Kayaking and Rafting Travel Insurance Coverage
Travel Insurance Coverage for Kayaking and Rafting Trips for US Residents
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At a glance:
- All World Nomads plans may cover losses from kayaking and whitewater rafting, with some plans that offer higher limits of coverage.
- Coverage for injuries if you're seriously hurt while kayaking or rafting, plus transportation if you’re hurt on a remote river, and your condition is severe, acute, or life threatening and adequate medical treatment is not available in your immediate area. Additional terms apply.
- Reimbursement for canceled tours, delays, or interruptions due to covered events — whether it's a missed whitewater rafting trip or a multi-day kayaking tour.
- 24/7 Non-Insurance Global Help: Access to emergency assistance anytime, on any river, lake, trail or road.
- Why should I consider travel insurance for my kayaking or whitewater rafting trip?
- Travel insurance and non-insurance services for kayaking and rafting: What may be covered?
- What level of travel insurance coverage do I need for my kayaking and rafting trip?
- What may not be covered when kayaking or whitewater rafting?
- Top safety tips we recommend for your kayaking or whitewater rafting trip
- FAQs
From kayaking alongside glaciers in Alaska to whitewater rafting down the Balsa River in Costa Rica, there are plenty of ways to have fun on the water with a kayaking or rafting adventure. Our travel protection plans include a range of travel insurance benefits for kayaking and rafting that may help with everything from stolen bags to unexpected medical expenses while traveling.
Why should I consider travel insurance for my kayaking or whitewater rafting trip?
Nobody goes whitewater rafting with the intention of falling out of their raft, but it can happen. Even on a leisurely kayaking trip, the unexpected could happen like a sprained muscle or heat exhaustion that requires medical attention. Travel insurance and non-insurance services designed for kayaking and rafting may help you bounce back quickly with support for emergencies, delays, and disruptions. With coverage that is flexible to your needs, it’s a way to travel confidently – whether you're navigating rapids or calm waters.
Travel insurance and non-insurance services for kayaking and rafting: What may be covered?
As paddlers ourselves, we’ve designed our plans that may cover kayaking and rafting while traveling. We also offer coverage for losses related to more than 250 other sports, activities and experiences.
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Emergency Medical Expenses
For broken bones, cuts, and sprains after a kayaking or rafting accident -
24/7 Non-insurance Emergency Assistance
Available 24/7 to assist in an emergency situation, on or off the river -
Baggage & Gear Coverage
Reimbursement for damaged or stolen paddling gear, or swimsuits packed in lost checked luggage -
Trip Delays, Interruptions & Cancellations
A money-saver if inclement weather throws a wrench into your plans.
Terms, conditions, and limitations apply to all coverage mentioned.
NOMADS TIP: Depending on the plan purchased, consider the optional ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ benefit for added flexibility and protection for shifting plans. Optional benefits come at an additional cost; CFAR not available in NY.
All plans also include several additional non-insurance services that may support you both before and during your trip. These include delayed or lost baggage tracking and delivery, portable health records, and pre-departure telehealth services that may support you both before and during your trip.
Get a quote and compare the plans to see which level of coverage is right for you.
What level of travel insurance coverage do I need for my kayaking and rafting trip?
World Nomads offers four plans for US residents – Standard, Explorer, Epic and Annual – each with different levels of coverage. Even if your main goal is to go kayaking or whitewater rafting, you’ll probably be doing other fun things like snorkeling or swimming. That’s totally fine, because you may be covered for more than 250 other sports, activities and experiences.
- The Standard and Annual plans include travel insurance coverage for kayaking, sea kayaking, and sea canoeing, as well as whitewater rafting and kayaking. Black water rafting, cave tubing, hydrospeeding, and riverboarding are also covered for grades/classes 1-5.
- The Explorer plan covers more activities, including cave diving (to 165 feet/50 meters) and skydiving. It also has higher maximum amounts.
- The Epic plan covers everything the Explorer plan covers, plus even more activities – including deep water soloing and using a jet pack. It also has the highest limits of coverage.
Get a travel insurance quote
Simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world.
