What travel insurance do you need for adventure holidays?

While for some the idea of a perfect break is doing nothing by the pool, others prefer something more adventurous. But new Compare the Market research found one in five holiday thrill-seekers weren't insured for high-risk activities during their last getaway.

The comparison site also revealed that of those who did not take out any travel insurance for their adventure holiday, nearly three quarters (72%) said that they didn't think they needed it and were happy to take the risk. 

Without adequate protection, however, you can't claim if something goes wrong. So if you're planning an adventure holiday this summer, this is what you need to know to find the right policy for you.

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What insurance do you need for adventure holidays?

An 'adventure holiday' typically refers to a trip than involves any exciting experience or activity that has a higher level of risk. Sports such as skiing, surfing, scuba diving, bungee jumping, skydiving, and even horse riding all count as risky pastimes.

Although cover for these activities can sometimes be included in more expensive higher-level policies, it's usually bought as an add-on to your basic travel insurance. There is no 'one-size-fits-all' package available, however, so you will need to check the small print carefully to make sure your white-knuckle experience is actually included. 

If it's not, or if you decide to do something you're not covered for while already on holiday, you could end up paying the price later.

Compare the Market's survey found one in three (34%) travellers did not opt for specific cover because they spontaneously decided to take part in an adventure sport or higher-risk activities while on holiday and could not change their policy. 

Yet one in 10 (10%) of those who selected a policy which provided coverage for adventure sports and higher-risk activities had to make a claim on their policy, worth an average of £2,800. Although the cost can easily run to tens of thousands of pounds if you're hospitalised.  

• Find out more: best travel insurance companies and policies

What cover is included?

Once you've taken out your adventure travel insurance, the policy will typically cover you for the following:

• Medical treatment: you'll be able to claim if you’re injured while doing the activity
• Personal accident cover: this covers you if you’re seriously injured. For example, you end up losing a limb
• Personal liability cover: this covers you should someone else get hurt as a result of your activity
• Repatriation: the insurer will cover the costs of bringing you back to the UK for specialist treatment if you're too ill or injured
• Curtailment/cancellation cover: the insurer will pay if you need to cancel plans or cut your holiday short
• Legal expenses: this covers the costs of hiring a lawyer if necessary

What aren't you covered for?

Even with the most comprehensive adventure travel insurance policy, there will still be exceptions and exclusions.

Again, every policy is different, but as a general rule, the more dangerous or risky an activity is, the less likely it is to be covered. Extreme sports like base jumping or free climbing are good examples of activities an insurer probably won't cover you for.

You will probably also need to seek specialist insurance if you are taking part in any sport or activity as a professional or there is prize money to be won.

It’s also worth bearing in mind certain activities may be covered but only under certain conditions. For example, scuba diving might be covered, but only to a certain depth. And other activities might only be covered if you’re accompanied by a qualified instructor.

Make sure you also understand if any additional conditions apply so you don’t accidentally break the terms of your policy.

• To find a specialist insurer, you can use a directory such as Moneyhelper or the British Insurance Brokers Association.

How to cut costs

Of course, adding cover for adventure activities comes at an extra expense, but there are ways you can keep costs down:

1. Shop around

Price comparison sites that allow you to view multiple travel insurance quotes at a glance are a good place to start. The main ones for insurance are Compare the Market, Confused.com, GoCompare and MoneySuperMarket. 

Once you've found a deal that is right for you, check how Which? reviewed the provider and policy. We have rated hundreds of policies, scrutinising more than 60 areas of cover in each one, including medical expenses, cancellation and airline failure.

Travel insurance is complex, however, and even highly rated providers may not be suitable for everyone. To find out more, take a look at our reviews of individual insurers. For example, we have gone into more detail about all our top-rated providers, including NFU Mutual, AllClear and Avanti.

2. Timing is everything

Don't wait until the day you travel to buy insurance. Leaving it to the last minute means you might not be covered for everything you need and you could end up facing unexpected costs. 

Cancellation cover, for example, is unlikely to be included if you're purchasing a policy just hours before your flight. 

3. Avoid buying cover from a tour operator or airline

When you buy your holiday, whether that's through a traditional package provider or a budget airline, you're likely to be offered insurance at the same time.

But cover offered as an add-on to your trip is unlikely to be tailored to your needs and could be more expensive. Always check the wider market to see if you can get better cover for less.

4. Check existing cover

You may already be insured. For example, some packaged bank accounts come with travel insurance, so check what cover is included before spending money on a separate policy.

If you're not covered for adventure activities, then call your bank to see if you can add it on.

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