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Travel Insurance for sailing trips

Don’t let an accident take the wind out of your sails.

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Whether you’re planning to sail the crystal waters of the Galapagos Islands (keep an eye out for frigatebirds!) or keep pace with bottlenose dolphins along the Fumba Peninsula in Zanzibar, you’re guaranteed an ocean adventure. But whenever you’re surrounded by water, you should be prepared for the unexpected.

Along with your boat shoes, boating license and guide to nautical terminology, it’s worth considering bringing travel insurance onboard. Having it in your (waterproof) pocket can help if you were to fracture your finger hoisting a sail or lose your wallet to the churning white caps in a squall.

What’s covered for sailing?

When you’re sailing, you can navigate the storied inlets of the French Riviera or British Virgin Islands, using the wind as your guide. But even as a seasoned sailor, you don’t want to be caught up the creek without a paddle (or, in this case, a mast and jib). Here are a few eventualities typically covered in World Nomads plans for inland sailing and coastal waters:

Emergency medical

Even without wet decks and choppy seas, you could find yourself with a medical emergency, be it an ankle sprain or a collarbone fracture. Our coverage may help cover everything from the services of a physician to ambulance services and x-rays in the case of an accident or injury at sea or on shore. World Nomads policy holders also have access to our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team... a wonderful thing if you need to translate your medical needs to your kind, but non-English-speaking doctor.

Evacuation

Most of the Earth is covered in water... which means you have plenty of places to sail but could easily hit a snag in a far-flung destination. Subject to approval of the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team, your World Nomads policy can transport you by air ambulance to get treatment at an appropriate medical facility if medically necessary… big sigh of relief.!

Baggage protection

Maybe your backpack slipped off the sopping wet stern, or your windbreaker got stolen right off the port. Our gear coverage can help replace your stuff, up to its actual cash value at the time of the loss.

Trip cancellation

Say your health takes a turn for the worse and a physician advises you not to travel, or a hurricane at your destination renders your chartered course and your pre-sail 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, be it a sail through the Greek isles or New Zealand’s subtropical Bay of Islands – where gold sand beaches, marlin fishing and turquoise water awaits. 

World Nomads water sports coverage

Besides sailing, World Nomads covers other activities on island and coastal waters, such as:

  • Yachting
  • Parasailing.
  • Sailboarding.
  • Cruising.
  • Catamaran sailing.
  • Hydro foiling.
  • Hydrospeeding.
  • Water skiing.
  • Barefoot water skiing.
  • Deep Water soloing.
  • Kiteboarding (on land or water).
  • Kayaking.
  • Sea Kayaking.
  • Wakeboarding.
  • Wake skating.
  • Scuba diving.


It can put your mind at ease to have coverage, whether you book the Standard Plan or the slightly more swashbuckling Explorer Plan. (To ensure you select the right plan for your itinerary, be sure to peruse the nitty-gritty details on adventure sports coverage).

What’s not covered for sailing?

Not every day is smooth sailing, but if you check the weather forecast, you can avoid some choppy waters. The same is true for travel insurance: if you know what’s excluded beforehand, you’ll be better equipped to navigate any unexpected losses. And sorry, we may not be able to cover you for:

  • Sailing beyond the allowed distance from a safe haven or shore as specified in your policy.
  • Negligent behavior (i.e., under the influence of Caribbean sunset cocktails)
  • Racing and/or professional sailing.
  • Boat rental damage or loss
  • Search-and-rescue missions.
  • Extreme sport sailing.
  • Any claims resulting in the violation of local laws.
  • Any losses related to non-compliance with a license, contract or permit.
  • Losses that come from knowingly exposing yourself to needless risk.
  • Fraudulent and criminal acts.
  • Any claims resulting in the violation of local laws.
  • Sports equipment such as scuba, snorkel and scuba gear if it’s damaged while in-use.

In addition to life jackets, floatation devices and other safety gear, be sure to BYO sunscreen. For more travel info, read our Explore, Travel Safety, and Responsible Travel articles.

Travel insurance. Simple & flexible.

Travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families. Nobody wants to think about all the things that could go wrong on their trip, but these things can and do happen. So be prepared and get your travel insurance today.

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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

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Protection

Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation.

  • Explorer Plan: $10,000
  • Standard Plan: $2,500
Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalized?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Work emergency?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Insurance

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

  • Explorer Plan: $100,000
  • Standard 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.

  • Explorer Plan: $500,000
  • Standard Plan: $300,000
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.

  • Explorer Plan: $3,000
  • Standard Plan: $1,000
Protect your gear
  • Luggage lost?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Tech trashed?

Help starts here.

  • Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical Expense
  • Repatriation of Remains
  • Trip Cancellation
  • Trip Interruption
  • Trip Delay
  • Baggage & Personal Effects
  • Baggage Delay (outward journey only)
  • Rental Car Damage – where permissible
  • Accidental Death & Dismemberment
  • Generali Global Assistance 24-Hour Assistance Services
  • Generali Global Assistance Non-Medical Emergency Transportation Services
This is a general summary for US residents only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Check the plan documents for full details.