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White heron, Great Egret, standing on the lake.

Birding

Travel Insurance for Birding

Get cover for your birding trip with Redpoint protection

For many travelers, birdwatching is a meditative activity that gives them the opportunity to be in close communion with the natural world — so it's not surprising it's so popular. Dedicated birders also have a great excuse to travel to some of the world's most beautiful and biodiverse destinations to birdwatch, from the Galapagos Islands and Costa Rica to Norway and South Africa.

Even though birding isn't known for being a high-adrenaline or thrill-seeking activity, we strongly recommend that travelers think about birding travel insurance before they go. Read on for everything you need to know about staying safe and protected on a birdwatching trip.

Close up birdwatch binocular on tripod in birdwatching nature park

Medical, health, & safety for birding

Birding is an enjoyable and often relaxing outdoor activity, but there are a few health and safety considerations to keep in mind.

Travelers should always take basic precautions on the road, such as carrying a first-aid kit, staying hydrated, and dressing appropriately for the environment. Wear long sleeves, sturdy footwear, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect against sunburn, insect bites, and minor scrapes. Don’t forget to check weather forecasts and local conditions before heading out, and inform someone of your plans.

Birders tend to be highly attuned to nature and wildlife, so you’ll already know that it’s vital to respect the behavior, habits, and habitats of birds and other animals. Stay on marked trails or paths, don’t get too close to birds or disturb their nests or habitats, and don’t attempt to feed birds or leave waste behind that might attract them. Following “leave no trace” principles is a central component of responsible birding.

Depending on where you plan to go birding, natural disasters, such as flash floods, storms, or wildfires, can pose serious risks. In areas prone to these hazards, familiarize yourself with emergency procedures and evacuation routes. Carry a fully charged phone, a map, and a compass as backups in case you lose cell service, and subscribe to alerts from local services to stay up-to-date.

Road safety is essential when traveling to remote birding locations. Be cautious on unfamiliar or rugged roads, especially in rural areas where conditions may be poor. Always ensure your vehicle is in good condition and carry the essentials in case of emergency — i.e., a spare tire, flashlight, and plenty of water.

Trip insurance benefits & coverage for birding

You may be wondering: Does my travel insurance cover birding? Birding is not typically a risky activity, so most travel insurance policies will cover it — including Redpoint travel protection. That said, you should always do your due diligence and read the policy details from your preferred travel insurance provider closely to confirm.

Here are the core coverage areas you should look for when purchasing travel protection for birding.

  • Trip cancellation insurance and trip interruption insurance: This type of coverage reimburses your nonrefundable trip expenses if your birding trip is canceled or cut short due to a covered reason, including unforeseen circumstances like illness, severe weather, or family emergencies. If you think you may need extra flexibility, you may want to consider adding cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage to your policy. 
  • Travel medical insurance: Travel health insurance covers unexpected emergency medical expenses for illnesses or injuries that may occur on your trip. Even though birding isn’t an extreme activity, accidents can still happen, and your health insurance from home probably won’t be accepted in case of an injury, particularly if you’re traveling abroad. Without travel medical insurance, you’ll likely have to pay out of pocket for any medical emergencies and the charges incurred as a result. Keep in mind that if you have any preexisting conditions, you’ll also need to apply for a waiver when you buy travel insurance.
  • Emergency medical evacuation insurance: Emergency evacuation coverage  reimburses you for emergency transportation to the nearest medical facility or back to the U.S. in extreme or emergency situations. If you’re birdwatching and traveling in remote areas, this kind of coverage is essential, especially in areas where medical facilities and transportation options are limited. You may also need search and rescue coverage in a worst case scenario situation.
  • Baggage and personal belongings insurance: This covers loss, theft, or damage to your belongings should they go missing or get damaged during your trip. If you’re taking any specialist birding equipment with you, this is important to include in your policy.
  • Trip delay insurance: Travel delay benefits provide coverage for additional expenses if your trip is delayed before it starts or during any connections or transfers.

For birders whose travel plans revolve around remote locations, Ripcord is the best insurance policy offered by Redpoint. This extensive plan has high coverage limits and enhanced coverage, including generous benefits for emergency medical evacuation, search and rescue, and expenses related to medical emergencies, accidents, and sickness.

For birders who intend to stick to city parks and the occasional jaunt to a nearby nature preserve, Redpoint’s other travel insurance plans, Cavalry and Harbor, may be better options.

Although both provide comprehensive international protection for a wide range of situations, Cavalry is particularly suited for urban travel and luxury cultural experiences, while Harbor offers robust coverage for the budget-minded leisure traveler.

For trip insurance costs and more information on birding coverage specifically, check out our purchase page for a quote today.

Frequently asked questions about birding

owl in flight

What is insurance for birding?

Birding insurance is travel insurance that includes coverage for those who plan to birdwatch on their trip. Certain benefits of a comprehensive travel insurance plan — such as travel medical insurance and baggage loss and equipment coverage — are especially important for birders to have.

Does travel insurance cover birding?

Birding is not an especially high-risk activity, so most travel insurance providers should include it as part of their coverage. But don't be misled — just because birding doesn't involve a high amount of risk doesn't mean it's not important to purchase travel insurance. We still strongly recommend trip insurance to protect the full value of your travel investment.

How much is travel insurance for birding?

For a birding travel protection plan, pricing varies based on different factors, such as your destination, trip length, age, and preferred travel insurance provider. Redpoint travel protection typically ranges between 6% and 15% of your total trip cost.

What should your travel insurance cover for birding?

Your travel insurance policy should include emergency medical insurance for accidents and injuries; emergency evacuation; coverage for theft, loss, or damage to your belongings and birding gear; trip cancellation or interruption; and optional add-ons for high-risk activities or expensive equipment. If you have a preexisting medical condition, you'll also want to apply for a waiver when you purchase your policy.

What happens if a tourist gets injured while birding?

If you have an accident or injury while you're on a birding trip, you should urgently seek out medical care. If you happen to be birding in a remote area that’s hard for emergency services to access by road, you may also need evacuation assistance.

Your travel insurance should cover those medical bills, including hospitalization, treatment, and emergency evacuation. If you find it difficult to access the necessary care or require evacuation assistance, contact Redpoint's emergency line at +1-415-481-0610. Our customer service team is there 24/7 to help you locate providers and services covered by your travel insurance policy.

Protect your trip with Redpoint Travel Insurance

Whether birding takes you to the jungles of South America or the well-trodden paths of Central Park, Redpoint’s comprehensive, easy-to-understand travel insurance policies suit any type of trip. Explore our three international travel insurance plans — Ripcord, Cavalry, and Harbor — and get a quote for your next trip today.