- The best adventure travel insurance plans
- What exactly is adventure travel insurance?
- The price of adventure travel insurance
- What does adventure travel insurance cover?
- The conditions of adventure travel insurance
- Why take out adventure travel insurance?
- How to choose the right adventure travel insurance
- Do my current insurance policies cover adventure travel?
- FAQ
adventure travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Adventure travel insurance covers high-risk activities like skiing or climbing, which standard policies often exclude.
2. Price: For a one-week European trip, expect to pay between $90 and $250 CAD for adventure coverage.
3. Coverage: It typically covers emergency medical, evacuation, and gear, but excludes competitions or unapproved pre-existing conditions.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Provincial plans (e.g., OHIP, MSP) and credit cards rarely cover high-risk activities or search and rescue.
5. Tips: Verify your specific sport is listed, and check medical and emergency evacuation coverage limits before buying.
6. Other useful info: Many Canadian insurers offer adventure coverage as an optional add-on, not a standalone policy.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analyzing 38 travel insurance policies available in Canada, our experts share everything you need to know to choose the best adventure travel insurance.
The best adventure travel insurance plans
These insurers are among the best for adventure travel because of their high coverage limits, low deductibles and simplified conditions. They provide excellent protection for a wide range of activities and emergency situations.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 2.0M CA$ | 0 CA$ | • Highest medical coverage maximum. • Covers medical evacuation and rescue. • Unlimited adventure activity protection. • Replacement equipment included. |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 1.0M CA$ | 0 CA$ | • 24/7 doctor access via app. • All ages covered at same price. • Luggage and electronics included. • Psychological support available. |
| Tourist Card | 0.5M CA$ | 40 CA$ | • Specialist legal advice. • Flexible policy dates. • Digital administration of claims. • Search & rescue included. |
| World Travel | 1.5M CA$ (North America), 0.7M CA$ (others) | 60 CA$ | • Emergency repatriation included. • Adventure equipment protection. • Coverage for political risk. • Multilingual emergency support. |
| Globe Partner | 0.7M CA$ | 35 CA$ | • Low-cost below age 40. • Travel delay reimbursement. • Online subscription. • Easy claim updates by email. |
| Globe Traveller | 1.0M CA$ | 50 CA$ | • Coverage for up to 18 months. • No medical age surcharge after 60. • Worldwide emergency hotline. • Family plans available. |
• Covers medical evacuation and rescue.
• Unlimited adventure activity protection.
• Replacement equipment included.
• All ages covered at same price.
• Luggage and electronics included.
• Psychological support available.
• Flexible policy dates.
• Digital administration of claims.
• Search & rescue included.
• Adventure equipment protection.
• Coverage for political risk.
• Multilingual emergency support.
• Travel delay reimbursement.
• Online subscription.
• Easy claim updates by email.
• No medical age surcharge after 60.
• Worldwide emergency hotline.
• Family plans available.
The best adventure travel insurance may vary depending on your individual needs. Use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find the one that fits you best and subscribe online.
Compare the best travel insurance policies for freeI compareWhat exactly is adventure travel insurance?
Adventure travel insurance is a policy that covers Canadians for injuries and emergencies during high-risk activities or extreme sports abroad.
It is designed for those participating in pursuits such as climbing, scuba diving, skiing, or bungee jumping, which are excluded from standard travel plans. This insurance is sometimes referred to as “extreme sports travel insurance” or “high-risk activity travel insurance.”
Unlike standard travel insurance, it includes rescue, equipment protection, and evacuation from remote areas.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out adventure travel insurance is especially recommended if you live in Canada:
- when your trip includes activities like skiing, climbing, or scuba diving
- if you travel to remote areas requiring potential search and rescue
- when traveling with expensive, specialized sports equipment like skis or dive gear
- your provincial health plan offers very limited coverage outside of Canada
- if relying on credit card insurance, which often excludes adventure sports
- for trips to countries with high medical costs like the USA
- when needing specialized evacuation from a mountain or remote dive site
The price of adventure travel insurance
On average, adventure travel insurance costs between 5% and 10% of the total price of your trip.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 7-day skiing trip in Whistler, BC | $2,000 | $100 to $180 |
| 10-day scuba diving trip in Costa Rica | $3,000 | $180 to $350 |
| 2-week rock climbing expedition in Utah, USA | $4,000 | $240 to $400 |
| 3-week multi-activity tour in New Zealand | $6,000 | $350 to $600 |
These prices are provided as an indication and may vary depending on the type of plan chosen (standard or premium) and the specific conditions of each insurer.
