Does your travel insurance cover you for extreme adventures on holiday?

The world is a vast, exciting place with countless experiences to try. Not every vacation needs to be lounging on a beach. Instead, you could seek new extreme adventures, whether horseback riding in Iceland, downhill skiing in Japan, hiking in Argentina, or bungee jumping in Zimbabwe.  

While planning extreme adventures on your trip, consider the higher likelihood of an accident. Emergencies can happen while relaxing on a beach chair, though this is less likely to occur or to be serious. Participating in activities like snorkelling or boating, especially mountain climbing, while on holiday increases the likelihood of an injury.  

Travel insurance won't make incidents or injuries less likely or severe. Still, it can significantly reduce the cost of getting medical aid in an emergency, thus reducing your stress levels as you know you are covered. The more likely you are to suffer an accident, the more you'll benefit from having the right insurance plan.   

What type of insurance do I need when travelling?

Emergency medical insurance¹ while travelling abroad is always a good idea, even if you're not planning to do anything active. It covers the costs of emergency treatment you may require on your trip, which can get quite steep when receiving health care abroad.   

If an accident or injury forces you to cut your trip short, CAA trip cancellation interruption insurance will spare you the costs of having to get an unexpected flight home, among other sudden alterations to your itinerary. If you miss your return flight or transportation to your next destination because you're in the hospital or dealing with an illness, trip interruption coverage will ensure that your mishap doesn't cost you any more than it already has.   

Choosing the right travel insurance package is part of proper safety procedure; think of it like putting on a helmet to play hockey. Selecting the appropriate insurance plan makes you consider the dangers of what you may be doing on your travels and ensures that you'll be financially protected from them. You may even discover that specific travel locations and activities aren't insurable, so if that's the case, consider adjusting your itinerary to ensure it's as safe as possible.   

Can I get coverage for higher-risk activities?

Not all standard travel insurance plans include coverage for incidents related to adventure activities, extreme sports, or a pre-existing condition. If you are currently undergoing medical treatment or plan to enjoy some thrill-seeking pastimes during a holiday, you'll want to ensure you have the most comprehensive travel coverage possible.   

You can add top-ups, extensions, and riders to your travel insurance policy through CAA Travel Insurance. The insurance rider options include Adventurous Air Activities Rider, Sport and Speed Rider² and the Pre-Existing Medical Condition Rider³.  

Experience peace of mind while reaching thrilling new heights on vacation with CAA's Adventurous Air Activities Rider. This optional medical coverage of up to $5 million is for injuries sustained from parasailing, hot-air ballooning, or helicopter tours. Add it to your current emergency travel plan to cover your bases, no matter how elevated.  

For those who want to burn rubber, the Sport and Speed Rider provides add-on medical insurance for travellers enjoying extreme speed activities. Add the rider to your travel insurance plan to cover emergency claims sustained while playing a professional sport or participating in a motorized speed contest.   

Have you had a recent change in medication or treatment? Or maybe you've just been diagnosed with a new condition before your holiday. Add the Pre-Existing Medical Condition Rider to your emergency travel plan for up to $200,000 in coverage per trip. With a Pre-Existing Medical Condition Rider, your health stability period is reduced to seven days before your trip, and you'll have protection for eligible hospital and medical-related expenses for illness or injury incurred because of a pre-existing medical condition. 

How can I make sure I'm protected?

CAA Travel Insurance offers riders (essentially a plan supplement) that you can add to your insurance plan for pre-existing medical conditions, select air activities, and select high-speed activities. CAA Members save up to 20%⁴ on their policy. 

CAA Travel Insurance, an Orion Travel Insurance product, is underwritten by Echelon Insurance. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. Subject to change without notice. A Medical Questionnaire is required if you are 60 years of age and older. Quotes are valid for 30 days. 

1. Up to $5 million CAD. Maximum $25,000 for all Emergency Medical Insurance benefits for Canadian residents without active Government Health Insurance Plan (GHIP); and/or without GHIP authorization to cover trip days in excess of 212 days in Ontario in a 12-month period.

2. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply.

3. All pre-existing medical conditions must be stable within 7 days prior to departure. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply.

4. Applies to CAA Members in good standing (CAA Membership dues paid in full by Membership expiry date). Up to twenty percent (20%) savings applies to the total premium excluding applicable taxes. Minimum premium applies. Subject to change without notice. Excludes Visitors to Canada Insurance. CAA Everyday, Classic®, and Plus® Members save 10%. CAA Premier® Members save 20% at CAA Stores or by calling 1-800-267-8713. CAA Premier Members save 10% and earn 10% in CAA Dollars® when booking online.

®CAA trademarks are owned by, and use is authorized by, the Canadian Automobile Association.