High-risk travel insurance

Whether you're looking to skydive over glaciers or venture off the beaten track, going out of your comfort zone doesn't mean going out of the travel insurance coverage zone.

See which travel insurance brands will cover your high-risk holiday, whether it's the adventure, destination or your current condition.

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What makes me a high risk to an insurer?

You could be an adventure sports enthusiast, plan to visit politically unstable destinations or have pre-existing medical conditions for these reasons and more you pose an increased claims risk to the insurer.

As a general rule, many high-risk activities, destinations and medical conditions are excluded from travel insurance cover. However, depending on your individual circumstances, it can be possible to find an insurer who can offer the travel insurance protection you need.

Can I get travel insurance for high-risk activities overseas?

The treatment of high-risk adventure sports and activities varies between travel insurers. Insurers will generally fall into three categories:

There are some brands specialising in adventure sports travel insurance policies and others that can cover you if you’re competing in specific a professional sporting activities, so it pays to shop around and compare the available options.

If you do find cover for your chosen adventure activity, pay attention to the conditions listed in the policy - you may be covered only some of the time you're doing that activity. Conditions can include:

• Hiking and trekking. Some policies include an altitude limit.
• Skydiving. Cover will typically only be offered if you perform a tandem jump with a licensed instructor.
• Scuba diving. Most policies have a limit on how deep you can dive before they won't cover you anymore.

Conditions vary between insurers and depending on the activity you want to participate in, so read the fine print of your product disclosure statement (PDS) for full details of the cover available and check out our guides below.

What high-risk activities are generally covered by travel insurance as a standard?

Activities that are usually covered in most policies include:

What activities are sometimes covered?

The following conditions can also usually be covered if you take out adventure sports cover, but conditions and limitations apply:

High-risk activities not generally covered by travel insurance at all

Finally, there are some high-risk activities that you’re very unlikely to find cover for, including:

Can I get travel insurance for high-risk countries?

Some of the most interesting and exciting travel destinations come with a heightened level of risk. This can be due to the threat of terrorism, ongoing political instability, or even a recent natural disaster.

A common exclusion on every travel insurance policy is you will not be covered if you visit a country where a travel warning has been issued. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) advises Australian travellers whether or not it is safe to travel to various countries. Check the Smartraveller website for up-to-date advisories.

Another common exclusion whether it’s reasonable to expect that you knew a destination was unsafe for travel due to reports in the mass media. It’s important to check with your insurer to find out if they will cover you if you are planning on visiting somewhere that is known to be hazardous.

Travel insurance and high-risk medical conditions

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, it can be difficult to find an insurer willing to cover any claims that arise from that condition. There are some pre-existing conditions that most insurers will automatically cover, including asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, blindness and deafness.

However, there are some high-risk conditions that are automatically excluded from cover by travel insurers.

• Any form of cancer
• Any condition which requires spinal or brain surgery
• Heart or cardiovascular disease of any kind
• Any chronic or recurring pain requiring ongoing medication or treatment, for example back pain
• Mental conditions including dementia, depression, anxiety, stress and other related disorders
• Drug or alcohol addiction
• Any condition for which you are awaiting diagnosis
• Any condition which has caused you to be hospitalised in the last two years
• HIV infection
• Organ transplant, either if scheduled for the future or if you have already undergone the procedure
• Any condition for which surgery is planned or scheduled for the future

Read your travel insurance product disclosure statement (PDS) for a full list of excluded high-risk conditions.

If you have one of these conditions it doesn’t mean you can’t take out travel insurance, but it does mean that any claims that arise because of your condition will not be covered.

Other important travel insurance exclusions

Although general exclusions vary between insurers, your claim will usually not be paid if:

• It arises because you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• You leave your luggage or personal belongings unattended in a public place and they are stolen
• You fail to take all reasonable steps to prevent and minimise loss
• Your claim arises because you were breaking the law or behaving recklessly
• Your claim is caused by a government authority withholding, confiscating, detaining or destroying anything
• Your claim is for childbirth overseas, or if you travel any later than 26 weeks into your pregnancy
• It is for a sexually transmitted disease
• Your claim arises because you were riding a motorcycle without wearing a helmet or without holding a valid licence in the country you are in
• Your claim is for suicide or attempted suicide
• Your claim is caused by an act of war, rebellion or insurrection
• Your claim arises due to error or omissions in your booking or travel arrangements
• You fail to obtain the appropriate visa for the country you are visiting
• You fail to follow the road rules in the country you are in

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does high-risk travel insurance typically cost more?

  Yes, high-risk travel insurance generally costs more than a standard policy. Insurers charge an additional premium due to the increased likelihood of a claim arising from adventure sports, dangerous destinations or pre-existing medical conditions. This extra cost reflects the higher risk you present to the insurer.

• What details should I provide when applying for high-risk travel insurance?

  You must provide full and accurate details about your planned activities, destinations and any pre-existing medical conditions. For activities, this includes your experience level, qualifications, equipment used and specific locations. For medical conditions, provide dates of diagnosis, treatments, medications and any planned surgeries. Full disclosure ensures your policy remains valid and claims can be processed successfully.

• What happens if a travel warning is issued for my destination after I buy my policy?

  If a travel warning is issued by DFAT for your destination after you purchase your policy it is crucial to check your Product Disclosure Statement. Some policies may allow you to cancel your trip for a refund, while others may exclude cover for claims arising from the warning once it is issued. Generally, travel insurance does not cover claims if you choose to travel to a destination against DFAT advice.

• What are my options if I cannot find coverage for my high-risk travel?

  If you are unable to find an insurer to cover your specific high-risk activity or condition you might consider a specialist travel insurance broker who has access to a wider range of niche policies. Alternatively you may need to accept that certain risks will not be covered and travel uninsured for those specific elements, or adjust your travel plans to reduce the risk.

• Does travel insurance cover me for professional high-risk activities or competitions?

  Most standard, and even many high-risk, travel insurance policies exclude professional sports or competitions. These activities carry a significantly higher risk profile. If you plan to participate professionally you will likely need to seek out a highly specialised insurer or a tailored policy designed for professional athletes.

• Is emergency medical evacuation covered by high-risk travel insurance?

  Emergency medical evacuation is typically a standard inclusion in comprehensive travel insurance policies, including those for high-risk travel. However, it is vital to confirm that this coverage extends to incidents directly related to your declared high-risk activities or conditions. Always check the limits and conditions in your PDS to understand what is covered and under what circumstances.