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Sailing Travel Insurance Coverage

Travel Insurance for Sailing Trips for US Residents

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At a glance:

  • All World Nomads plans cover sailing, with some plans that offer higher limits of coverage.
  • Coverage for injuries if you're seriously hurt while sailing. Transportation if your condition is severe, acute, or life-threatening and adequate treatment if not available in your immediate area. Additional terms apply. 
  • Gear & Baggage Protection helps cover lost, stolen, or damaged sailing gear and luggage. 
  • Choose from Standard, Explorer, Epic or Annual plans to match your sailing trip style, budget and activities.
  • Plus, optional Cancel for Any Reason upgrade available on some plans (additional cost and state restrictions may apply.)

Whether you're planning to sail the crystal waters of the Galapagos Islands or keep pace with bottlenose dolphins along the Fumba Peninsula in Zanzibar, you're guaranteed an ocean adventure when you set sail on the open waters. But whenever you're surrounded by water, you should be prepared for the unexpected. Our travel protection plans include a range of travel insurance benefits and non-insurance services for sailing that may help with everything from stolen bags to unexpected medical expenses.

Why should I consider travel insurance for my sailing trip?

From wet decks to choppy seas, unexpected issues can derail even the most carefully planned journey. Travel insurance and non-insurance services designed for sailing 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 – whether you're navigating the storied inlets of the French Riviera or the British Virgin Islands.

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

World Nomads Travel Insurance for US residents may cover a range of unexpected problems you could face on and off the water. Plans may include:

  1. Emergency Medical Expenses
    For broken bones, cuts, and sprains after a slip on a wet deck

  2. 24/7 Non-insurance Emergency Assistance
    Available 24/7 to assist in an emergency situation, on or off the water

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

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

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

What level of travel insurance coverage do I need for my sailing trip?

World Nomads offers four plans for US residents – Standard, Explorer, Epic and Annual – each with different levels of coverage. Even if your main goal is to go sailing, you’ll probably be doing other fun things like snorkeling or swimming. That’s totally fine, because you may be covered for more than 250+ other sports, activities and experiences.

  • The Standard and Annual plans include travel insurance coverage for incidents while sailing.
  • The Explorer plan covers more activities, including shark cage diving to 165 feet/50 meters and free diving up to 196 feet/60 meters. It also has higher limits of coverage for most benefits.
  • The Epic plan covers everything the Explorer plan covers, plus even more activities – including cliff diving and deep-water soloing. It also has the highest benefit limits of coverage. 

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 group of young people sailing

What may not be covered when sailing?

Some things we may not cover include:

  • Sailing under the influence of drugs or alcohol 
  • Unattended baggage, sporting equipment or personal items
  • Sailing or traveling within 100 miles of your home
  • Damage to your sailboat
  • Sailing in a competition or for salary/compensation 

Top safety tips we recommend for your sailing trip

  • Research your tour operator: If you’re going on a sailing excursion, research the tour company’s credentials ahead of time. 
  • Take a boating safety class: If you’ll be the one at the helm, take the time to learn as much as you can before hitting the water. There are several boating safety courses that are recommended by the U.S. Coast Guard.
  • Check the weather: Before you leave, you’ll want to make sure there aren’t any storms headed your way. Weather conditions can change rapidly, so continue to monitor the weather once you’ve hit the high seas. 
  • Put on a life jacket: Think less about your tan lines, and more about your safety. Rough water can happen at any time, and you won’t have time to grab that if you unexpectedly go overboard. 
  • Wear the right shoes: Look for shoes with good traction and a non-slip sole. If your shoes are also made from water resistant material, that’s even better. 
  • Get a good dry bag to hold a copy of the documents showing your sailing travel insurance coverage and non-insurance services: If an accident happens, you’ll want that handy – and dry. Make sure you have the phone number for the 24/7 Non-Insurance Emergency Assistance Team easily accessible, as well as your plan number. You may want to save that in your phone as well. 

FAQ

Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for sailing. 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, sailing 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 optional 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 sailing, 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 sailing trip?

Not sure where your next sailing adventure should take you? Check out some of our favorite places around the world to sail and get destination-specific travel insurance tips to help you plan with confidence.

Trinidad & Tobago Discoveries: Sailing the Caribbean

Kauai: 4 Adventures That Will Get You Off Your Beach Chair 

Things to Do in Barbados Beyond the Resorts

Why Maine’s Coast is Best Experienced by Boat

20250730-4701181. 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