Kitesurfing travel insurance
Pump up and chase the wind
Kitesurfers know there’s nothing quite like the thrill of jumping the perfect wave or riding the breeze while enjoying the singular beauty of the ocean.
Whether you’re traveling to top kitesurfing spots off the coasts of Hawaii, Spain, or Brazil, or staying closer to home and honing your skills along the West Coast of the United States, a kitesurfing vacation is truly one of a kind.
As you pack your kite, your board, your swimsuit, and some SPF, here’s a piece of travel safety advice: always pack a travel insurance policy, too. Here’s what you need to know about this essential travel item.
What does kitesurfing travel insurance cover?
Your standard travel insurance policy covers the basics, like trip cancellation, trip delay, trip interruption, and baggage loss and delay. Yet if you plan to participate in adrenaline-pumping activities like kitesurfing, you’ll want to upgrade to a policy that covers adventure activities. Here’s what to look for in a travel insurance policy with adventure sports coverage:
- Travel medical insurance: if you’re traveling internationally, your everyday health insurance probably may not provide coverage if you’re injured or fall ill while on a kitesurf trip. Travel insurance coverage can pay for your medical fees if you require treatment while on a trip abroad, up to a preset maximum
- Emergency medical evacuation: if you become seriously ill or sustain a major injury that requires emergency medical attention, this benefit covers the cost of emergency transport to either the nearest high-quality hospital or back home, depending on your circumstances. Generally, it also includes coordination of the transport for you and provide 24/7 support to you and/or your loved ones back home
- Gear coverage: if your kitesurfing equipment (or everyday baggage) is lost, damaged, or stolen in transit, you can be reimbursed up to a maximum amount laid out in your policy. Look for a plan that offers coverage of sports equipment is automatically included either automatically included, or as an optional upgrade
Top destinations for kitesurfing
Brazil
This South American country offers seemingly endless coastline, but the areas of Jericoacoara, located in a national park famous for its dunes, and the lagoon of Macapá are perennial favorites for kitesurfing
Egypt
A bucket list destination for many, Egypt’s Red Sea boasts incredible turquoise waters and kitesurfing opportunities for everyone from beginners to experts.
Mexico
From the Baja Peninsula to the Riviera Maya, Mexico has an incredible kitesurfing scene, with many spots offering the ideal combination of shallow waters and perfect wind conditions.
United States
Hawaii is known as one of the birthplaces of kitesurfing, and travelers visiting this island chain to practice the sport head to many of the same beaches as traditional surfers — such as Maui’s infamous Jaws Beach.
What’s not covered by kitesurfing insurance
It’s important to know that there are a few things not covered by adventure sports insurance:
- Normal wear and tear of your equipment and gear
- Trips that involve professional or competitive kitesurfing competitions
Trip cancellation if you decide not to take your trip last-minute (however, Cancel For Any Reason coverage is available at an additional cost.)
Good to know
What kind of travel insurance is best for kitesurfers?
The most important thing to know is that you’ll need a policy that specifically covers adventure activities. Many off-the-shelf travel insurance policies specifically exclude sports and activities seen as risky. Be sure to choose a policy that includes adventure sports coverage and specifically outlines the sports that are covered.
Can I get a travel insurance policy for domestic travel?
Trip cancellation is a predeparture benefit that can reimburse up to 100% of your prepaid, non-refundable trip cost if you need to cancel your trip for a covered reason. The most common covered reason is unforeseen sickness, injury, or death of the traveler, a traveling companion, or a non-traveling family member. However, there are many other covered reasons, such as damage to your home, being laid off from your job, strikes, common carrier delays, extension of the school year, being called to active military duty, terrorist incidents, inclement weather, or a natural disaster. In fact, there are more than 20 different covered reasons. Make sure you read your policy carefully for full details.
Can I get reimbursed if I have to cancel my trip?
Trip cancellation is a predeparture benefit that can reimburse up to 100% of your prepaid, non-refundable trip cost if you need to cancel your trip for a covered reason. The most common covered reason is unforeseen sickness, injury, or death of the traveler, a traveling companion, or a non-traveling family member. However, there may be many other covered reasons, such as damage to your home, being laid off from your job, strikes, common carrier delays, extension of the school year, being called to active military duty, terrorist incidents, inclement weather, or a natural disaster. Make sure you read your policy carefully for full details.
Does travel insurance cover bad weather?
While there’s no cancellation coverage if the winds die down, your travel insurance policy may provide coverage if extreme weather or natural disasters force you to cancel your trip, delay your departure, or come home early.
Does accidental death coverage apply to kitesurfing trips?
Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) may be included with some travel insurance plans, or offered as an option for a kitesurfing trip.
