Photo © Getty Images / Thomas Barwick

Travel Insurance for Pickleball

If you’re incorporating pickleball into your travel plans, learn how travel insurance can help in case the unexpected strikes.

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

Millions of people have fallen in love with the unique combination of tennis, badminton, and ping pong known as pickleball.

As one of the fastest growing sports in the world, more hotels are building pickleball courts to give experienced and new picklers a chance to get in on the action while they are traveling.

While serious injuries are rare in pickleball, even the best of us have lost our balance and taken a tumble when going for an overhead slam.

If pickleball is on your list of activities for your next trip, you may want to consider a travel insurance plan with adventure sports cover, as that could help protect you on and off the court when you are traveling.

Should I consider travel insurance for pickleball? 

Falls are one of the most common pickleball related injuries.  You can be proactive and take steps ahead of time to work on your balance, but as you are twisting, turning, and moving across the court, there’s always a possibility of accidents.

travel insurance plan from World Nomads could assist with things like x-rays, medication, a hospital stay, or other emergency medical needs that you may have.

People playing pickleball
Don't forget picking the right paddle is very important. Photo credit: Getty Images/FatCamera

Does travel insurance cover other adventure sports I might participate in during my trip?

If you are looking to explore even more sports and adventures during your travels, you will want to compare the cover in both the Standard and Explorer plans that are offered by World Nomads.

You can select your country of residence and  get a quote to learn more about activities that are covered. Depending on your country of residence, you may need to add activities to your policy when you purchase it. 

If you aren’t sure if something is covered, contact our customer service team and they can help explain what each policy includes.

What else is covered by travel insurance?

Aside from emergency medical cover, travel insurance may help with several other aspects of your trip.  Depending on your country of residence, World Nomads may also offer cover for:

  • Baggage protection: If the airline lost the bag that held your favorite paddle, baggage protection may help replace it if it is lost by a common carrier.
  • Trip Cancellation or Interruption: If something unexpected happens like an illness or injury, and you need to cancel or interrupt your trip, you may be able to recover your unused, prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses.
  • Evacuation: If you get injured playing pickleball in a place where there aren't nearby medical facilities, our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team could help get you transported to a place that offers the level of care you need.

What are some things travel insurance would not cover?

  • Damage that happens to your pickleball equipment while you are using it.
  • Injuries that happen if you are competing in a professional pickleball competition.
  • Injuries that happen if you are playing pickleball under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • Pre-existing medical conditions.
  • Participation in other activities not listed as covered in your policy. 
An aerial shot of people playing pickleball
Photo credit: Getty Images/halbergman

Tips for playing pickleball

From our own time on the court, we’ve learned that many injuries can often be avoided.  Here are a few tips we have learned from our own experiences as picklers. 

  • Drink plenty of water. This can help prevent dizziness, nausea, and cramps that could cause an injury.  
  • Wear the right shoes. Shoes designed for court sports are best.  The soles are really important since you are moving from side to side and shifting your weight.  Try to find a shoe that has good stability on both the inside and outside of your foot.
  • Wear eye protection. The ball is lightweight, but it can travel at high speeds.  You don’t want it flying toward your unprotected eyes. 
  • Pick the right paddle. Higher quality paddles are made to absorb some of the impact better, and could help you avoid elbow and shoulder injuries. You will also want to make sure the one you choose isn’t too heavy for you.
  • Warm up. Even a brisk 5 minute walk around the court helps get your heart pumping before you play. 
  • Make sure to stretch before and after you play pickleball.  Focus on your ankles, legs, groin, lower back, shoulders, and arms.
  • Don’t play on wet courts. Even though the court’s surface is typically gritty to provide extra traction, it can become slick when wet.
  • Wear sunscreen when playing outside. Look for one that has an SPF of 30 or higher, and reapply it every two hours. 
  • Check with your doctor. You know your body best. If you have physical conditions that you have concerns about, always talk to your doctor first about any exercise limitations that you may have.  

This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. You should read your policy wording in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. That way there won’t be any surprises if you need to use it. If you have any questions, please get in touch.


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 hospital 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 Cancellation or Interruption
  • 24-Hour 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 assistance

Whether you need medical assistance or emergency 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 assistance right now?

Contact the team