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Travel insurance when rock climbing

Be prepared for your next rock climb with flexible travel insurance coverage.

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Strapped into your harness, ready to ascend the craggy cliffs of El Capitan or perhaps the limestone routes in Thailand? UK climbers are no strangers to adventure, scaling heights that test every muscle and nerve. But while you're plotting your route up these epic rock faces, don't overlook the essentials for those less thrilling parts of your climbing journey – one of those items could just be travel insurance. Whether it's a twisted ankle or a weather-worn delay, World Nomads could turn out to be the safety rope you never anticipated needing!

What's covered?

World Nomads offers coverage across two insurance policies (Standard and Explorer) for four different rock climbing activities:

  • Rock climbing (indoor) – Level 1, covered under all plans
  • Rock climbing (outdoor / traditional) – Level 2
  • Rock climbing (bouldering) – Level 2
  • Rock climbing (sport climbing/bolted) – Level 2
  • Free climbing / mountaineering – Level 4

If a climb does go wrong, here are some of the ways travel insurance could help:

  • Trip Disruption: you’re covered if there's a death in the family, you're called up for jury duty or the UK Government's Travel Advisory issues a Do Not Travel warning after you've been issued with your Certificate of Insurance (Explorer cover only). Please note events must be unexpected and unforeseen. The Explorer Plan covers cancellations up to £5,000, while the Standard Plan covers up to £3,000. These figures also apply if you are forced to cut your trip short.
  • Activities cover: travel and adventure go hand-in-hand, that's why our policies cover more than 150+ sports, experiences, and activities. While hiking and football are considered less dangerous, outdoor rock climbing requires an insurance upgrade and an additional premium.
  • Extended stays: if you are scheduled to head home but have found another incredible climbing location you can't pass up, we allow an extension of your cover right up until your Single Trip policy expires at 11:59pm GMT on your Certificate of Insurance end date. The maximum duration of a policy is 365 days from the start date.
  • Baggage and personal belongings: Setting your sights on the iconic El Capitan in Yosemite National Park for your next climbing adventure? Be mindful, popular destinations can sometimes lead to unexpected luggage delays or losses. With our travel insurance, whether it’s the Standard or Explorer plan, you're protected. If your baggage is delayed for more than 24 hours, we cover the cost of essential items. And if your prized climbing gear is lost or stolen, we’re here to help cover replacement costs. For high-value gear, consider upgrading for coverage up to £750 per item on the Explorer Plan and £400 per item on the Standard Plan, with maximum upgrade limits of £2,250 and £1,200 respectively.
  • Emergency medical and evacuation cover: if you suffer a fall or are injured during a climb and require medical assistance or evacuation, we may be able to help. The Standard Plan offers cover of up to £5,000,000 for emergency medical expenses and medical repatriation, and £10,000,000 on the Explorer Plan. Exclusions, and in some cases excesses, do apply.

Make sure that you've selected the right travel insurance plan for your specific needs. Get a quote online anytime, anywhere.

Travellers tip: if your climbing gear is stolen, it’s imperative you get on the front foot by reporting it to the authorities and obtaining a police report. Always keep copies or originals of any receipts in case you need to make a claim for stolen gear and valuables.

Why do I need to consider travel insurance when rock climbing?

We all know that British adrenaline-seekers are daring, but most know there are always risks. Rock climbers may be confronted with falling rocks, the weather may change suddenly, and gear failure can cause severe injury.

Having travel insurance can also help take some of the stress out if you end up in hospital with unexpected medical costs from a broken leg or bangs and scrapes. Importantly travel insurance offers coverage for those ‘worst possible case' scenarios when you need to be repatriated to the UK to recover.

Please be aware that if you need to make a claim at any point of your trip you must prove you acted responsibly, and used the recommended safety clothing and equipment. Special exclusions and conditions apply – see the Policy Wording for details.

Travel insurance tipcheck what vaccinations you need to get before travelling to any foreign country. You can ask your doctor about this. You should also make sure you pack and use any necessary insect repellents, as many diseases can be contracted by mosquitoes, tsetse flies, lice, and other insect bites.

