Cycling, safaris, paintball and other activities travel insurance may not cover

Activities that aren’t always covered by travel insurance including cycling, safaris and base jumping – we take a look at popular ones you’ll need to be aware of

Holidaymakers may inadvertently be putting themselves at risk of a hefty hospital bill by taking part in activities which aren’t covered by travel insurance.

Some incredibly common activities, such as cycling, could end up costing a packet if they go wrong.

Standard travel insurance policies often don’t stretch to cover the inevitable costs that are accrued when people fall off the saddle abroad.

Equally safari holidays – which have clear potential to end catastrophically – don’t fall under standard policies.

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Sean Walsh, Marketing Manager from insurer SportsCoverDirect, said: “Cycling tours have grown in popularity as tourists choose to explore locations on bike; however, many travellers are unaware that if they were to fall and injure themselves they may not be covered by a standard travel insurance policy.

“Likewise, going on a safari holiday has its shares of risks which your standard travel insurance policy won’t cover. Coming across potentially dangerous or unpredictable animals is not without risk, even within the protection of purpose-built vehicles and with experienced guides on hand to ensure your safety.

“By taking out specific travel insurance for sports and activities, travellers will be covered for the expenses of emergency medical treatment if the traveller is injured, or requires medical evacuation and repatriation.

“So tourists can enjoy the activities they want to do and keep their minds at ease that if something goes wrong, they’re covered.”

Here are 20 common activities standard holiday insurance policies often do not cover:

1. Paintball
2. Cycle tours
3. Archery
4. Badminton
5. Backpacking
6. Ballooning
7. Boules
8. Bushcraft
9. Camel riding
10. Camping
11. Fishing
12. Helicopter tours
13. Hiking
14. Pilates
15. Quidditch
16. Safari
17. Tennis
18. Yoga
19. Zip Lines
20. Base jumping

You can find out more on sportscoverdirect.com.