- The Best adventure Travel Insurance Plans
- What is adventure travel insurance?
- The price of adventure travel insurance
- What does adventure travel insurance cover?
- The conditions of adventure travel insurance
- Why You Need adventure Travel Insurance
- How to choose the right adventure travel insurance
- Does Your Current Insurance Cover adventure Travel?
- FAQ
adventure travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: It covers high-risk activities like trekking or scuba diving, which standard travel insurance policies usually exclude.
2. Price: A one-week adventure policy for Europe can cost between ₹3,000 and ₹7,000, depending on activities.
3. Coverage: It typically covers medical emergencies and evacuation but excludes pre-existing conditions and professional competitions.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Credit cards and health plans like ESIC or Star Health rarely cover high-risk adventure sports abroad.
5. Tips: Verify your specific activities, like high-altitude trekking, are explicitly listed and covered in the policy details.
6. Other useful info: In India, adventure cover is often an add-on to a standard policy, not a standalone plan.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 38 travel insurance policies available in India, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best adventure travel insurance.
The Best adventure Travel Insurance Plans
Here is a selection of the best adventure travel insurance plans available for residents of India in 2025. These policies are known for their high coverage limits, low deductibles and flexible terms, offering strong protection for travellers engaging in adventure activities.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | ₹1,00,00,000 | ₹5,000 | • Coverage for most adventure sports. • Emergency mountain rescue included. • Adventure equipment covered. • High sub-limits for evacuation. |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | ₹75,00,000 | ₹5,000 | • Mountain rescue coverage. • Adventure equipment insurance. • Fast claims support. • 24/7 medical helpline. |
| Tourist Card | ₹50,00,000 | ₹7,500 | • Emergency evacuation included. • Direct billing for hospitals. • Quick claim processing. • Equipment protection for activities. |
| World Travel | ₹1,00,00,000 | ₹10,000 | • Comprehensive worldwide assistance. • Adventure equipment replacement. • Rescue and evacuation services. • Suitable for extreme sports. |
| Globe Partner | ₹60,00,000 | ₹8,000 | • Adventure sports included. • 24/7 medical support. • Repatriation covered. • Equipment benefits for activities. |
| Globe Traveller | ₹60,00,000 | ₹8,000 | • Medical evacuation included. • Covers longer adventure trips. • Multilingual emergency help. • Support for guided tours. |
• Emergency mountain rescue included.
• Adventure equipment covered.
• High sub-limits for evacuation.
• Adventure equipment insurance.
• Fast claims support.
• 24/7 medical helpline.
• Direct billing for hospitals.
• Quick claim processing.
• Equipment protection for activities.
• Adventure equipment replacement.
• Rescue and evacuation services.
• Suitable for extreme sports.
• 24/7 medical support.
• Repatriation covered.
• Equipment benefits for activities.
• Covers longer adventure trips.
• Multilingual emergency help.
• Support for guided tours.
The best adventure travel insurance may vary depending on your needs. We invite you to use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find the one that suits you and subscribe directly online.
Compare the best travel insurance plans for freeI compareWhat is adventure travel insurance?
Adventure travel insurance is a specialized policy that covers medical expenses, evacuation and incidents related to high-risk or extreme sports activities during a trip.
It is designed for travelers in India participating in pursuits like mountaineering, scuba diving, skiing, or bungee jumping, which are not usually included in standard travel plans.
This protection is essential because it addresses specific risks unique to adventure travel, such as accidents, equipment loss, and rescue needs abroad.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out adventure travel insurance is especially important if you live in India:
- When participating in high-risk sports like trekking, diving, or skiing.
- If your trip involves remote locations with limited medical access.
- When your standard policy excludes specific adventure or sports activities.
- For high-altitude trekking or mountaineering, especially above 3,000 metres.
- If you travel with expensive specialised gear for your adventure.
- When you need cover for potential search and rescue operations.
- If your Indian credit card or health plan offers no cover.
