injury.
- Evacuation: Your bohemian surfer paradise may be far away from the medical facilities that can give you the treatment you need. You can get transported to the medical facility which may be best for your care, subject to approval from the 24/7 Emergency Assistance.
- Trip cancellation: Has a sick or injured travelling companion put a stop to your surf break? Your plan may be able to recover the travel expenses.
- Checked-in baggage: You’ll be covered if your surf gear is stolen, lost or accidentally damaged by a common carrier (e.g. airline or bus company). Sporting equipment checked-in is only covered where the carrier requires it be checked-in due to its size or weight.
Your coverage will vary according to whether you choose a Standard or an Explorer plan. Read your policy for details on maximum benefit limits and exclusion and conditions of your coverage.
Besides wave surfing, World Nomads may also cover:
- Land surfing
- Stand-up paddle surfing
- Windsurfing
- Sandboarding
- Kite surfing
- Wakeboarding
An upgrade for certain sports may be required and terms and conditions apply for each activity and sport. Check your Policy Document for details or contact us if you have questions.
What's not covered for surfing travel insurance?
Sorry – we won’t cover you if you do something reckless (like tackle big-wave off-shore surfing when you’re only a beginner). Some things we may not cover include:
- If you refuse to be repatriated or evacuated
- If you don’t follow your doctor’s instructions or what we or the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team advise you to do
- Any expenses that relate to a existing medical condition, as explained in the Policy Documents
- Expenses that can be recovered from another source
- The policy excess, deductible or co-pay amount as shown in the Policy Document
- If you surf while under the influence of alcohol or drugs… water and alcohol never mix!
- Search and rescue costs
- Professional competitive surfing
How to get the most out of your travel insurance
When it comes to any sport, safety should always come first. Your health ─ and your travel insurance cover─ depends on your responsible behaviour. Follow these tips to stay alert and aware (and to ensure that you won’t invalidate your travel insurance).
- Know where to go. Don’t frequent beaches with dangerous shore breaks, riptides or shark sightings or surf near areas with piers, cliffs, rocks and boats. Where there are warnings, be careful – and heed them.
- Don’t go in over your head. Not a good idea to hop on a board if you don’t know how to swim. Or attempt big-wave surfing when you’ve only taken one lesson.
- Follow the rules. Check for suitable weather conditions before heading to the beach; use a surf leash / leg rope.
- No pro sports or athletic competitions. So cool that your 9-to-5 is spending time on the waves but unfortunately, professional sporting activities aren’t covered by travel insurance.
- Keep an eye on your equipment. Don’t leave your limited-edition surfboard unattended out on the beach when you go for a water break or declare your wallet stolen when you forgot it on the airplane. Those “I spaced out” moments don’t qualify for cover.
This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. You should read your Policy Document in full so you understand what is and isn’t covered. That way there won’t be any surprises if you need to use it. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Protect your trip from unexpected cancellation.
- Explorer Plan: Unlimited
- Standard Plan: $5,000
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Overseas
Take the pain out of medical costs.
- Explorer Plan: Unlimited
- Standard Plan: $5,000,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transport
We'll get you to hospital in a flash
- Explorer Plan: Unlimited
- Standard Plan: $500,000
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Cover your stolen or damaged gear and tech.
- Explorer Plan: $10,000
- Standard Plan: $2,000
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Overseas Medical Expenses
- Emergency dental treatment
- 24 hour assistance
- Emergency medical transport & repatriation
- Cancellation costs
- Trip interruption costs
- Compassionate emergency visit home
- Resumption of trip
- Theft or accidental damage to baggage and personal items
- Baggage delay over 12 hours
- Funeral expenses overseas or repatriation of remains
- Personal liability
24/7 emergency assistance
If you need medical assistance or emergency medical evacuation our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
From New Zealand & Overseas:
+61 2 8263 0470 or
+61 2 8292 1470
(reverse charges via an operator from anywhere in the world)
Within Australia (Free call): 1800 611 210
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.