How to Find the Best Coverage for Your Thrill-Seeking Vacation

Last updated on 11/22/2023

Are you an active traveler with an adrenaline junkie bucket list? Then you're most likely familiar with trips involving rock climbing, scuba diving, or other extreme sports. You may even be planning to check another adventure off your list soon.

This kind of travel is a great way to create an exciting life full of unforgettable experiences, but when you go on these trips you may expose yourself to a higher degree of risk than other trips you could take. That's why having the right thrill-seeker travel insurance is critical: it just might offer coverage if an obstacle arises on your vacation.

To help you find plans that fit your coverage needs for thrill-seeking vacations, We've put together some of our top tips. Read on for actions to take and ideas to consider when searching for insurance that could keep you protected on your next high-octane adventure.

See If There's Coverage for Your Specific Activity

To make sure a plan is worthy of the title "thrill-seeker travel insurance", carefully review the list of covered activities. Since many standard policies exclude high-risk activities, you're unlikely to find a mainstream provider offering coverage for skydiving, bungee jumping or whitewater rafting activities.

That said, you may find specialized adventure travel insurance through some providers. These typically cover a wide range of activities you might participate in on thrill-seeking vacations, which might make them an excellent choice if you like your vacations a little more extreme. When searching for specialized options, keep in mind that these plans offering coverage for thrill-seeking activities may be more expensive.

Anticipate Add-Ons

When seeking insurance to keep you covered as you cross items off your adrenaline junkie bucket list, don't worry if an otherwise perfect plan excludes your specific excursions. Your chosen provider may offer add-on options (known as "rider" or "endorsement" options) that allow you to customize coverage to suit your needs.

These can help you, for example, if your standard policy doesn't cover skydiving. Adding an adventure sports rider could allow coverage if medical attention is needed for injuries related to that activity. Riders or endorsements may add to the cost of the plan you ultimately choose, but they could be worthwhile investments for your thrill-seeking vacations.

Take Time to Compare

Whatever else you do when considering travel insurance, don’t just pick the first plan you come across in your excitement to complete your adrenaline junkie bucket list. Comparing your coverage options gives you a better likelihood of finding a plan that truly works for you, and maybe even one that fits your budget better than the first option that comes along.

It’s especially important to compare because—don’t forget—not all coverage is created equal, meaning not all plans offer the same level of protection or pricing. When comparing plans for the best deal, here are a few things to consider beyond your specific thrill-seeking activities:

• Coverage Options: what medical coverage, cancellation insurance, or baggage protection does each plan provide?
• Deductibles: What’s the deductible amount in each policy? Lower deductibles could mean less money out of pocket if you make a claim, but they could necessitate a higher premium.
• Exclusions: What's not covered? Beyond extreme or high-risk activities, exclusions could include items like pre-existing medical conditions.
• Customer Reviews: What do other travelers think of the insurance you’re considering? Always try to get an idea of a provider’s reputation for claims processing and customer service.

Read the Fine Print

Before finalizing your travel insurance purchase, make sure you pay attention to details (i.e. the fine print). Fine print has vital information about your coverage, including:

• Emergency Assistance: Find out if your policy provides emergency assistance services, such as medical evacuation in case of a serious injury.
• Claims Processes: Familiarize yourself with the claims process. Know whom to contact in case of an emergency and the steps you need to follow to file a claim.
• Cancellation and Refund Policies: Understand the policy's terms regarding trip cancellations and refunds. These terms can vary significantly between insurers.
• Travel Warnings and Advisories: Be aware of how travel advisories and warnings from government agencies may affect your coverage. Some policies may exclude coverage if you travel to destinations with a high level of risk.

By carefully reading and understanding the fine print, you can avoid unpleasant surprises and ensure that you're fully aware of your policy's terms and conditions.

Get Started Today

Whether you’re trying to build an ideal insurance plan that may cover skydiving activities or secure coverage for scuba diving, making informed decisions is key. That’s why we recommend comparing plans using a tool like InsureMyTrip.

As the first and largest travel insurance comparison website, we’re here to help you take an unbiased look at all your coverage options so you can travel with confidence and keep your focus on the excitement and thrills of the adventures ahead.

To begin comparing your options for a thrilling vacation, start a quote here.