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Travel insurance for adventure activities and sports

From Bali’s waves to Canada’s slopes – TID travel insurance offers cover for a range of activities for your next trip.

Article at a glance:

  • TID travel insurance covers a range of adventure activities and sports for both domestic and international trips.
  • International plans may include medical assistance, evacuation, equipment cover, and optional snow sports cover.
  • Domestic plans offer optional snow cover and equipment hire for golf and surfing.
  • Snow Sports cover is not automatic – you must select this option when you buy your travel insurance policy.
  • Coverage depends on your destination, activities, and the specific plan you choose.
  • Not covered: Mountaineering with gear, reckless behaviour, paid/professional sports, intoxicated injuries, certain high-risk sports like BASE jumping or running with the bulls.
  • Qualified supervision is required for certain adventure activities like scuba diving or rock climbing.
  • Read the PDS to understand full terms, exclusions, and coverage before buying.

Don’t let an injury wipe out your holiday

Whether you're carving fresh powder in Japan, catching waves in Bali, or heading off on a hiking adventure in New Zealand, travel insurance for activities should be considered just in case your getaway takes an unexpected turn.

TID offers travel insurance options that may cover a wide range of sports and adventure activities. Think of travel insurance as your back-up for activity-related events such as emergency medical evacuation when required to lost ski gear when the sports cover option has been added.

Different adventure sports and activities come with different risks. Always make sure you understand the risks associated with your chosen activities.

Why adventurous Aussies choose TID

Heading overseas? Our international plans (The Works, The Basics, Annual Multi-Trip) may include cover (up to the policy benefits) for the following:

✔️ Overseas medical expenses – Hospital visits, medical treatment, or emergency support abroad.
✔️ Evacuation and repatriation – If you need to be transported to a medical facility or back to Australia. Please note that medical evacuation and repatriation must be agreed by us.
✔️ Snow sports cover – Available as an optional add-on; includes cover for ski passes, closures, and hire replacement snow equipment.
✔️ Rental and sports equipment – Protection if your gear is lost, stolen or damaged. Note: there is no cover for sporting equipment in use and hiring replacement golf/surf equipment is not included under the Basics plan and limited to golf/surf equipment.
Hire of replacement snow equipment only included if purchasing snow sports cover option
✔️ Accidental death benefits – In the worst-case scenario, there’s some financial protection for your loved ones. Not available under Basics plan.

Always make sure you pick a travel insurance plan that matches your type of holiday and always read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before buying.

Not sure if a specific sport is covered? Contact us before you lock in your policy — we’re here to help.

Travelling in Australia? Our domestic plan may offer cover for:

  • Snow sports cover option – Ski lift passes, equipment hires, and ski run closures if you’ve added the snow sports cover option.
  • Golf and surf equipment hire – In case your board or clubs don’t make it.


Add the Snow Sports cover option

Love the slopes? Don’t forget to add the snow sports cover option when purchasing your travel insurance plan as it’s not automatically included. You must have the add-on and have paid the additional premium at the time of purchase to be covered. The Snow Sports cover option may include cover things like ski pass refunds, equipment rental replacement, and ski run closures.

Choose a plan that suits your holiday.

Just like choosing the perfect destination for your next getaway, selecting a travel insurance plan to suit your needs may be just as important. We have four plans to choose from, each offering a different level of cover. Check out each of the plans below where you'll find loads of information about each one.

Domestic

If you're taking some time to explore your own backyard, our Domestic plan protects you for trips within Australia. It can cover you for car hire excess, lost or stolen valuables and cancelled accommodation.

The Works

Our most popular plan, The Works offers broad cover for international trips including cover for costs such as unlimited medical expenses for up to 12 months and cancellation as well as added benefits.


The Basics

Sticking to a shoestring budget? The Basics plan is designed for travellers who want coverage for all the important things, like hospital bills and stolen luggage, without breaking the bank.


Annual

Are you a frequent flyer? If you travel often for business, or have a few holidays coming up, our Annual Multi Trip plan could be for you. Made for globetrotters, your trips can be up to 35 days in duration and there is no limit to the number of trips you can take during a 12 month period.

This is a brief summary of cover only and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions. Read the PDS before purchasing.


What’s not covered?

