Running Insurance
Cover for runners competing in overseas races
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Running race & competition cover
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Cover for running event entry fees
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Cancellation cover
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What does running insurance cover?
Running trips can include everything from a city 10K or overseas half marathon to an ultra-marathon, trail race, multi-day event or warm-weather training camp. Our running insurance lets you choose cover based on the event, distance, destination and how often you compete.
A full sports travel policy combines essential travel protection with specialist cover for running disciplines that standard travel insurance may exclude.
Cover can include emergency medical treatment and repatriation, cancellation and curtailment, baggage, personal accident, race entry fees, search and rescue, running equipment and travel disruption.
Already have travel insurance? A running bolt-on can provide short-term protection for your race or training days when your existing policy does not cover the activity, even after your trip has started.
For races closer to home, UK running cover is also available, with benefits including personal accident and personal liability.
Our policies provide three different types of cover: Sports travel insurance, Sports accident, and Activity Top-Up. Please ensure you select the most suitable cover for your activity, when you get a quote and always review your policy documents.
Sports equipment is excluded under our bolt‑on cover.
Only a summary of the policy’s coverage is presented on this page. Please refer to policy documents for full details of what is and what is not covered, when you get a quote.
How much does running insurance cost?
The cost of running travel insurance depends on factors such as your age, destination, trip length and the type of running you plan to do, from road races and trail events to mountain or high-altitude challenges.
Your chosen cover level will also affect the premium, including the limits for cancellation, medical expenses and optional protection for running equipment such as GPS watches, poles, headlamps and hydration packs.
While price is important, suitable cover can help protect you against much wider costs if injury, illness, travel disruption or lost equipment affects your race or training trip.
Review the example and compare a tailored quote for your running trip.
Pricing example
£13.06**
Example quote is based on:
- Sport Selected Running
- Sports Group Group 1
- Package Bronze
- Policy Single Trip Travel Policy
- Duration 2 days
- Destination Europe
- Emergency Medical Treatment £10,000,000
- Trip Cancellation £1,000
- Sports Equipment Cover £200
- Search & rescue £15,000
- See more benefits when you get a quote
**This example is based on a real quote from our website on 26/08/2026 for a 2-day, single trip, adult policy. It is shown for illustrative purposes only. If your circumstances or requirements differ, your quote may be higher or lower. The quote you receive will be based on the information you provide about your activities. Get a quote for pricing tailored to your requirements.
Why you need running travel insurance
Race participation may be excluded
Standard travel insurance may not cover organised races, endurance or trail and mountain routes.
Disruption can derail race day
Cancellations or delayed journeys could prevent you competing and leave race fees and bookings at risk.
Running injuries can be costly
Falls, overuse injuries, dehydration or altitude-related illness may require medical treatment overseas.
Our experts explain why…
“Running trips can involve significant planning and expense, from flights, accommodation and race fees to specialist kit and months of training. Injury, illness, severe weather or travel disruption can put all of that at risk, whether you’re entering a road race, trail event or mountain challenge.
Running travel insurance can help cover medical emergencies, cancellation, disrupted journeys, lost entry fees and equipment, giving you protection built around the realities of travelling to train or compete.
With more than 30 years’ experience supporting active travellers, we’re here to help you focus on the race ahead.”
Chris Trotman – Head of Sales & Underwriting at SportsCover Direct
Thousands rate how easy it is
We’ve refined our process to make buying sports insurance abroad simple but thorough, with cover designed around the activities you take part in, from training trips and competitions to active holidays overseas.
Our Claims Record
Average pay out for each insurance claim
£1,599.09*
How to make a claim
Choose your policy, find the forms you need
Download and complete forms
Submit your claims for review
A Recent Claim Example
“One of our policyholders became unwell while in South Africa to play Cricket. They sought medical treatment and were treated for suspected appendicitis, with symptoms of stomach cramps, high fever and nausea. Because they secured our Sports Travel Insurance, they were covered to seek medical treatment.”
Total Paid Out
£5,971.47
Claim Type
Medical Assistance
Policy Type
Sports Travel Insurance
Incident
Medical assistance
Policy Excess Applied
£90.00
Location
South Africa
Disclaimer
*Data relates to all SportsCover Direct Insurance claims from Jan to Dec 2025 inclusive. Claim example from 2025.
Medical cover explained
We provide cover that considers your medical circumstances. Complete a medical declaration to ensure you’re properly protected, as part of the quotation process.*
*Please note, just because you’ve declared a medical condition or injury doesn’t mean it is automatically covered. The insurer needs to assess it first and will inform you by email if any terms apply.
Medical conditions must be declared
All pre-existing conditions considered
Cover available up to age 74
We'll review your details
Most declarations don't mean exclusion
Any terms will be confirmed by email
Why choose us
SportsCover Direct is a specialist insurance provider focused entirely on sport. For over 30 years, we’ve helped athletes, teams and organisations get the protection they need, whether they’re travelling, competing, or training abroad or in the UK.
Covering 500+ sports
Fast online quotes
Established over 30 years
UK-based support team
FAQs
Yes, our Running Insurance can generally be taken out even if you have a medical condition. We can almost always offer cover at no extra cost, but occasionally our underwriters may apply special terms if you subsequently needed to make a claim relating to your condition.
Not always, some policies will only include cover for recreational running. Our policy can cover a large range of running activities including road running, trail running, marathon running and more.
Our policies will cover anyone up to the age of 74 at the time of purchase. An applicant aged 75 or over cannot be covered.
Our Sports Travel Insurance policy provides up to £5,600 worth of equipment cover. This add-on not only protects your own equipment, but also any equipment you hire during your trip. It also covers your running kit in transit to and from your destination.
Get specialist cover in minutes
Covering over 500 sports with quick online quotes and UK- based support, if you need it.
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