Sailing Travel Insurance Coverage
Canadian residents can protect their sailing trips with travel insurance
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At a glance
- World Nomads offers travel insurance for sailing in inland/coastal waters, with the ability to pay an extra premium and be covered for sailing outside coastal waters.
- Coverage for injuries and medical transport if you're seriously hurt while sailing.
- Reimbursement for your prepaid, nonrefundable sailing tours that are cancelled, delayed, or interrupted due to a covered event.
- Gear & Baggage Protection helps cover lost, stolen, or damaged gear and luggage.
- Access to emergency assistance anytime, anywhere.
Whether you're planning to sail the crystal waters of the Galapagos Islands or keep pace with bottlenose dolphins along the Fumba Peninsula in Zanzibar, you're guaranteed an ocean adventure when you set sail on the open waters. Even if you’re sailing closer to home, you still have plenty of good times ahead - Canada boasts more than 202,000 km of coastline, which is the longest in the world. World Nomads Plans offers travel insurance plans for domestic trips as long as you are traveling outside of your home province. But whenever you're surrounded by water, you should be prepared for the unexpected. Our travel insurance for sailing may help with everything from natural disasters (if your primary residence or destination rental property becomes uninhabitable or inaccessible due to a natural disaster), to unexpected emergency medical expenses.
Why should I consider travel insurance for my sailing trip?
From wet decks to choppy seas, unexpected issues can derail even the most carefully planned journey. Travel insurance designed for sailing may help you bounce back quickly with support for emergencies, delays, and disruptions. With coverage that is flexible to your needs, it’s a smart way to travel confidently – whether you're navigating the storied inlets of the French Riviera or the British Virgin Islands.
Sailing travel insurance: What may be covered?
As seafarers ourselves, we’ve designed travel insurance that covers sailing while travelling. We also offer coverage for more than 250 other sports, activities and experiences.
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Emergency Medical Expenses
For broken bones, cuts, and sprains after a slip on a wet deck -
24/7 Non-insurance Emergency Assistance
Available 24/7 to assist in an emergency situation, on or off the water -
Baggage & Gear Coverage
Damaged or stolen sailing gear, or luggage that is lost -
Trip Delays, Interruptions & Cancellations
A money-saver if inclement weather keeps you from setting sail.
Get a quote and compare the plans to see which level of coverage is right for you.
We cover 250 activities you love + more
- Scuba diving
- Mountain biking
- Surfing
- Bungee jumping
- Skiing
What level of travel insurance coverage do I need for my sailing trip?
World Nomads offers four plans for Canadian residents – the Standard, Explorer, Epic and Annual Multi-Trip – each with different levels of coverage.
- Standard Plan – Best suited for budget travellers. Includes up to $1,500,000 CAD in emergency medical expenses and $2,500 for trip cancellation and trip interruption. This is our most basic plan, but it packs a punch.
- Explorer Plan – For those trips you’ll be talking about for years to come! Provides enhanced benefit limits, like up to $10,000 CAD for trip cancellation and trip interruption. You can also choose to purchase additional ‘cancel for any reason coverage’ with this plan
- Epic Plan – Sailing trips can get expensive, and this plan offers the most coverage to protect it. The maximum benefits can be found in this plan, including protections against travel inconveniences and security evacuations.
- Annual Multi-Trip Plan – If you have multiple trips planned throughout the year – including just to different provinces – you may want to consider our Annual Multi-Trip plan. This plan provides cover for an unlimited number of trips of 14 days or less, within a 365-day period.
When you purchase your policy, you’ll need to list sailing, and all of the other activities that you plan to participate in while on your trip. Even if your main goal is to go sailing, you’ll probably be doing other fun things like snorkeling and swimming. That’s totally fine, because there’s over 250 other sports, activities and experiences that may be covered. 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.
Sailing in inland/coastal waters (within three nautical miles of shore) is considered a Level 1 activity and is automatically covered, but you’ll still need to list it when you purchase your policy. However, you will need to pay an additional premium to be covered for Level 2 activities like sailing outside coastal waters and Level 3 activities like swimming outside coastal waters. 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: World Nomads Travel Insurance can also cover your travels within Canada! Your Government Health Insurance Plan provides limited, if any, emergency medical coverage once you leave your province. Your travel insurance plan can protect your domestic travels, too, while outside your home province.
What may not be covered when sailing?
- Sailing under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Unattended baggage, sporting equipment or personal items
- Sailing or travelling within your home province
- Damage to your sailboat
- Sailing in a competition
- Sailing more than 60 miles (52 nautical miles) outside of a safe haven – a protected body of water used by marine craft for refuge from storms or heavy seas
Top safety tips we recommend for your sailing trip
- Research your tour operator: If you’re going on a sailing excursion, research the tour company’s credentials ahead of time.
- Take a boating safety class:If you’ll be the one at the helm, take the time to learn as much as you can before hitting the water. There are several boating safety courses that are accredited by the Canadian government.
- Check the weather: Before you leave, you’ll want to make sure there are no storms headed your way. Weather conditions can change rapidly, so continue to monitor the weather once you’ve hit the high seas.
- Put on a life jacket: Think less about your tan lines, and more about your safety. Rough water can happen at any time, and you won’t have time to grab that if you unexpectedly go overboard.
