- The best adventure travel insurance plans
- What Is Adventure Travel Insurance?
- The price of adventure travel insurance
- What does adventure travel insurance cover?
- The conditions of adventure travel insurance
- Why take out adventure travel insurance?
- How to choose the right adventure travel insurance
- Do my current insurance policies cover adventure travel insurance?
- FAQ
adventure travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Adventure travel insurance covers high-risk activities like skiing or diving, which standard policies often exclude.
2. Price: A one-week policy for Europe with adventure sports coverage costs around SGD 80 to SGD 200.
3. Coverage: It covers medical emergencies and evacuation, but often excludes pre-existing conditions and professional sports participation.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Credit cards and local plans like MediShield Life offer little to no adventure sports coverage abroad.
5. Tips: Check your policy for specific activities, altitude/depth limits, and search and rescue coverage before buying.
6. Other useful info: Many Singaporean insurers offer adventure coverage as a paid add-on to a standard travel plan.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 38 travel insurance policies available in Singapore, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best adventure travel insurance.
The best adventure travel insurance plans
Here is a selection of the best adventure travel insurance plans available for travelers from Singapore in 2025. These policies are among the best for their high coverage limits, low deductibles and simplified conditions tailored for adventure activities.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | $400,000 | $100 |
|
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | $400,000 | $150 |
|
| Tourist Card | $300,000 | $200 |
|
| World Travel | $250,000 | $100 |
|
| Globe Partner | $200,000 | None |
|
| Globe Traveller | $300,000 | None |
|
- Includes extreme sports.
- 24/7 teleconsultation access.
- No age-based rate increase.
- Mobile claims app.
- Covers adventure emergencies.
- Free 24/7 support line.
- Real-time claims updates.
- Quick online claims process.
- Covers equipment loss.
- Multilingual hotline.
- High-altitude trekking included.
- Diving accident cover.
- Direct hospital payment.
- Policy valid worldwide.
- Covers search and rescue.
- Online enrollment available.
- Covers long adventure trips.
- No deductible on medical claims.
- Support in multiple languages.
The best adventure travel insurance will depend on your individual needs. Use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find the one that suits you and subscribe directly online.
Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareWhat Is Adventure Travel Insurance?
Adventure travel insurance is a policy designed to cover travellers who participate in high-risk activities or extreme sports during their trip.
It provides financial protection for accidents, injuries, and emergencies related to activities like rock climbing, scuba diving, trekking, or skiing.
This type of insurance is essential for Singaporeans seeking adventure trips, as standard policies often exclude such activities.
Adventure travel insurance is sometimes confused with regular travel insurance, but it specifically covers more dangerous pursuits and usually offers higher medical evacuation and rescue coverage.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out adventure travel insurance is especially important if you live in Singapore:
- When you participate in high-risk sports like diving or climbing.
- If travelling to remote areas needing specialised medical evacuation.
- When your adventure tour operator requires specific insurance coverage.
- For activities exceeding standard policy altitude or depth limits.
- If your trip involves potential search and rescue operations.
- When carrying expensive or specialised equipment for your activities.
- As Singaporean health plans like Medisave offer no overseas cover.
The price of adventure travel insurance
On average, adventure travel insurance costs between 6% and 12% of your total trip price.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 7 days of bungee jumping in New Zealand | $2,800 | $160 to $320 |
| 2 weeks of trekking in Nepal | $3,600 | $240 to $420 |
| 3 weeks of skiing in Switzerland | $7,200 | $420 to $750 |
| 30 days of diving and hiking in Indonesia | $4,000 | $220 to $440 |
These prices are provided as an indication and may vary depending on the type of plan chosen (standard or premium) and the specific conditions of each insurer.
The price of your adventure travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: the longer your stay, the higher the premium.
- destination: trips to remote or high-cost care locations, like Nepal or Switzerland, increase the price.
- planned activities: more dangerous or specialist activities, such as climbing or diving, lead to higher premiums.
- level of coverage: opting for higher medical and evacuation limits, or adventure gear protection, raises the cost.
- traveller’s age: older travellers usually pay more.
- equipment coverage: insuring high-value gear such as cameras or climbing equipment increases premiums.
What does adventure travel insurance cover?
Adventure travel insurance is designed for Singapore residents who plan trips involving high-risk activities or extreme sports.
