Photo © Getty Images / Thomas Barwick

Travel Insurance Coverage for Pickleball Trips

Traveling to play pickleball? US Residents, make sure you’re covered before your next match.

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

At a glance:

  • All World Nomads plans cover losses from playing pickleball, with some plans that offer higher limits of coverage.
  • Emergency Medical Expense Coverage may assist with medical costs and transport if you're seriously hurt while playing pickleball.
  • Baggage and Personal Effects protection helps cover lost, stolen, or damaged pickleball gear and luggage.
  • An optional Cancel for Any Reason upgrade is available on some plans (Additional cost and terms apply. Not available in New York.)

As one of the fastest growing sports in the world, more resorts are building pickleball courts to give experienced and new picklers a chance to get in on the action while they’re traveling. When you’re participating in any sport, it helps to always be prepared for the unexpected. If you’re planning to play pickleball while traveling, you may want to protect yourself with a travel protection plan that includes a range of travel insurance benefits and non-insurance services to help with everything from stolen pickleball gear to unexpected medical expenses.

Why should I consider travel insurance for my pickleball trip?

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. An unexpected injury can mess up even the most carefully planned trip, but travel insurance designed with pickleball in mind may help you bounce back quickly with support for emergencies, delays, and disruptions. With coverage that is flexible to your needs, it’s a way to play pickleball with confidence.

Travel insurance and non-insurance services for pickleball trips: What may be covered?

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. Since unexpected situations can happen, we’ve designed coverage for losses resulting from playing pickleball while traveling. We also offer coverage for losses related to more than 250+ other sports, activities and experiences.

  1. Emergency Medical Expenses
    For injuries resulting from falls when playing pickleball

  2. 24/7 Non-Insurance Emergency Assistance
    Available 24/7 to assist in an emergency situation

  3. Baggage & Gear Coverage
    Damaged or stolen pickleball gear or luggage that is lost

  4. Trip Delays, Interruptions & Cancellations
    A money-saver if inclement weather keeps you from traveling

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

Terms, conditions, and limitations apply to all mentioned coverages.

All plans include travel insurance coverage for playing pickleball, as well as several additional non-insurance services that may support you both before and during your trip. These include delayed or lost baggage tracking and delivery, portable health records and pre-departure telehealth services.

What level of travel insurance coverage may I need for my pickleball trip?

World Nomads offers four plans for U.S. residents – Standard, Explorer, Epic and Annual – each with different levels of coverage. In addition to playing pickleball, you may want to do other fun things when traveling too, like rock climbing or zip lining. That’s totally fine, because you may be covered for losses resulting from 250+ other sports, activities and experiences when you purchase a travel protection plan that includes pickleball travel insurance coverage and non-insurance services.

  • Standard Plan – This is the most basic plan, but includes travel insurance coverage for incidents while playing pickleball. It includes up to $125,000 in emergency medical expenses and up to $2,500 for trip cancellation.
  • Explorer Plan – This plan also includes pickleball, plus even more activities – including skydiving. It also has higher limits of coverage for most benefits.
  • Epic Plan – This plan covers everything the Explorer plan covers, plus even more activities – including free soloing and cliff diving. It also has the highest benefit limits of coverage.
  • Annual Plan – If you’re planning multiple trips throughout the year, this plan may be for you. Just purchase once and stay protected all year. It includes travel insurance coverage for pickleball, as well as all of the other activities covered in the Standard Plan.

NOMADS TIP: For even more trip cancellation flexibility, check out the optional ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ benefit. It can be added to Explorer and Epic plans. Available at an additional cost for U.S. residents, except in New York.

Get a 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
A smiling man playing pickleball

What may not be covered when playing pickleball?

If you decide to go to happy hour and have a few drinks before playing pickleball – and then get hurt – you won’t be covered. Your travel insurance coverage for pickleball trips won’t cover you if you’re injured when you’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Some other exclusions include:

Some other things that aren’t covered include:

  • Unattended baggage, pickleball gear or personal items
  • Damage that happens to your pickleball equipment while you are using it
  • Professional sports – If you are receiving a salary or compensation in exchange for participation, you will not be covered. (This does not include athletes participating in exchange for a scholarship or tuition.)
  • Participation in activities not listed in our 250+ sports and activities and experiences
  • Traveling or playing pickleball within 100 miles of your home
  • Pre-existing Conditions. However, you could be eligible for the Pre-Existing Medical Condition Exclusion Waiver if you purchased the Epic or Explorer plan during the time-sensitive period. Additional terms apply.

Tips for Playing Pickleball Safely

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.

