Are you considering a specialist activity holiday this summer? When planning an active trip such as hiking, horse riding, golf or scuba diving, it is worth considering how this could impact your travel insurance and ensuring it reflects the type of holiday you are actually planning.
In some cases standard travel insurance policies are designed around lower-risk leisure trips – in other words, everyday holiday activities that are generally relaxed, non-competitive and unlikely to result in an injury. However, once you introduce more specialist or physically demanding activities, your level of insurance cover may need to change.
Some activities are considered higher risk profile than others and may require additional cover. This depends not just on the activity itself, but also on how often it’s done, how it’s carried out, and whether any specialist equipment is involved.
What can a standard policy cover?
Travel insurance policies can include a range of ‘low-risk profile’, recreational activities as standard, but you should always check your policy to confirm what is covered, for example:
- Hiking or walking on recognised routes
- Cycling
- Swimming and snorkelling in controlled conditions
- Beach and resort-based activities
These activities are typically covered at no additional cost, provided they are undertaken on a non-competitive and casual basis, and are not the main purpose of your trip.
However, there are usually limits and conditions. For example, hiking may only be covered below a certain altitude, and horse riding may require appropriate safety equipment and exclude competitions.
Why should you consider a specialist policy?
If an activity is the main focus of your trip, or involves more technical, demanding or equipment-heavy elements, your standard travel insurance may not provide the level of cover you need.
Activities such as:
- Scuba diving beyond certain depths
- Horse riding holidays
- Golf trips involving high-value equipment
- Trekking at higher altitudes
- Pre-arranged or organised sporting events
These types of trips may require additional levels of cover to be added to your policy, or a separate specialist policy, to ensure you are fully covered, in the event of a claim
It is also worth knowing that if you intend to go on a cruise, in some cases standard travel insurance policies will require the additional element of cover to cover you being at sea and this will need to be added to your standard policy.
What should you consider before you travel?
Now is the time to review your policy and ensure your cover is appropriate:
- Is your activity included? Check whether it is listed in your policy, or if you need to add extra cover.
- What is the focus of your trip? Consider whether the activity is something you do occasionally, or the main reason for your holiday.
- Are there any limits? Look out for restrictions such as altitude, depth or location.
- Do you need to cover equipment? Make sure any specialist or high-value items, such as golf clubs or dive equipment, are included.
- Would support be sufficient if something goes wrong? Check how your policy would respond if you needed medical treatment or assistance abroad.
Your next steps
Holidays are meant to be enjoyed, and for most people they pass without issue.
However, when arranging your travel insurance, it is worth checking that your policy reflects your planned activities. This can help avoid unnecessary complications if you need to make a claim and provide reassurance that your cover is aligned with your trip.
If you are unsure whether your policy is suitable, taking a moment to speak with our team and seek guidance can help ensure everything is in place before you travel.
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Russell Butlin
Personal Lines Director
Adler Fairways