Get a quote
What may not be covered when kayaking or whitewater rafting?
- Kayaking or whitewater rafting under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Unattended baggage, sporting equipment or personal items
- Kayaking, rafting, or traveling within 100 miles of your home
- Any Class 6 kayaking or rafting trips
- Rafting or kayaking against medical advice
Top safety tips we recommend for your kayaking or whitewater rafting trip
- Research your tour operator: If you’re going on a kayaking or whitewater rafting excursion, research the tour company’s credentials ahead of time.
- Know your own limitations: Kayaking and whitewater rafting are physically demanding, so make sure you’re up to it. If you have any concerns, talk to your doctor ahead of time, and make sure you plan a trip within your own skill level. If you decide to go kayaking or rafting after your doctor has told you not to, and then get hurt, you may not covered by your kayaking and rafting travel insurance benefits.
- Wear a life jacket: Think less about your tan lines, and more about your safety. Accidents can happen at any time, and if you fall out of your kayak or raft, you may not have time to grab that if you unexpectedly go overboard.
- Don’t drink and paddle: Alcohol doesn’t mix well with kayaking and whitewater rafting, and being impaired could increase your risk of an accident. If you’re drinking and paddling, you also may not have travel insurance coverage for kayaking or rafting if something does happen. You can toast to a great day on the water after your paddling trip, but not before.
- Get a good dry bag to hold a copy of the documents showing your kayaking and whitewater rafting travel insurance coverage: If an accident happens, you’ll want that handy – and dry. Make sure you have the phone number for the 24/7 non-insurance Emergency Assistance Team easily accessible, as well as your plan number. You may want to save that in your phone as well.
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for kayaking and rafting. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team
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Can kayaking be covered under World Nomads Travel Insurance?
Yes, kayaking may be covered under all four plans offered by World Nomads Travel Insurance. This includes sea kayaking, sea canoeing, and whitewater kayaking, up to grade/class 5. If you want higher maximum amounts of coverage, you’ll want to consider the Explorer or Epic plan.
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Can whitewater rafting be covered under World Nomads Travel Insurance?
Yes, whitewater rafting may be covered under all four plans offered by World Nomads Travel Insurance. This includes whitewater and blackwater rafting, up to grade/class 5. If you want higher maximum amounts of coverage, you’ll want to consider the Explorer or Epic plan.
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What types of incidents may be covered while kayaking or rafting abroad?
If your trip is cancelled or interrupted due to an unforeseen, covered event, you may be able to recover your travel expenses (up to the maximum benefit amount), and this may include unused, pre-paid, non-refundable rafting or kayaking tours that you paid for in advance. If you fall out of your kayak or raft, get hurt, and require medical assistance, emergency medical expense coverage may come in handy in the case of an unexpected injury. You may also be covered for unplanned situations such as lost bags.
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Can I purchase a plan after my trip starts?
Yes. If your trip has already started, World Nomads can still offer you coverage. You can buy a plan online anytime, from anywhere in the world. World Nomads Travel Insurance for U.S. residents take effect at 12:01 a.m. local time the day after you purchase your plan. If you’re already traveling and want to get coverage for a kayaking or whitewater rafting excursion, you’ll need to buy your plan at least the day before you need coverage.
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Does World Nomads Travel Insurance offer coverage for kayaking or rafting outside of the United States?
Yes, there are so many great places around the world where you can kayak or go whitewater rafting, and World Nomads doesn’t want to limit your fun. For example, if you have coverage that includes travel insurance for Asia, you could have the opportunity to go whitewater rafting on the Trishuli River in Nepal or kayak through the mangroves in Okinawa. When you get a quote for travel insurance coverage for rafting and kayaking, you’ll need to input where you’ll be traveling.
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What should I do if I get hurt while rafting or kayaking?
If you’re hurt while rafting or kayaking, contact local authorities as soon as you’re able to do so for immediate attention. World Nomads Travel Insurance may help cover the cost of medical treatment, hospital stays, or even emergency medical evacuation if needed (subject to approval.) Access to a 24/7 non-insurance Emergency Assistance team is also included for support anytime, anywhere.