- Wear the right shoes: Look for boat shoes with good traction and a non-slip sole. If your shoes are also made from water resistant material, that’s even better.
- Keep a copy of your sailing travel insurance coverage in a dry bag: If an accident happens, you’ll want that handy – and dry. Make sure you have the phone number for the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team easily accessible, as well as your policy number. You may want to save that in your phone as well.
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for sailing. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask the customer service team.
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Is sailing covered under World Nomads Travel Insurance?
Yes, World Nomads offers travel insurance for sailing but make sure you list this as an activity you’ll be participating in when you purchase your policy. Sailing within inland/coastal waters (within three nautical miles of shore) is considered a Level 1 activity and is automatically covered, but you’ll still need to be listed when you purchase your policy. However, you will need to pay an additional premium to be covered for Level 2 and Level 3 activities like sailing and swimming outside of coastal waters. If you are doing something else on your trip and aren’t sure if it’s covered, we suggest you contact us to make sure.
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What types of incidents are covered while sailing abroad?
If your trip is delayed or interrupted due to an unforeseen, covered event, you may be able to recover your travel expenses (up to the policy limits), and this may include unused, pre-paid, non-refundable sailing tours that you paid for in advance. If you slip and fall on the deck and require medical assistance, emergency medical coverage may come in handy in the case of an unexpected injury. You may also be covered for unplanned situations such as lost bags or natural disasters (if your primary residence or destination rental property becomes uninhabitable or inaccessible).
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Can I get coverage after my trip starts?
Yes. If your trip has already started, World Nomads may be able to still offer you coverage. You may 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 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.
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Does World Nomads Travel Insurance offer coverage for sailing outside of Canada?
Yes, there are so many great places to sail around the world, and World Nomads doesn’t want to limit your fun. For example, if you have travel insurance for the Caribbean, you could have the opportunity to sail around several picturesque destinations like the Bahamas or Jamaica. When you get a quote for sailing travel insurance, you’ll need to input where you’ll be travelling and also list sailing as one of your activities.
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What should I do if I get hurt while sailing?
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 of Canada and your medical team doesn’t speak French or English. Make sure you keep all documentation including doctor reports, invoices, etc. You’ll need those things if you plan to make a claim.
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Does World Nomads Travel Insurance cover other activities during my trip?
Yes, when you purchase travel insurance for sailing, you may also be covered for more than 250 other sports, activities and experiences. Things like hiking, biking, rock climbing, and camping may all be covered. When you purchase your policy, you’ll need to list all of the other 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. ou to nearby medical facilities. They can also translate for you if you’re travelling outside of Canada and your medical team doesn’t speak French or English. Make sure you keep all documentation including doctor reports, invoices, etc. You’ll need those things if you plan to make a claim.
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Do I get my money back if I cancel a trip?
Trip cancellation coverage is offered by World Nomads, and you may be reimbursed for pre-paid, unused, non-refundable expenses like flights, sailing tours and accommodation 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. This optional coverage is available for an additional premium with our Explorer Plan and Epic Plan and can provide reimbursement for up to 50% (Maximum benefit limits apply) of your pre-paid, unused, non-refundable trip costs if you cancel your trip for a reason not otherwise covered under the policy, as long aa you cancel at least 48 hours prior to your departure date.
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What happens if my bags are delayed?
When you purchase sailing travel insurance, baggage coverage 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 the purchase of necessary personal effects like toiletries and a change of clothes until you and your bag are reunited.
Need destination inspiration for your next sailing trip?
Not sure where your next sailing adventure should take you? Check out some of our favorite places around the world to sail and get destination-specific travel insurance tips to help you plan with confidence.
Trinidad & Tobago Discoveries: Sailing the Caribbean
Kauai: 4 Adventures That Will Get You Off Your Beach Chair
This article is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical, legal, insurance, or travel advice and provides only a general summary of certain features that may be available under applicable travel insurance policies. Coverage is subject to the specific terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, and pre-existing condition provisions of the applicable insurance policy. In the event of any inconsistency between this article and the wording of any insurance policy, the policy wording shall govern and take precedence. It is important that you read and understand your policy before travelling. If you have questions about your coverage or are unsure how your policy applies to your circumstances, please contact us for clarification.Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation.
- Explorer Plan: $5,000
- Standard Plan: $2,500
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalized?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Insurance
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
- Explorer Plan: $10 million
- Standard Plan: $5 million
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation
We’ll get you to hospital or home quickly.
- Explorer Plan: $500,000
- Standard Plan: $500,000
Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medevac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Covers the theft, damage or delay of your bags, tech and sports gear.
- Explorer Plan: $3,000
- Standard Plan: $1,000
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Medical Expenses
- Emergency Dental for Injury or Sickness
- Bedside Companion Travel and Subsistence
- Emergency Professional Services
- Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation
- Return of Travel Companion/Dependent Children
- Return to Your Trip Destination
- Return of Remains
- Travel Accident
- Flight Accident
- Trip Cancellation
- Trip Interruption
- Trip Delay
- 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 Included
- LiveTravelTM Emergency Assistance
- Worldwide Travel Assistance
- Adventure Travel Hotline
- 24/7 Security
- Travel Medical Assistance
- Bag Trak
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.