Travel insurance when rock climbing
Be prepared for your next rock climb with flexible travel insurance coverage.
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Are you eyeing off Morocco's Todra Gorge or New Zealand's Castle Hill? Maybe indoor rock climbing is more your speed, whatever your pace, it's imperative that you do your research, get a handle on the conditions of the region, and pack a map and a decent amount of courage. Oh, and don't forget to rope in travel insurance, as fun as rock climbing is, there are risks.
- What's covered?
- Why do I need to consider travel insurance when rock climbing?
- What to look out for on your next rock climbing adventure
- Choose a plan that suits your needs
- What’s not covered?
What's covered?
Whether you're harnessing a new skill or you're a seasoned climber, World Nomads offers cover (up to the policy limits) for the following:
- Trip insurance cancellation: 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.
- 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 swimming are considered less dangerous, some rock climbing activities require 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 (Single Trip only) right up until your policy expires at 11:59pm GMT/BST on your Certificate of Insurance end date. The maximum duration of a Single Trip policy is 365 days from the start date including extensions.
- Baggage delays and personal belongings: we cover baggage delays that stretch beyond 24 hours (terms and conditions apply). If belongings such as phones, headphones or cameras are lost or stolen, and they are deemed to have been reasonably and responsibly secured out of plain sight, you can make a claim.
- 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. Exclusions and excesses do apply.
- Cover for some Coronavirus(COVID-19)-related events: to find out more about our cover for COVID-19-related events, including benefit limits and exclusions, read our Coronavirus cover article .
- Make sure that you've selected the right travel insurance plan for your specific needs. Get a quote online anytime, anywhere.
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, used the recommended safety clothing and equipment, and were guided by a professional, qualified, and licensed guide, instructor or operator. Special exclusions and conditions apply – see the Policy Wording for details.
Travel insurance tip: check 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
Preparation and planning are key when activities such as rock climbing are in the mix. Whether tackling an indoor course, or if you prefer to belay down a remote rocky mountain in Canada, it's important that you're up to the challenge and well versed on the conditions, have the level of fitness required, and that you don't have any niggling injuries that may be aggravated while climbing.
You may want to consider what you'd do if your bag or climbing gear are stolen, your connection is delayed, and you miss a climb you'd already booked and paid for months ago. Even worse, you could injure yourself a week out from your trip and need to cancel.
Travel insurance can lessen the blows, and depending on your circumstances, we've got cover to suit you.
The following tips can help you maximise your safety and validity of cover.
- Inform a local assistance company and your family of your rock-climbing location and trekking route and policy details.
- If you require any medical treatment during your trip while outside of the UK, and you are admitted as an in-patient for at least one night, please contact our 24-hour Emergency Medical Assistance Team before incurring medical costs.
- Check which countries your rock-climbing trip passes through to ensure your policy covers you for that region.
Choose a plan that suits your needs
World Nomads offers two levels of cover, Standard and Explorer, and what is right for one person may not suit another. When it comes to rock climbing, a Level 2 activity (except rock climbing indoor - Level 1), the higher level of cover (Explorer) is recommended and requires an additional premium.
Our plans have different benefits, limits and sub-limits. Standard policies include overseas medical, baggage cover, pre-trip cancellation and certain adventure activities, while the Explorer has all the benefits of the Standard cover and a few extras, but it's more expensive.
Choose the right cover for you and do note that once your cover is booked it can't be changed mid-trip.
What's not covered?
While there are several situations we can cover you for, there are also some we are unable to cover. These include, but are not limited to:
- Travel against medical advice or neglect to adhere to UK Government-issued warnings prior to departure.
- Pre-existing medical conditions as outlined in your policy.
- Search and rescue costs.
- 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.
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
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)
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.)