Rock Climbing Travel Insurance Plans
Canadians can protect their rock climbing trips with travel insurance
- As featured in:
As featured in:
At a glance
-
Rock‑Solid Insurance for Climbers: World Nomads offers rock climbing travel insurance to help cover medical emergencies, stolen climbing gear and trip cancellations.
-
Coverage That Matches Your Climb: Indoor and outdoor climbing may be covered, and you can choose a plan and corresponding activity level based on what type of climbing you’ll be doing.
-
Medical Cover When the Climb Gets Serious: Our plans include emergency medical evacuation coverage if you get injured while rock climbing in remote areas.
-
Protection for Racks, Ropes & Bags: Climbing gear protection if your equipment is stolen or accidentally damaged by your common carrier during your trip.
With well over a million Canadians participating in rock climbing each year, many are heading outdoors to destinations like British Columbia, where iconic spots such as Squamish attract climbers from around the world. But for those looking to take their skills further, rock climbing trips abroad—from Europe’s limestone cliffs to Southeast Asia’s coastal crags—offer even more opportunities to explore new terrain and push their limits. If you’re planning a rock climbing trip, you may want to protect your adventure with World Nomads Travel Insurance for adventure sports. Our adventure travel insurance plans include a range of benefits that could help with everything from stolen climbing gear to unexpected medical expenses.
Why should I consider travel insurance for my rock climbing trip?
Unexpected issues can mess up even the most carefully planned rock climbing trips. Falling rocks can cause injuries and stolen gear can put a halt to your climbing. Adventure travel insurance may help you bounce back quickly with support for medical and travel emergencies, delays, and disruptions. With coverage that is flexible to your needs, it’s a smart way to travel confidently – even if you're just rock climbing indoors with friends. If you have a more adventurous climb planned in the Rocklands and you have travel insurance for Africa, you may be covered as well.
Nomads tip: World Nomads Travel Insurance can also cover your travels within Canada! Your Government Health Insurance Plan is limited once you leave your home province. Your travel insurance plan can protect your domestic travels outside of your home province too.
Rock climbing travel insurance: What may be covered?
Rock climbing can test your physical and mental abilities – and as adventurers ourselves, that’s part of what we love. Since unexpected situations can happen when climbing though, we’ve designed our plans to protect your health, your climbing gear and your rock climbing trip.
-
Emergency Medical Expenses
For falls that require emergency medical treatment -
24/7 Emergency Assistance
Available 24/7 to assist in an emergency situation -
Baggage & Gear Coverage
Damaged or stolen climbing gear -
Trip Delays, Interruptions & Cancellations
Travel protection for your unused, pre-paid, nonrefundable trip costs and unexpected expenses if your trip is interrupted.
Get a quote and compare the plans to see which level of coverage is right for you.
Choosing the Right Rock Climbing Travel Insurance Plan
World Nomads offers four plans for Canadian residents – the Standard, Explorer, Epic and Annual Multi-Trip – each with different levels of coverage. climbing trip.
| Standard Plan | Explorer Plan | Epic Plan | Annual Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Covering the basics for your rock climbing trip. Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Optional 'Cancel for Any Reason' available. Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Optional 'Cancel for Any Reason' available. Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Get a quote |
Most forms of rock climbing are a Level 2 or Level 3 activity and require an additional premium to cover, so be sure to buy the proper coverage for your rock climbing.
- Level 2 Activities: Indoor rock climbing
- Level 3 Activities: Ice climbing and outdoor rock climbing up to 6,000 metres (multi-pitch climbing / sport climbing / bolted / aid climbing / traditional climbing / top or bottom rope climbing), bouldering.
Even when you plan a rock climbing trip, you’ll probably also be doing other things like camping or hiking. That’s totally fine, because there are over 250+ sports, activities and experiences that could be covered when you purchase extreme sports travel insurance. Costs may vary depending on the additional activities or rock climbing elevations you list.
If you are planning to participate in an activity that isn’t listed in our policy wording, you will need to contact us to determine if you will be covered.
