Travel insurance for a sailing trip can protect you against cancellation costs, unexpected medical expenses and – depending on the policy – certain risks associated with offshore sailing. Before travelling, it is therefore important to check which insurance policies you already have and whether you need any additional cover.
The exact level of cover varies between insurers and policies. Always read the current policy terms carefully and, if anything is unclear, ask the insurer to confirm in writing that your specific sailing trip is covered.
Do you need cancellation insurance for a sailing trip?
Cancellation insurance offers financial protection if you unexpectedly have to cancel your trip for a reason covered by the policy. This may include serious illness, an accident or certain unforeseen circumstances at home.
Depending on the policy, some or all of the cancellation costs for your booked sailing trip may be reimbursed. This can prevent you from having to pay the full cost yourself when cancelling for an insured reason.
Not every reason for cancelling a trip is automatically covered. Check:
- which events qualify as an insured reason for cancellation;
- the maximum amount the insurer will reimburse;
- whether all participants or only the insured person are covered;
- how soon after booking the insurance must be purchased;
- whether pre-existing medical conditions or known circumstances are excluded.
Why is medical expenses cover important?
Travel insurance that includes medical expenses can protect you against unexpected healthcare costs during your trip. Even if you have health insurance in your country of residence, medical treatment abroad may not always be fully reimbursed.
Within Europe, the European Health Insurance Card, or EHIC, can provide access to medically necessary state healthcare under the rules of the country you are visiting. However, this does not mean that every expense will be paid in full. Private treatment, co-payments or costs above the amount reimbursed by your regular health insurer may remain your responsibility.
When choosing travel insurance for a sailing trip, check whether it provides sufficient cover for:
- hospital treatment and medical emergencies;
- doctor’s appointments and prescribed medication;
- aanvullende medische kosten die niet door je zorgverzekering worden vergoed;
- transport to a suitable hospital;
- medically necessary or medically advisable repatriation;
- support from a 24-hour emergency assistance centre;
- possible search, rescue and recovery costs.
What is medically advisable repatriation?
Medically necessary repatriation is usually only arranged when returning you to your country of residence is considered medically essential.
A policy that also covers medically advisable repatriation may offer broader protection. Repatriation may then be considered when treatment at the destination is technically possible, but returning home for treatment would be medically appropriate and practical.
The decision is normally made by the insurer or emergency assistance centre in consultation with the treating doctors. Do not arrange medical transport independently without contacting the assistance centre first, except in an acute emergency.
What is storm, ice and fog cover?
Some specialist sailing holiday or boating insurance policies offer additional cover for storm, ice and fog. Depending on the policy, you may receive compensation if the skipper decides that it is unsafe to depart or if the vessel can only sail for a limited period because of the conditions.
Terms and compensation levels vary considerably. Conditions may include:
- a minimum wind strength;
- a minimum number of hours during which sailing is impossible;
- a maximum payment per day;
- a maximum number of covered days;
- a deadline for purchasing the insurance.
This additional cover is not required to participate in a sailing trip. It may, however, be useful if you would like financial compensation when the vessel has to remain in port because of the weather.
A day without sailing does not automatically mean that the whole trip is lost. Where possible, the crew will adapt the programme and choose a port where there are also things to see and do ashore.
Which insurance is suitable for my sailing trip?
The most suitable insurance depends on factors including:
- your country of residence;
- the destination and sailing route;
- the length of the trip;
- whether you will sail inside or outside territorial waters;
- whether you will actively participate or travel only as a passenger;
- the level of cancellation cover you require;
- the limits for medical, rescue and repatriation costs.
An international travel insurance policy often offers various coverage options, such as cancellation, medical expenses and additional cover for sailing.
We cannot provide personal insurance advice or determine whether a particular policy offers sufficient protection for your circumstances. Before travelling, contact your insurer or insurance adviser and clearly explain the type of sailing trip you have booked.
Whenever possible, ask for written confirmation of the cover and save the telephone number of the insurer’s emergency assistance centre before departure.
Heb je voor een offshore zeilreis een speciale verzekering nodig?
For an offshore sailing trip, you should pay particular attention to both geographical and activity-related cover. Not every travel insurance policy covers time spent at sea outside territorial waters. Territorial waters generally extend up to 12 nautical miles from the coast.
Check whether travelling as a passenger or active participant on a sailing vessel outside territorial waters:
- is explicitly included;
- or at least not listed as an exclusion;
- falls within the selected European or worldwide geographical cover;
- remains covered while you actively participate in sailing;
- requires additional sports or specialist cover.
When in doubt, ask the insurer to confirm in writing that your sailing trip, including the planned itinerary and sailing outside territorial waters, is covered.
Which insurance covers sailing outside territorial waters?
For offshore sailing trips, True Traveller may be a suitable option for travellers residing in the UK and many European countries. With the optional Adventure Pack, sailing outside coastal waters can be included.