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Travel Insurance for Surfing

Surf smart: Learn how travel insurance coverage for surfing can help when the unexpected hits, for Canadians

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At a glance:

  • Travel insurance for surfers may help cover emergency medical expenses, trip cancellations, and damaged surfboards—whether you're surfing in Costa Rica, Europe, or beyond.
  • Coverage may include emergency medical treatment due to surf-related injuries, like reef cuts, board collisions, and jellyfish stings.
  • 24/7 non-insurance emergency assistance is available if you run into trouble in or out of the water.
  • Choose from two travel insurance plans: Standard or Explorer, and add optional higher activity level coverage to customize your plan based on your trip style and level of adventure.
  • World Nomads plans also cover 250+ other adventure activities, from scuba diving and snorkeling to zip-lining and jungle trekking.

Whether you're catching waves in Bali, tackling reef breaks in Fiji, or just learning to surf on vacation, accidents can happen. Wipeouts, board collisions, reef cuts, or even jellyfish stings can quickly turn your dream surf trip into one you’d rather forget. That’s where travel insurance can step in — helping with emergency medical costs and other unexpected events.

Why should I consider travel insurance for my surf trip?

Chasing waves is thrilling, but even the best-planned trip can run into trouble. Wipeouts, sudden illness, or flight delays can disrupt your itinerary, while gear damage or theft can leave you stranded without a board. Travel insurance plans for surfers can help with the costs of medical care if you’re hurt, reimburse you for cancelled plans if you're too unwell to travel, and assist with lost or damaged equipment.

Whether you're paddling out in Europe or heading to remote islands in search of world-class waves, World Nomads offers plans that support your sense of adventure—backed by 24/7 emergency assistance and coverage for more than 250 sports and activities.

What’s covered by World Nomads Travel Insurance for surfers?

World Nomads Travel Insurance for Canadians may cover a range of problems you could face on and off the water. These include:

  1. Emergency Medical Expenses
    Broken bones or gashes from epic wipeouts

  2. 24/7 Emergency Assistance
    Your first call in any emergency situation

  3. Baggage & Gear Coverage
    Broken or damaged surfboards
    (if transported via a common carrier, like a commercial airline)

  4. Trip Cancellation
    Reimbursements if you’re too sick to go on your surf trip

Get a quote and compare the plans to see which level of coverage is right for you.

At World Nomads, we know your surf trip is about more than just riding waves. That’s why our travel insurance coverage for surfers includes protection for over 250 other adventure sports and experiences – from jungle hikes and scuba dives to zip-lining and snorkeling. Whether you’re chasing swells or exploring off the beach, we offer two travel insurance plans with different levels of activity coverage to suit your trip style, budget, and adventure level. Check out our (lengthy) activity list and ensure you pick the plan and activity level that covers everything you plan to do.

*All coverage is subject to plan terms and conditions. Be sure you read and understand your plan documents. Any questions, just ask!

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.

What level of travel insurance coverage do I need for my surf trip?

  • Standard Plan – Best suited for backpackers, budget travelers and families. Includes up to $5,000,000 CAD in emergency medical expenses and $2500 for trip cancellation. 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 $500 CAD for baggage delays.

You can compare plans and coverage limits when you get a quote.

Nomads tip: World Nomads Travel Insurance can also cover your travels within Canada! Your Government Health Plan is limited once you leave your province. Your travel insurance plan can protect your domestic travels, too.

Get a surf 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
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What’s not covered by the travel insurance plan I buy for surfing internationally?

Sorry – we won’t cover you if you do something careless or out of control (like tackle big-wave off-shore surfing when you’re only a beginner). For example, some things we may not cover include:

  • Surfing under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Reckless behavior or failure to follow safety advice
  • Search-and-rescue costs.
  • Any damage related to the wear and tear of sports equipment.
  • Unattended baggage, sporting equipment or personal items.
  • Travel within your home province.

Top safety tips for your surfing adventure

  • Always check local conditions and surf reports
  • Wear reef booties and rash guards for protection
  • Know your limits — and don’t surf alone
  • Use a leash and inspect your gear before hitting the waves
  • Respect local surf etiquette
  • Save the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Line on your phone and print out a copy of your travel insurance documents. If you need help in a pinch, you don’t want to be searching for who to call.
  • Keep your receipts and paperwork. Any claim you make will need supporting documentation such as receipts of your purchases and a loss or theft report. Keep these with you in printed or digital form if you need to make a claim. 

FAQ

Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for surfing. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team

  • What does travel insurance for surfing cover?
    Travel insurance plans for surfing may help cover emergency medical expenses, trip cancellations, damaged or stolen surf gear, and 24/7 emergency assistance. World Nomads offers plans designed for adventure travellers, including surfers chasing waves internationally.
  • Are surf competitions or professional surfing covered?
    No, most travel insurance plans do not cover surfing during competitions or if you’re a professional surfer receiving compensation. Always review your plan details to understand any exclusions related to professional sports.
  • What plan should I choose for a surf trip abroad?

    World Nomads offers two travel insurance plans: Standard and Explorer, and you have the option to choose additional activity coverage for each. Additional activity coverage may be necessary if you plan to take your adventure up a notch. If you get a quote, you can compare coverages; you will be prompted to list out all your activities. It is then you can see what the additional activity coverage will cost.

  • What’s not covered by surfing travel insurance?
    Travel insurance may not cover injuries that occur while surfing under the influence of drugs or alcohol, participating in pro competitions, or damage from regular wear and tear. It also won’t cover unattended baggage or travel within your home province.

Need destination inspiration?

Already picked your surf spot? Nice. But if you’re dreaming about your next wave—or just want to daydream between sessions—check out some of our surf stories for inspiration. You might just discover your next favorite break.

Surfing in Europe: 6 unexpected spots to explore

Where to find the best surfing on Mexico’s West Coast

Surf town hopping in Costa Rica

This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms and conditions of the policy. It is important you read and understand your policy as it contains benefits, conditions, exclusions and pre-existing condition exclusions. If you do not understand your coverage, or if you have questions about your coverage, just ask us.

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
This is a general summary for Canadian residents only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the travel insurance plans described. Coverage may not be available for residents of all provinces. Check the Travel Insurance Policy for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical or dental assistance or advice, emergency evacuation or travel assistance, our team are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

Telephone +1 866 878 0192 (toll-free from Canada and the Continental U.S.) or +1 416 646 3723 (collect from anywhere else in the world)

Contact the team