- The Best adventure Travel Insurance Plans
- What 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 one week in Europe, expect to pay between $80 and $200 AUD for adventure cover.
3. Coverage: It typically covers medical evacuation and specific activities but often excludes professional sports and pre-existing conditions.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Bank cards, Medicare, and private health funds offer little to no cover for overseas adventure activities.
5. Tips: Always confirm your specific activities are listed as covered, not just absent from the exclusion list.
6. Other useful info: Many Australian insurers offer adventure cover 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 analysing 38 travel insurance policies available in Australia, our experts share everything you need to know to help you choose the best adventure travel insurance.
The Best adventure Travel Insurance Plans
Here is a selection of the best adventure travel insurance plans available for residents of Australia in 2025. These policies stand out for their high medical limits, low deductibles and simplified terms, which provide robust protection for travellers seeking adventure activities abroad.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | $10.0M AUD | $100 AUD | • Comprehensive adventure sport cover. • Advanced emergency assistance. • High gear protection included. • Streamlined claims process. |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | $2.0M AUD | $150 AUD | • Adventure sports as standard. • 24/7 multilingual support. • Gear cover for hiking and climbing. • Dedicated mobile app for claims. |
| Tourist Card | $5.0M AUD | $200 AUD | • Equipment damage and theft covered. • Fast claims payment. • Accidental death benefit. • Travel interruption included. |
| World Travel | $3.0M AUD | $100 AUD | • Search and rescue cover. • Worldwide validity. • Telemedicine assistance. • Medical evacuation included. |
| Globe Partner | $2.0M AUD | $250 AUD | • Suitable for amateurs and groups. • Adventure gear loss benefit. • No upper age limit. • 24/7 emergency response. |
| Globe Traveller | $5.0M AUD | $250 AUD | • Long trip coverage up to 12 months. • Family-friendly benefits. • Multi-adventure discounts. • Efficient multilingual support. |
• Advanced emergency assistance.
• High gear protection included.
• Streamlined claims process.
• 24/7 multilingual support.
• Gear cover for hiking and climbing.
• Dedicated mobile app for claims.
• Fast claims payment.
• Accidental death benefit.
• Travel interruption included.
• Worldwide validity.
• Telemedicine assistance.
• Medical evacuation included.
• Adventure gear loss benefit.
• No upper age limit.
• 24/7 emergency response.
• Family-friendly benefits.
• Multi-adventure discounts.
• Efficient multilingual support.
The best adventure travel insurance may vary depending on your personal needs. We invite you to use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find the one that suits you best and subscribe directly online.
Compare the best travel insurance policies for freeI compareWhat is adventure travel insurance?
Adventure travel insurance is a dedicated travel policy covering accidents, injuries, and emergencies for travellers participating in adventure sports or high-risk activities overseas.
It includes medical expenses abroad, emergency evacuation, search and rescue, and protection for specialised equipment.
Adventure travel insurance typically excludes coverage for professional sports and pre-existing conditions.
It is also called extreme sports or high-risk activity travel insurance.
This product is different from standard travel insurance, which usually does not cover activities like mountaineering, scuba diving, or backcountry skiing.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out adventure travel insurance is especially important for travellers from Australia:
- For activities like skiing, scuba diving, or mountain climbing.
- When travelling to remote locations where rescue could be required.
- If your standard policy explicitly excludes your planned adventure activities.
- For potential high-cost medical evacuation from a remote area.
- If you travel with expensive, specialised sports or adventure equipment.
- For any activities at high altitudes, like trekking in Nepal.
The price of adventure travel insurance
On average, adventure travel insurance in Australia costs between 6% and 12% of the total price of your trip.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 5 days trekking in New Zealand | AU$2,200 | AU$135 to AU$260 |
| 2 weeks rock climbing in Thailand | AU$3,500 | AU$210 to AU$420 |
| 3 weeks adventure road trip in South America | AU$6,000 | AU$360 to AU$700 |
| 1 month multisport in Nepal (trekking, rafting, paragliding) | AU$8,000 | AU$480 to AU$950 |
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: longer trips usually result in a higher insurance premium.
- destination: remote or high-risk countries often increase costs.
- activities covered: insurance for extreme sports or activities such as mountaineering or diving is more expensive.
- traveller’s age: older travellers generally pay higher premiums.
- coverage levels: higher limits for medical, evacuation, or personal liability coverage raise prices.
- pre-existing medical conditions: coverage for known health conditions adds to the cost.
- optional extras: gear cover or cancel-for-any-reason options impact the final price.
What does adventure travel insurance cover?
Adventure travel insurance is designed for travellers taking part in high-risk or extreme activities overseas.
It provides cover that regular policies do not include.
