Travel insurance for paragliding and parasailing

Will travel insurance cover paragliding or parasailing?

Yep, you can get travel insurance that will cover claims related to paragliding or parasailing. However, you'll need to check the details. Paragliding and parasailing are risky activities, and are considered extreme sports, so they'll need a comprehensive policy. The extra cost you pay will account for the extra risk you're taking.

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What's the best travel insurance for paragliding or parasailing?

There's no single best travel insurance for extreme sports like paragliding. Instead, you're best to compare travel insurance policies in general, and then adding adventure sports to your cover when you sign up.

You can use Finder to compare travel insurance quotes from 18 brands – that’s more than any other site in Australia.

How do I make sure I'm covered?

If your policy says it covers extreme sports like paragliding, it’s important to check if there are any conditions that affect when cover will apply. Conditions may include:

• You must be a passenger. You may need to be paragliding in tandem with a licensed instructor and be a passenger rather than in control of the aircraft.
• A licensed operator is required. The paragliding equipment and service generally needs to be provided by a licensed commercial operator.
• You may need to buy an extra sports option. You may need to take certain steps when taking out your policy, such as applying for cover over the phone or purchasing a special adventure sports pack.
• Understand what your policy covers. There is a difference between paragliding and parasailing. Some travel insurance brands may only cover parasailing.

It's not enough to just get a policy that's advertised as an 'extreme sports' package or similar. You really do need to check the details of the policy.

When won’t you be covered?

There are certain situations when you won’t be able to receive any cover from your travel insurer for paragliding or parasailing. Some of these are specific to the sport itself, including:

• You may not be covered if you don’t satisfy all policy conditions, such as flying in tandem with a licensed instructor when you paraglide.
• You may not be covered unless you specifically arrange for the sport to be covered when arranging your policy.
• You may not be covered for personal liability while paragliding.
• You may not be covered if you operate the equipment yourself, instead of having a professional operate for you.

In other cases, you may not be covered for paragliding-related claims under some of the general exclusions of your policy, such as:

• If the insurer excludes paragliding from cover altogether.
• If your claim arises because you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Make sure you read the fine print of your policy to work out when you will and will not be covered.

Does travel insurance cover hang gliding?

Hang gliding is generally not able to be covered by travel insurance. While similar to paragliding in some ways, the design of hang gliders makes them harder to control than paragliders. That makes them inherently more dangerous.

How much does travel insurance cost for paragliding?

You will pay more for a travel insurance policy that covers extreme sports. This is because you're putting yourself at higher risk, so the odds of you making a claim are higher.

How much extra you'll pay depends on your insurer's add-on options. For example, Fast Cover offers an adventure pack as an optional add on. This adventure pack covers lots of sports including tandem paragliding, but not other sports like snowboarding, which requires a more expensive policy again.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the difference between paragliding, parasailing and paramotoring?

  While all involve flying with a parachute-like canopy, there are key differences. Paragliding involves launching from a high place like a mountain and gliding down using air currents. Parasailing involves being towed behind a boat and lifted into the air. Paramotoring is similar to paragliding but includes a motor and propeller strapped to the pilot’s back for powered flight and sustained altitude.
  Travel insurance policies usually specify which of these activities are covered. Paragliding and parasailing may be covered as an extra option, but paramotoring is generally not. Always check with your insurer to understand what is included in your policy.

• Do I need to specifically declare paragliding or parasailing when buying my policy?

  Yes, it is highly recommended that you declare paragliding or parasailing when you buy your policy. Even if the policy advertises coverage for adventure sports you should always confirm with your insurer that these specific activities are covered. Some insurers require you to purchase a specific add-on pack or to arrange cover over the phone. Failing to declare the activity could invalidate your cover if you need to make a claim later.

• Does travel insurance cover rescue costs for paragliding or parasailing accidents?

  Some comprehensive travel insurance policies that include adventure sports cover may include emergency rescue and medical evacuation costs. This is a crucial aspect of cover for high-risk activities like paragliding. You should check your policy's Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) carefully to see if search and rescue expenses, medical transportation and repatriation are covered. There may be specific limits or conditions attached to these benefits so understanding the details is important.

• What if I am injured during a paragliding competition or training?

  Travel insurance policies generally distinguish between recreational participation and professional or competitive activities. Most standard adventure sports cover is designed for recreational paragliding where you are participating as a passenger or for leisure. If you plan to participate in a paragliding competition be aware that many policies exclude claims arising from professional sports or events where you earn money. Cover for training activities can also vary so it is essential to check your policy for exclusions related to competitive or professional sports.

• Are there age or health restrictions for paragliding or parasailing cover?

  Yes, travel insurers often have age limits or health restrictions that can affect your cover for paragliding or parasailing. For example, some policies may not cover individuals over a certain age or those with specific pre-existing medical conditions unless these are declared and accepted by the insurer. Always provide accurate information about your age and health status when applying for insurance. If you have a pre-existing medical condition you may need to apply for additional cover or find a specialised insurer willing to cover your specific situation.

To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Tim Bennett as part of our fact-checking process.

Written by

Jessica Prasida

Travel Insurance Expert

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Jessica Prasida brings a decade of experience in the travel industry, including over four years as a travel agent and branch manager at STA Travel. She holds a Bachelor of Business and a Master of Marketing from the University of Technology, Sydney, as well as a Tier 1 General Insurance qualification that complies with ASIC guidelines. An avid traveller herself, Jessica combines her professional expertise with a passion for ensuring safe and enjoyable journeys for all travellers. Jessica was a Travel Insurance Publisher at Finder from 2019 to 2024. See full bio