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Sailing

Travel Insurance for Sailing

Get cover for your sailing trip with Redpoint protection

What could be more of an adventure than sailing the high seas? And from the Virgin Islands and Thailand's Koh Samui to the Amalfi Coast and the Bahamas, there are so many bucket-list destinations where you can set sail.

Whether you're competing in a regatta, cruising the Caribbean, or spending a lazy day lounging on a yacht offshore, sailing can be a beautiful experience. But anytime you board a vessel, there's also a certain amount of risk involved.

Sailing holiday insurance is a necessary precaution for the unique circumstances that may arise on the water, providing peace of mind in case of accidents, emergencies, and more. You don't want to set sail without it.

Medical, health, & safety for sailing

As with any form of adventure travel, health and safety should be top of mind if you are planning a sailing trip. Before you even get on the water, ensure the vessel is properly maintained, its technical and navigation systems working, and that it’s outfitted with all essential safety gear: life jackets, fire extinguishers, a first-aid kit, and a functioning VHF radio.

If you’re not sailing with someone experienced, you should make sure you’re well-versed in basic sailing skills, etiquette, navigation, and emergency protocols in case something goes wrong. It’s also wise to inform someone onshore of your itinerary and expected return time.

Natural disasters and weather events can pose significant risks during sailing trips — hurricanes, strong winds, and rogue waves are hazards to monitor, especially in regions with unpredictable weather patterns.

Stay updated on marine weather forecasts as well as tidal patterns, and know the signs of changing conditions. Understanding how to secure your boat in case of sudden storms and practicing emergency drills, like man-overboard scenarios, can save lives.

Just as the ocean itself requires an abundance of respect and caution, so does the wildlife it’s home to. Avoid approaching, feeding, or provoking sea animals, and don’t dispose of waste overboard — it can attract predators, such as sharks.

While you’re sailing, transportation considerations include safely docking and navigating busy marinas or coastal waters. Make sure you know the correct rules for right-of-way when boating. If you need to use a tender or dinghy to travel ashore, ensure it’s in good condition and properly secured when not in use.

Trip insurance benefits & coverage for sailing

You may be wondering: Does my travel insurance cover sailing holidays? The answer is yes. Many travel insurance companies provide cover for sailing and other activities as part of a standard policy — including Redpoint.

Of course, exclusions may apply in certain circumstances, so always read policy wording and policy terms carefully to be sure the sailing cover you’re considering meets your needs.

For smooth sailing, here are the core coverage areas you should look for when shopping for travel insurance.

  • Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance: Trip cancellation insurance reimburses your nonrefundable trip expenses if your sailing holiday is canceled or cut short due to a covered reason, like illness, severe weather, or family emergencies. Sailing is highly dependent on weather conditions, so it’s best to have coverage in case your trip can’t go on safely as planned. If you think you might need more flexibility, look into adding cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage to your sailing insurance policy.
  • Travel medical insurance: Travel health insurance covers unexpected emergency medical costs for any illnesses or injuries that happen on your trip. Your health insurance from home will not be accepted in most cases, so any costs or hospital charges incurred during medical emergencies will need to be paid out of pocket if you don’t have travel insurance. If you have any preexisting conditions, be sure to apply for a waiver when you buy your sailing travel insurance policy.
  • Emergency medical evacuation insurance: In extreme situations, emergency evacuation coverage reimburses you for emergency transportation — i.e., air ambulance — to the nearest medical facility or back to your home country for further treatment. If you’re sailing in remote areas, this kind of coverage is essential, especially in regions or territorial waters where medical facilities and transportation options are limited.
  • Baggage and personal belongings insurance: This covers loss, theft, or damage to your personal effects during your trip. If you’re taking any specialist sailing equipment with you, this can be an important benefit to have.
  • 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.

When it comes to sailing insurance coverage, Ripcord is Redpoint’s top option. An extensive plan with high coverage limits and enhanced coverage, its benefits include generous maximums for emergency medical evacuation, search and rescue, medical expenses, and — on the off-chance the worst happens — repatriation expenses.

For offshore sailing in more accessible waters, Redpoint’s other travel insurance plans provide international coverage and comprehensive protection for a wide range of situations. Cavalry is particularly suited for city travel and luxury cultural experiences, while Harbor offers robust coverage for the budget-minded leisure traveler.

Whether you’re looking for single-trip travel insurance or an annual policy, check out our purchase page  for more information on sailing travel insurance and get an instant quote today.  ,

FAQs about sailing

Beautiful beach with sailing boat yacht

What is insurance for sailing?

Sailing travel insurance is travel insurance that includes coverage for those planning a sailing holiday. Certain benefits of a comprehensive travel insurance plan — such as trip cancellation and search-and-rescue — are especially important if you plan to sail.

Does travel insurance cover sailing?

Yes, many travel insurance policies cover sailing. If you plan to participate in any other marine-related activities on your trip, the same policy may cover additional water sports as well, like scuba diving, snorkeling, water skiing, or Jet Skiing.

That said, exclusions can apply for hazardous sports. Redpoint's Ripcord plan, for example, doesn't cover scuba diving if the depth exceeds 131 feet, so read your policy document carefully before you take the plunge.

How much is travel insurance for sailing?

Sailing travel insurance prices vary depending on different factors, such as your destination, trip duration, age, and the sailing insurance policy you choose. Redpoint travel protection typically costs from 6% to 15% of your total trip expenses.

What should your travel insurance cover for a sailing trip?

Your sailing travel insurance policy should include cover for medical treatment in case of accident or injury; emergency evacuation; coverage for theft, loss, or damage to your belongings and gear; trip cancellation or interruption; and optional add-ons for high-risk activities or expensive equipment. If you have preexisting medical conditions, you'll also need to get a waiver added to your policy.

What happens if a tourist gets injured while sailing?

If you have an accident or injury on the water, you'll need to seek out local medical care. Sailing or marine accidents can be serious and, in a worst-case scenario, may also require search-and-rescue operations. To play it safe, make sure your sailing travel insurance covers medical bills, including hospitalization, treatment, and emergency evacuation, as well as search and rescue.

If you are injured on a sailing trip and struggling to access the necessary care, contact Redpoint's emergency assistance line at +1-415-481-0610. Our customer support team is available around the clock to help you find services and providers covered by your sailing-holiday insurance policy.

Protect your trip with Redpoint travel insurance

Whether you’re planning a cruise or a flotilla sailing vacation, Redpoint’s comprehensive, easy-to-understand travel insurance policies offer cover to 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.

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