The price of adventure travel insurance
On average, adventure travel insurance costs between 4% and 8% of the total price of your trip.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 10 days trekking in Nepal (Everest Base Camp) | ₹90,000 | ₹3,600 to ₹7,200 |
| 2 weeks of scuba diving and surfing in Bali | ₹1,40,000 | ₹5,600 to ₹11,200 |
| 1 week ski adventure in Switzerland | ₹2,00,000 | ₹8,000 to ₹16,000 |
| 3 weeks on a multi-adventure tour in New Zealand | ₹2,50,000 | ₹10,000 to ₹20,000 |
These prices are provided as an indication and may vary depending on the type of plan chosen (standard or premium) and the specific conditions of each insurer.
The price of your adventure travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: longer trips increase the overall insurance premium.
- destination: destinations with expensive or difficult-to-access healthcare, remote areas and high-altitude zones can raise the cost.
- type of activities: riskier activities such as mountaineering, scuba diving, or winter sports attract higher premiums.
- level of coverage: higher medical, evacuation, and equipment cover limits increase the price.
- traveller’s age: older travelers generally pay more, especially for high-risk sports.
- selected options: adding specialized coverage for equipment, search and rescue, or specific sports may make the insurance more expensive.
What does adventure travel insurance cover?
Adventure travel insurance is tailored for travelers who plan to take part in high-risk or extreme activities on their trip.
Such policies offer specialized protection for sports and adventures not covered by standard travel insurance.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| 🛫 Trip cancellation | Refund of non-refundable costs if you cancel before departure for a covered reason. | Choose at least ₹1,00,000 coverage. Deductible below ₹1,000 is ideal. Exclusions include cancellation for fear, change of mind, or not providing documents. |
| 💼 Adventure equipment cover | Pays for theft, loss, or damage to personal adventure gear during the trip. | Minimum ₹75,000 coverage recommended. Deductible should not exceed ₹2,000. Unattended baggage and normal wear are usually not covered. |
| 🧳 Baggage loss or delay | Refund for essentials if adventure luggage is lost, stolen, or delayed. | At least ₹40,000 cover. Look for deductible below ₹1,000. Loss of valuables and poor documentation are common exclusions. |
| 🏥 Emergency medical expenses | Key guarantee. Covers medical treatment for injuries from covered adventure activities. | Minimum ₹15,00,000, deductible up to ₹2,000 fine. Pre-existing conditions, alcohol use, and reckless behavior are excluded. |
| 🚁 Medical evacuation | Key guarantee. Evacuation by air or ground from dangerous or remote locations abroad. | Opt for ₹25,00,000 or unlimited cover, no more than ₹3,000 deductible. Evacuation for non-emergency, voluntary, or restricted activities not covered. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental care | Treatment for accidental dental injuries during adventure activities. | ₹12,000 cover minimum, deductible under ₹1,000. Cosmetic or pre-existing dental issues are excluded. |
| 🛡️ Personal liability abroad | Pays if you injure others or damage property during adventure activities abroad. | At least ₹10,00,000 cover, deductible under ₹2,500. Professional, reckless or illegal actions are not covered. |
| 🧑🤝🧑 Search and rescue | Costs for emergency rescue services during adventure activities. | Minimum ₹5,00,000 cover, deductible should be ₹2,000 or less. Negligence, lack of safety equipment, or unauthorized areas are excluded. |
| 💔 Trip interruption | Reimbursement for unused services if you cut your adventure trip short due to an incident. | Minimum ₹1,00,000 cover recommended. Keep deductible below ₹1,000. Returning home for voluntary or unapproved reasons is excluded. |
| 📞 24/7 emergency assistance | Access to support, case management and help in emergencies worldwide at any time. | Unlimited cover expected, no deductible. Non-urgent requests or using assistance for general questions is not covered. |
Exclusions include cancellation for fear, change of mind, or not providing documents.
Unattended baggage and normal wear are usually not covered.
Loss of valuables and poor documentation are common exclusions.
Pre-existing conditions, alcohol use, and reckless behavior are excluded.
