Kitesurfers know there’s nothing quite like the thrill of jumping the perfect wave or riding the breeze while enjoying the singular beauty of the ocean.
Whether you’re traveling to top kitesurfing spots off the coasts of Hawaii, Spain, or Brazil, or staying closer to home and honing your skills along the West Coast of the United States, a kitesurfing vacation is truly one of a kind.
As you pack your kite, your board, your swimsuit, and some SPF, here’s a piece of travel safety advice: always pack a travel insurance policy, too. Here’s what you need to know about this essential travel item.
Top destinations for kitesurfing
Brazil
This South American country offers seemingly endless coastline, but the areas of Jericoacoara, located in a national park famous for its dunes, and the lagoon of Macapá are perennial favorites for kitesurfing.
Egypt
A bucket list destination for many, Egypt’s Red Sea boasts incredible turquoise waters and kitesurfing opportunities for everyone from beginners to experts.
From the Baja Peninsula to the Riviera Maya, Mexico has an incredible kitesurfing scene, with many spots offering the ideal combination of shallow waters and perfect wind conditions.
Hawaii is known as one of the birthplaces of kitesurfing, and travelers visiting this island chain to practice the sport head to many of the same beaches as traditional surfers — such as Maui’s infamous Jaws Beach.
What does kitesurfing travel insurance cover?
Your standard travel insurance policy covers the basics, like trip cancellation, trip delay, trip interruption, and baggage loss and delay. Yet if you plan to participate in adrenaline-pumping activities like kitesurfing, you’ll want to upgrade to a policy that covers adventure activities. Here’s what to look for in a travel insurance policy with adventure sports coverage:
- Travel medical insurance: if you’re traveling internationally, your everyday health insurance probably may not provide coverage if you’re injured or fall ill while on a kitesurf trip. Travel insurance coverage can pay for your medical fees if you require treatment while on a trip abroad, up to a preset maximum
- Emergency medical evacuation: if you become seriously ill or sustain a major injury that requires emergency medical attention, this benefit covers the cost of emergency transport to either the nearest high-quality hospital or back home, depending on your circumstances. Generally, it also includes coordination of the transport for you and provide 24/7 support to you and/or your loved ones back home
- Gear coverage: if your kitesurfing equipment (or everyday baggage) is lost, damaged, or stolen in transit, you can be reimbursed up to a maximum amount laid out in your policy. Look for a plan that offers coverage of sports equipment is automatically included either automatically included, or as an optional upgrade
What’s not covered by kitesurfing insurance
It’s important to know that there are a few things not covered by adventure sports insurance:
- Normal wear and tear of your equipment and gear
- Trips that involve professional or competitive kitesurfing competitions
Trip cancellation if you decide not to take your trip last-minute (however, Cancel For Any Reason coverage is available at an additional cost.)