Travel Insurance for Surfing
There’s nothing quite like chasing waves somewhere new. Whether you’re paddling out at Bondi Beach or scoping out Portugal’s Atlantic coast, a surf trip is all about early mornings, salty hair and that first perfect set rolling in.
With the right travel insurance sorted before you go, you can focus on the swell, not the small print. We’ll take care of the practical bits in the background, so you can throw yourself into every sunrise session and lazy beach afternoon with total holiday confidence.
Holiday Extras Travel insurance includes emergency medical cover as standard, plus 24/7 assistance if you need help while you’re away. Find out what’s included and what’s not within your policy wording. With our travel insurance, you can travel with confidence knowing we’ve got your back from take-off to touchdown.
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Does travel insurance cover surfing?
Good news - surfing is covered as a standard activity on Holiday Extras travel insurance policies. If you’re planning on competitive or professional surfing, this will not be covered by the policy. When you get a quote, you’ll be able to see exactly what’s included and choose the level of cover that fits your trip.
What does surfing travel insurance cover?
When you’re heading off on a surf trip, your travel insurance is there to support the wider journey - not just the time you’re in the water. Cover includes:
- Emergency medical treatment abroad - If you’re injured while surfing and need medical care, you’re covered for treatment overseas, so you can get help without worrying about the cost.
- Medical evacuation and repatriation - If you need to be transported to another hospital or brought home for treatment, your policy can help cover this.
- Trip cancellation and curtailment - If illness or injury means you can’t travel, or your trip has to be cut short, we’ll help you recover eligible costs.
- Personal belongings cover - Protection for your luggage and personal items while you’re away in the case of loss or theft.
- Personal liability - Cover if you accidentally cause injury to someone else or damage their property while on your trip.
For full details of what’s included, please check your policy wording or use our handy activity checker before you travel.
With Holiday Extras, emergency medical cover and 24/7 assistance come as standard, so you can travel with confidence. Compare our travel insurance cover levels below.
Compare travel insurance cover levels
Choose from three different levels of cover, each with its own cover limits. Ranging from a simpler 'Bronze' plan to a higher level 'Gold' plan, you can tailor your policy to suit your needs. Browse the key benefits below, or see the full breakdown in our cover-level table and Policy Documents.
Bronze
| £15,000,000 | Emergency medical and repatriation expenses |
| £1,000 | Cancellation & Cutting your trip short |
| £2,000 | Personal belongings |
| £500 | Personal money |
| £500 | Gadget Cover |
Silver
| £20,000,000 | Emergency medical and repatriation expenses |
| £2,500 | Cancellation & Cutting your trip short |
| £3,000 | Personal belongings |
| £750 | Personal money |
| £500 | Gadget Cover |
Gold
| Unlimited | Emergency medical and repatriation expenses |
| £5,000* | Cancellation & Cutting your trip short |
| £5,000 | Personal belongings |
| £1,000 | Personal money |
| £750 | Gadget Cover |
*Or as specified on your schedule
Choosing the right policy for your surf trip
We offer two main types of travel insurance, depending on how often you travel.
Perfect if you’re planning one surf holiday this year. Covers a single trip of up to 365 days.
Perfect for regular travellers or surfers chasing waves throughout the year. Travel as often as you like, with trips of up to 45 days at a time on our Gold policies. You’ll also choose whether you’re travelling in Europe or worldwide, and the level of cover that suits your trip.
Can I get surfing insurance if I have a medical condition?
At Holiday Extras, we provide straightforward medical questions so you can declare conditions easily online and get cover that suits your needs.
We consider many pre-existing medical conditions and provide emergency assistance for the duration of your trip. You'll need to declare any pre-existing conditions when booking your insurance. Visit our dedicated page on travelling with medical conditions for further information.
What is classed as a pre-existing medical condition?
A pre-existing medical condition is defined as an illness, injury or condition that exists before, or at the time, you take out an insurance policy. Even if some conditions have resolved, or you feel well, we may still need to assess them. This is so that we can provide you with the right level of cover.
AnywhereGP: 24/7 Medical Help
Powered by Air Doctor
AnywhereGP is included FREE with every Holiday Extras travel insurance policy. Get fast, reliable medical support abroad – ideal for minor injuries, crashes or scrapes on the trails.
Popular surf destinations
Australia (Bondi Beach) - One of the world’s most iconic surf spots, Bondi serves up consistent waves year-round. It’s perfect for beginners taking their first lesson, while still offering enough swell to keep experienced surfers entertained.
Portugal (Algarve) - A favourite for European surf trips, the Algarve is known for its powerful Atlantic swells, dramatic cliffs and a mix of beach and reef breaks. You’ll find waves for all levels, plus plenty of sunshine between sessions.
Hawaii (Hanalei Bay) - A true bucket-list destination. Hanalei Bay on Kauai delivers long, rolling waves in winter, with a stunning mountain backdrop. Conditions range from gentle summer surf to bigger winter swells for more advanced riders.
Tahiti (Teahupo'o) - Home to one of the heaviest and most famous waves on the planet. Teahupo’o is legendary for its powerful, glassy barrels breaking over coral reef - a dream spot for expert surfers chasing world-class conditions.
Before you hit the waves: surf travel safety tips
A few simple steps can help keep your trip smooth and stress-free:
- Check local surf conditions and riptide warnings
- Use a leash and well-maintained equipment
- Warm up properly before getting in the water
- Avoid surfing at midday when UV exposure is highest
- Respect local advice and surf etiquette
Booking your policy
Getting covered is easy. Just click 'get a quote' at the top of the page, choose your level of cover and any add-ons you need, then check out. We’ll email your documents straight to you, and you’re ready to go.
Let us answer your questions
Is surfing covered by standard travel insurance?
Yes, recreational surfing is usually covered under standard travel insurance. If you’re planning on competitive or professional surfing, this will not be covered by the policy.
Is surfing abroad risky without insurance?
Medical care, evacuation and trip disruption can be costly overseas. Travel insurance helps protect you financially if things don’t go to plan.
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Holiday Extras Travel Insurance is sold and administered by Holiday Extras Cover Limited, registered office address: Ashford Road, Newingreen, Hythe, Kent CT21 4JF.
Holiday Extras Cover Limited is an insurance intermediary authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, registration number 828848. You can check this on the Financial Services Register by visiting: http://register.fca.org.uk
Holiday Extras™ is a Trading Name of Holiday Extras Cover Limited. The insurance is underwritten by Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited. Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited is a company incorporated in England and Wales with company number 13436330 and whose registered office address is 1 Fen Court, London, United Kingdom, EC3M 5BN.
Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Firm Reference Number 955859. You can check this on the Financial Services Register by visiting: http://register.fca.org.uk
Our flight delay cover is underwritten by Astrenska Insurance Limited and serviced by Collinson Insurance Services Limited.