The price of your adventure travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: a longer trip will increase the insurance premium.
- activity type: higher-risk activities such as mountaineering or scuba diving cost more to insure.
- destination: countries with high medical costs or remote locations raise the price.
- traveler’s age: older travelers may be charged a higher premium.
- level of coverage: including search, rescue, evacuation, and equipment protection increases costs.
- pre-existing medical conditions: comprehensive coverage can be more expensive if existing medical issues need to be covered.
What does adventure travel insurance cover?
Adventure travel insurance is tailored for people taking part in high-risk or extreme activities abroad.
It provides protections not found in standard travel insurance, such as specialized rescue and equipment coverage.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ❌ Trip cancellation | Refunds prepaid expenses if you must cancel due to a covered event before leaving. | Minimum $2,500 cover recommended, deductible under $50. Voluntary cancellations and changes of mind are excluded. |
| ⏰ Missed departure | Pays extra transport if you miss your flight for a covered reason. | Look for at least $200 coverage with no deductible. Arriving late through your own fault and unproven delays are not covered. |
| 💼 Baggage loss or theft | Compensates for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage, including adventure gear. | Choose $2,500 cover minimum, deductible under $50. Normal wear, unattended bags, and mysterious disappearances are excluded. |
| 🏥 Emergency medical expenses | Key guarantee. Pays for emergency care during or after risky adventure activities. | Minimum $1M cover, with deductible below $100. Injuries from professional competition and pre-existing conditions are usually excluded. |
| 🚑 Search and rescue | Pays for search and rescue in remote or wilderness areas. | At least $25,000 recommended, deductible below $200. Self-inflicted risk or lack of notification to authorities not covered. |
| 🚁 Medical evacuation/repatriation | Key guarantee. Pays for evacuation to hospital or back to Canada if medically needed. | Unlimited or at least $1M cover, deductible below $100. Evacuation not authorized by the insurer or done for convenience excluded. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental | Pays for accident-related dental injuries during adventure activities. | $1,000 as a minimum and deductible below $30. Cosmetic or non-urgent dental care is excluded. |
| 🧳 Equipment delay | Covers essentials if your adventure gear arrives late at your destination. | Minimum $150 after 24 hours, no deductible. Unproven delay or late return trip are not covered. |
| ⚖️ Personal liability abroad | Pays if you injure someone or damage property during an adventure activity overseas. | At least $1,000,000, deductible under $100. Damage to rented, owned, or family property is not included. |
| 💔 Trip interruption | Refunds unused expenses if a covered event cuts your adventure trip short. | Minimum $1,000 advised, keep deductible low. Voluntary interruptions and minor issues are not usually covered. |
Voluntary cancellations and changes of mind are excluded.
Arriving late through your own fault and unproven delays are not covered.
Normal wear, unattended bags, and mysterious disappearances are excluded.
Injuries from professional competition and pre-existing conditions are usually excluded.
Self-inflicted risk or lack of notification to authorities not covered.
Evacuation not authorized by the insurer or done for convenience excluded.
Cosmetic or non-urgent dental care is excluded.
Unproven delay or late return trip are not covered.
Damage to rented, owned, or family property is not included.
Voluntary interruptions and minor issues are not usually covered.
Reimbursement limits vary depending on the insurer and the plan selected (eco, standard, premium). They must always be checked in the general terms and conditions.
To find the adventure travel insurance best suited to your activities and trip, compare plans on HelloSafe.
The conditions of adventure travel insurance
To activate your adventure travel insurance and ensure its benefits are valid, you must meet key conditions set by insurers.
- Residency requirement: you must be a resident of Canada at the time of subscription.
- Timing of subscription: you must purchase the policy before departing Canada, not after already starting your adventure trip.
- Activity declaration: you must accurately declare all planned adventure activities at the time of application.
- Activity eligibility: only listed and approved adventure sports or activities are covered under the policy.
- Trip duration compliance: your trip and participation in adventure activities must not exceed the maximum duration allowed in the contract.
- Medical fitness: you may be required to meet certain health or age conditions to be eligible for coverage.
- Incident notification: you must notify the insurer promptly in case of accident, injury, or the need for rescue services.
- Destination restrictions: you are not covered if travelling or undertaking activities in areas under official government travel advisories.
Watch out!
Many Canadians mistakenly rely on their credit card or provincial health plan. These policies almost always exclude 'hazardous activities' like skiing or climbing. Without dedicated adventure insurance, you could face massive bills for medical care, evacuation, or search and rescue operations abroad.
