Top 5 Surf Travel Insurance You Need To Know In 2025
You’ve booked the flight for your next surf trip, packed your board, and are eyeing those perfect reef breaks halfway across the world.
But hold up, what happens if you need emergency assistance or if your belongings get damaged?
Well, if you’re reading this blog post im sure you’re looking for the best surf travel insurance that will fulfil your needs. After all, comparing insurance plans is not the fun part of any trip. But it needs to be done.
I’ll be covering the top 5 travel insurance that cater specifically for surfing or other adventure sports. In this post, I’ll list the ones I’ve personally tried or thoroughly researched plus you’ll be able to get a qoute through the insurance website on the spot!
So let’s dive in!
Real Quick Top Surf Travel Insurance

World Nomads
– Covers surfing in most regions
– Emergency medical + evacuation
– Board coverage for damage/loss
– Flexible for digital nomads and one-way trips

Sports Cover Direct
– Surf injury medical cover
– Repatriation included
– Surf gear protection
– Trip cancellation cover

Saftey Wing
– Surfing injuries covered
– Affordable monthly payments
– Worldwide coverage
– US coverage available as an add-on
Why You Need Surf Travel Insurance

Let’s be real: not all travel insurance is created equal. Most basic travel insurance policies don’t even cover surfing—especially if it’s considered an “extreme sport” under their terms.
First off, your gear is expensive. Boards, wetsuits, fins—they add up. Some insurance providers offer coverage for your equipment so you can travel with a peace of mind.
Insurance helps after things go wrong — but prevention is key. Don’t miss these surfing safety tips every traveler should know.
Wether its a reef cuts, or broken bones a lot of things could happen when surfing. Hate to sound like your mom here (or at least mine haha) but better be safe than sorry.
If you’ll ever need an emergency evacuation or to make a claim on a doctor visit you can easily contact your travel insurance provider and they’ll be able to handle it for you.
Trip cancellations are real. Think: sudden flat spells, airline strikes, or unexpected injuries before surf camp.
Regular travel insurance plans might cover some of this… but usually not the stuff surfers care about most.
Alright, now lets talk about what is the best insurance for your surf trip.
1. World Nomads

World Nomads
World Nomads is a go-to for adventure travelers and surfers alike. Their Explorer Plan covers surfing as a standard activity (no extra add-on needed), and they’re known for global coverage and decent gear protection.
Insurance Pros
Insurance Cons
2. Saftey Wings

Saftey Wings
SafetyWing is a favorite among digital nomads, and while it’s not surf-specific, surfing is included under their standard sports coverage. Plans are billed monthly and auto-renew — ideal for flexible or long-term travel.
Insurance Pros
Insurance Cons
3. Sport Cover Direct

Sport Cover Direct
SportsCover Direct has been insuring sports lovers since 1991, offering reliable, activity-focused coverage backed by AXA XL. Now part of Starpeak Insurance Solutions, they specialize in making insurance simple for surfers, adventurers, and athletes alike.
Insurance Pros
Insurance Cons
4. Insure And Go

Insure And Go
A mainstream provider that has started catering to adventure travelers. With the right add-on, surfing injuries and gear can be covered.
Insurance Pros
Insurance Cons
5. Surf Travel Insurance (STI)

Surf Travel Insurance (STI)
Surf Travel Insurance (STI) specializes in providing tailored insurance solutions for surfers and adventure travelers worldwide. Their partnership with trust-worthy insurers secure comprehensive coverage and reliable support.
Insurance Pros
Insurance Cons
What’s Typically Not Covered in Surf Travel Insurance?
Broadly speaking most travel insurance companies won’t cover the following things:
- Professional or Competitive Surfing
Most policies exclude coverage for injuries sustained during professional or competitive surfing events. - Incidents Under the Influence
Claims arising from accidents that occur while under the influence of drugs or alcohol are generally not covered. - Unattended Belongings
Theft or loss of personal items, including surf gear, when left unattended in public places is typically excluded from coverage.
Knowing what’s not covered is key to making sure you’re properly protected on your surf trips. Always read the policy details carefully and consider additional coverage if necessary.
Conclusion
When it comes to surf travel, planning the perfect trip isn’t just about swell forecasts and board bags — it’s also about protecting yourself (and your gear) when things don’t go to plan.
Whether you’re chasing waves in Costa Rica, Indonesia, or just hopping across the coast, having surf-specific travel insurance gives you peace of mind so you can focus on what matters most: the surf.
Take a few minutes to choose a plan that fits your travel style — it could save you a ton of money and stress later.
Safe travels, stay salty, and don’t forget to double-check your leash and your coverage. YEWWW!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need travel insurance for a surf trip?
Yes! Whether you’re chasing waves locally or heading off for overseas travel, travel insurance for your surf trip can cover everything from medical emergencies to stolen surfing equipment.
Can I add surfing coverage to my existing travel insurance policy?
Sometimes. Some travel insurance policies let you add an extreme sports or sports equipment upgrade to an existing travel insurance policy. If not, you’ll need to purchase travel insurance that already includes coverage for your surf trip.
Is travel insurance worth it for short surf trips?
Absolutely. Even short trips can go sideways. Travel insurance can help safeguard your health ─ and your travel insurance may even cover things like trip cancellation and sports through to leisure holidays.
Which provider is best for surf travel insurance?
There are several solid insurance providers out there, but World Nomads is one of the most recognized for extreme sports like surfing. They provide coverage for both domestic and international travel, surf camps, and even emergency evacuation.
Does travel insurance include surfing?
Not always. It depends on the travel insurance provider. Some policies exclude things like attempt big-wave surfing or aerial tricks. Be sure to check if your plan includes insurance for your surf trip and not just general travel insurance coverage.