Planning an adventure? 10 vacation activities you may miss on travel insurance

Posted on October 30, 2025

When preparing for a vacation, many clients see travel insurance as just an additional cost. However, customers should understand that travel insurance is just one layer of protecting themselves from potential financial loss. If your vacation consists of any of the following activities: hiking, biking, birding, diving, or any of the other activities people do for fun, not having insurance could put you at financial risk.

Travel insurance is an extra layer to protect yourself financially when you take a plane, train, or other form of travel. Losing your luggage, delaying your flight, or canceling your flight are just additional expenses. Chrissy Valdez mentioned that a good travel insurance plan will cover your trip for medical expenses; Especially regarding emergency medical evacuation which will be one of the most expensive and unexpected expenses during your trip. For most people, a trip plan that includes evacuation coverage is sufficient.

Let’s dive into the top 10 vacation activities that travel insurance typically doesn’t cover, and why.

1. Diving

Scuba diving opens up a world of adventure beneath the waves, but it is also a very dangerous activity. Whether due to decompression sickness, equipment failure, or even drowning, scuba diving can lead to serious medical emergencies that are not typically covered by standard travel insurance. To ensure your protection, you’ll need to purchase specialist diving insurance, which is often an affordable add-on. Without it, an accident could result in expensive medical bills or evacuation costs.

2. Snow sports

Skiing and snowboarding are exciting winter activities but come with significant risks. Injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, or even the need to evacuate the mountain due to an accident can occur. Most travel insurance policies do not cover snow sports injuries unless you choose specific coverage. If you plan to hit the slopes in places like the Swiss Alps or Colorado, it’s essential to make sure your insurance covers snow sports, which usually requires purchasing an upgrade.

3. Walking tour

Hiking is a popular outdoor activity that people enjoy while vacationing in the mountains or through national parks. However, it is often excluded from standard policies, especially when performed in remote or high altitude areas. A simple ankle sprain or fall can result in significant medical costs, especially if you need to evacuate from hard-to-reach areas. Many policies will not cover these types of injuries unless you add specific adventure or hiking coverage.

4. Riding quad bikes and ATVs

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and quad biking provide an adrenaline-filled way to explore remote landscapes, but are associated with significant risks, such as accidents, rollovers, and injuries. Because ATVs are often used in off-road environments where emergency services may not be readily available, most travel insurance policies exclude these activities. If you’re planning an ATV adventure, make sure your insurance includes coverage for off-road activities.

5. Kayaking

While canoeing may seem like a recreational activity, it comes with risks, especially in wild waters or difficult conditions. Overturning, hitting rocks, or encountering strong currents can cause serious injury and require expensive emergency services. Most standard travel insurance policies exclude kayaking accidents unless you are on a designated, calm water route. If you’re heading out on a more adventurous paddling trip, be sure to check your coverage and consider upgrading if necessary.

6. ziplining

Ziplining provides an exhilarating way to enjoy nature, but the activity carries risks such as injury, friction burns, and falls. Because zip lining is often done in remote locations, where access to medical assistance is difficult, it is usually excluded from regular travel insurance plans. If you plan to trek through the jungle in Costa Rica or over the mountains in the Philippines, make sure your policy covers this adventure or purchase additional coverage.

7. horseback riding

Horseback riding can be a fun and scenic way to explore a destination, but it also comes with risks. Falls, fractures, and concussions are common injuries, and many insurance providers consider horseback riding a high-risk activity, especially in rural or remote areas. Standard travel insurance often does not cover horseback riding, so it is important to check your policy or purchase additional coverage if you plan to engage in this activity during your trip.

8. Bungee jumping

For thrill seekers, bungee jumping offers a high-flying adventure, but it also carries significant risks, such as whiplash, fractures, or other injuries. Due to the extreme nature of this activity, most travel insurance policies do not include coverage for accidents caused by bungee jumping. If this is on your wish list, you will likely need to purchase a specialist insurance policy or upgrade your current plan to ensure you are covered for any unexpected mishaps.

9. Hot air balloon ride

Although hot air balloon rides are rare, they offer a unique and wonderful way to see the world. However, they also come with their own set of risks, including accidents caused by sudden changes in weather or mechanical breakdowns. As a result, most travel insurance plans exclude hot air balloon accidents. If you plan to soar across the sky in a hot air balloon, it is essential to check your coverage and consider purchasing a policy that includes aerial activities.

10. Safaris

Safaris are an exciting way to experience wildlife up close, but they also come with significant risks. Encounters with wild animals, disease transmission, and medical emergencies in remote areas are just some of the potential risks. Due to the nature of these risks and the locations where safaris take place, travel insurance often excludes cover for safari-related incidents. For those embarking on a safari in Africa or another wildlife-rich destination, specialist insurance may be needed to cover medical evacuations or accidents.

conclusion

Travel insurance can make the difference between a disaster and an overall catastrophe. However, you need to know what these policies actually entail. Most of the so-called adventure activities that you enjoy are like; For example, hiking, diving, and skiing are not covered by most policies. So, before your next planned vacation, be sure to check the policies, read the fine print and perhaps see if you can pay for more high-risk activities.

Vacations and coverage policies that include adventure sports, remote excursions, or activities that might be considered “high risk” typically come with very cheap additional coverage. Protecting yourself in this way ensures that you can enjoy your vacation without a care in the world.

You don’t want to have a vacation with unexpected things. But, as the saying goes, these problems are not unexpected if you have not planned for them. So review your policies to make these adjustments and get on your way.