Travel Insurance for Surfing
Discover travel insurance options for surfing adventures with World Nomads USA.
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At a glance:
- Travel insurance coverage for surfers may help cover emergency medical expenses, trip cancellations, and damaged surfboards—whether you're surfing in Costa Rica, Europe, or beyond.
- Coverage may include surf-related injuries, like reef cuts, board collisions, and jellyfish stings.
- 24/7 non-insurance emergency assistance is available if you run into trouble in or out of the water.
- Choose from four travel protection plans: Standard, Explorer, Epic, or Annual—tailored to your trip style and level of adventure.
- World Nomads plans also cover 250+ other adventure activities, from scuba diving and snorkeling to zip-lining and jungle trekking.
- Why should I consider travel insurance for my surf trip?
- What travel insurance coverage and non-insurance services are offered by World Nomads for surfers?
- What level of travel insurance coverage do I need for my surf trip?
- What may not be covered by the travel protection plan I buy for surfing internationally?
- Top safety tips we recommend for your surfing adventure
- FAQs
Whether you're catching waves in Bali, tackling reef breaks in Fiji, or just learning to surf on vacation, accidents can happen. Wipeouts, board collisions, reef cuts, or even jellyfish stings can quickly turn your dream surf trip into one you’d rather forget. That’s where travel insurance can step in — helping with emergency medical costs and other unexpected events.
Why should I consider travel insurance for my surf trip?
Wave chasing is thrilling—but even the best-planned trip can run into trouble. Wipeouts, sudden illness, or flight delays can disrupt your itinerary, while gear damage or theft can leave you stranded without a board. Travel insurance may help with the costs of medical care if you’re hurt while on your trip, reimburse you for canceled plans if you need to cancel for a covered reason, and may assist with lost or damaged equipment.
Whether you're paddling out stateside or heading to remote islands in search of world-class waves, World Nomads offers plans that support your sense of adventure—backed by 24/7 non-insurance emergency assistance and coverage for more than 250 sports and activities.
What travel insurance coverage and non-insurance services are offered by World Nomads for surfers?
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:
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Emergency Medical Expenses
Broken bones or gashes from epic wipeouts -
Non-insurance Emergency Assistance
Available 24/7 to assist in an emergency situation -
Baggage & Gear Coverage
Broken or damaged surfboards -
Trip Cancellation
Reimbursements of pre-paid, unused, non-refundable expenses like flights, tours and accommodations if you’re unexpectedly too sick to go on your surf trip
Get a quote and compare the plans to see which level of coverage is right for you.
At World Nomads Travel Insurance, we know your surf trip is about more than just riding waves. That’s why our plans include travel insurance coverage for surfers and protection for over 250 other adventure sports and experiences – from jungle hikes and scuba dives to zip-lining and snorkeling. Whether you’re chasing swells or exploring off the beach, we offer four travel protection plans with different levels of insurance coverage to suit your trip style, budget, and adventure level. Check out our (lengthy) activity list and ensure you pick the plan that covers everything you plan to do.
*All coverage is subject to plan terms and conditions. Be sure you read and understand your plan documents. Any questions, just ask!
What level of travel insurance coverage do I need for my surf trip?
- Standard Plan – Best suited for backpackers, budget travelers and families. Includes benefit maximums up to $125,000 in emergency medical expenses and up to $2500 for trip cancellation. This is our most basic plan, but it packs a punch.
- Explorer Plan – For those trips you’ll be talking about for years to come! Covers over 300 activities and offers the optional ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ benefit for ultimate flexibility.
- Epic Plan – Checking that big trip off your bucket list? We’re talking safaris, cruises, luxury resorts… you name it! This plan offers our highest level of coverage for trips that are truly once in a lifetime.
- Annual Plan – Weekend warriors, digital nomads, world explorers… this plan is for you. Just buy once and stay protected all year.
You can compare plans and maximum benefit amounts when you get a quote. Optional coverages come at an additional cost.
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
What may not covered by the travel protection plan I buy for surfing internationally?
Some things we may not cover include:
- Surfing during competitions or as a professional under contract with an agreed upon salary or compensation
- Surfing under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Any damage related to the wear and tear of sports equipment.
- Unattended baggage, sporting equipment or personal items.
- Travel within 100 miles from your home.
Top safety tips we recommend for your surfing adventure
- Always check local conditions and surf reports
- Wear reef booties and rash guards for protection
- Know your limits — and don’t surf alone
- Use a leash and inspect your gear before hitting the waves
- Respect local surf etiquette
- Save the 24/7 non-insurance Emergency Assistance Line on your phone and print out a copy of your travel insurance documents. If you need help in a pinch, you don’t want to be searching for who to call.
- Keep your receipts and paperwork. Any claim you make will need supporting documentation such as receipts of your purchases and a loss or theft report. Keep these with you in printed or digital form if you need to make a claim.
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for surfing. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team
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What does travel insurance for surfing cover?
Travel insurance coverage for surfing may help cover emergency medical expenses, trip cancellations, damaged or stolen surf gear, and 24/7 non-insurance emergency assistance. World Nomads offers plans designed for adventure travelers, including surfers chasing waves internationally.
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Does travel insurance cover surfboard damage or loss?
World Nomads travel protection plans include baggage and personal effects benefit that could reimburse you if your surfboard is damaged or stolen while traveling. Keep receipts and incident reports to support your claim.
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Can I get reimbursed if I have to cancel my surf trip?
If your trip is canceled due to a covered reason—such as unexpected illness or injury—World Nomads’ travel insurance may reimburse you for pre-paid, unused, non-refundable expenses like flights and accommodation.
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Are surf competitions or professional surfing covered?
Your participation in an organized athletic or sporting competition, contest, or stunt under contract in exchange for an agreed-upon salary or compensation is excluded. This does not include athletes participating in exchange for a scholarship or tuition. Always review your plan details to understand any exclusions related to professional sports.
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What plan should I choose for a surf trip abroad?
World Nomads offers four travel protection plans: Standard, Explorer, Epic, and Annual. The right plan depends on your trip budget, destination, and planned activities. Explorer and Epic plans include higher benefit levels and coverage for more extreme activities. If you get a quote, you can compare coverages.
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Does travel insurance cover surfing injuries like reef cuts or broken bones?
Yes, if you’re hurt while surfing, World Nomads’ Accident & Sickness Medical Expense benefit may help reimburse you for doctor visits, hospital stays, or other medical treatment needed due to an accident on the water.
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What may not be covered by travel insurance for your surfing trip?
Travel insurance may not cover injuries that occur while surfing under the influence of drugs or alcohol, participating in pro competitions, or damage from regular wear and tear. It also may not cover unattended baggage or travel within 100 miles of your home.
Need destination inspiration?
Already picked your surf spot? Nice. But if you’re dreaming about your next wave—or just want to daydream between sessions—check out some of our surf stories for inspiration. You might just discover your next favorite break.
Surfing in Europe: 5 unexpected spots to explore
Where to find the best surfing on Mexico’s West Coast
Surf town hopping in Costa Rica
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 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
- Runway Health
- FootprintID
- Blue Ribbon Bags
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
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.