Kayak Travel Insurance

Paddle with peace of mind! Our kayak travel insurance covers medical emergencies and more. Reliable, adventure-ready coverage.

Looking for kayak insurance? Most travel policies capsize the moment spray hits the deck. We don’t.

We automatically cover flat-water paddling (lakes, lazy rivers and coastal tours within 12 nautical miles) at Grades 1–2 on every Single-Trip and Annual Multi-Trip plan we sell.

Craving frothy white-water?

Bolt on our Adventure Plus Add-On at checkout and we’ll stretch that cover to adrenaline-pumping Grades 3–5, provided you’re with a licensed, professional guide.

What's included in our kayak trip insurance?

You're covered for:

  • Worldwide emergency medical expenses.
  • Trip cancellation & interruption.
  • Evacuation and repatriation.
  • Equipment loss.

What's not included in this policy?

Our kayak insurance does not provide cover for:

  • Open-ocean paddling more than 12 nautical miles from shore.
  • White-water Grades 3–5 if you haven’t bolted on our Adventure Plus Add-On or you’re tackling them without a licensed, professional guide.

Rise & Shield is trusted by reputable tour operators and adventure companies

What does our kayak insurance cover?

With Rise & Shield’s kayak cover, we protect every stroke, flat-water tours, coastal hops and white-water runs alike. We built this policy for paddlers who read river reports, not beach-bar menus.

Medical Emergencies and Evacuation

We settle overseas hospital bills and, when a doctor calls it, arrange helicopter extraction through our 24/7 assistance team. You focus on a clean roll; we’ll cover the rescue tab.

Equipment Loss or Damage

Spray skirt, carbon paddle, dry-bagged camera, if your kit is lost, stolen or smashed in transit, we repair or replace it. Hauling pricey tech? Add our High-Value Items rider for extra gadget peace of mind.

Travel Inconvenience Benefit

Storm-scrubbed ferry crossings, shuttle-bus no-shows, when delays swamp your schedule, we refund reasonable extra transport and accommodation costs so you stay on course.


Plus loads more benefits...

  • Trip Cancellation or Interruption: Injury, illness, or family emergency? We refund your non-recoverable travel, guiding and accommodation costs so you can regroup without draining the expedition fund.
  • Emergency Travel Assistance: 24/7 support for urgent travel needs, whether you need quick assistance or emergency transport back to shore.
  • Emergency Dental Cover: Paddle-smack or energy-bar mishap cracked a tooth? We pay for urgent dental work abroad, right down to the temp crown, so you’re back to grinning on the next shuttle run.
  • Adventure Bundle: Additional coverage for other high-risk activities like scuba diving or hiking.
  • Natural Catastrophe Cover: Flash-flooded campsite, wildfire smokeout, or officially declared storm makes your lodge unliveable? We pick up the extra transport and replacement digs so your journey stays afloat when Mother Nature kicks off.

When do I actually need kayak travel insurance?

Kayak cover isn’t for postcard-flat lake loops. It’s for the river-running and coastal-cruising itineraries where water levels, weather and logistics can flip without warning.

We recommend grabbing a policy when:

  • Your line drifts beyond the easy-rescue zone. Remote gorges and sparsely populated shorelines mean helicopter extractions aren’t cheap; we arrange the transport and foot the bill so you can focus on staying upright.
  • You’re hauling kit you can’t afford to lose. Carbon paddles, action cams, dry top, if it’s lost in transit or smashed in a rock garden, we sort the replacement or repair.
  • Permits, shuttles or accommodation are pre-paid. Flooded roads, ferry strikes or guide cancellations can sink your schedule; our trip-disruption cover refunds the non-refundable so Plan B doesn’t torpedo the budget.
  • Local medical help is miles (or rapids) away. We front overseas hospital costs and arrange repatriation if a doctor says you’re too battered to finish the run.

Take the policy out before you launch, not after the mishap. We’ll keep the admin dull so the story on the water stays interesting.

Why choose our kayak travel insurance?

Choosing Rise & Shield means selecting coverage specifically tailored to the unique challenges of kayaking. Here’s what sets us apart:

  • 24/7 Customer Support: Our support team is ready around the clock, so you’re protected and supported no matter where or when you paddle.
  • Streamlined Claims Process: Our easy claims system ensures that you can file quickly, without hassle, and get back to your adventure.
  • Competitive Premiums: High-value coverage designed with kayakers in mind, so you’re protected at rates that suit your budget.
  • Customisable Options: Add extra protections for open water or whitewater kayaking, allowing you to tailor your coverage to your specific route or risk level.

With Rise & Shield’s kayak travel insurance, you’re ready to take on every waterway with complete peace of mind.

How do I get online kayak travel insurance?

Getting covered with Rise & Shield is easy. Follow these simple steps to secure your trip:

01

Get a Quote: Start by entering your trip details to receive a personalised quote.

02

Customise Your Plan: Tailor the coverage options to meet your specific needs.

03

Receive Instant Confirmation: Purchase and instantly receive your policy details via email.

Kayak travel insurance FAQs

Is basic kayaking automatically covered, or do I need an add-on?

Flat-water paddling on calm rivers, lakes and near-shore routes is baked into every Single-Trip and Annual Multi-Trip plan. Planning stronger rapids or guided white-water? Bolt on the Adventure Plus add-on at checkout and the policy flexes to match the higher risk.

Do you insure sea-kayaking expeditions and multi-day trips?

Yes. Coastal tours and overnight journeys are covered, provided you stay within normally navigable waters and follow local safety regs.

Does the policy protect rental or borrowed kayaks and gear?

Absolutely. Whether the boat’s yours, hired, or borrowed from a mate, we treat it the same: if it’s stolen, lost or smashed in transit, our equipment section steps in. Travelling with high-ticket tech, action cams, carbon paddles, satellite trackers? Add the High-Value Items rider for extra headroom.

Are races, festivals or organised kayak events included?

Recreational charity paddles and non-competitive group outings sit under the standard wording. Entering timed races or extreme white-water festivals? You’ll need the Adventure Plus add-on (and to follow the organiser’s safety rules) for cover to remain valid.

What happens if I need evacuation from a remote river gorge?

You call our 24/7 assistance number (or have your guide radio through). We coordinate the extraction and cover the cost once medically approved. You focus on staying warm and dry; we handle the paperwork and post-rescue logistics.

Can first-time paddlers buy this insurance, or is prior experience required?

Beginners are welcome. The policy doesn’t demand a logbook, only that you paddle within the limits of your training and obey local regulations. If you’re heading into technical water, book a licensed guide and consider the Adventure Plus upgrade for full protection.