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Travel Insurance Coverage for Races & Sporting Events

How World Nomads protects US Residents traveling to athletic challenges.

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At a glance:

  • All World Nomads plans could cover losses resulting from amateur races and sporting events, with higher-tier plans that may cover activities such as Tough Mudder, triathlons, and motor racing.
  • Emergency Medical Expense Coverage may assist with medical costs and transport if you're seriously hurt while participating in a race or sporting event.
  • Baggage and Personal Effects protection helps cover lost, stolen, or damaged sporting 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 sport and adventure enthusiasts ourselves, we understand the thrill of taking ourselves to the edges of the world and pushing ourselves to the limit, but when you’re participating in any sport, it helps to always be prepared for the unexpected. You may want to protect yourself with a travel protection plan that includes a range of travel insurance benefits and non-insurance services that may help with everything from stolen sports gear to unexpected medical expenses.

Why should I consider travel insurance for my racing or sporting event trip?

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 an unexpected medical emergency. What happens if you slip while climbing up a muddy wall, twist your ankle while running a marathon, or bust your nose when a soccer ball smashes into your face? An unexpected injury can mess up even the most carefully planned trip, but a travel protection plan designed for trips centered around racing and sporting events 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 travel confidently when you’re participating in races and sporting events that are more than 100 miles away from your home.

Travel insurance and non-insurance services for racing and sporting event trips: What may be covered?

Sometimes things are just out of your control – like an unexpected hurricane that puts a halt to that trip you had planned for a big race. Since unexpected situations can happen, we’ve designed coverage for losses resulting from participation in races and sporting events while traveling. We also offer coverage for losses related to more than 250+ other sports, activities and experiences.

  1. Emergency Medical Expenses
    For injuries when participating in races and sporting events while traveling

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

  3. Baggage & Gear Coverage
    Damaged or stolen sports 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 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 do I need for a trip where I participate in a race or sporting event?

World Nomads offers four plans for U.S. residents – Standard, Explorer, Epic and Annual – each with different levels of coverage. Maybe you’re traveling to Japan to run in the Tokyo Marathon, but while you’re there, you want to go hiking and biking too. That’s totally fine, because you may be covered for more than 250+ other sports, activities and experiences when you purchase a travel protection plan.

  • Standard Plan – This is the most basic plan, but includes travel insurance coverage for incidents while participating in a sporting event or a race that’s less than ultra distance. It includes up to $125,000 in emergency medical expenses and up to $2,500 for trip cancellation.
  • Explorer Plan – This plan also includes races that are more than ultra distance, plus even more activities – including Tough Mudder and triathlons. 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 motor racing. 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 buy once and stay protected all year. It includes travel insurance coverage for sporting events and races that are less than ultra distance, 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.

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A soccer team warming up

What may not be covered when participating in your race or sporting event trip?

What happens to your bike if you get a flat tire while riding in a cycling race, and then get in an accident? Your travel protection plan may help you get the care you need if you’re injured, but it won’t cover the cost to fix or replace your bike if it is damaged while you’re using it. Travel insurance also won’t cover normal wear and tear to your sporting equipment. Some other exclusions:

  • Unattended baggage, sporting equipment, or personal items
  • Injuries that happen while you’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • 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, activities and experiences
  • Traveling or participating in races or sporting events 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 Traveling for Races and Sporting Events

No matter if you’re competing or just having some fun, safety should always come first when participating in any sport. If you’re traveling for a specific sporting event or race, there are even more things to plan ahead for. Here are a few of our tips to help your trip go seamlessly when traveling for a race or sporting event.

  • 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 help 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. 
  • No pro sports or athletic competitions. We envy you if you’re being paid to compete in sporting events but take note: professional sporting activities may not be covered by your travel protection plan.
  • Keep an eye on your equipment. Don’t leave your carbon fiber racing bike unattended after the race or forget your smart watch on the airplane. Those “I spaced out” moments may not qualify for coverage.
  • Arrive early. We don’t recommend booking 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.
  • 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 physical 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. (costs may apply)

FAQ

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

  • 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 races and sporting events, 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 necessary personal 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?

Competitive nomads will find great sporting events to participate in here in the United States, such as the Boston Marathon. As long as you’re traveling more than 100 miles away from your home, you can get a travel protection plan that includes races and sports travel insurance coverage and non-insurance services for the United States.

However, there are some pretty cool events across the globe where you can test your competitive spirit as well, such as the Tokyo Marathon in Japan. Tough Mudder is also another fun event that happens in multiple cities, and you could travel to a variety of destinations to participate.

20251111-4965003. 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