It delivers additional protection compared to regular travel insurance, especially for those visiting remote or challenging destinations.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Refunds covered costs if you must cancel the adventure trip before departure. | Set at least $5,000 cover, deductible no more than $50. Cancellations for bad weather, changing your mind, or pre-existing events are excluded. |
| 🧳 Equipment cover | Protects specialized gear like climbing or scuba equipment if lost, stolen, or damaged. | Choose at least $3,000 cover and a deductible under $100. Wear and tear, inadequate packing, and property left unattended are often not covered. |
| 🕒 Travel delay | Pays fixed amounts for delays to flights or adventure tours. | Look for $150 after 6-hour delay, deductible under $30. Delays without written proof and delays under 6 hours are not covered. |
| 🏥 Emergency medical | Key guarantee. Pays for urgent treatment in case of accident or injury during activities. | A minimum of $150,000. Deductible should not exceed $100. Incidents from alcohol, non-disclosed health issues, or not using safety gear are excluded. |
| 🚁 Emergency evacuation | Key guarantee. Covers helicopter rescue or transport from remote adventure locations. | At least $200,000 is recommended. Deductible below $50. Self-arranged evacuations and non-medical transports are excluded. |
| 🧭 Search and rescue | Covers professional rescue in remote areas, such as mountains or jungle. | At least $50,000 cover. Deductible up to $50. Rescues due to ignoring local advice or weather alerts are excluded. |
| 🚑 Emergency repatriation | Pays for medical repatriation to Singapore if necessary after an accident or illness. | Minimum $200,000 cover. Prefer deductibles of $100 or lower. Non-medical or elective returns, as well as refusal to repatriate, are not covered. |
| 💔 Trip interruption | Refunds for prepaid services if your adventure trip ends early for a covered reason. | At least $2,000 and keep deductibles below $50. Voluntary early returns and minor inconveniences are usually not covered. |
| 🧍♂️ Personal accident | Compensation if accident causes death or permanent disability during covered activities. | Seek $100,000 cover or higher. No deductible is best. Coverage may exclude professional sports, suicide, or illegal activity. |
| 🪪 Personal liability | Covers costs if you accidentally injure someone or damage property during adventure activities. | At least $250,000 cover. Deductible maximum $100. Intentional acts, injury to family, and rented equipment are frequently excluded. |
Cancellations for bad weather, changing your mind, or pre-existing events are excluded.
Wear and tear, inadequate packing, and property left unattended are often not covered.
Delays without written proof and delays under 6 hours are not covered.
Incidents from alcohol, non-disclosed health issues, or not using safety gear are excluded.
Self-arranged evacuations and non-medical transports are excluded.
Rescues due to ignoring local advice or weather alerts are excluded.
Non-medical or elective returns, as well as refusal to repatriate, are not covered.
Voluntary early returns and minor inconveniences are usually not covered.
Coverage may exclude professional sports, suicide, or illegal activity.
Intentional acts, injury to family, and rented equipment are frequently excluded.
Reimbursement limits vary depending on the insurer and the plan selected (eco, standard, premium). They must always be checked in the general terms and conditions.
To find the adventure travel insurance best suited to your activities and trip, easily compare offers on HelloSafe.
The conditions of adventure travel insurance
Adventure travel insurance is only valid if specific conditions are met before and during your trip.
- Timing of subscription: you must purchase the policy before departing Singapore or starting any adventure activities.
- Residency requirement: you must be a resident or citizen of Singapore at the time of purchase.
- Activity declaration: you must declare all intended adventure activities and ensure they are covered by your policy.
- Certified guides/equipment: some activities require proof of certified guides or use of approved equipment for coverage to apply.
- Destination restrictions: you must avoid activities in countries or regions on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ exclusion list.
- Trip duration limits: coverage only applies within the maximum trip period stated, commonly up to 60 or 90 days per trip.
- Incident notification: you must inform your insurer as soon as possible after any accident or injury occurring abroad.
- Supporting documentation: you must provide evidence for all claims, including receipts, medical reports, and proof of guided activity if required.
Watch out!
Many Singaporeans assume their travel insurance automatically covers adventure sports. This is a costly mistake. Activities like skiing or diving often require a specific 'adventure' add-on. Without it, you're not covered for accidents. Always check your policy's fine print before your trip.
Why take out adventure travel insurance?
When travelling for adventure, accidents and medical emergencies can occur and the resulting costs often outweigh the price of the activity.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs abroad:
| Type of treatment | Average cost | Covered by insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Foot sprain (X-ray and consultation) |
| Up to $500,000 SGD, depending on the policy |
| Medical repatriation |
| Up to $1,000,000 SGD, including helicopter rescue |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalization |
| Up to $500,000 SGD, subject to policy limit |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Up to $500,000 SGD, typically 100% for emergencies |
| Consultation for an intestinal infection |
| Up to $500,000 SGD, depending on the plan |
- Europe: $800 SGD
- North America: $1,200 SGD
- Asia: $400 SGD
- Europe: $100,000 SGD
- North America: $150,000 SGD
- Asia: $50,000 SGD
- Europe: $25,000 SGD
- North America: $45,000 SGD
- Asia: $12,000 SGD
- Europe: $1,500 SGD
- North America: $2,500 SGD
- Asia: $600 SGD
- Europe: $1,200 SGD
- North America: $2,000 SGD
- Asia: $500 SGD
Coverage varies greatly depending on the plan chosen (standard or premium) and the insurer. Refer to the general conditions and always compare with tools like HelloSafe.
