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Travel Insurance for Rock Climbing

Be prepared for your next rock climb with flexible travel insurance coverage.

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Climbing the walls may be a popular global colloquialism, but for Irish travellers the phrase is often exactly as it sounds. Whether eyeing off a challenging indoor facility or preparing to descend Morocco's Todra Gorge, research is imperative. Make sure you get a handle on the conditions, pack a map and some courage. Oh, and don't forget insurance, as fun as climbing is, it can be risky.

What's covered?

Whether harnessing a new skill or climbing like a boss, World Nomads has cover (up to the policy limits) for the following:

  • Trip cancellation cover: if there’s a death in the family, you're called up for jury duty or Ireland's Travel Advisory issues a warning against; All or all but essential travel after you’ve been issued your Certificate of Insurance (Explorer plan only) and up to 7 days before the certified departure of your trip. 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 activities, sports, and experiences. While hiking and swimming are considered less dangerous, rock climbing requires 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 policy only) right up until your policy expires at 11:59pm IST/GMT 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. Conditions, 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.

Why do I need to consider travel insurance when rock climbing?

We all know that Irish 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.

Travel insurance can 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 Ireland 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.

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 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 Ireland, you first need to contact your Private Medical Insurance (PMI) provider (if applicable) and follow their emergency medical procedures and claims procedures. Where your PMI provider cannot provide assistance, 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.
  • Make sure that you’ve selected the right travel insurance plan for your specific needs. Get a quote online anytime, anywhere.

Choose a plan to suit your specific 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, which is Level 1), consider our higher level of cover (Explorer) for an additional premium.

Our Standard Plan includes a range of benefits including overseas medical, baggage cover, trip cancellation and certain adventure activities, while the Explorer Plan has all the benefits of the Standard Plan and a few extras, but it’s more expensive. Choose the right cover for you and do note that once cover is purchased for your activities it can’t be changed.

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 the Irish 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 recklessly, maliciously or illegally and injure yourself or others in the process.
  • Expenses you incur after you return to your home in Ireland.

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

  • Never travel without insurance. This was the first time I ever purchased travel insurance and I am so glad I did. A few days into my trip to Spain I twisted my foot heading down to the metro. Thanks to World Nomads I was able to get medical attention in Spain and since, as luck would have it, I had a fracture that required surgery, they got me a flight home the next day. Filing a claim was surprisingly easy and when the claim was finally processed, I was reimbursed for all of my expenses including things like the extra week in the hotel I didn't get to take advantage of.
    L.D.
    U.S. resident in Spain
  • I recently had a serious injury traveling on my own & the team was amazing. Being confused with a brain injury they took care of everything. Claiming was no problem, they were on the phone constantly to see if all was OK. I can't recommend them enough. Absolutely fantastic & l will always travel with World Nomads Insurance. Thanks guys for getting me home safely.
    A.B.
    Australian in Thailand
  • I was bitten by a monkey at the Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur. I went to a nearby clinic and they gave me a rabies shot, antibiotics to take for 4 days, pain medicine, and anti-inflammatory medicine.
    T.R.
    Canadian in Malaysia

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Been working hard for your trip?

We'll work hard to protect it.

Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalised?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Been made redundant?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Expenses

Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need meds quick?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transportation

Know where the nearest suitable medical facility is?

Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.

Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • Medivac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

Protect your gear
  • Luggage lost?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Tech trashed?

Help starts here.

  • Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
  • Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
  • Trip Disruption
  • 24-Hour Medical Assistance Services
  • Baggage
  • And more (depending on your country of residence)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance

Whether you need medical assistance or emergency medical evacuation, our teams 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 Medical Assistance right now?

For policies purchased on or after 27 June 2024:
Phone: +353 4 69 017 022

For policies purchased before 27 June 2024:
+353 (0) 90 640 6460