Evacuation for non-emergency, voluntary, or restricted activities not covered.
Cosmetic or pre-existing dental issues are excluded.
Professional, reckless or illegal actions are not covered.
Negligence, lack of safety equipment, or unauthorized areas are excluded.
Returning home for voluntary or unapproved reasons is excluded.
Non-urgent requests or using assistance for general questions is not covered.
Reimbursement limits vary depending on the insurer and the plan selected (eco, standard, premium). They must always be checked in the general terms and conditions.
To find the adventure travel insurance best suited to your profile and your trip, easily compare offers on HelloSafe.
The conditions of adventure travel insurance
Adventure travel insurance is activated only if certain requirements are met by the traveler from India.
- Timing of subscription: you must buy the policy before leaving India for your adventure trip.
- Residency status: you must be an Indian resident when purchasing the insurance.
- Specified activities: only the listed adventure sports or activities in your policy conditions are covered, not all extreme sports.
- Trip duration compliance: your trip must not exceed the maximum length specified in your adventure policy, usually 30 to 90 days.
- Medical condition declaration: you must declare any pre-existing medical conditions before departure to avoid claim refusals.
- Use of certified operators: many policies only cover activities supervised by licensed guides or certified instructors.
- Incident notification: you have to inform the insurer as soon as possible after an accident, theft, or injury.
- Valid documentation: all claims must be supported by original receipts, medical certificates, or official reports as required by the policy.
Watch out!
A common myth in India is that premium credit cards cover adventure travel. Most of these complimentary policies exclude high-risk activities like mountaineering, skiing, or scuba diving. For real peace of mind, you must purchase a specialised adventure insurance plan that explicitly covers your chosen sport.
Why You Need adventure Travel Insurance
While travelling, even a minor health issue can quickly become costly, especially when adventure activities are involved abroad.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs abroad:
| Type of treatment | Average cost | Covered by insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Foot sprain (X-ray and consultation) |
| Up to 100 percent, depending on plan limit |
| Medical repatriation |
| Usually up to 100 percent if medically necessary |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalization |
| Up to 100 percent, depending on plan limit |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Up to 100 percent, subject to policy terms |
| Emergency tooth extraction |
| Partial reimbursement, often with a limit |
- Europe: ₹15,000 to ₹25,000
- North America: ₹25,000 to ₹40,000
- Asia: ₹8,000 to ₹12,000
- Europe: ₹15,00,000 to ₹20,00,000
- North America: ₹25,00,000 to ₹30,00,000
- Asia: ₹10,00,000 to ₹15,00,000
- Europe: ₹8,00,000 to ₹10,00,000
- North America: ₹15,00,000 to ₹20,00,000
- Asia: ₹4,00,000 to ₹7,00,000
- Europe: ₹12,000 to ₹18,000
- North America: ₹20,000 to ₹30,000
- Asia: ₹6,000 to ₹10,000
- Europe: ₹20,000 to ₹25,000
- North America: ₹35,000 to ₹50,000
- Asia: ₹12,000 to ₹18,000
Coverage varies greatly depending on the plan chosen (standard or premium) and the insurer. Refer to the general conditions and always compare with tools like HelloSafe.
In addition to medical expenses, adventure travel insurance can cover many other situations: trip cancellation, lost or stolen luggage, personal civil liability abroad, emergency evacuation, and specialist rescue services.
Good to know
Your regular health insurance likely won't cover a mountain rescue in Nepal. Adventure insurance is essential for covering high-risk activities and massive medical bills abroad. A policy from an expert like Chapka ensures an accident won't ruin your finances.
