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Rock climbing travel insurance

Whether you're bouldering in Fontainebleau, ice climbing in the Rockies or deep-water soloing in Mallorca, climbing can take you to some amazing destinations. But, figuring out what travel insurance you need can be tricky.

The good news? We've got you covered! Below, you'll find everything you need to know about choosing the right policy for your climbing adventures. Keep reading!

Alvaro Iturmendi - Confused.com travel insurance expert

Reviewed by Alvaro Iturmendi Travel insurance expert 8 min read | Published 16/10/2024

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Does travel insurance cover rock climbing?

In most cases, a standard travel insurance policy won't cover rock climbing—especially if you're heading outdoors!

If climbing is on your itinerary, you'll probably need to add adventure travel insurance to your policy. This is an extra layer of protection designed for thrill-seekers like you, and can offer enhanced cover for climbs. It usually comes at an extra fee. But, adding it onto your policy could be well worth it for the peace of mind.

Without it, you might not be able to claim if you're injured while climbing. That could leave you with some hefty medical bills. Or, worse—paying for an emergency rescue if you're climbing in a remote spot and need help.

How do I get travel insurance for rock climbing?

Getting travel insurance that covers climbing is easy as can be with us!

Here's how you can do it in 3 simple steps:

Get a quote

Enter your details, tell us where you’re going and for how long. We'll find you the best priced policies we can.

Pick a policy

Take a look at the policies we’ve found for you and pick the one that best matches your needs—as well as your budget.

Contact your insurer

Get in touch with your insurer and ask about rock climbing cover. They’ll tell you how much it’ll cost to add on to your policy. Easy!

What our travel insurance expert says

"Standard travel insurance won’t usually cover you for climbing, especially if you plan to get your adrenaline pumping outdoors!

To make sure you've got the right protection before you head off, you might need to add a bit extra to your policy. But, it'll be worth for the peace of mind you're covered should anything unexpected happen. For example—getting injured during your climb and needing to be rescued."

Alvaro Iturmendi Travel insurance expert

What types of climbing could I get cover for?

Bouldering and deep water solo

Thinking about bouldering? Or planning a deep water soloing excursion? You'll normally be able to get cover for both!

If you’re going with an organised trip, just check whether they have their own insurance included in the price, as this may be enough to cover you.

Sport, trad and ice climbing

You could be able to get cover for all 3 types of climbing. Boom! But, some policies might have restrictions on mountain heights.

So, if you've got an epic big wall route planned, for example, or you're climbing high up in the mountains, coverage might not always be included.

Mountaineering and alpinism

Summiting a mountain? No problem. You'll get similar coverage as with other types of climbing.

But, just keep in mind you might find getting insured for higher peaks a little tricky. Due to the increased risks, it'll probably be more expensive, too.

Via ferrata route climbing and trekking

Tackling a via ferrata? You should be able to find cover too! In fact, some standard travel policies may even cover you.

As via ferrata is seen as less risky than other types of climbing, you may not need a rock climbing add-on for it at all. Just check with your insurer to make sure.

Remember—coverage can vary between travel insurance providers. So, it's a good idea to read through your policy. That way, you'll know exactly what you're getting covered for.

Top tip: If you're climbing on with an adventure company, check whether they have their own insurance. Otherwise you may be paying for cover you don't need.

Will my climbing gear be covered by my travel insurance policy?

Your climbing gear could be covered, but what's covered can differ between insurers, so always check your policy documents.

If your policy does include gear cover, you may be able to claim for damage of or loss to things like:

Ropes
Helmets and harnesses
Carabiners, nuts, slings and other rack gear
Climbing shoes
Climbing clothes

Keep in mind—while your gear can be covered, insurance policies often come with 2 key limits to be aware of:

Overall value limit

This is the maximum amount you can claim for all of your climbing gear combined. For example, £1000. The overall value limit is the most you can claim in total, even if the value of your gear is higher.