What to look out for on your next rock climbing adventure

Gear up for your next rock-climbing adventure by paying close attention to both the thrill and the risks involved. Whether you're scaling indoor walls or venturing onto remote crags, here’s a few tips for a safe and successful climb:

  • Before you ascend, compare the route's difficulty with your experience. Remember, biting off more than you can climb might leave you hanging! 
  • Lovers of crags, beware! Ticks fancy rock climbers, and not in a good way. Post-climb, do a tick check to avoid unwanted souvenirs like Lyme Disease.
  • Safety starts with your equipment. Give your gear a thorough pre and post-climb check to ensure everything is in top condition.
  • Check in with your doctor to ensure you're in peak shape to tackle those peaks. Climbing demands more than just courage – your body needs to be up for the challenge as much as your mind!
  • Inform a local assistance company and your family of your rock-climbing location and trekking route and policy details. Just in case.

Travellers tip: make sure you refer to your policy wording before leaving, as we don’t offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.

What's not covered?

While there are several situations we can cover you for, there are also some we just won't cover. These include, but are not limited to:

  • World Nomads does not offer coverage for free soloing – so make sure you keep those ropes firmly attached!
  • Travel against medical advice or neglect to adhere to World Health Organization or UK Government-issued warnings prior to departure.
  • Pre-existing medical conditions as outlined in your policy.
  • Any remote search or rescue operations to remove you from a life-threatening situation. Professional competitive rock climbing.
  • You act irresponsibly or recklessly and injure yourself or others in the process.
  • Expenses you incur after you return to the UK.

Rock climbing comes with its fair share of gnarly moments, which is why it’s imperative you deep dive into your insurance inclusions (and exclusions) before hitting the rockface. This is not a full list of what's covered and what’s not; please check your Policy Wording for a full list of terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions that may apply to your specific plan. If you are unsure of your level of travel cover, please contact us for help.

True Claims Stories

  • Never travel without insurance. This was the first time I ever purchased travel insurance and I am so glad I did. A few days into my trip to Spain I twisted my foot heading down to the metro. Thanks to World Nomads I was able to get medical attention in Spain and since, as luck would have it, I had a fracture that required surgery, they got me a flight home the next day. Filing a claim was surprisingly easy and when the claim was finally processed, I was reimbursed for all of my expenses including things like the extra week in the hotel I didn't get to take advantage of.
    L.D.
    U.S. resident in Spain
  • I recently had a serious injury traveling on my own & the team was amazing. Being confused with a brain injury they took care of everything. Claiming was no problem, they were on the phone constantly to see if all was OK. I can't recommend them enough. Absolutely fantastic & l will always travel with World Nomads Insurance. Thanks guys for getting me home safely.
    A.B.
    Australian in Thailand
  • I was bitten by a monkey at the Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur. I went to a nearby clinic and they gave me a rabies shot, antibiotics to take for 4 days, pain medicine, and anti-inflammatory medicine.
    T.R.
    Canadian in Malaysia

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Protect your trip from unexpected cancellation.

  • Explorer Plan: £5,000
  • Standard Plan: £3,000
Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalised?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Been made redundant?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Abroad Medical Expenses

Take the pain out of medical costs while traveling abroad.

  • Explorer Plan: £10 million
  • Standard Plan: £5 million
Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need meds quick?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transport

Expenses included in Emergency Medical limits.

Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • Medivac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Cover your lost, stolen or damaged gear and tech.

  • Explorer Plan: £3,000
  • Standard Plan: £1,500
Protect your gear
  • Luggage lost?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Tech trashed?

Help starts here.

  • Emergency Medical Expenses
  • Baggage & Personal Belongings
  • Cancellation
  • Trip Curtailment
  • Personal Accident
  • Loss of Passport or travel documents
  • Personal Liability
  • Legal Expenses (Personal Liability)
This is a general summary for United Kingdom residents only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Check the plan documents for full details.
Pre-existing medical conditions

You are not eligible to buy a policy if you travel against medical advice, travel with the intention of receiving medical treatment, or have a terminal illness. World Nomads policies cannot cover claims due to Pre-Existing Medical Conditions (PEMC), regardless of whether the condition is serious or not. You can still purchase a World Nomads policy, but the PEMC exclusion cannot be removed, and you will be responsible for any related costs.

For information on travel insurance providers that offer cover on PEMC, visit Money Helper or call 0800 138 7777.

24/7 Emergency Medical 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.

Wherever you are, we’re here 24/7 to help you in any emergency.

Are you in need of Emergency Medical Assistance right now?

For policies purchased on or after 27 June 2024
+44 (0) 144 444 2021 (Call via an operator reverse charges. Not toll free.)

For policies purchased before 27 June 2024:
Phone: +44 (0) 203 093 1750 (Call via an operator reverse charges. Not toll free.)

Contact the team

FAQ

Here are our most frequently asked questions about buying travel insurance for rock clumbing. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team.