How to choose the right adventure travel insurance
Coverage amounts and benefits for adventure travel insurance can differ significantly from one policy to another. It is important to identify and compare the most relevant criteria based on your travel activities and destination.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💶 Reimbursement limits | Lower limits may not cover costly adventure emergencies or evacuation | Always choose coverage of at least ₹25,00,000, especially for mountaineering or scuba diving activities. |
| 📉 Deductible | High deductibles increase your out-of-pocket expenses during a claim | Opt for the lowest available deductible for medical and evacuation claims when comparing adventure policies. |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Some adventure activities require advance declaration or special policy extensions | Carefully read coverage lists and confirm your planned sports are not excluded by any general restriction. |
| 👵 Traveller’s age | Age affects premiums and eligibility for hazardous activities | Check age limits for high-risk adventure cover. Senior travellers may need specific authorization. |
| 👨👩👧 Traveller profile | Needs differ for solo, group, or professionally guided trips | Families or groups should compare multi-person plans as they may offer better value and common coverage. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Adventure coverage may be restricted to short periods or single activities | For long trips, verify extended adventure cover periods or possibility to renew your policy during travel. |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Medical and rescue costs vary widely between countries | Make sure your adventure cover includes both your main destination and any side trips to high-risk regions. |
| 🛡️ Existing coverage | Card or health insurance rarely covers adventure sports | Review all your existing policies and do not rely on standard card insurance for extreme or adventure sports. |
| 🧗 Planned activities | Specific sports could be listed as exclusions unless specially included | Declare all intended adventure sports like trekking, skiing, or water sports at application to avoid gaps. |
Does Your Current Insurance Cover adventure Travel?
It is legitimate to wonder whether your current insurances like credit card or public health coverage can match the protection of dedicated adventure travel insurance, but unfortunately it is usually not enough.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Adventure travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (ESIC) | Never | Only basic emergency care, annual cap of ₹2,00,000. No coverage for medical evacuation, high-risk adventure activities, or rescue in remote areas. | Travel insurance covers up to ₹1,00,00,000, including mountain rescue, extreme sports, equipment, trip interruption, and more. |
| Private health insurance (Star Health, Max Bupa) | Almost Never | Some overseas emergency medical, but up to ₹10,00,000-₹25,00,000, no evacuation. No cover for technical rescue, sports injuries, lost equipment, or adventure gear. | Travel insurance covers up to ₹1,00,00,000 and includes specialized search, evacuation, equipment, and 24/7 adventure assistance. |
| Classic credit card (SBI, ICICI) | Never | General medical emergencies abroad, max ₹3,00,000-₹7,00,000. No adventure or extreme sports, no search and rescue, no equipment coverage, no trip interruption. | Travel insurance covers much higher limits and includes mountain rescue, accident, and specialized adventure guarantees often excluded. |
| Premium credit card (HDFC Regalia, Axis Magnus) | Limited Coverage | Emergency medical for basic trips, up to ₹15,00,000, baggage or flight delay. No technical rescue, advanced sports, or high-altitude evacuation, max limits lower for adventure. | Travel insurance covers full accident and rescue up to ₹1,00,00,000 and gear, with comprehensive adventure-related protections. |
No coverage for medical evacuation, high-risk adventure activities, or rescue in remote areas.
No cover for technical rescue, sports injuries, lost equipment, or adventure gear.
No adventure or extreme sports, no search and rescue, no equipment coverage, no trip interruption.
No technical rescue, advanced sports, or high-altitude evacuation, max limits lower for adventure.
Expert advice
Your bank card or health insurance often excludes trip interruptions due to a relative’s illness or death. Always read the conditions carefully to avoid unpleasant surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe a dedicated travel insurance tailored to the trip.
FAQ
Is adventure travel insurance mandatory?
Adventure travel insurance is mandatory in certain cases, such as when participating in high-altitude climbs in Nepal or group expeditions in some European destinations, as tour operators or authorities may require proof of coverage. While not legally required for all activities or countries, it is strongly recommended. For example, if you go skiing in Switzerland or scuba diving in Thailand, unexpected accidents can result in hospital bills worth lakhs of rupees without proper insurance.
When is it recommended to purchase adventure travel insurance?
It is best to purchase adventure travel insurance immediately after booking your trip and confirming your adventure activities. Buying early guarantees coverage for trip cancellations and allows you to secure better rates. Last-minute purchases may limit your eligibility for critical benefits, especially for costly or high-risk pursuits.