It’s important to know the limits of travel insurance cover. While TID travel insurance for activities and sports may cover a lot, here’s what’s typically excluded:

  • Mountaineering (involving ropes or climbing gear)
  • Reckless behaviour (like veering off marked trails)
  • Professional or paid sports participation
  • Accidents while intoxicated - if you’re hurt because you were intoxicated with drugs or alcohol then you may not be covered.
  • Personal liability - arising from your ownership, possession, or use (including as a passenger) of a mechanically propelled vehicle, for example, any motor vehicle, motorcycle, aircraft, or watercraft; or firearm.
  • Participating in activities when you aren't appropriately qualified, licensed or being supervised where required.
  • High-risk sports like BASE jumping, hunting, paragliding, pot holing, or running with the bulls

Travel insurance tip: Sailing through international waters on a private vessel? That’s not covered either.

Outdoor adventures can be fun but also unpredictable - whether its surfing in Hawaii or heading to the summit in Nepal - Get a quote today.

This is a brief summary of cover only and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions. Read the PDS before purchasing.

Plan smarter. Travel safer.

Ask yourself before you book:

  • What sports or activities will I be doing?
  • Are my friends planning anything spontaneous I might join?
  • What plan fits my adventure (and destination) best?
  • Are there exclusions I should know about?
  • Is my destination expensive for healthcare?

Choose a plan that fits your trip and read the PDS before buying.

Important: Only work with qualified and licensed instructors if you are planning to participate in any activities that require an instructor, then make sure whether that instructor has received the right training. They must be qualified to lead hiking, surfing, scuba diving, abseiling, or other types of tours and be registered with the governing association for their recreational activity.

Frequently asked questions

TID doesn’t cover certain high-risk or extreme activities. Activities we don’t cover : hunting, playing polo, racing (except on foot), mountaineering using support ropes, paragliding, rock climbing, abseiling, participating in BASE jumping, running with the bulls, or pot holing, and any professional sporting activity.

There’s also no cover for reckless behaviour, intoxication-related incidents, or joining an activity without proper qualifications, licensing, or supervision where required. Other terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions apply. See the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for more exclusions. 

Coverage is available for flying as a passenger on a commercial or licensed aircraft. Activities including bungee jumping, hot air ballooning, zip lining over water may be covered.

Some airborne activities fall under high-risk exclusions, such as activities including hang gliding, paragliding, and participating in any competitive record attempts involving aerial devices or aircraft.

Other terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions apply. See the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for more exclusions. 

Coverage is available for recreational surfing, provided it’s done safely, within your ability, and under local safety guidance. There’s no cover for professional or paid surfing or taking unreasonable risks.

Surfboards and equipment aren’t covered while they’re in use, but may be covered if they’re lost or stolen, up to policy limits. Under TID’s The Works and Annual Multi Trip Plans we will pay for the cost of hiring replacement surf equipment up to the benefit limit if your golf or surf equipment is accidentally lost, delayed or damaged during your trip.

Other terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions apply. See the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for more exclusions. 

Coverage is available for recreational jet-skiing when operated safely, legally, and within local rules. There’s no cover for racing, reckless riding, ignoring safety instructions, participating in a competition or paid event, or using a jet ski without the proper licences where required. Injuries involving intoxication or dangerous behaviour are also excluded. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions, and limitations in the PDS, including the general exclusions, before hiring or riding a jet ski overseas. Please note there are exclusions for personal liability related to your use of a mechanically propelled watercraft.

TID’s policies include cover for sports equipment that’s lost, stolen, or damaged, as long as it wasn’t in use at the time. Benefits and limits vary by plan, and depreciation or item limits apply. The Works and Annual Multi Trip plans may cover hire costs for golf or surf equipment if yours is accidentally lost, delayed, or damaged. Snow sports equipment is only covered when you’ve added the Snow Sports cover option.

Other terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions apply. See the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for more exclusions. 

You may be covered for accidental injuries that happen while participating in a sport or activity, depending on your chosen travel insurance plan. This can include overseas medical treatment or evacuation when required and approved in advance. There’s no cover for professional sports, high-risk excluded activities, intoxication, or participating without proper licensing or supervision. Always review the terms and conditions of the PDS to understand what is and isn’t included. Other exclusions apply.