  • 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 will more effectively absorb some of the impact and could help you avoid elbow and shoulder injuries. Make sure you choose one that 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, focusing 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. You can also take advantage of the pre-departure medical consultation included in your non-insurance services and see if there are any vaccinations or prescription medications, like altitude sickness pills, recommended for your destination. Depending on the medication, you may need to start it prior to your trip. 

FAQ

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

  • What should I do if I get hurt while playing pickleball?

    If you get hurt while playing pickleball, contact local authorities as soon as you’re able to do so for immediate attention. World Nomads Travel Insurance may help cover the cost of medical treatment, hospital stays, or even emergency medical evacuation if needed (subject to approval.) Access to a 24/7 Non-Insurance Emergency Assistance team is also included for support anytime, anywhere when you purchase a travel protection plan that includes travel insurance coverage for pickleball trips.

  • Do I get my money back if I cancel a trip?

    Trip cancellation coverage is offered by all plans offered by World Nomads, and you may be reimbursed for pre-paid, unused, non-refundable expenses like flights, tours and accommodations if your trip is cancelled for a covered reason. U.S. residents (except those that live in New York) also have the ability to add additional cancel for any reason coverage when certain World Nomads plans are purchased.

  • What happens if my bags are delayed?
    When you purchase travel insurance coverage for pickleball trips, baggage coverage is also included. If your checked-in bags are delayed more than 12 consecutive hours on the way to your destination, your plan may reimburse you for reasonable essential items like toiletries and a change of clothes until you and your bag are reunited. Your coverage also includes non-insurance service that can help track down your bag and get it delivered to you.

Need destination inspiration for your next trip?

Are you tired of playing pickleball at your same old neighborhood courts and ready to see something new? There are some pretty cool places around the world where you can play pickleball, and here are a few of our suggestions.

Asia: Check out a pickleball court surrounded by nature on Sumba Island in Indonesia

France: Go Dinking in the Vines and play on pickleball courts in the middle of a vineyard

United States: Play pickleball by the ocean in Hawaii

20251106-4960419. This is not a full list of what is and isn’t covered, so please check your plan document for a full list of maximums, terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions that may apply to your state specific plan. Any example scenarios provided above are not a guarantee of coverage. All claims are subject to review, require documentation and are considered individually. Exclusion applies to Adventure or Extreme Activities.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Protection

Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation.

  • Standard Plan: $2,500
  • Explorer Plan: $10,000
  • Epic Plan: $15,000
  • Annual Plan: $5,000
Trip Protection
  • Work emergency?
  • Weather delay?
  • Travel companion sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Insurance

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

  • Standard Plan: $125,000
  • Explorer Plan: $150,000
  • Epic Plan: $250,000
  • Annual Plan: $100,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?
  • Need a hospital?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Evacuation

We'll provide assistance to get you to the hospital or home quickly.

  • Standard Plan: $400,000
  • Explorer Plan: $500,000
  • Epic Plan: $700,000
  • Annual Plan: $100,000
Emergency Evacuation
  • Ambulance transfers
  • Medevac flights
  • Medical escort services

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Covers the loss, theft or damage of your bags, tech and gear.

  • Standard Plan: $1,000
  • Explorer Plan: $2,000
  • Epic Plan: $3,000
  • Annual Plan: $2,000
Protect your gear
  • Stolen I.D.s
  • Checked-in sports equipment
  • Damaged luggage

Help starts here.

The amounts listed represent the maximum benefit amount.

Protect your health

  • 24/7 Emergency Assistance Help Line
  • Emergency Medical & Dental Expenses
  • Emergency Evacuations
  • Bedside Companion Travel
  • Emergency Medications

Protect Your Trip

  • Trip Cancellation
  • Optional Cancel for Any Reason (Explorer or Epic)
  • Trip Delay & Trip Interruption
  • Missed Connection (Explorer or Epic)
  • Rental Car Damage (Explorer, Epic or Annual)

Protect Your Stuff

  • Baggage Delay
  • Passport and Visa Loss
  • Lost or Stolen Bags
  • Personal Tech, Equipment & Gear
  • Baggage Return After Evacuation

Non-Insurance Services

  • Medical & Non-Medical 24/7 Emergency Assistance Line
  • Translators Available
  • Pre-Departure Telehealth Services
  • Portable Health Records
  • Delayed or Lost Baggage Tracking and Delivery
This is a general summary for US residents only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Benefits limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Check the plan documents for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

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

Wherever you are, we’re here 24/7 to help you in any emergency.

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

Contact 24/7 Emergency Assistance:
Telephone: +1 954-334-8143 (Collect outside the US)
+1 877-289-0968 (Toll-free in the US and Canada

Contact the team