Planning for Adventure? 10 Vacation Activities Travel Insurance Might Miss

When getting ready for a vacation, a lot of clients see travel insurance as just an extra cost. Clients need to understand, though, that travel insurance is just one layer of protecting yourself from a possible financial loss. If a vacation consists of any of the following activities: hiking, biking, riding birds, diving, or any of the other million activities people do for fun, not getting insurance could put you at financial risk.

Travel insurance is an extra layer of protecting yourself financially when you are getting on a plane, train, or any other form of travel. Losing your luggage, having your flight delayed, or your trip getting canceled are just extra expenses. Chrissy Valdez mentioned that a good travel insurance plan will cover your trip for medical expenses; especially, for emergency medical evacuation which will be one of the most costly and unexpected expenses during your trip. For most people, a trip plan that includes evacuation coverage will be deemed sufficient.

Let’s dive into the top 10 vacation activities that are commonly not covered by travel insurance, and why.

1. Scuba Diving

Scuba diving opens up a world of adventure beneath the waves, but it’s also a high-risk activity. Whether it’s decompression sickness, equipment failure, or even drowning, scuba diving can lead to serious medical emergencies that standard travel insurance typically won’t cover. To ensure you’re protected, you’ll need to purchase specialized dive insurance, which is often an affordable add-on. Without it, an incident could leave you with hefty medical bills or evacuation costs.

2. Snow Sports

Skiing and snowboarding are thrilling winter activities but carry significant risks. Injuries like broken bones, head trauma, or even needing a mountain evacuation due to an accident can happen. Most travel insurance policies don’t cover snow sports injuries unless you opt for specific coverage. If you plan to hit the slopes in places like the Swiss Alps or Colorado, it’s essential to make sure your insurance covers snow sports, which usually requires purchasing an upgrade.

3. Hiking

Hiking is a popular outdoor activity that people enjoy during vacations in the mountains or through national parks. However, it’s often excluded from standard policies, particularly when done in remote or high-altitude areas. A simple sprained ankle or fall can lead to substantial medical costs, especially if you need evacuation from difficult-to-reach areas. Many policies won’t cover these types of injuries unless you add specific adventure or hiking coverage.

4. Quad Biking and ATVs

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and quad biking offer an adrenaline-filled way to explore remote landscapes, but they are associated with significant risks, such as accidents, rollovers, and injuries. Because ATVs are often used in off-road environments where emergency services might not be readily available, most travel insurance policies exclude these activities. If you’re planning an ATV adventure, make sure your insurance includes coverage for off-road activities.

5. Kayaking

While kayaking may seem like a leisurely activity, it comes with risks, especially in wild waters or challenging conditions. Capsizing, hitting rocks, or encountering strong currents can cause serious injuries and require costly emergency services. Most standard travel insurance policies exclude kayaking accidents unless they’re on a designated, calm water route. If you’re heading out on a more adventurous kayaking trip, make sure to check your coverage and consider upgrading if necessary.

6. Ziplining

Ziplining offers an exhilarating way to enjoy nature, but the activity involves risks like whiplash, friction burns, and falls. Because ziplining often takes place in remote locations, where medical help can be hard to reach, it’s commonly excluded from regular travel insurance plans. If you’re planning to zip through the jungle in Costa Rica or over mountains in the Philippines, make sure your policy covers this adventure or purchase additional coverage.

7. Horseback Riding

Horseback riding can be a fun and scenic way to explore a destination, but it also comes with risks. Falls, fractures, and concussions are common injuries, and many insurance providers consider horseback riding a high-risk activity, particularly in rural or off-the-beaten-path locations. Standard travel insurance often doesn’t cover horseback riding, so it’s important to either check your policy or purchase additional coverage if you plan to take part in this activity during your trip.

8. Bungee Jumping

For thrill-seekers, bungee jumping offers a high-flying adventure, but it also carries significant risks, such as whiplash, fractures, or other injuries. Given the extreme nature of the activity, most travel insurance policies don’t include coverage for accidents from bungee jumping. If this is on your bucket list, you’ll likely need to purchase a specialized policy or upgrade your current plan to ensure that you’re covered for any unexpected mishaps.

9. Hot Air Balloon Rides

Though relatively rare, hot air balloon rides provide a unique and picturesque way to see the world. However, they also come with their own set of risks, including accidents caused by sudden weather changes or mechanical failure. As a result, most travel insurance plans exclude hot air ballooning accidents. If you’re planning to soar through the skies in a hot air balloon, it’s essential to check your coverage and consider purchasing a policy that includes aerial activities.

10. Safaris

A safari is an exciting way to experience wildlife up close, but it also presents significant risks. Encounters with wild animals, disease transmission, and medical emergencies in remote areas are just some of the potential dangers. Due to the nature of these risks and the locations where safaris take place, travel insurance often excludes coverage for safari-related incidents. For those embarking on a safari in Africa or another wildlife-rich destination, specialized insurance may be required to cover medical evacuations or accidents.