Why take out adventure travel insurance?
Adventure activities can increase the risk of accidents or medical emergencies, which may result in high unexpected costs abroad.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs abroad:
| Type of treatment | Average cost | Covered by insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Foot sprain (X-ray and consultation) |
| Up to $2,000,000 per trip (depending on the plan) |
| Medical repatriation |
| Up to 100% if medically required and urgent |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalization |
| Up to $2,000,000 depending on policy |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Up to 100% within policy limits |
| Consultation and treatment for intestinal infection |
| Usually 100%, subject to deductible |
- Europe: $800 CAD
- North America: $2,200 CAD
- Asia: $400 CAD
- Europe: $50,000 CAD
- North America: $80,000 CAD
- Asia: $40,000 CAD
- Europe: $25,000 CAD
- North America: $85,000 CAD
- Asia: $12,000 CAD
- Europe: $1,200 CAD
- North America: $3,500 CAD
- Asia: $600 CAD
- Europe: $600 CAD
- North America: $1,800 CAD
- Asia: $300 CAD
Coverage varies greatly depending on the plan chosen (standard or premium) and the insurer. Refer to the general conditions and always compare with tools like HelloSafe.
In addition to medical expenses, adventure travel insurance may include other important guarantees: search and rescue operations, evacuation from remote areas, trip cancellation or interruption, coverage for lost or damaged equipment, personal liability abroad and 24/7 emergency assistance.
Good to know
Your provincial plan won't cover a helicopter rescue in the Rockies. A simple accident can cost over $35,000. Adventure insurance covers high-risk activities like skiing or climbing. A specialized plan from an insurer like Chapka provides the comprehensive coverage you need for true peace of mind.
How to choose the right adventure travel insurance
Not all adventure travel insurance policies offer the same level of coverage or limits. It is important to compare the guarantees, exclusions, and specific activities covered before choosing a plan that matches your needs.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💶 Reimbursement limits | High-risk activities can result in expensive medical or rescue costs. | Always opt for at least $1,000,000 coverage to cover medical and evacuation expenses. |
| 📉 Deductible | You may have to pay this amount yourself before insurance kicks in. | Select a policy with a low deductible for both medical and equipment claims. |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Adventure activities are often excluded unless declared and accepted by the insurer. | Read the terms carefully and declare all planned activities up front. |
| 👵 Traveller’s age | Some policies restrict or increase costs for older travellers, especially on high-risk trips. | Check if age limits apply to your adventure activities before buying. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Policies can limit coverage length, especially for extended expeditions or remote trips. | Confirm that coverage matches your planned trip length, including all adventure segments. |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Coverage may exclude remote or high-altitude areas, and certain countries may be left out. | Make sure your destination, including remote zones, is fully covered for adventure activities. |
| 🛡️ Existing coverage | Credit card or group plans rarely cover hazardous or extreme activities. | Always review existing cover exclusions before paying for adventure insurance. |
| 🧗 Planned activities | Most claims are denied if an undeclared activity is not listed as covered. | List all sports and activities, even if only occasional, to prevent claim issues. |
| 🖥️ Online subscription | Quick coverage is often needed for last-minute trips or adventure bookings. | Choose insurers with fast, secure online sign-up and instant document delivery. |
Do my current insurance policies cover adventure travel?
It is common to wonder if your current insurances like credit card coverage or public health insurance could provide you with adventure travel insurance, but unfortunately this is often not enough. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Adventure travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (OHIP, RAMQ) | Never | Emergency hospital: up to $400/day, doctor visits $50. No rescue, search, extreme sports, or non-hospital adventure activity coverage. | Travel insurance covers up to $5,000,000 for medical, rescue, evacuation, gear, and all adventure activities worldwide. |
| Private health insurance (Blue Cross, Manulife) | Almost Never | Some emergency medical: up to $1,000,000. No cover for rescue, adventure sports, equipment damage or search/evacuation from remote areas. | Travel insurance can offer up to $5,000,000 for adventure sports, search, rescue, and equipment protection worldwide. |
| Classic credit card (RBC Rewards Visa, TD Rewards Visa) | Never | Emergency medical: up to $1,000,000 for accident, but excludes all hazardous or extreme activities. No gear, rescue, or sports accident protection. | Travel insurance guarantees up to $5,000,000 and includes gear protection, all activities, search, evacuation, and repatriation. |
| Premium credit card (RBC Avion Visa Infinite, TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite) | Limited Coverage | Medical: up to $2,000,000, but hazardous and adventure activities are excluded, little or no gear protection. No search and rescue or special coverage. | Travel insurance covers up to $5,000,000 for the full range of adventure sports, equipment, rescue, and trip interruption benefits. |
No rescue, search, extreme sports, or non-hospital adventure activity coverage.