In addition to medical bills, adventure travel insurance can cover evacuation from remote areas, loss of sports equipment, trip cancellation, personal accident, and professional search and rescue. This specialized coverage is essential when your itinerary involves high-risk outdoor activities.
Good to know
Your Medishield and bank card insurance won't cover a mountain rescue. For true peace of mind on your adventure, specialised cover is essential. A policy from Mondialcare handles high-altitude evacuation and emergency medical bills, so your savings stay safe while you explore.
How to choose the right adventure travel insurance
Not all adventure travel insurance plans provide equal coverage. Reimbursement ceilings, covered activities, and limits can differ widely. That is why it is important to compare key criteria and select a policy tailored for your chosen adventure trip.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💸 Reimbursement limits | Higher risks in adventure travel mean potentially large medical or evacuation bills. | Choose medical limits above $200,000 SGD for remote destinations or activities like trekking and diving. |
| 📉 Deductible | Higher deductibles increase out-of-pocket expenses if multiple claims occur. | Select a deductible you are comfortable paying but prioritise low deductibles for high-risk activities. |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Some adventure activities are excluded or require paying an add-on premium. | Read the policy’s activity list carefully and request written confirmation if your adventure is covered. |
| 👵 Traveller’s age | Age limits or restrictions apply for certain adventure activities or high-risk plans. | Check both minimum and maximum ages allowed for the adventure activities you plan to undertake. |
| 👨👩👧 Traveller profile | Group, solo, guided, or professional adventures require specific coverage options. | Ensure the policy matches your group or solo travel situation especially for guided or unsupported activities. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Longer adventures may need extended coverage or higher benefit maximums. | Match your insurance duration to the total trip length including travel days and rest days at base camp. |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Not all regions are covered, and remote areas may need special rescue coverage. | Verify coverage for all countries and specific remote regions included in your full adventure itinerary. |
| 🧗 Planned activities | Riskier sports like mountaineering, skiing, or diving may have strict limits. | Declare every activity you intend to do and request confirmation of coverage before your trip begins. |
| 🛡️ Equipment cover | Specialist gear loss or theft can cost thousands to replace during trips. | Include gear or equipment coverage if you are bringing or renting expensive adventure gadgets or clothing. |
Do my current insurance policies cover adventure travel insurance?
It is legitimate to wonder if your current insurance, like credit card coverage or the public health system, can offer you adventure travel insurance, but unfortunately this is often not enough.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Adventure travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why travel insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medisave/Medishield) | Never | No overseas or adventure coverage. No medical emergency, no evacuation, or adventure activities covered abroad at any amount. | Travel insurance covers adventure activities worldwide up to $500,000 including rescue and specialized evacuation. |
| Private health insurance (AIA Singapore, Great Eastern) | Never | Emergency medical overseas up to $100,000, but adventure activities are excluded. No equipment, evacuation, or adventure accident protection. | Travel insurance covers adventure activities, equipment loss, search, rescue and repatriation up to $400,000. |
| Classic credit card (DBS Treasures, UOB Privilege Reserve) | Almost never | Standard medical up to $100,000, evacuation sometimes up to $300,000. No cover for extreme sports or professional rescue services. | Travel insurance protects adventure travel up to $500,000 plus rescue, trip cancellation and adventure equipment. |
| Premium credit card (OCBC Premier Visa Infinite, HSBC Premier MasterCard) | Limited coverage | Medical overseas up to $200,000, some evacuation, usual trip inconvenience. No adventure activity or specialist gear compensation or search services. | Travel insurance gives up to $1,000,000 for emergencies including high-altitude rescue, trip interruption, equipment. |
No medical emergency, no evacuation, or adventure activities covered abroad at any amount.
No equipment, evacuation, or adventure accident protection.
No cover for extreme sports or professional rescue services.
No adventure activity or specialist gear compensation or search services.
Expert advice
Heads up, Singaporeans! Your bank card or health insurance might not cover trip interruptions from a relative's illness or death. Always check the fine print to avoid nasty surprises abroad. In all cases, it's safer and more reassuring to subscribe to a dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Is adventure travel insurance mandatory?