This insurance is particularly important if you plan adventure sports or expeditions.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| 🏥 Emergency medical expenses | Key guarantee. Covers urgent medical costs from accidents during adventure activities. | Choose at least $5M cover, with a deductible no more than $150. Usual exclusions: pre-existing conditions, treatment after returning to Australia, and participation in professional competitions. |
| 🚁 Medical evacuation & rescue | Key guarantee. Pays for air ambulance, helicopter evacuation, or rescue from remote areas. | This should be unlimited or at least $1M. Deductible should not exceed $250. Exclusions: self-inflicted injury, rescue due to recklessness, and unlawful activities. |
| 🎒 Adventure equipment cover | Covers loss, theft, or damage to sports equipment you own or rent. | Minimum $2,000 per trip is recommended, avoid deductibles higher than $100. Losses from wear and tear or leaving items unattended are excluded. |
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Refunds prepaid, non-refundable costs if your trip is cancelled due to a covered reason. | At least $5,000 recommended, and avoid deductibles over $100. Most policies exclude change of mind, lack of documentation, or cancellations for business reasons. |
| 💼 Personal liability | Key guarantee. Pays damages if you accidentally injure someone or damage property overseas. | Look for $2.5M or more cover. Deductibles should be under $200. Injury to family members, damage to hired/rented equipment, and deliberate acts are excluded. |
| 🧳 Luggage loss or delay | Compensation if checked bags are lost, stolen or delayed by your carrier. | At least $1,200 per person. Avoid policies with deductibles higher than $50. Unattended luggage and poorly documented losses are generally excluded. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental care | Pays for urgent dental treatment due to accident or acute pain during your trip. | Minimum $300 cover is necessary for most destinations. Deductibles should not exceed $50. Cosmetic, ongoing or planned treatments are excluded. |
| 🧍♂️ Accidental death or disability | Compensation for death or permanent disability due to accident during adventure activities. | Should be at least $50,000. There should be no deductible. Excluded: injury from alcohol, drugs, war, or competitive events. |
| 🕒 Travel delay | Pays a set amount if your journey is significantly delayed due to events outside your control. | $100 after 6 hours is reasonable. There should be no deductible. Delays from poor planning or initial transport problems are excluded. |
| ⚖️ Legal assistance abroad | Pays for legal fees if you need a lawyer following an incident overseas. | Look for at least $2,500 cover. Avoid deductibles over $100. Excluded: legal costs from intentional criminal acts or civil fines. |
Usual exclusions: pre-existing conditions, treatment after returning to Australia, and participation in professional competitions.
Exclusions: self-inflicted injury, rescue due to recklessness, and unlawful activities.
Losses from wear and tear or leaving items unattended are excluded.
Most policies exclude change of mind, lack of documentation, or cancellations for business reasons.
Injury to family members, damage to hired/rented equipment, and deliberate acts are excluded.
Unattended luggage and poorly documented losses are generally excluded.
Cosmetic, ongoing or planned treatments are excluded.
Excluded: injury from alcohol, drugs, war, or competitive events.
Delays from poor planning or initial transport problems are excluded.
Excluded: legal costs from intentional criminal acts or civil fines.
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 profile and your trip, easily compare offers on HelloSafe.
The conditions of adventure travel insurance
Adventure travel insurance is activated when specific conditions are met. Below are the main requirements for validity in Australia:
- Policy purchased before departure: you must buy the insurance before starting your trip from Australia.
- Declared activities covered: you must declare all planned adventure activities and ensure they are listed as covered.
- Residency requirement: only Australian residents are eligible for most adventure travel insurance policies in Australia.
- Trip duration limits: your journey must not exceed the maximum duration stated in your policy, often 90 or 180 days.
- Professional participation exclusion: insurance is not valid if you engage in adventure sports as a professional or in competitions.
- Licensed supervision where required: some high-risk activities require certified guides or operators for coverage to apply.
- Destination restrictions: travel to countries subject to Australian government travel warnings may not be covered.
- Timely claim notification: you must inform the insurer promptly if an incident occurs during your trip.
Watch out!
Heads up, Aussies! Don't assume your credit card's 'free' travel insurance has you covered for that Queenstown bungee jump. Most bank policies specifically exclude adventure sports, leaving you dangerously exposed if something goes wrong. Always check the fine print and get specialised cover for your thrills.
Why take out adventure travel insurance?