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Does World Nomads Travel Insurance cover other activities during my trip?
Yes, you’ll have coverage that includes travel insurance for rafting and also coverage that includes travel insurance for kayaking. However, you may also be covered for more than 250 other sports, activities and experiences. Things like cave tubing, hydrospeeding, and riverboarding may also be covered for grades/classes 1-5. You can review the list of activities, but if you’re participating in an activity and not sure if it’s covered, you can contact us and ask.
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Do I get my money back if I cancel a trip?
Trip cancellation coverage is offered by all plans offered by World Nomads, and you may be reimbursed for pre-paid, unused, non-refundable expenses like flights, kayak rentals, whitewater rafting tours and accommodations if your trip is cancelled for a covered reason. U.S. residents (except those that live in New York) also have the ability to add at an additional expense our optional cancel for any reason coverage when certain World Nomads plans are purchased.
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What happens if my bags are delayed?
When you purchase travel insurance coverage for kayaking or rafting, baggage protection is also included. If your checked-in bags are delayed more than 12 hours on the way to your destination, your plan may reimburse you for essential, reasonable items like toiletries and a change of clothes until you and your bag are reunited. Your coverage also includes a non-insurance service that can help track down your bag and get it delivered to you.
Need destination inspiration for your next kayaking or rafting trip?
Not sure where your next paddling adventure should take you? Check out some of our favorite places around the world to go kayaking and rafting and get destination-specific travel insurance tips to help you plan with confidence.
Ecuador Discoveries: Kayaking the Amazon
Kayaking in the Shadow of Giants in Southern Greenland
5 of the Best Places to Kayak Around the US
20250730-4693876. This is not a full list of what is and isn’t covered, so please check your plan document for a full list of maximums, terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions that may apply to your state specific plan. Any example scenarios provided above are not a guarantee of coverage. All claims are subject to review, require documentation and are considered individually. Exclusion applies to Adventure or Extreme Activities.Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Protection
Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation.
- Standard Plan: $2,500
- Explorer Plan: $10,000
- Epic Plan: $15,000
- Annual Plan: $5,000
Trip Protection
- Work emergency?
- Weather delay?
- Travel companion sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Insurance
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
- Standard Plan: $125,000
- Explorer Plan: $150,000
- Epic Plan: $250,000
- Annual Plan: $100,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
- Need a hospital?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Evacuation
We'll provide assistance to get you to the hospital or home quickly.
- Standard Plan: $400,000
- Explorer Plan: $500,000
- Epic Plan: $700,000
- Annual Plan: $100,000
Emergency Evacuation
- Ambulance transfers
- Medevac flights
- Medical escort services
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Covers the loss, theft or damage of your bags, tech and gear.
- Standard Plan: $1,000
- Explorer Plan: $2,000
- Epic Plan: $3,000
- Annual Plan: $2,000
Protect your gear
- Stolen I.D.s
- Checked-in sports equipment
- Damaged luggage
Help starts here.
The amounts listed represent the maximum benefit amount.
Protect your health
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance Help Line
- Emergency Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Evacuations
- Bedside Companion Travel
- Emergency Medications
Protect Your Trip
- Trip Cancellation
- Optional Cancel for Any Reason (Explorer or Epic)
- Trip Delay & Trip Interruption
- Missed Connection (Explorer or Epic)
- Rental Car Damage (Explorer, Epic or Annual)
Protect Your Stuff
- Baggage Delay
- Passport and Visa Loss
- Lost or Stolen Bags
- Personal Tech, Equipment & Gear
- Baggage Return After Evacuation
Non-Insurance Services
- Medical & Non-Medical 24/7 Emergency Assistance Line
- Translators Available
- Pre-Departure Telehealth Services
- Portable Health Records
- Delayed or Lost Baggage Tracking and Delivery
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical or dental assistance or advice, emergency evacuation or travel assistance, 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 assistance right now?
Contact 24/7 Emergency Assistance:
Telephone:
+1 954-334-8143 (Collect outside the US)
+1 877-289-0968 (Toll-free in the US and Canada
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.