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Travel insurance when rock climbing

Check out World Nomads travel insurance plans when rock climbing. Be adequately covered if injuries or extreme weather issues strike.

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Travel insurance when rock climbing

When looking for a mix of thrills, adventure and breath-taking natural landscapes, rock climbing delivers on all three. With so many top rock climbing destinations globally such as the Dolomites in Italy, Kalymnos in Greece, and Yosemite National Park in the USA, adrenaline junkies don’t have to look far.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber you may want to consider travel insurance as rock climbing can test your physical and mental abilities.

Insurance is essential if you are injured, severe weather derails your trip, or your equipment is lost or damaged.

What's covered when rock climbing?

World Nomads covers most rock climbing activities whether it is an indoor rock climbing day with friends or a week away at Yosemite National Park. However, we will not be able to cover you for rock climbing over 6,000 metres (19,685 feet) or if you plan on free soloing.

Depending on your Country of Residence and whether you’ve selected the Standard or Explorer plan, we may offer coverage for rock climbing for the following:

  • Rock climbing (indoor)
  • Rock climbing (bouldering)
  • Rock climbing outdoor under 6,000m (19,685 feet)- multi-pitch climbing / sport climbing / bolted / aid climbing / traditional climbing / top or bottom rope climbing.

Residents of some countries may require an upgrade to include certain rock climbing activities and at certain altitudes.

Cover for more than 150 adventure and sports activities on both World Nomads plans

While there are many activities available on the Standard Plan, those feeling adventurous can upgrade to the Explorer Plan, which offers higher benefits and cover for a broader range of activities and sports.

Travel insurance tip: to have cover for an adventure sport or activity, you may need to add it to your policy or select a plan with more benefits/coverage when you buy and pay the extra premium, depending on your Country of Residence. Remember, you can’t upgrade your coverage after you buy, so it’s important to get this right on the first go.

What am I covered for?

Travel insurance is designed for many reasons, for example if extreme weather derails your rock climbing trip, However, there are specific reasons why it’s important for a rock climbing trip. World Nomads offers coverage (up to the policy limits) for:

  • Baggage protection: had your ropes or rappelling gear stolen while rock climbing? Our gear coverage may help to replace belongings that were swiped.
  • Emergency medical: rock climbing and fresh air can be great for the body and soul but not if it ends up in a bad fall. Emergency medical coverage will help in the case of an accident or when you need urgent medical treatment for an injury. Get to a doctor for treatment and medication and you can submit a claim to recover the costs (up to your benefit limit).
  • Evacuation: your next rock climbing adventure may be far away from medical facilities. With our cover, you can get transported to the medical facility best for your care, subject to approval from us. Please note that remote travel is not covered.
  • Trip cancellation: has a sick or injured traveling companion put a stop to your rock climbing adventure? Depending on your plan, you may be able to recover your travel expenses.
  • Coverage for some Coronavirus (COVID-19)-related events: depending on your Country of Residence and the plan you’ve selected you may be covered for some Coronavirus-related events. To find out more, read our What’s Covered for Coronavirus article.

What's not covered?

Some things we may not cover include:

  • Training for and/or participating in an activity at a professional level.
  • Competing at an international event as a national representative.
  • Going against local authority warnings by entering closed or restricted areas or places or putting yourself in an unsafe or dangerous situation.
  • If you don’t follow your doctor’s instructions or what we or the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team advise you to do.
  • Any remote search or rescue operations to remove you from a life-threatening situation (unless covered by natural catastrophe).
  • Unattended baggage or personal items.

Key insurance tips for your rock climbing trip

  • Got your paperwork?: you’ll need the right visas and permits wherever you go to climb – insurance doesn’t cover you for not doing your paperwork.
  • Know where to go… and where not to: check you can camp / climb or just generally be wherever that ‘hot’ climbing spot is. You don’t want to find yourself spending dinner in the local police station instead of the local bar… and insurance doesn’t cover you for illegal acts,
  • Proof of purchase: yep, any claim you make will need supporting documentation such as receipts of your purchases.
  • It pays to be prepared: check the weather, check your equipment, and check the credentials of your climbing instructor (if it’s a group climb) – if any seem unreliable then reconsider if it’s a smart move to go.
  • Don’t get in over your head: be responsible when choosing a rock climbing destination or activity. Does it suit your experience level? Are you using an accredited tour operator?
  • Keep an eye on your gear: don’t leave your expensive rock climbing gear or any other baggage unattended -those 'I spaced out” moments might not qualify for coverage.
  • Be responsible: Choose a tour operator that promotes responsible tourism, works as part of the local community, as well as actively helps to conserve the environment.

This is not a full list of what’s covered and what’s not; please check your policy for a full list of terms, conditions, limitations & 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 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