Yes, you can, but buying travel insurance early may cover for cancellation in case your trip is cancelled due to an insured event, before that event may arise. When buying travel insurance after you leave, there's a 72-hour waiting period from the time your Certificate of Insurance is issued. However, if you’re injured in an accident during this waiting period cover may be available for medical expenses and medical evacuation and repatriation. Terms and conditions apply.

Important: If you purchase a travel insurance policy while already travelling you must purchase a policy up to the date you will return to your home in Australia. We are not able to offer cover for the middle of a trip.

Other terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions apply. See the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for more exclusions. 

Recreational, non-competitive sports may be covered. For example, cover is available for activities such as American football (Gridiron), AFL, baseball, basketball, netball and water polo. However, racing except on foot, and participating in, or training for, professional sports aren’t covered. A professional sporting activity is one where you are paid to participate, appear or train or where you receive sponsorship, income or prize money, regardless of whether or not you are a professional sportsperson. If your trip involves joining an event or match, review the PDS carefully to understand the terms and conditions, limitations and exclusions.

You can lodge your claim online by providing supporting documents such as medical reports, police reports, photos, receipts, or written statements. Include as much detail as possible so the claims team can assess your situation accurately. If equipment is lost or stolen, report it to local authorities or your carrier as soon as possible. Keep all documentation handy to help your claim run smoothly. If you need help, our emergency assistance team is available 24/7.

The features and benefits described are a summary of cover only. Cover is subject to the full terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions outlined in the PDS.

What kinds of sports can travel insurance cover?

A

  • Acrobatics
  • Activities in Antarctica, the Arctic Circle and Greenland (The Snow Sports Option will probably be required.)
  • Aerial safari (as a passenger in a licenced aircraft operated by an airline or charter company or in a hot air balloon)
  • Aerobics
  • American football (Gridiron)
  • Athletics
  • AFL

B

  • Banana boat rides
  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Biking/cycling
  • Blackwater rafting, cave tubing
  • Boating, sailing
  • Bowling (lawn & ten pin)
  • Bungee jumping

C

  • Camel riding for a day or if you are on a camel trek
  • Canoeing
  • Canyon swing
  • Cricket

D

  • Dancing - ballroom, salsa, Capoeira, ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip hop.
  • Dirt boarding
  • Dragon boating

F

  • Fencing
  • Fishing (deep sea, angling, fly fishing, on a river, boat, or standing in a lake; but excluding ice fishing)
  • Fly by wire
  • Football

G

  • Go karting
  • Golf
  • Gym - including weights, pilates, aqua aerobics, yoga
  • Gymnastics

H I J

  • Hiking
  • Hockey - field or indoor (excluding ice hockey)
  • Horse riding - leisure, on a tour with a licenced tour operator, non-competitive
  • Hot air ballooning
  • Jet boating
  • Jet skiing

K

  • Kayaking - white water, sea, river, lake
  • Kite boarding
  • Kite surfing
  • Kite wing

L

  • Land surfing

M N

  • Moped, scooter - Appropriate licence from country of residence and destination for operating this class of vehicle required; must be wearing a helmet; engine capacity must be 250cc or less.
  • Motor experience as a passenger only (excluding racing)
  • Motorcycle riding - touring, independent, organised tour, trail bike.Appropriate licence from country of residence and destination for operating this class of vehicle required; must be wearing a helmet; engine capacity must be 250cc or less.
  • Motorcycle riding - as a passenger; Must be wearing a helmet; engine capacity must be 250cc or less.
  • Mountain biking
  • Netball

O P

  • Obstacle course
  • Outrigger canoeing
  • Outward Bound, Duke of Edinburgh
  • Paint ball
  • Parasailing over water

R

  • Racquetball
  • Rifle range/sports shooting
  • River boarding/hydrospeeding
  • Roller skating
  • Roller blading/inline skating
  • Rowing/sculling, surf boat rowing
  • Rugby League
  • Rugby Union
  • Running or jogging, including half-marathon or less, marathon and ultra-marathon distances

S

T U V W

  • Tennis
  • Tough Mudder
  • Trekking
  • Tuk Tuk as a passenger (excludes Tuk Tuk racing)
  • Volleyball
  • Wakeboarding
  • Water polo
  • Water skiing
  • White water rafting
  • Windsurfing

X Y Z

  • Yoga
  • Zip line
  • Zorbing

This is a brief summary of cover only and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions. Read the PDS before purchasing.

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