Does travel insurance cover water sports?

We do not currently show quotes for specialised water sports insurance at MoneySuperMarket, but some of our travel insurers may cover it as standard or as an add-on.

Key takeaways

• Check your policy before taking part in water sports. Swimming, snorkelling and kayaking may be covered as standard, but more adventurous activities often need extra cover.

• Activity limits can apply. Your insurer may set restrictions on things such as diving depth, location, equipment or whether you need a qualified instructor.

• Compare cover, not just price. If you need extra protection, look for a policy or add-on that specifically covers the water sports you plan to do.

Do I need extra travel insurance for water sports?

It depends on the water sport and your travel insurance policy. Some policies include lower-risk activities such as swimming, snorkelling and kayaking as standard, while you may need extra cover for activities such as jet skiing, scuba diving or white-water rafting.

Check your policy before taking part, as cover may depend on factors such as the depth you dive to, where you take part in the activity and whether you use specialist equipment.

If your water sport is not covered as standard, you may be able to add adventure sports cover to your policy. This is often simpler than buying a separate policy.

If you're planning a holiday centred around water sports, make sure your policy covers the activities you intend to do before you travel.

What water sports are covered by a standard policy?

Many standard travel insurance policies cover lower-risk water sports, such as swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding, although restrictions can apply.

More adventurous activities, such as scuba diving, jet skiing, white-water rafting and kitesurfing, may require additional cover. Some insurers also set limits on diving depth or only cover activities when you use a qualified instructor or recognised operator.

Always check your policy's activity list before taking part. If your chosen water sport isn't included, you may be able to add adventure sports cover to your policy.

Do I need specialist cover for extreme water sports?

Extreme water sports are higher-risk activities carried out on or in water, often involving speed, strong currents, significant heights or depths, or specialist equipment. Examples include white-water rafting, jet skiing, kitesurfing, shark diving and canyoning.

These activities carry greater risks than standard water sports, so they are often excluded from basic travel insurance. Specialist cover is likely to cost more, but can provide protection for the specific activities you plan to take part in.

Check the policy wording carefully before you travel to make sure your chosen activity is covered, including any restrictions on experience, location or depth.

Which water sports require additional cover?

More adventurous water sports are often excluded from standard travel insurance, so you may need to pay extra for activity or extreme sports cover. These can include:

• Scuba diving, particularly below the depth limit set by the insurer

• Jet skiing and other personal watercraft

• White-water rafting

• Kitesurfing and windsurfing

• Surfing in some circumstances

• Water skiing

• Shark diving

• Canyoning and similar activities

Exactly what is covered varies between insurers. Check your policy's activity list and any restrictions before taking part. If your chosen sport isn't covered, you may be able to add adventure sports cover rather than buying a separate policy. You may also need additional cover if you are taking part in a competition.

How do I find cheap travel insurance that covers water sports?

MoneySuperMarket’s holiday cover comparison tool is a quick and easy way to compare hundreds of policies from dozens of insurers and see what activities they do and don't cover.

Simply provide a few details about yourself and your trip and find quotes from as little as 81p^[1]per day.