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Travel Insurance for Races and Sporting Events

How World Nomads protects traveling to athletic challenges.

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For information relating to policies purchased prior to October 23 2024, please check the Policy Wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For plans purchased after October 23 2024, please see below.  

Not only are races and sporting events fun to participate in, but when you travel to join them in other countries, you also get to soak in the local culture and experiences. Running a marathon in Paris, France? Why not also enjoy some croissants, museums, shopping, and Bordeaux wine while you’re at it? 

Why you may want to consider travel insurance for your race or sporting event 

If you are going to travel for a sporting competition – such as Tough Mudder, Ironman, marathons, amateur soccer/football championships, or other organized sporting events – you may want to be covered with travel insurance* so you can focus on the fun instead of worrying about what might go wrong. 

Depending on the World Nomads plan you chose, trip delay coverage, car rental damage protection, optional cancel for any reason benefits, and even pet kenneling if your return trip is delayed, may all be available to you. And if inclement weather causes an event that you or your traveling companion are participating in to be rescheduled, our trip interruption may reimburse you up to $15,000 for those unused, forfeited, prepaid non-refundable payments. 

Reach out to us to get a quote and read on to learn what you need to know about travel insurance for racing and sporting events. 

What is covered for racing and sporting events: 

As sport and adventure enthusiasts ourselves, we understand the thrill of taking ourselves to the edges of the world and pushing ourselves to the limit. And to accommodate the races, marathons, and sporting events that we love so much, we now offer travel insurance coverage for them. 

Trip cancellation 

Say your health takes a turn for the worse and a physician advises you not to travel; 50% of the trails or slopes at your race destination are closed for covered reasons; or an unexpected hurricane renders your accommodation totally unusable; you may be able to recoup your pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses... handy when you’re ready to re-book the adventure in the future. 

Emergency medical 

Even if you’re in tip top shape and you’ve been training for the sporting event all year, you could still find yourself with a medical emergency. Slip while climbing up a muddy wall? Twist your ankle while running a marathon? Bust your nose when a soccer ball smashed into your face? Our coverage may help reimburse expenses from the services of a physician, ambulance rides, x-rays and more in the case of an accident or injury. World Nomads plan holders also have access to the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team... which you’ll especially appreciate if you need to translate your medical needs to your non-English-speaking doctor. 

Evacuation 

Is your event taking place in some far-flung destination of the globe? Well, then if you’re seriously injured, you may require medical evacuation. Subject to approval of the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team, you may be transported by air ambulance to get treatment at an appropriate medical facility or even back home, if medically necessary. An emergency evacuation must be ordered by a physician who certifies that the severity of your accidental injury or sickness warrants your emergency evacuation. 

Baggage protection 

Maybe your backpack slipped off the dock before the event began, or a thief stole your running shoes. Our gear coverage can help replace your stuff, up to its actual cash value at the time of the loss. You may also be covered for baggage delays of at least 12 consecutive hours on route to your destination.  

250+ adventure activities covered: 

We get that even if your primary adventure is for a particular race or sporting event, you may also want to get in on other types of fun during your trip as well. Well, World Nomads also covers over 250 other sports, activities and experiences you might want to engage in during your vacation. A small sampling of covered activities includes: 

  • Surfing 
  • Scuba diving 
  • Snorkeling 
  • Biking (mountain, motor, trail, cross-country, touring) 
  • Water skiing 
  • Acrobatics 
  • Backpacking 
  • Hiking 
  • Canyoning 
  • Kayaking 
  • Rock climbing 
  • Safaris 
  • Sailing 
  • Horse riding 
  • Rugby 
  • Spear fishing 

The coverage – and the maximum benefit limits – of your specific activity depends on which plan you buy. Our article on covered sports and activities should help you decide on whether to buy a Standard, Explorer, Epic or Annual plan, as they have different levels of coverage. You can’t upgrade your coverage after you purchase a plan, so it’s important to get this right on the first go.  

