Open Water Swimming Insurance
Cover for open water swimmers in lakes, rivers & sea
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Cover for open‑water swim competitions
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Medical costs & repatriation
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Search & rescue
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Exceptional-rated cover from thousands of active travellers.
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What does open water swimming insurance cover?
Open water swimming travel insurance is designed for swimmers travelling for recreational swims, organised events, coastal challenges, and other open water training, in waters over 5 degrees. If you are swimming beyond 1km from shore, a support boat will be required.
Our open water swim cover brings together sports-specific cover and crucial travel insurance in one policy.
For your wider trip, it can include emergency medical treatment costs, repatriation, travel disruption and cancellation cover, protection for personal accident and liability claims, delayed baggage, personal effects and more.
For swimming specific cover you’ll find protection in case of search and rescue costs, specialist swimming equipment alongside any pre-paid activity fees (such as race entry fees).
Do you need extra cover for an open-water swim activity? If you already have insurance but it excludes open water swimming, our activity bolt-on can offer protection for one-off participation.
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. Read these documents to fully understand what is and isn’t covered
How much does open water swimming insurance cost?
Your open water swimming insurance price will first depend on the plan you choose, Bronze, Silver or Gold, with different benefit limits included across each option.
Your personal travel details will also shape the cost, including your age, destination and how long you’ll be away.
Whether you’re planning to swim in lakes, rivers or the sea, your policy can adapt to your open water swimming trip. If you need additional protection for specialist sports equipment, for swimming or other activities, this can also increase the overall premium.
Review our open water swimming insurance example and get a quote tailored to your trip.
Pricing example
£27.40 **
Example quote is based on:
- Sport Selected Open water swimming (up to 1km from shore)
- Sports Group Group 2
- Package Bronze
- Policy Single Trip Travel Policy
- Duration 5 days
- Destination Europe
- Emergency Medical Treatment £10,000,000
- Trip Cancellation £1,000
- Sports Equipment Cover £200
- See more benefits when you get a quote
This example is based on a real quote from our website on 15/09/2026. If your circumstances and cover needs differ, your quote may be more or less expensive than the above example. The quote you receive will reflect the information you share about your event. The quoted price may vary from those displayed here.
Why you need open water swim travel insurance
Water conditions can change quickly
Open water conditions can lead to accidents and subsequently medical treatment.
Travel problems can disrupt a swim event
Cancellations, delays or an interrupted journey could affect your transport, accommodation and event plans.
Rescue emergencies can escalate quickly
Search and rescue from a coastal environement abroad can lead to unexpected costs.
Our experts explain why…
“Open‑water swimming connects you with some of the most breathtaking coastlines, lakes and rivers on the planet. But conditions can shift quickly, and even a minor incident offshore can become stressful and expensive without the right support.
For more than three decades, we’ve helped swimmers travel with confidence, with cover crafted specifically for aquatic sport. Whether it’s emergency medical care, lost equipment or a disrupted event, our UK‑based team is here to guide you through the unexpected, so you can stay focused on the water 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 Open Water Swimming 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.
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.
Yes, unless otherwise stated during the online quote process.
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