While travelling, even a minor health issue can quickly lead to significant expenses, especially during adventure trips outside Australia. Without insurance, these costs are your sole responsibility and can quickly exceed the price of your trip.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs abroad:
| Type of treatment | Average cost | Covered by insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Foot sprain (X-ray and consultation) | Europe: $800North America: $2,200Asia: $400 | Up to 100%, depending on policy limit |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalisation | Europe: $25,000North America: $75,000Asia: $12,000 | Usually up to 100%, as long as declared |
| Medical repatriation | Europe: $85,000North America: $120,000Asia: $65,000 | Often 100% if medically required and urgent |
| Stitches after a fall | Europe: $1,200North America: $3,500Asia: $600 | Up to 100%, typically minus any excess |
| Consultation and treatment for an intestinal infection | Europe: $600North America: $1,800Asia: $300 | Commonly 100%, depends on policy choice |
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 also covers many other risks: trip cancellation or interruption, lost or stolen luggage, civil liability abroad, repatriation assistance and services like teleconsultation or emergency fund advances.
Good to know
Because your standard policy and Aussie health cover won't pay for a helicopter rescue or $100k+ overseas medical bills. An adventure plan, like those from Chapka, covers high-risk activities, ensuring a mishap on the mountain or reef doesn't become a life-long financial burden.
How to choose the right adventure travel insurance?
Not all adventure travel insurance plans are equal: reimbursement limits, deductibles and covered activities can differ greatly.
That is why it is essential to compare the real guarantees according to your trip and sport profile.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💰 Reimbursement limits | Medical costs during adventure travel can be extremely high overseas. | Choose medical coverage of at least $5 million for adventure activities in remote regions. |
| 📉 Deductible | This is the out-of-pocket amount for each claim before cover applies. | Check if the deductible applies per claim or per policy, as this can affect multiple incidents. |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Each policy has exclusions and specific obligations for adventure sports. | Read all conditions on professional guides, safety equipment and altitude for planned activities. |
| 👤 Traveller’s age | Older travellers may face stricter coverage rules or age-related exclusions. | Review any extra premiums or exclusions after age 65, especially for high-risk or technical sports. |
| 👨👩👧 Traveller profile | Families, solo or group adventurers have different cover needs for rescue and medical. | Choose multi-traveller policies if travelling with friends or relatives on an adventure trip. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Policy durations can be limited, which may not suit extended adventure travel. | For trips over a month, check policy maximums and look for extended-stay cover if needed. |
| 🌐 Geographic area | Coverage may exclude certain countries or only be valid for certain regions. | Ensure the policy covers every country and terrain you plan to visit during your trip. |
| 🦺 Planned activities | Many risk activities require specific inclusion or can be excluded without the right option. | List all adventure activities before purchase to avoid having claims rejected for undisclosed risks. |
| 🏦 Existing coverage | Credit card, home and health insurance may already provide limited overseas cover. | Review your bank card and health fund cover before buying new insurance to avoid doubling up. |
Do my current insurance policies cover adventure travel?
It is understandable to wonder whether your current insurance, such as credit card insurance or the public health system, can substitute for 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 (Medicare) | Never | Emergency health treatment only in reciprocal countries. Maximum: by agreement. No coverage for adventure sports, evacuation, or private medical care abroad. Repatriation assistance never included. | Travel insurance covers up to $10,000,000 for medical expenses, evacuation, search and rescue, and all adventure activities. |
| Private health insurance (Bupa Australia, Medibank Private) | Almost Never | Emergency medical expenses overseas. Maximum: $2,000 to $2,500. No cover for adventure injuries, evacuation, liability, or travel incidents like lost luggage or cancellations. | Travel insurance offers up to $10,000,000 for adventure medical needs and includes search and rescue and trip cancellation. |
| Classic credit card (Commonwealth Bank Low Rate, Westpac Classic) | Never | Very basic emergency medical. Maximum: $1,000,000. No coverage for any adventure activity, evacuation, equipment, or liability. No cover for search and rescue or trip interruption. | Travel insurance includes adventure activity cover, specialist equipment, and up to $10,000,000 for medical evacuations. |
| Premium credit card (ANZ Black, AMEX Platinum) | Limited Coverage | Limited travel medical and trip cancellation. Maximum: $2,000,000. Adventure activities are systematically excluded, and there is no specialist cover for equipment or search and rescue expenses. | Travel insurance allows claims for lost gear, evacuation, and activities like climbing and diving with very high coverage. |
No coverage for adventure sports, evacuation, or private medical care abroad. Repatriation assistance never included.
No cover for adventure injuries, evacuation, liability, or travel incidents like lost luggage or cancellations.
No coverage for any adventure activity, evacuation, equipment, or liability. No cover for search and rescue or trip interruption.
Adventure activities are systematically excluded, and there is no specialist cover for equipment or search and rescue expenses.
Expert advice
Heads up, Aussies! Bank card and health insurance often exclude trip interruptions, like a relative's illness or death. Always read the fine print to avoid nasty surprises overseas. For true peace of mind, it's always safer and more reassuring to get dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Is adventure travel insurance mandatory?
