An adventure travel lifestyle is something that I have embraced wholeheartedly.

From cycling in Kyrgyzstan to India and even climbing mountains in the Balkans to India and Nepal at altitudes between 3,000 and 6,000metres, my journey has been anything but safe.

As a partial digital nomad, (I say partial because I only live out of my backpack 2-3 months a year), but still on the move, I’ve learned that these adventures are risky and involve fool proof extreme sports insurance.

I can’t just sign-up for any NORMAL insurance plans because they SIMPLY DON’T CUT IT.

If you’re adding mountaineering, bicycle touring or even skiing into the mix for months at a time or even weeks, it becomes expensive and goes up to thousands of dollars.

This is why specialised travel insurance for extreme sports and adventure sports is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity. I’ll walk you through by what I mean and which travel insurance company you should pick!

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. I only provide unbiased and completely honest recommendations.

The Allure of Adventure: Kyrgyzstan to the Himalayas

here’s why travel insurance for extreme sports is so important.

In 2019, I cycled through Kyrgyzstan and scoured the web for insurance companies that accept cycling adventures at higher altitude.

I eventually settled on World Nomads travel insurance back then, but wow, was it pricey. For a one-month trip, I shelled out US$210—nearly as much as half the rent for an entire month.

Though the cost was steep, I couldn't afford to take risks. The rugged, remote terrain of Kyrgyzstan demanded comprehensive coverage, especially since I would be far from medical facilities and often navigating altitudes that would challenge even the most seasoned adventurer.

While the price stung, I had peace of mind knowing that I was covered in case of any mishaps.

But it also made me realise the importance of finding insurance that balances both comprehensive coverage and affordability — something that became a priority for my future trips.

Still, I had to find a cheaper one because there’s no way I can pay $210 every single time!

Why Ordinary Travel Insurance Isn’t Enough

some of the most remote and epic places require a solid travel insurance plan built for nomads

As you know by now, most standard travel insurance policies are designed for the average tourist.

They cover common incidents like flight cancellations, lost luggage, and minor medical emergencies.

However, when you’re a traveller who is constantly experimenting with extreme sports or extreme adventures, like trekking in remote places or cycling in the middle of nowhere, these policies fall short.

Costs like helicopter evacuation or specialised medical care or even cycling in a place where medical facilities might be sparse require a more robust insurance plan.

But finding that perfect balance between comprehensive coverage and affordability was so hard to find!

Even specialised plans like World Nomads were so crazy expensive, and I began to wonder if there was a better way to protect myself without compromising on my adventures.

But I found a true Nomad Insurance for Extreme or Adventure Sports: SafetyWing!

After digging the web, talking to other travellers, and seeing reviews from others — I found a travel insurance plan that’s perfect for the adventurous lifestyle, and it is called SafetyWing.

SafetyWing actually checks all the boxes when it comes to medical and travel insurance, affordability, coverage and 24/7 human support.

With plans starting at just $56 for 4 weeks, SafetyWing is far more budget-friendly compared to other specialised travel insurance providers out there and trust me you won’t find a better deal.

Here are some of the main pros and cons for you to decide:

Pros:

✔️ Flexibility: You can buy your nomad insurance even if you’re already abroad. (Note: This was a game-changer for someone like me who is constantly on the move and often plans trips spontaneously!)

✔️ Affordability: Plans start at just $56 for four weeks. No way you’ll get that anywhere!

✔️ Comprehensive: Offers both medical and travel insurance

✔️ Best for extreme adventures: covered for mountaineering at elevations under 6,000 meters altitude, scuba diving, motor biking, cycling and more!

✔️ Evacuation from all sorts from unrest to natural disasters

✔️ Fast, easy claims with reimbursement within 2.9 business days on average

Cons:

❌ Policy maximum limit is up to US$250,000

❌ Insurance is more expensive in the US (it’s an additional cost, but you can remove add-ons to keep it low)

❌ Doesn’t cover pre-existing disease or injury

Peace of mind on your trips really do matter!

cycling somewhere in india and knowing i have got my travel insurance covered was immensely helpful!

The beauty of adventure travel lies in its unpredictability — the thrill of not knowing what’s around the next corner.

But that unpredictability also means that things can go wrong, and when they do, the consequences can be severe. This is why having the right travel insurance is so crucial.

With SafetyWing, I can’t tell you how great it is to have a travel insurance plan that understands long-term travel.

Claims are super easy with them since you get to speak to a human and everything is taken care of.

Other FAQS

Can I use Nomad Insurance from SafetyWing for extreme sports?
Yes, you can use Nomad Insurance from SafetyWing for extreme sports, but it requires an add-on to your policy. While the standard Nomad Insurance plan covers a wide range of activities, if you're engaging in high-risk sports or extreme adventures like mountaineering, trekking at high altitudes, or other similar activities, you'll need to purchase the additional coverage for these specific sports.
Where can I travel with Nomad Insurance?
You are covered for travel anywhere in the world outside of your home country, with the exception of any country or area that is sanctioned. SafetyWing complies with US, UK, EU and UN sanctions.
Your destinations cannot be:
- Belarus
- Cuba
- Iran
- North Korea
- Russia
- Syria
- Ukraine
- Your home country
Does it cover Covid-19?
You're covered for medically necessary treatment and tests. Coverage works the same as any other illness as long as it was not contracted before your coverage start date, and does not fall under any other policy exclusion or limitation.
Which sports activities does SafetyWing cover?
SafetyWing’s nomad insurance covers these sports and activities.
Everyone including non-US residents can also access their Adventure sports add-on for an additional US$10 which covers these activities in addition to those already covered above. The only difference is that after a trip of 90 days or more, US residents only have 15 days of at-home coverage instead of 30.

So, what’s my final verdict?

For me, affordability and coverage is non-negotiable. My fellow Nomad friends also choose SafetyWing because it is simply unbeatable and you really get a big bang for your buck.

I love that I can adjust my coverage based on my ever-changing travel plans and extreme sports activities, all while keeping costs manageable.

The best part is the company understands the philosophy of this nomad lifestyle.

Its combination of flexibility, affordability, and comprehensive coverage tailored to extreme sports makes it a no-brainer for anyone serious about adventure travel.

If you have any questions about travel insurance for extreme sports, you can take a look at their website or feel free to comment below or shoot me a DM!

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