Conclusion

Travel insurance can be the difference between a disaster and a disaster overall. However, you need to know what these policies actually entail. Most of the so-called adventurous activities you have fun with like; hiking, scuba diving and skiing, for instance, don’t cover most policies. So before your next planned holiday ensure to check the policies, read the fine print and possibly see if you can pay for more high-risk activities.

Vacations and cover policies that include adventure sports, remote excursions, or activities that can be deemed “higher-risk”, are usually accompanied with very cheap additional cover. Protecting yourself in this way ensures that you can enjoy your holiday without a care in the world.

You don’t want to be a holiday with things that are unexpected. But, as the saying goes, these problems aren’t all that unexpected if you have not planned for them. So review your policies to make these adjustments and be on your way.

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Netherlands Ranked Safest Travel Destination for 2026, Overtaking Iceland

The Netherlands has officially claimed the top spot on the list of the world’s safest places to travel for 2026, according to a new report by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection. This marks an impressive rise for the European country, which jumped from 14th place last year to bump Iceland from its long-held position at the top.

How the Rankings Are Decided

The Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection report blends the personal experiences of thousands of American travelers with hard data from global safety indexes like the Global Peace Index, Numbeo’s crime statistics, and GeoSure Global safety scores. It looks at various factors such as violent crime rates, terrorism risks, health hazards, and even how safe travelers feel based on their experiences—taking into account everything from street crime to how well cities are equipped to handle emergencies.

Why the Netherlands is #1

The Netherlands’ rapid climb to the top of the rankings is no surprise, given the country’s long-standing reputation for safety, stability, and high-quality healthcare. Several key factors played into its rise:

• Peaceful Society: The Netherlands has long been known for its political stability and peaceful environment. It ranks highly on the Global Peace Index, reflecting the nation’s commitment to maintaining safety both for locals and tourists.
• Top-tier Healthcare: The Netherlands’ healthcare system is one of the best in Europe. Travelers feel confident knowing they have access to high-quality medical care if needed.
• Inclusive Safety: The Netherlands stands out for its focus on inclusivity, scoring exceptionally well for LGBTQIA+ travelers, women, and people of color. This inclusive environment has made it a top choice for those seeking a safe and welcoming destination.
• Safety in Major Cities: Cities like Amsterdam are known not only for their rich history and vibrant culture but also for their low crime rates, making them a top destination for tourists seeking peace of mind.

Other Top Countries on the List

Following the Netherlands, the top five safest destinations in 2026 include:

1. Australia: Known for its laid-back atmosphere, low crime rates, and excellent healthcare, Australia remains a favorite for safe travel.
2. Austria: A new addition to the top three, Austria’s strong infrastructure, political stability, and low crime rates helped it secure this high position.
3. Iceland: While it dropped from the top spot, Iceland remains a very safe destination, offering scenic beauty and minimal criminal activity.
4. Canada: With its friendly atmosphere and well-established healthcare system, Canada continues to be a top choice for travelers seeking safety.

Other countries rounding out the top 10 include New Zealand, the United Arab Emirates (a new addition to the top ranks), Switzerland, Japan, and Ireland.

The Safest Cities in the World

Along with ranking countries, the report also looked at cities around the world to determine which ones offer the safest environments for travelers. The top five cities of 2026 are:

1. Reykjavik, Iceland: Still a safe bet, with little to no crime and a welcoming atmosphere for tourists.
2. Copenhagen, Denmark: Known for its low crime rates and welcoming public services, Copenhagen remains a top choice for safety-conscious travelers.
3. Zurich, Switzerland: With its high quality of life and excellent safety standards, Zurich is a top contender for travelers seeking security.
4. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Amsterdam ranks highly for its clean streets, low crime rates, and efficient public services, making it a great option for tourists.
5. Honolulu, Hawaii, USA: As the safest U.S. city, Honolulu continues to be known for its friendly people and low crime rates.

What This Means for Travelers

This year’s report highlights the growing importance of comprehensive safety, not just in terms of crime rates, but also access to quality healthcare, political stability, and inclusivity. The Netherlands’ rise to the top signals a shift in how travelers view safety—no longer just concerned with street crime, but with a broader, more holistic sense of well-being.

That said, experts caution that even in the safest countries, conditions can change. Natural disasters, political protests, or unexpected health crises can affect the safety of any destination. As a precaution, travelers are encouraged to enroll in the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive real-time updates and notifications, and to consider purchasing travel insurance before embarking on their journeys.

Conclusion

The Netherlands’ newfound spot at the top of the safest places to visit in 2026 is a reflection of its commitment to providing a secure and welcoming environment for both its residents and tourists. The country’s combination of political stability, inclusive policies, and high-quality healthcare make it a standout destination for travelers seeking peace of mind.

As always, even the safest destinations require a little preparation and awareness. However, with the right precautions, travelers can experience the Netherlands with confidence, knowing that they’re in one of the safest places in the world.

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