Adventure travel insurance is not generally mandatory for all countries, but certain activities or tour operators—such as those offering high-altitude trekking in Nepal or scuba diving in Australia—may require proof of insurance for participation or permits. Even when not required, it is strongly recommended, as a simple mountain biking accident abroad can lead to medical or evacuation bills of tens of thousands of SGD that would not be covered by standard plans.
When is it recommended to purchase adventure travel insurance?
You should purchase adventure travel insurance as soon as you commit to your trip and book high-risk activities. Buying early means you’re protected against trip cancellations and can avoid exclusions for accidents or events that happen before your policy starts. The best coverage always starts before your departure for maximum protection and peace of mind.
How do I purchase adventure travel insurance?
Start by comparing adventure travel insurance plans on HelloSafe’s comparison platform to find coverage for your specific needs. Pay close attention to guarantees and exclusions, especially those related to adventure activities, altitude, or equipment. Purchase your chosen policy securely online, then receive your insurance certificate by email for proof with operators and border authorities.
Can I purchase adventure travel insurance after booking my activities?
Yes, you can usually buy adventure travel insurance after booking, but it is best to get covered before you start any high-risk activities. Late purchase could mean you miss trip cancellation or pre-departure benefits. Make sure your policy’s start date matches or comes before your participation in any adventure activities for full protection.
How do I make a claim under my adventure travel insurance?
If an accident occurs, contact your insurer’s emergency assistance hotline as soon as possible. Collect all supporting documents, such as medical bills, police reports, or operator confirmations. Most Singapore insurers offer digital claims portals for fast submission, with reimbursement usually completed within two weeks. Claims are typically paid in SGD.
Does adventure travel insurance cover specialized equipment?
Most adventure travel insurance plans include protection for specialized gear such as climbing harnesses, diving equipment, or skis. Standard coverage ranges from $3,000 to $10,000 SGD but may exclude normal wear and tear or unattended equipment. Always review policy limits and conditions, and declare high-value gear in advance when needed.
Are there altitude or activity limits with adventure travel insurance?
Yes, every policy sets limits for certain activities—like maximum altitude for trekking (typically up to 6,000m) or depth limits for diving. If you plan to exceed these, look for policies with extended coverage or specific riders. Always check exclusions for professional competitions or activities beyond policy limits to avoid denied claims.
Is adventure travel insurance mandatory?
Adventure travel insurance is not generally mandatory for all countries, but certain activities or tour operators—such as those offering high-altitude trekking in Nepal or scuba diving in Australia—may require proof of insurance for participation or permits. Even when not required, it is strongly recommended, as a simple mountain biking accident abroad can lead to medical or evacuation bills of tens of thousands of SGD that would not be covered by standard plans.
When is it recommended to purchase adventure travel insurance?
You should purchase adventure travel insurance as soon as you commit to your trip and book high-risk activities. Buying early means you’re protected against trip cancellations and can avoid exclusions for accidents or events that happen before your policy starts. The best coverage always starts before your departure for maximum protection and peace of mind.
How do I purchase adventure travel insurance?
Start by comparing adventure travel insurance plans on HelloSafe’s comparison platform to find coverage for your specific needs. Pay close attention to guarantees and exclusions, especially those related to adventure activities, altitude, or equipment. Purchase your chosen policy securely online, then receive your insurance certificate by email for proof with operators and border authorities.
Can I purchase adventure travel insurance after booking my activities?
Yes, you can usually buy adventure travel insurance after booking, but it is best to get covered before you start any high-risk activities. Late purchase could mean you miss trip cancellation or pre-departure benefits. Make sure your policy’s start date matches or comes before your participation in any adventure activities for full protection.
How do I make a claim under my adventure travel insurance?
If an accident occurs, contact your insurer’s emergency assistance hotline as soon as possible. Collect all supporting documents, such as medical bills, police reports, or operator confirmations. Most Singapore insurers offer digital claims portals for fast submission, with reimbursement usually completed within two weeks. Claims are typically paid in SGD.
Does adventure travel insurance cover specialized equipment?
Most adventure travel insurance plans include protection for specialized gear such as climbing harnesses, diving equipment, or skis. Standard coverage ranges from $3,000 to $10,000 SGD but may exclude normal wear and tear or unattended equipment. Always review policy limits and conditions, and declare high-value gear in advance when needed.
Are there altitude or activity limits with adventure travel insurance?
Yes, every policy sets limits for certain activities—like maximum altitude for trekking (typically up to 6,000m) or depth limits for diving. If you plan to exceed these, look for policies with extended coverage or specific riders. Always check exclusions for professional competitions or activities beyond policy limits to avoid denied claims.
