Last Updated: 17.10.2023
Heading off on a surf trip? Before you book your tickets to hit the waves and soak the sun, it’s important to consider your travel insurance options. Travel insurance will provide essential coverage for unexpected incidents that can arise while you’re away from home. Whether you’re heading to Sri Lanka, Costa Rica, or anywhere else in the world, understanding the ins and outs of travel insurance can give you peace of mind during your surf adventure.
When it comes to surf trips, having emergency medical coverage should be at the top of your list. In case of any accidents or injuries that may occur while you’re catching waves, having the right insurance plan can help cover medical expenses and provide access to quality medical care. Additionally, travel insurance can offer coverage for trip cancellations or interruptions, baggage insurance for your surfboards and personal belongings, and even emergency evacuations in case of natural disasters or unexpected emergencies.
With various types of travel insurance policies available, it’s crucial to find the one that best suits your needs. Some companies offer comprehensive policies that include a range of coverage options, while others focus on specific aspects such as medical coverage on trip cancellation insurance. Exploring different insurance providers, consulting with an agent, and comparing different plans can help you find the right travel insurance for surf trips.
So before you embark on your next surf adventure, make sure to consider the benefits of travel insurance. By protecting yourself against financial risks and unexpected events, you can fully enjoy with complete peace of mind as long you have a travel insurance for the surf trip.
Some may say surf trip insurance is a boring topic. It is definitely an overlooked one in our opinion since we all hope everything goes according to plan and nothing bad happens during our tropical vacation. However, travel insurance is a thing you should know about. Especially when practicing an extreme sport where cuts, bruises, and minor injuries happen more often than not.
Is Travel Insurance Important?
We recommend you are covered by a reputable international health/travel insurance for your surf trip. Especially if you are heading to exotic places such as Bali and Sri Lanka in Indonesia and Costa Rica and Nicaragua in Central America. Prior to leaving your home country check what your health insurance covers if an emergency arises abroad. Also, check if any travel expenses are covered by your credit cards. Things like lost luggage, travel delays, rental car insurance, etc. Then decide on what additional coverage you may need.
If you are traveling to exotic destinations or practicing extreme sports and any outdoor activities, getting hurt is only a matter of time and chance. When surfing, skiing, snowboarding, white water rafting, dirt biking, scuba diving, mountain climbing, etc.
We recommend World Nomads as a travel/health insurance provider. Based on our own experience as well as client reviews, we’ve found World Nomads the best. Also, it’s the easiest company to use as well as the one providing the most comprehensive package for your travels and flight delays. Also for lost luggage, theft, and any other obstacles you may meet on the road. They have the regular and the adventure level of coverage with only a few EUR differences so you get to decide what you need based on your activities, destination, and plans. However, since terms and conditions can keep changing, we encourage you to do conduct thorough research before you buy any travel insurance for your surf trip.
More Reasons why you Need Travel Insurance for your Surf Trip
In terms of vaccines, if you have followed European or US/Canadian vaccination guidelines, you do not need any additional for Bali, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua. However, if you are heading deep into the jungle in Indonesia or Central America and exploring far beyond our surf camps, you may want to take precautions and check with your doctor about additional recommended vaccines.
In terms of money and local currency, you can use your credit card or withdraw cash from an ATM (in local currency or dollars) in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Bali. Not all small local places accept cards. So have $20 in cash with you at all times. So you will be able to buy a bottle of water or a snack on the beach. Visa fees are minimal if any for Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Bali. However, do have some cash to pay those too if the ATM is not working that very moment.
In terms of rental car insurance, your own car insurance usually covers rental vehicles in your home country. IF ABROAD most definitely buys at least their basic coverage. You can also check with your car insurance if any international accidents will be covered. Ask them to send you a certificate of coverage (rental car companies won’t waive basic coverage without that certificate). Some credit cards feature free car rental insurance. If you paid for it with a credit card it comes with free travel insurance in case of lost luggage/theft. Again check with the credit card company before departure. If the rental car insurance was covered at your destination have them send you a copy of the policy so you can save yourself some money.
Simple & Flexible. Get a quote for your travel insurance with World Nomads now!
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FAQs About Travel Insurance for a Surf Trip
Yes, travel insurance is highly recommended for a surf trip. It provides coverage for unexpected events, such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and other unforeseen circumstances that may disrupt your journey.
Look for a policy that includes coverage for medical emergencies, evacuation, trip cancellations or interruptions, and coverage for your surfing equipment, such as surfboards and wetsuits. Additionally, check if it covers activities like surfing and any associated risks.
Many travel insurance policies do cover injuries sustained during surfing. However, it’s crucial to carefully review the policy to ensure that surfing-related injuries are explicitly included, especially if you plan on engaging in more advanced or extreme surf activities.
Yes, some insurance providers offer travel insurance plans tailored for surfers. These plans may include coverage for surfing equipment, surf-related injuries, and other specific aspects relevant to surf travel.
Report the damage or loss immediately to local authorities and your travel insurance provider. Make sure to keep any relevant documentation, such as police reports or receipts, to support your insurance claim.
Typically, travel insurance does not cover trip cancellations based on personal preferences, such as unfavourable surf conditions. However, it may cover cancellations due to unforeseen events like illness, injury, or severe weather conditions.
