It depends. Each insurer has a different view of what's considered an 'extreme sport'. Some insurers cover low risk one off activities as standard at no extra cost such as snorkelling, cycling or fishing.
Water sports, horse riding and contact sports like rugby can be classed as extreme by some insurers and need extra cover.
A one off round of golf can be covered as part of standard travel insurance. But if you’re going on a golfing holiday, or plan on playing a lot while your away you should consider specific golf cover. This is especially true if you're taking your favourite driver and clubs.
Typically, standard travel insurance won't cover sports and activities such as:
With all of that said, it's important you find a policy that covers what you need it to. Yes, this means you have to read through your policy documents - but at least you can rest easy knowing you're protected. If anything isn't clear, contact your insurer directly with any questions you may have.
Yes, generally these activities are considered high risk by insurers. So, if you’re taking part in winter sports like snowboarding or skiing, you should consider specific winter sports insurance.
Activities like skiing and snowboarding are unique given their alpine-based nature. As such, if you're planning on hitting the slopes, you'll need to consider a specialist policy to cover you. Taking part in dry slope skiing as a one off activity part of a wider holiday might be covered with a standard travel insurance policy. But this will vary between insurers so make sure you check policy details before you go.
Along with the typical features of a standard travel insurance policy such as medical expenses and cancellation cover, winter sports travel insurance can cover:
Winter sports cover is tailored to protect you against the unique risks sports like skiing and snowboarding present. That's why having the right cover in place is important.
Each insurer will set out conditions and exclusions in their policies, these can vary between providers. That's why it's important to check over policy documents so you have the right cover in place. But generally, here's what's covered and not covered with a sports travel insurance policy:
For example, if you fall off your bike and suffer a broken leg while out cycling, your travel insurance should cover the cost of treatment. This also covers illnesses while you're away.
Emergency repatriation could involve urgent medical transportation back to the UK if you fall ill on a rugby tour, for example.
Your policy may include cover for luggage and equipment, but it could have single item and total cover limits. If you're playing cricket abroad and plan on taking all of your equipment, for example, check your policy to make sure you have sufficient financial protection.
If you accidentally injure another person while playing volleyball or damage any property such as smashing a window while playing golf, for example.
If you fall ill, suffer a death in the family or can't travel, you may have cover for cancellation. It's important to check over your policy documents to understand exactly what you're covered for.
You or your family should get a lump sum in the event of a permanent disability or death.
When you're comparing quotes, each insurer will set out a list of sports and activities that are excluded from the policy due to the risk involved. Activities like bungee jumping and white water rafting typically aren't covered by standard sports travel insurance and require a specialist policy.
Along with the risk involved, winter sports require unique cover - so you'll likely need a specialist policy. If you're snowboarding and you lose your ski pass, you need a policy that can protect you and get you back on the piste.
This also applies to most travel insurance policies, but you have to tell your insurer of any pre-existing medical conditions you may have. If you don't, and you need treatment, you could void your insurance and you won't be able to claim. You might need a specialist policy for some conditions.
If the FCDO advise against travel to your destination, and you ignore the advice, you won't be covered for anything that happens to you.
If you injure yourself or lose belongings because you were drunk or under the influence of drugs, your insurance won't cover you.
"It can be confusing to know what insurers class as a sport and if you need extra cover when you’re away.
Always talk directly to the insurer and let them know what sports you plan on doing on your holiday. That way you’ll know your covered against injury, liability, medical care and repatriation if needed.".
There are different types of travel insurance. Here's an overview of the features each policy can offer:
We'll show you quotes from an extensive list of insurers to ensure you have plenty of options available to you. You can focus on enjoying your trip with the right policy in place to cover you.
We're not owned by any insurance company. That means the quotes you see are unbiased and our best available prices based on the information you gave to us.
1Correct as of July 2024
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Don't just listen to us, we've helped over 250,000 customers get travel insurance last year. We do our best to make buying travel insurance simple so you can relax and enjoy your holiday knowing you're covered.
You might be planning on playing a round of golf while you're away. If you're only playing one round, and you're not taking any clubs or equipment - you don't necessarily need extra cover.
A standard travel insurance policy may cover you to play a one-off round of golf. Specialist policies and optional extras can come at an added cost, so if you don't require extra cover, you're paying more than necessary. It's important you check with your insurer first and explain to them what you have planned. They can tell you if you're covered with a standard policy or if you need to consider buying add-ons or extra travel insurance.
Always shop around when you're looking for sports travel insurance quotes. Comparing different policies from various providers can help you save money.
If you automatically choose a single-trip policy every time you travel, consider multi-trip if you're planning multiple trips over a year, for example. Doing so could be a more cost-effective option over the course of a year.
If you're travelling with other people, consider a couples or group travel insurance such as a family policy. This can save you money compared to multiple individual policies. However, if someone you're travelling with has pre-existing medical conditions, it might be cheaper to buy individual policies.
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Page last reviewed: 16 October 2024
Reviewed by: Alvaro Iturmendi
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