Adventure travel insurance is not legally mandatory for most destinations, though some countries or adventure tour operators require proof of insurance that covers high-risk activities. For example, certain trekking tours in Nepal or specialist expeditions may demand it as a condition of entry or participation. Even when not compulsory, it is strongly recommended—for instance, a broken ankle while skiing overseas could lead to uninsured costs of tens of thousands of dollars.
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 any adventure activity. Early purchase ensures you are protected against cancellations, trip interruptions, or pre-departure mishaps. Being covered from the outset also means you benefit from the maximum period of protection and can claim for unforeseen events that might arise before you even leave Australia.
How do I purchase adventure travel insurance?
First, compare policies with a trusted online platform like HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find options tailored for adventure. Then, carefully check coverage guarantees and, most importantly, exclusions specific to adventure activities. Once you are satisfied, purchase your policy securely online. After payment, you will receive your insurance certificate—often instantly by email.
Can I purchase adventure travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you can purchase adventure travel insurance after booking your trip; however, it’s best done as soon as possible. Delaying may mean missing out on certain protections such as trip cancellation or pre-existing medical coverage. For high-risk activities, some insurers may require you to have coverage in place before participating, so always arrange insurance before your adventure begins.
How do I make a claim on adventure travel insurance?
To make a claim, gather all relevant documents, such as medical reports, receipts, and proof of activity participation. Contact your insurer’s claims department—typically available 24/7—either online or by phone. Follow their process, submit supporting evidence promptly, and keep copies of all correspondence. Timely and complete submissions help ensure smoother claim approval and reimbursement.
Are pre-existing medical conditions covered under adventure travel insurance?
Most adventure travel insurance policies require you to declare all pre-existing medical conditions at purchase. Some conditions may be covered with an additional premium, while others can be excluded entirely. Review the terms carefully, as undertaking high-risk activities often means stricter limitations, and failing to disclose conditions could void your coverage in the event of a claim.
Is adventure equipment covered by standard travel insurance?
Standard travel insurance usually does not cover high-value adventure equipment like climbing gear or specialist cameras. For proper protection, choose an adventure add-on or a dedicated policy that specifically includes loss, theft, or damage to sporting equipment. Check coverage limits to make sure they match the real replacement value of your gear and note any exclusions for wear and tear.
Is adventure travel insurance mandatory?
Adventure travel insurance is not legally mandatory for most destinations, though some countries or adventure tour operators require proof of insurance that covers high-risk activities. For example, certain trekking tours in Nepal or specialist expeditions may demand it as a condition of entry or participation. Even when not compulsory, it is strongly recommended—for instance, a broken ankle while skiing overseas could lead to uninsured costs of tens of thousands of dollars.
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 any adventure activity. Early purchase ensures you are protected against cancellations, trip interruptions, or pre-departure mishaps. Being covered from the outset also means you benefit from the maximum period of protection and can claim for unforeseen events that might arise before you even leave Australia.
How do I purchase adventure travel insurance?
First, compare policies with a trusted online platform like HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find options tailored for adventure. Then, carefully check coverage guarantees and, most importantly, exclusions specific to adventure activities. Once you are satisfied, purchase your policy securely online. After payment, you will receive your insurance certificate—often instantly by email.
Can I purchase adventure travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you can purchase adventure travel insurance after booking your trip; however, it’s best done as soon as possible. Delaying may mean missing out on certain protections such as trip cancellation or pre-existing medical coverage. For high-risk activities, some insurers may require you to have coverage in place before participating, so always arrange insurance before your adventure begins.
How do I make a claim on adventure travel insurance?
To make a claim, gather all relevant documents, such as medical reports, receipts, and proof of activity participation. Contact your insurer’s claims department—typically available 24/7—either online or by phone. Follow their process, submit supporting evidence promptly, and keep copies of all correspondence. Timely and complete submissions help ensure smoother claim approval and reimbursement.
Are pre-existing medical conditions covered under adventure travel insurance?
Most adventure travel insurance policies require you to declare all pre-existing medical conditions at purchase. Some conditions may be covered with an additional premium, while others can be excluded entirely. Review the terms carefully, as undertaking high-risk activities often means stricter limitations, and failing to disclose conditions could void your coverage in the event of a claim.
Is adventure equipment covered by standard travel insurance?
Standard travel insurance usually does not cover high-value adventure equipment like climbing gear or specialist cameras. For proper protection, choose an adventure add-on or a dedicated policy that specifically includes loss, theft, or damage to sporting equipment. Check coverage limits to make sure they match the real replacement value of your gear and note any exclusions for wear and tear.