How do I purchase adventure travel insurance?
Start by comparing available policies using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform. Next, carefully check guarantees and exclusions specific to adventure activities you plan to undertake. Once you select a suitable option, you can purchase your policy online. After payment, your insurance certificate will be sent to you by email for immediate use.
Can I purchase adventure travel insurance after booking my activities?
Yes, you can purchase adventure travel insurance even after booking your flights or activities, as long as you do so before your departure. However, for trip cancellation benefits and to avoid any loopholes in coverage, it's wise to buy your policy as soon as your plans are finalized. Check with your insurer if certain deadlines apply for specific adventure activities.
How do I make a claim on adventure travel insurance?
To file a claim, notify your insurer as soon as possible and collect all necessary documents, such as medical reports, receipts, and activity proof. Fill out the official claim form and submit all evidence digitally or by post. Claims involving adventure activities may require extra documentation, such as a guide’s report or activity waiver, to support your claim.
Does adventure travel insurance cover equipment loss or damage?
Most adventure travel insurance policies include specific coverage for the loss, theft, or accidental damage of adventure equipment such as trekking gear, skis, or scuba sets. Ensure the coverage limit matches the value of your gear, and note any item-specific deductibles. Always report losses to local authorities and your insurer within the stipulated time for a smoother claims process.
Are professional-level adventure sports covered?
Policies differ: some only cover amateur or recreational level participation, while others extend to competitive or professional events with higher premiums. Always check your policy’s terms to see if your planned activity—especially competitions or high-stake challenges—are eligible for coverage, and declare your type of participation during the application process.
Is adventure travel insurance mandatory?
Adventure travel insurance is mandatory in certain cases, such as when participating in high-altitude climbs in Nepal or group expeditions in some European destinations, as tour operators or authorities may require proof of coverage. While not legally required for all activities or countries, it is strongly recommended. For example, if you go skiing in Switzerland or scuba diving in Thailand, unexpected accidents can result in hospital bills worth lakhs of rupees without proper insurance.
When is it recommended to purchase adventure travel insurance?
It is best to purchase adventure travel insurance immediately after booking your trip and confirming your adventure activities. Buying early guarantees coverage for trip cancellations and allows you to secure better rates. Last-minute purchases may limit your eligibility for critical benefits, especially for costly or high-risk pursuits.
How do I purchase adventure travel insurance?
Start by comparing available policies using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform. Next, carefully check guarantees and exclusions specific to adventure activities you plan to undertake. Once you select a suitable option, you can purchase your policy online. After payment, your insurance certificate will be sent to you by email for immediate use.
Can I purchase adventure travel insurance after booking my activities?
Yes, you can purchase adventure travel insurance even after booking your flights or activities, as long as you do so before your departure. However, for trip cancellation benefits and to avoid any loopholes in coverage, it's wise to buy your policy as soon as your plans are finalized. Check with your insurer if certain deadlines apply for specific adventure activities.
How do I make a claim on adventure travel insurance?
To file a claim, notify your insurer as soon as possible and collect all necessary documents, such as medical reports, receipts, and activity proof. Fill out the official claim form and submit all evidence digitally or by post. Claims involving adventure activities may require extra documentation, such as a guide’s report or activity waiver, to support your claim.
Does adventure travel insurance cover equipment loss or damage?
Most adventure travel insurance policies include specific coverage for the loss, theft, or accidental damage of adventure equipment such as trekking gear, skis, or scuba sets. Ensure the coverage limit matches the value of your gear, and note any item-specific deductibles. Always report losses to local authorities and your insurer within the stipulated time for a smoother claims process.
Are professional-level adventure sports covered?
Policies differ: some only cover amateur or recreational level participation, while others extend to competitive or professional events with higher premiums. Always check your policy’s terms to see if your planned activity—especially competitions or high-stake challenges—are eligible for coverage, and declare your type of participation during the application process.
