Surfing Travel Insurance
Specialist cover designed for surfers travelling worldwide
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Emergency medical expenses & repatriation
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Surfboard & equipment cover
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Search & rescue
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Award winning insurance
Recognised for our specialist approach
to sports and travel insurance.
Trusted by 75,000+ customers
Exceptional-rated cover from thousands of active travellers.
Backed by AXA XL
Buy with confidence with cover
underwritten by a leading insurer.
What does surfing travel insurance cover?
Our surfing travel insurance is designed for surfers heading abroad for a dedicated surf holiday, a one-off lesson, a guided surf trip or regular sessions throughout the year. It combines specialist surfing cover with the essential travel protection you need while away.
A full surfing insurance policy can include surf-specific cover for surfboards and equipment, search and rescue costs and pre-paid activity fees.
It also provides important travel benefits such as emergency medical treatment and repatriation, trip cancellation and curtailment, baggage, personal accident, personal liability and more.
If you already have travel insurance but surfing activities are excluded, our surf travel bolt-on can add activity cover for the time you spend in the water.
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 surfing insurance cost?
Your surfing travel insurance premium depends on factors like your age, destination (Europe or Worldwide including USA & Caribbean), trip length, and the type of surfing you’re planning, from casual beach breaks to more advanced reef or remote locations.
The level of cover you select, including higher surfboard equipment protection or increased cancellation limits, will also affect the price.
It’s worth keeping in mind that medical treatment abroad or emergency assistance in coastal areas can be very expensive without the right cover in place.
Review the surfing insurance example and compare a quote tailored to your trip.
Quote example
£13.06**
Example quote is based on:
- Sport Selected Surfing
- 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
- 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 do you need surfing insurance?
When travel plans get disrupted
Cancellation cover can protect pre-paid lessons, surf camps and other bookings.
Protecting your surfboard and gear
Surfboards, wetsuits and equipment can be costly to repair or replace.
Coastal conditions can change quickly
Unexpected incidents may lead to search and rescue costs.
Hear from our experts
“Surfing can take you to some of the world’s best coastlines, but changing conditions, injuries, damaged equipment or disrupted travel can quickly affect your plans.
Using the right equipment, surfing within your ability and following local guidance can help reduce the risks. Even with good preparation, accidents and unexpected disruption can still happen.
Our surfing travel insurance is designed for the realities of surf trips abroad, with cover for emergency medical treatment, cancellations, travel disruption, surfboards and equipment, search and rescue and other unexpected costs.
We’ve supported surfers and water sports participants for more than 30 years, so you can enjoy the waves knowing experienced help is there when you need it.”
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
Browse covered sports and activities
You’ll find a wide range of water sports activities covered, you can add multiple activities to your policy, we cover over 500. Browse our extensive list.
- Aquathlon Insurance
- Canoeing Insurance
- Coasteering Insurance
- Cross Channel Swimming Insurance
- Free Diving Insurance
- Jet Skiing Insurance
- Kayaking Insurance
- Kitesurfing Insurance
- Open Water Swimming Insurance
- Rafting Insurance
- Rowing Insurance
- Sailing Travel Insurance
- Scuba Diving Travel Insurance
- Sea Kayaking Insurance
- Shark Cage Diving Insurance
- Snorkeling Insurance
- Stand Up Paddleboarding Insurance
- Sub Aqua Insurance
- Surfing Insurance
- Swimming Insurance
- Wakeboarding Insurance
- Water Polo Insurance
- Water Skiing Insurance
- Water Sports Travel Insurance
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 – we cover a range of water sports in addition to surfing. This typically includes activities like bodyboarding, windsurfing, and paddleboarding. However, some high-risk water sports may require additional coverage. Check your policy documents or contact us for a full list of covered activities.
While we offer comprehensive coverage, there are some exclusions. These typically include injuries sustained while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, deliberate exposure to unnecessary danger, or surfing against local authority advice. Always read your policy documents carefully and surf responsibly.
Yes, in many cases you can extend your policy if you decide to stay longer. Contact our customer service team before your policy expires, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your extended trip.
We believe everyone should have a chance to enjoy surfing, regardless of any pre-existing medical conditions. During the quote process, you’ll have the opportunity to disclose any conditions you might have, and we’ll assess how they could impact your surfing activities.
The premium is not affected by any medical conditions that are declared, but our underwriters will apply a term which can consist of agreeing cover on a certain basis, increasing the excess or an exclusion may be applied.
No matter what, our £10,000,000 Emergency Medical Expenses & Repatriation coverage applies to all plans, even for surfers with pre-existing conditions. So, you can paddle out knowing that you have solid medical protection if anything happens.
Just make sure to consult with your doctor before surfing, especially if you have a pre-existing condition. And remember, not disclosing a condition could invalidate your policy. If you have any questions, our customer service team is always ready to help.
Standard travel insurance policies do not always cover adventure sports. Our Surf Travel Insurance is specifically designed to cover over 500 high risk activities including surfing, bungee jumping, skateboarding and many more.
Yes, at SportsCover Direct, we cover both recreational and competitive surfing. If you’re participating in a surfing competition or taking lessons, you’re covered. We even provide coverage for activity and race entry fees, with limits varying by plan level.
Yes, we offer worldwide coverage. Whether you’re island-hopping in Indonesia, touring the Australian coast, or catching waves in California, you’re covered. Always check the travel advice for your destinations and ensure you have the necessary visas and permits.
We recommend purchasing your insurance as soon as you book your trip. This ensures you’re covered for cancellations and allows you to benefit from our policies’ cancellation coverage right away.
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.
If you require emergency medical attention, seek help immediately and then contact our 24/7 emergency assistance line as soon as possible. For non-emergency situations, it’s best to contact us before seeking treatment. Keep all receipts and medical reports as you’ll need these when making a claim.
Our Surf 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 surfing equipment 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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