Nomads tip: Get a quote and choose your plan first, then the system will prompt you to add the activities you plan to do. Make sure you list them all; you won’t be able to make changes once on your trip.
Coverage for 250 activities you love + more
What may not be covered when on a rock climbing trip?
Canada has some great places to climb, and you can use your adventure travel insurance benefits inside the country too – but it won’t cover you if you’re rock climbing or travelling within your home province. Some other things that aren’t covered include:
- Unattended baggage, climbing gear or personal items
- Not following government ‘Do Not Travel’ advisories issued by the Canadian government
- Rock climbing at elevations over 6,000 metres
- Unsupported or solo climbing, solo expeditions, free mountaineering or free soloing
- Climbing in inaccessible regions or exploratory expeditions and new routes
- Search and rescue operations
- Outdoor rock climbing expeditions within the Arctic Circle, the Antarctic, or Greenland
Top safety tips we recommend for your rock climbing trip
- If you’ve never climbed, take a lesson to learn proper climbing techniques.
- Always wear a helmet. Accidents can happen on any level of terrain when climbing, and you always need to protect your head.
- Double check your gear and equipment before climbing. Make sure your rope, harness, and carabiners are properly fastened, and ensure your knots are secure.
- Climb with a partner and develop good communication with them, including established hand signals. Make sure they are experienced and have the necessary skills to keep you safe.
- Only climb in places that allow climbing. If you’re trespassing in an area where you shouldn’t be climbing, you won’t be covered by your adventure travel insurance plan.
- Don’t get in over your head. Be responsible when choosing a rock climbing destination and make sure it suits your experience level.
- Check with the Public Health Agency of Canada to see if they have issued any travel health notices for your climbing destination.
- Register with Canadians Abroad to stay updated on emergency situations.
- Have a copy of your rock climbing travel insurance documents saved in your phone. Save the phone number for the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team and have that easily accessible as well. Make sure you know the name of the climbing route and the nearest landmark so you can relay the appropriate information if you need help.
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for rock climbing. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask the customer service team.
-
Are rock climbing trips covered under World Nomads Travel Insurance?
Yes, rock climbing is covered under all plans offered by World Nomads, but make sure you list this as an activity you’ll be participating in when you purchase your policy.
Indoor rock climbing is considered Level 2 activity. Outdoor rock climbing up to 6,000 metres (multi-pitch climbing / sport climbing / bolted / aid climbing / traditional climbing / top or bottom rope climbing) and bouldering are considered Level 3 activities. You’ll need to pay an additional premium for these activities, so make sure they’re listed. If you aren’t sure if something is covered, we suggest you contact us to ask.
-
Is ice climbing covered under World Nomads Travel Insurance?
Yes, ice climbing is covered under all plans offered by World Nomads, but make sure you list this as an activity you’ll be participating in when you purchase your policy. It is considered a Level 3 activity, and you’ll need to pay an additional premium for this activity, so make sure it is listed. You won’t be covered for ice climbing within the Arctic Circle, the Antarctic, or Greenland though, and other exclusions may apply. If you aren’t sure if something is covered, we suggest you contact us to ask.
-
What types of incidents are covered while on a rock climbing trip?
If your trip is delayed or interrupted due to an covered risk, you may be able to recover your unused, non-refundable, prepaid travel expenses (up to the policy limits), and this could include unused, prepaid, non-refundable tours that you paid for in advance. If you fall and get hurt while rock climbing and require medical assistance, emergency medical coverage could come in handy in the case of an unexpected injury. You could also be covered for unplanned situations such as lost bags or Canadian government travel advisories advising travellers not to travel to a destination on your itinerary.
-
Can I get coverage 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 almost anywhere in the world. If you buy a plan after departing from your home province, you won’t be covered for any loss or expense related to any injury or sickness that occurs in the 48-hour period after your policy departure date. Your departure date will be 12:01am local time on the date that you are originally scheduled to start your trip as shown on your policy certificate.
