Many travellers take the opportunity for adventure and participate in sports when travelling. While sometimes these activities are planned, often they are a last-minute decision. Will you go on a bike ride? Spend a day skiing? Go diving, or maybe bungee jumping?

There is no lack of choice.

Unfortunately, many travellers fail to realize that their travel insurance does not cover certain activities. This exposes them to severe financial consequences if they are injured.

WHICH SPORTS ARE COVERED BY TRAVEL INSURANCE?

While certain activities are covered by medical travel insurance, making a complete list of them is difficult. Circumstances also play a key role in determining whether an activity is covered. Are you swimming in a pool or in the sea with sharks? Although both involve swimming, the risk is clearly not the same. The insurance provider will adjust the premium based on risks.

In general, the following sports are covered if they are practiced in normal situations:

SUMMER SPORTS

Golf

Cycling

Soccer

Baseball

Swimming

Basketball

Sailing

Canoeing and kayaking

WINTER SPORTS

Downhill skiing

Snowboarding

Skating

Cross country skiing

Snowmobiling

WHAT MAY BE COVERED

Because this is conventional travel insurance, it covers the usual items (medical, trip cancellation, luggage, etc.)

However, athletic travellers will be interested to learn that the following fees may also be covered:

Compensation if your equipment is stolen, lost, or damaged

Medical fees in case of injury

Trip cancellation and interruption in case of injury or death

Repayment for prepaid, non-refundable fees (e.g., excursions, tickets, hotel, and equipment reservation)

Emergency air transportation

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF INADEQUATE COVERAGE?

If you are not insured for the sport you were doing when injured, the insurer may deny your claim. You would then have to pay your fees out of pocket (e.g., hospitalization, medication, ambulance, and treatment fees).

Given that in the US the cost of treatment for a broken leg is about $7,500 and a three-day hospital stay can cost almost $30,000, the importance of being properly insured around the world is well understood.

ADVICE:

Inform yourself before leaving on your trip. Prepare a list of athletic activities that interest you, and call us to check which are covered and which will require a sports endorsement.

Claim example

SURFING ACCIDENT CAUSES FACIAL TRAUMA

Marco was surfing in Costa Rica when he wiped out; his board struck him on the face, causing a wide-open facial wound and fractured nose. The clinic in the small town he was staying in didn’t have appropriate treatment facilities, so he was airlifted to a nearby city for emergency medical treatment. Marco underwent facial surgery and further treatment, then was later discharged.

Air ambulance fees$142,351.68

Hospital fees$23,510.66

Doctors’ fees$1,358.11

Provincial healthcare- $916.92

Amount paid by the insurance company$166,303.53

EXTREME SPORTS COVERAGE OPTION

To meet the needs relating to more extreme activities, we now offer coverage specially designed for these athletic travellers. For individual and team sports, for pleasure or competition, amateurs or professionals you are covered.

Since it is an add-on to a travel insurance policy, you will also be covered for other medical emergencies.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The premium depends on the following factors:

The sports category (contact, adventure, extreme)

Individual or family policy

Single trip or annual

Let’s take a look at what each of these categories includes.

CONTACT SPORTS

Designed for travellers over 18 years of age, this coverage applies to contact sports in the context of competitions, tournaments, and practice.

This insurance is suitable for contact sports teams who want to travel for competitions abroad.

CONTACT SPORTS COVERED:

Boxing

Football

Hockey

Lacross

Rugby

If your sport is not listed above, do not hesitate to contact us.

ADVENTURE SPORTS

Are you considering off-track skiing or participating in a triathlon? This insurance coverage is for you. Designed especially for individual sports, this endorsement covers many mountain and endurance sports.

This coverage applies to travellers involved in training, instruction, participation and practice.

ADVENTURE SPORTS COVERED

6+ hours endurance activities (e.g., triathlon, ultra-marathon)

Mountain climbing (below 6,000 metres)

Bobsled

Downhill skateboarding (longboard)

Downhill mountain biking

Ice climbing

Canyoning

Luge

Extreme snowmobiling

Tandem parachute jumping

Powered paragliding

Paragliding

Parasailing

Parascending

Paraskiing

Extreme downhill skating

Alpine skiing

Snowboarding

Non-motorized X Games (and sports in similar sporting events)

Aerobatic flyingGlider flying

EXTREME SPORTS

In addition to including the most extreme sports this category also covers activities that many travellers might do, such as scuba diving and go-karting.

Like the other options, this coverage applies to travellers involved in training, instruction, participation, and practice.

Mountain climbing above 6,000 metres

Ultimate fighting and mixed martial arts (MMA)

Running with the bulls

Motorized speed contests (e.g. driving courses, karting)

Bull riding/bullfighting

Scuba diving (without internationally recognized certification)

Scuba diving or snorkelling (deeper than 30 metres)

Rodeo

BASE jumping

Wingsuit flying

Motorsport X Games (and sports in similar sporting events)

If you expect to be doing sports during your next trip, don’t take chances. Contact us, and one of our agents will confirm whether you should opt for sports travel insurance.

It rarely costs more than a few dollars, and will ensure that you are covered if you are injured.