Single item limit

Many policies can also have a single item limit.

This means a cap on how much you can claim for individual pieces of gear. For example, let's say that your overall value limit is £1000, but your single item limit is £250. In this instance, you'd only be able to claim up to £250 for individual pieces of gear.

What else could my rock climbing travel insurance cover?

You'll typically be covered for:

Medical treatment

If you need emergency medical treatment because of illness or injury, whether sustained while climbing or not,

Cancellation cover

If you're ill or injured and can't go on your trip, you may be able to claim for the cost of your flights and hotel.

Theft, accidental damage or loss

This usually includes luggage and personal possessions,and could include your climbing gear too.

Emergency repatriation

If you need to be returned to the UK for treatment, your policy could cover the costs which can be high.

Travel disruption

If something out of your control disrupts your travel plans, you may be able to claim for some of the costs incurred.

It won't normally cover:

Free soloing

Climbing without ropes typically isn't covered (unless you're bouldering).

Multi-day big wall climbing

Long ascents where you’re camping in a portaledge, or huge single day multi-pitch ascents may ot be covered.

Travelling against FCDO advice

If the FCDO advises against travel to your climbing destination, but you decide to go anyway.

Incidents involving drugs or alcohol

Incidents that happen while you're intoxicated usually won't be covered.

Changing your mind

If you have a change of heart and decide that you don't want to go on your climbing trip anymore.

See what else travel insurance can cover

Will my policy cover me for hiking up a mountain?

Most travel insurance policies will cover you for hiking up a mountain.

But there may be limits on the height of the mountains you're covered to climb.

Some policies may cover you up to a height of 4,000m, for instance, whereas others may only cover you up to 3,000m.

This means that for some of the highest peaks in the world, you may need to find a specialist provider.

For example, let's say you're booking a major excursion to Mount Everest. In this case, the agency you book through should be able to point you in the direction of suitable insurance.

For smaller peaks, you can just contact your insurer to see what cover they can offer you.

Not sure about the height of the mountain you're planning to climb? Here's the heights of some of the most popular mountains for climbers:

Mountain	Country	height
Fuji	Japan	3,776m
Mont Blanc	France	4,810m
Kilimanjaro	Tanzania	5,895m
Aconcagua	Argentina	6,961m
Everest	Nepal/China	8,848m

Explore other types of travel insurance

Ski travel insurance

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European travel insurance

It will cover you for any holidays that you've got planned in Europe this year.

Group travel insurance

Allows you to cover up to 10 people on 1 policy.

Long stay travel insurance

Is the perfect policy for those who plan to travel for an extended period.

Annual travel insurance

Is the perfect option if you plan on traveling more than once a year.

Worldwide travel insurance

Will cover you for travel to multiple locations around the world.

Need more help with rock climbing travel insurance?

Will my travel insurance cover me for climbing in a gym?

Like we've mentioned, it's possible! Some standard policies can cover climbing indoors, because there's generally less risk.

But, not all of them do. So, the best thing to do is check your policy wording. If the climbing you're planning to do isn't included, you can consider an adventure add-on. Or, contact your insurer to find out what cover they can offer you.

Is there an age limit to get rock climbing insurance?

There could be. Here's why:

Most standard insurance policies only offer cover to those 70 or younger. After that point, you might need specialist cover tailored to those over 70.

The same goes for climbers under 18.

If that's the case for you, contact your provider to see if they'll be able to cover you.

Usually, most insurers will agree to provide cover for an increased cost.

Can I get cover if I have a pre-existing condition?

That's alright. You should still be able to get the insurance you need to go rock climbing even if you do have medical conditions.

But, you'll need to make sure you declare your pre-existing condition to your provider when taking out a policy. Your premium might cost a little more to cover your condition. But, it'll be worth it to make sure you've got the cover you need.

Plus, if you need to make a claim related to your condition, it might not be accepted if you don't declare. So, it's best to be upfront with your insurer from the start!

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