By clicking a retailer link you consent to third-party cookies that track your onward journey. If you make a purchase, Which? will receive an affiliate commission, which supports our mission to be the UK's consumer champion.

13 Jun 2024

Golf travel insurance explained

From clubs to holiday cancellation, we explain how golf travel insurance works and what to look out for in a policy

Dean SobersSenior researcher & writer

In this article

There are more than a million registered golfers in the UK, according to statistics from The R&A (The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews).

And fans don't just limit their game to home soil – golf holidays abroad are also popular, with more and more players enjoying sunnier climates such as Spain and Florida to swing their golf clubs.

However, playing golf isn't cheap – a full set of clubs, including a bag and club covers, can set you back close to £1,000.

Golf travel insurance, therefore, can offer you peace of mind when you take your golfing equipment on holiday. And while it can't protect you from a triple bogey on the 18th hole, it can cover your golf gear while you're away.

Please note that the information in this article is for information purposes only and does not constitute advice. Please refer to the particular terms and conditions of an insurer before committing to any financial products.

Compare travel insurance deals

Check Which? insurance ratings and compare deals using the service provided by Confused.com

Get a quote

What is golf travel insurance?

Golf travel insurance is travel insurance that is specifically for golf holidays.

It's designed to help cover any incidents that may result in losing possessions or money while you are away with your clubs.

And while most travel insurance providers consider golf as a low-risk sport, if you're a keen golfer specialist insurance may be the better option.

Find out more: best UK travel insurance companies

Standard travel vs specialist golf insurance

Sports and leisure activities are covered as standard in most travel insurance policies.

You will therefore be covered for things such as sustaining an injury playing golf and liability insurance if you were to hit someone or something with your golf ball.

This will come at no extra cost, and if you plan to hire golf clubs while you're overseas and play one or two games for a bit of fun, this could be a good option for you. However, make sure to check your policy's full terms and conditions to see what's covered before you go.

If you're planning to take your own set of clubs with you, and playing golf will be a large part of your trip, specialist add-on golf travel insurance could be a better option. Specialist insurance will cover you for loss, theft or damage of your golf equipment and can also cover unused green fees if you've had to cancel a game or your trip.

This add-on will need to be purchased on top of your standard travel insurance, so it's important to check that your provider will cover you for everything you need.

What should golf travel insurance cover?

Golf travel insurance typically covers theft, loss or damage of your golf equipment including your golf clubs, bag or balls while you're away on holiday.

It can also include any non-refundable green fees you've paid for in advance, if your trip is cancelled or you can no longer go.

Some policies include cover for any equipment hire.

Below is a comprehensive list of what is covered:

Lost, stolen or damaged clubs and equipment

According to golf insurance provider GolfCare, around three quarters of claims it receives concern the theft, loss and damage of golfing equipment.

Covering the cost of your clubs and golf equipment is essential if you're taking your own clubs on holiday with you. Your golf travel insurance can cover your clubs, bag, golf balls, clothing, golf shoes and trolley in the event that they go missing or get damaged during transit, or if they're stolen at your holiday destination.

It may even cover you if you damage your clubs while playing, but this is a little more niche and you'll need to check with your provider before making a claim. It's also important to check how much cover your provider is willing to give you.

There will be a maximum amount for each individual item that you take with you. Equipment limits can be as high as £7,500 – or as low as £500 – depending on the provider and the policy.

Find out more: best travel insurance for over 65s

Holiday cancellation

If you're unable to travel, you may be able to recoup any costs lost, including your flights, accommodation and any other facilities you paid for upfront.

Before consulting your golf travel insurance provider, it's worth checking whether you can get a refund from the holiday provider. They may be able to provide you with a refund, depending on the reason for the cancellation.

Injury and illness

Despite being seen as a tranquil and relaxing sport, playing golf can be quite a physical game. Players have been known to suffer all sorts of injuries, especially to the back and joints.

Before you go away, make sure your insurance will cover the cost of your holiday and any green fees you've paid in advance, if you suffer a physical injury and are no longer able to travel.

If you get hurt while you're away, your travel insurance should cover you for any medical fees and hospital stays, as well as reimbursing you for any unused green fees and your hotel costs.

Personal liability

Even pro golfers have off days. Personal liability insurance will help keep you covered if your golf game results in damage to another property or person while you make your way around the golf course.

Before teeing off, check your golf travel insurance small print to check what you are and aren't covered for. While you won't plan on causing an accident, it's good to know in advance what your policy's parameters are.

Find out more: the Ehic and Ghic explained

Check you're getting a great deal and search for a new travel insurance policy using the service provided by Confused.com. Get a quote now

What does golf travel insurance not cover?

Changing your mind – If you decide you no longer want to go on holiday but it's too late to get a full refund, your insurance will not reimburse you. To qualify for cancellation coverage, your reason must be more severe than a change of heart.
Intoxication – Your golf travel insurance will not condone any claims made that are a result of alcohol or drug consumption. Personal liability and injury or illness aren't covered if you were drunk when the incident happened or if that's the reason you were unable to play.
Going against government advice – If the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) warns against travel to a destination or specifies that only essential travel is allowed, but you choose to go anyway, your golf travel insurance will not be valid.
Acting dangerously – Most insurers will not accept your claim if you weren't wearing the right safety gear or using the right equipment when your incident or damage happened. If you were using the wrong golf clubs for your height and you damage your back, your claim may well be rejected.

Does my home insurance cover golf kit?

Your contents insurance will likely only cover the theft, loss or damage of your golf clubs if it happens in your home – not while you are on holiday or in transit to your location.

You will need to check your travel insurance or take out specialist golf travel insurance to make sure your clubs and kit are covered before you travel. It's important that your clubs aren't covered by two different types of insurance, as this will make it much harder to make a claim.

Does standard travel insurance cover golf clubs?

If your standard travel insurance covers lost or damaged baggage, this is likely to include golf clubs.

It's important to double-check your travel insurance before you leave, specifically the excess and policy limits. If your clubs are worth less than your excess, they're effectively not covered. If they're worth more than the policy limit, you may want to purchase a more expensive policy.

Standard travel insurance is more likely to be limited to just your golf clubs and equipment – not covering green fees, hiring of golf clubs if yours are damaged or replacing hired golf clubs if something happens to those too.

Find out more: travel insurance for unexpected events

Does sports travel insurance cover golf?

Most sports travel insurance policies will cover a range of sports including golf. Golf is seen as a low-risk sport and will therefore be covered by many different providers.

Again, sports travel insurance is only likely to apply to the activity of playing golf – with no cover for loss of green fees or loss of golf equipment. If you don't plan to pay for any fees upfront and plan on hiring clubs while you're out there, sports travel insurance is recommended.

However, if you want to protect your equipment, and any money you're paying upfront for your rounds of golf, specialist golf insurance is the way to go.

We've compared the policies of more than 70 travel insurance providers to bring you our best travel insurance providers. We've listed the best policies from each provider, ranked by policy score. Check our tables and detailed reviews to see how they compare overall, and what key features they offer.