Kayaking and whitewater rafting are wonderful ways to get out into nature and see the world from a new perspective, right on top of the water! Whether you're ready for a relaxing paddle over a still lake or a heart-pounding rush over river rapids, kayaking and rafting can be an adventurous activity while vacationing abroad.
However, participating in adventure sports such as kayaking and whitewater rafting can be dangerous and put you at risk for injury. If you are planning on kayaking or whitewater rafting during your trip, a travel medical insurance with adventure sports coverage can offer protection and peace of mind.
What Is Kayak & Whitewater Rafting Insurance?
Travel insurance that includes coverage for adventure sports or hazardous activities can provide benefits in the event that you are injured during your activities and require medical care.
While a standard travel medical insurance plan typically excludes coverage for injuries related to participating in adventurous sports, select plans may offer this type of coverage as an additional rider for an added fee.
What Is an Adventure Sports or Hazardous Activity Rider?
An adventure sports or hazardous activity rider is additional coverage that can be added on to your travel medical insurance plan.
When you purchase your travel medical insurance plan, you can select to add on this additional coverage if you are planning on kayaking or whitewater rafting during your trip.
What Does Kayak and Whitewater Rafting Insurance Cover?
Travel medical insurance with the adventure sports or hazardous activity rider can offer coverage for the following:
- Medical care including hospitalization and surgery
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Urgent care
- Prescription/medications
Coverage details will vary from plan to plan, so it’s important to review a travel medical insurance policies description of coverage to understand limitations and exclusions.
Kayaking and Whitewater Rafting Safety Tips
While you're on your adventure, be sure to keep in mind a few safety tips:
- Unless you're very experienced on the water, be sure to take your adventure with licensed professionals. Your risk of injury is much lower when you're on the water with tour companies and individuals who know the area, body of water and how to stay safe while having the best time. Kayaking insurance can ensure that you get the medical care you need should you need it.
- Pay attention to local warnings and don't go into bodies of water that have been declared dangerous by local authorities.
- Never go out on the water alone. If you're injured or become overtired, it's a good idea to have someone with you so that they can contact emergency services if necessary.
Also, remember to pack these important items:
- Sunscreen: No matter what the weather, when spending a long amount of time outside you will be exposed to harmful UV rays. This can easily be avoided by covering exposed skin in waterproof sunscreen. Consider buying reef-safe sunscreen, especially if you're not wearing a wetsuit or plan on swimming.
- Glasses straps: if you're wearing glasses or sunglasses, be sure to secure them to your face or neck with a strap so that you won't send your glasses into the rapids or to the bottom of the lake, river or ocean.
- Drivers License or ID: Many companies require a valid ID to rent out items such as wetsuits and boats. So be sure that you have your ID handy before you embark on your adventure.
- Plastic bags: After your trip, you will likely be quite wet. Be sure to bring plastic bags or garbage bags to put your wet things in and a change of clothes, shoes and socks so that you're not traveling back to your hotel while soaking wet.
A travel medical insurance with hazardous or adventure sports coverage through VisitorsCoverage will keep you protected during your journey. Check out our available plans or contact our Customer Success Team for further assistance.