No cover for rescue, adventure sports, equipment damage or search/evacuation from remote areas.
No gear, rescue, or sports accident protection.
No search and rescue or special coverage.
Expert advice
Many bank cards and health plans exclude key situations like trip interruption for a relative's illness. Always read your policy's fine print to avoid costly surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe to a dedicated travel insurance policy tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Is adventure travel insurance mandatory?
Adventure travel insurance is not mandatory for most Canadians, but it is sometimes required for entry into specific countries or to participate in certain extreme sports or organized tours. Even when not required, it is strongly recommended—for example, if you are trekking in the Himalayas, emergency medical or rescue costs without insurance can easily exceed $35,000.
When is it recommended to purchase adventure travel insurance?
It is best to purchase adventure travel insurance as soon as you book your trip or adventure activities. Early purchase ensures you are protected for trip cancellations, illnesses, injuries, or other unforeseen events that may arise before departure. Coverage only takes effect once the policy is in force.
How do I purchase adventure travel insurance?
Start by comparing adventure-specific policies on HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform. Carefully check the guarantees and exclusions related to adventure activities to make sure your planned sports are covered. You can purchase your policy online in minutes and will receive your coverage certificate by email right away.
Can I purchase adventure travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you can purchase adventure travel insurance after booking your trip. However, benefits like trip cancellation or interruption take effect only from the policy start date. For full protection and to avoid any gaps, it’s best to buy insurance shortly after booking.
How do I make a claim on adventure travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurance provider as soon as possible and follow their claim instructions, usually available online or via their 24/7 hotline. You will need to provide proof of expenses and incident details. Most insurers require supporting documents such as hospital bills, police reports, or receipts for claims related to equipment.
Does adventure travel insurance cover search and rescue in remote areas?
Many adventure policies include coverage for search and rescue operations in remote or wilderness locations. Coverage limits for rescue costs can range from $25,000 to $100,000 CAD. It is important to check your policy, as exclusions may apply based on the nature of the activity or the cause of the incident.
Is my adventure gear or equipment covered if it is lost or damaged?
Adventure travel insurance often includes protection for specialized gear and equipment, usually up to set limits such as $2,500 to $15,000 CAD. Read your policy to confirm exclusions for unattended items or normal wear and tear, and keep receipts for your equipment in case you need to make a claim.
Is adventure travel insurance mandatory?
Adventure travel insurance is not mandatory for most Canadians, but it is sometimes required for entry into specific countries or to participate in certain extreme sports or organized tours. Even when not required, it is strongly recommended—for example, if you are trekking in the Himalayas, emergency medical or rescue costs without insurance can easily exceed $35,000.
When is it recommended to purchase adventure travel insurance?
It is best to purchase adventure travel insurance as soon as you book your trip or adventure activities. Early purchase ensures you are protected for trip cancellations, illnesses, injuries, or other unforeseen events that may arise before departure. Coverage only takes effect once the policy is in force.
How do I purchase adventure travel insurance?
Start by comparing adventure-specific policies on HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform. Carefully check the guarantees and exclusions related to adventure activities to make sure your planned sports are covered. You can purchase your policy online in minutes and will receive your coverage certificate by email right away.
Can I purchase adventure travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you can purchase adventure travel insurance after booking your trip. However, benefits like trip cancellation or interruption take effect only from the policy start date. For full protection and to avoid any gaps, it’s best to buy insurance shortly after booking.
How do I make a claim on adventure travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurance provider as soon as possible and follow their claim instructions, usually available online or via their 24/7 hotline. You will need to provide proof of expenses and incident details. Most insurers require supporting documents such as hospital bills, police reports, or receipts for claims related to equipment.
Does adventure travel insurance cover search and rescue in remote areas?
Many adventure policies include coverage for search and rescue operations in remote or wilderness locations. Coverage limits for rescue costs can range from $25,000 to $100,000 CAD. It is important to check your policy, as exclusions may apply based on the nature of the activity or the cause of the incident.
Is my adventure gear or equipment covered if it is lost or damaged?
Adventure travel insurance often includes protection for specialized gear and equipment, usually up to set limits such as $2,500 to $15,000 CAD. Read your policy to confirm exclusions for unattended items or normal wear and tear, and keep receipts for your equipment in case you need to make a claim.