-
Does World Nomads offer travel insurance for rock climbing outside of Canada?
Yes, some of the best rock climbing spots are outside of Canada and World Nomads doesn’t want to limit your fun. For example, if you have travel insurance for Argentina, you could have the opportunity to rock climb in the beautiful Andes Mountains. Rock climbing expeditions within the Arctic Circle, the Antarctic, or Greenland are not covered (unless with a registered tour operator and guide). When you get a quote for adventure travel insurance, you’ll need to input where you’ll be travelling.
-
What should I do if I get hurt while I’m rock climbing?
You can contact the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team and they can help direct you to nearby medical facilities. They can also translate for you if you’re travelling outside Canada and your medical team doesn’t speak English or French. Make sure you keep all documentation including doctor reports, invoices, etc. You’ll need those things if you plan to make a claim.
-
Does World Nomads Travel Insurance cover other activities during my trip?
Yes, you could be covered for more than 250 other sports, activities and experiences. Things like hiking, biking, and swimming could all be covered. When you purchase your policy, you’ll need to list all of the activities that you plan to participate in while on your trip. You won’t be able to add or remove activities after you make your purchase, so make sure you add them all at that time. If you’re participating in an activity and not sure if it’s covered, you can contact us and ask.
-
Do I get my money back if I cancel a trip?
Trip cancellation coverage is included under all plans offered by World Nomads, and you could be reimbursed for pre-paid, unused, non-refundable expenses like flights, tours and accommodations if your trip is cancelled for a covered reason. If you want ultimate flexibility to simply change your mind about your trip, you may be able to get optional ‘cancel for any reason’ coverage as well.
-
What happens if my bags are delayed?
If your checked-in bags are delayed more than 12 hours on the way to your destination, your plan could reimburse you for the cost of (up to the policy limits) essential items like toiletries and a change of clothes until you and your bag are reunited.
Need destination inspiration?
Not sure where your next climbing adventure should take you? If you want to stay closer to home, there are great places to climb inside Canada, such as Val-David. However, there are plenty of amazing spots around the world to experience, too. Check out a couple of our favorite rock climbing locations and get destination-specific travel insurance tips to help you plan with confidence.
Where to Go in Lisbon to Avoid the Crowds (Rock climbing the cliffs of Cascais)
Seven Day Trips from Kathmandu to Add to Your Itinerary (Rock climbing around Hattiban)
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Insurance protection for your hard earned vacation in the event of unexpected cancellation.
- Standard Plan: $2,500
- Explorer Plan: $10,000
- Epic Plan: $15,000
- AMT Plan: $10,000
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalized?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation
We’ll get you to hospital or home quickly.
- Standard Plan: $250,000
- Explorer Plan: $500,000
- Epic Plan: $750,000
- Annual Plan: $500,000
Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medevac home?
Help starts here.
Gear & Baggage Protection
Coverage for the theft, damage or delay of your bags, tech and sports gear.
- Standard Plan: $1,000
- Explorer Plan: $2,000
- Epic Plan: $5,000
- Annual Plan: $2,000
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
Protect your health
- Emergency Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation
- Bedside Companion Travel and Subsistence
- Emergency Professional Services
- Return of Remains
- Return of Travel Companion/Dependent Children
Protect your trip
- Trip Cancellation
- Trip Interruption
- Trip Delay
- Optional Cancel for Any Reason (Explorer or Epic)
- Trip Exchange (Explorer, Epic or AMT)
- Rental Vehicle Damage (Explorer, Epic or AMT)
Protect your stuff
- Baggage and Personal Effects Theft or Damage
- Baggage and Sporting Equipment Delay
- Travel Documents Theft or Damage
- Sporting Equipment Theft or Loss by a Common Carrier
- Covered Adventure Sports listed in Policy
Assistance Services
- 24/7 Worldwide Emergency Medical Assistance
- Worldwide Travel Assistance
- Personal Security Assistance
- Adventure Traveller’s Hotline
- Bag Trak
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.