What is not covered for races and sporting events: 

Though our plans are pretty comprehensive, there are some things that we won’t cover.  Some things we may not cover include:  

  • 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.) 
  • Expenses that can be recovered from another source, such as your carrier or primary health insurer. 
  • If you participate while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 
  • Any damage related to the wear and tear of sports equipment. 
  • Any activities that aren’t on our adventure sports coverage list for the plan you purchased. 
  • Search-and-rescue missions.  
  • If you travel against medical advice.  
  • Any medical bills related to a pre-existing condition, unless you purchased the Epic or Explorer plan during the time-sensitive period were medically able to travel at the time of purchase. 
  • Unattended baggage, sporting equipment or personal items.  
  • If traveling domestically, travel within 100 miles from your home.  

Travel tips for races and sporting events: 

When it comes to any sport, safety should always come first. Your health ─ and your travel insurance coverage ─ depends on your responsible behavior. Follow these tips to stay alert and aware (and to ensure that you won’t invalidate your travel insurance). 

  • Arrive early. Don’t book your flight to arrive two hours before the event starts. And if the event will take place in a high-altitude destination, be sure to arrive a few days early to acclimate. 
  • Carry on important items. If you’re relying on a certain pair of running shoes or a specific piece of gear to get you through the event, pack it in your carry-on bag to avoid the risk of an airline losing a hard-to-replace item. 
  • Don’t go in over your head. It’s not a good idea to sign up for a half-marathon if you just started training last month. And if you live in a cold climate, it’s also probably not a great idea to sign up for a sporting event in a tropical country if you’re not used to the weather. 
  • Follow the rules. Stay on the course and follow all the rules imposed by event organizers.
  • No pro sports or athletic competitions. We envy you if you’re being paid to compete in sporting events, but unfortunately, professional sporting activities aren’t covered by travel insurance. 
  • Keep an eye on your equipment. Don’t leave your carbon fiber racing bike unattended after the race or declare your smart watch stolen when you forgot it on the airplane. Those “I spaced out” moments don’t qualify for coverage. 

Are you traveling often? Lucky you! You can buy always more travel insurance when abroad (waiting periods may apply) even if you don’t have a return ticket. World Nomads plans offer coverage for up to 180 days at a time with the Standard, Explorer, and Epic plans.  And if you plan to take numerous trips during the year, then the Annual Multi-Trip plan could be best for you with a maximum individual trip length of 45 days. 

Get a quote 24/7   

With World Nomads, you can buy travel insurance before you go or when you're already traveling, anytime, anywhere, 24-hours a day. Fill out a quick form and get an instant quote.    

*All information we provided here is a brief summary. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, and termination provisions of the plans described. Please carefully read your state specific plan documents for a full description of coverage. Travel insurance is included as part of your travel protection plan which contains both insurance benefits and non-insurance assistance services. Material included on this page does not represent, nor is it specific to, United States Fire Insurance Company or travel insurance benefits provided on United States Fire Insurance Company’s travel protection plans. 

Baggage Delay in a Delhi Winter.

I arrived in Delhi from Rome. Baggage claim help desk informed me that my bag had been delayed in transit. I was without my bag for almost a week before it was finally delivered to me. It was cold in Delhi (being winter, December) and my warm jacket was in my bag, requiring that I purchase a jacket and other items of warm clothing that I had not taken in my carry-on.
Claim paid: USD $51.74
S.N. U.S Nomad in India.

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
  • 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.

  • Standard Plan: $125,500
  • Explorer Plan: $150,000
  • Epic Plan: $250,000
  • Annual Plan: $100,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need meds quick?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

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
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • Medevac home?

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
  • Passport or tech stolen?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Bags delayed?

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
  • Runway Health
  • FootprintID
  • Blue Ribbon Bags
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 Generali Global Assistance:
Telephone: +1 954-334-8143 (Collect outside the US)
+1 877-289-0968 (Toll-free in the US and Canada

Contact the team