Quick summary for busy readers:
- Most standard travel insurance policies do cover sailing, but only within a set distance from the coast, commonly around 10 to 15 nautical miles. See our table below with nautical distance limits.
- If you’re heading further out (generally beyond 15 to 20 nautical miles), you’ll likely need a specialist sailing travel insurance policy built for open water instead.
- Cover and distance limits vary a lot between insurers, so it’s worth comparing specifically for sailing rather than assuming a standard comprehensive policy has you covered.
- Claims involving intoxication generally aren’t covered, so always sail responsibly.
- Standard travel insurance policies do not cover for competitive sailing.
Sailing is one of the best ways to experience a coastline on your holiday. And while many travel insurance policies cover it, usually only a short distance from land is covered. Not ideal for travellers looking to properly venture out into open water.
Read on to learn more about travel insurance and sailing as an activity - from the distance limits that catch people out, to which New Zealand insurers actually offer it.
Does travel insurance cover sailing?
If sailing is part of your trip, it’s worth checking your policy before assuming you’re covered. Most standard travel insurance policies do include sailing, but only within a set distance from land, commonly somewhere between 10 and 15 nautical miles.
If you’re planning to sail further than that into open water or international waters, you’ll likely need a specialist sailing travel insurance policy, built specifically for open water sailing.
Given how much cover varies between insurers, particularly around distance limits and included activities, it’s worth reading the Policy Wording closely to ensure your planned sailing trip will be covered.
Tip: Claims involving alcohol are treated the same on the water as they are on land. If an incident happens while you or someone you’re travelling with was intoxicated, your insurer is unlikely to accept the claim – worth keeping that in mind if you’re planning a few drinks while out on the water.
Where can I buy sailing travel insurance?
Check out this comparison table to see which insurers cover sailing and which don’t.
| Provider | Do they cover sailing? | Sailing conditions | Action | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 1Cover | Yes | Cover for 10 nautical miles or less of any land. 11-15 nautical miles wiht adventure pack. | Quote | |
 TINZ | Yes | Cover for 10 nautical miles or less of any land. 11-15 nautical miles wiht adventure pack. | Quote | |
 Zoom | Yes | Up to 10 nautical miles of any land mass, 11 to 15 nautical terms with adventure pack. | Quote | |
 Southern Cross | Yes | Within 12 nautical miles or 22,2 kilometres of poulated land and the vessel is crewed. | ||
 State Insurance | No | Travelling in International waters in a private sailing vessel or a privately registrered vessel is not covered. | ||
 AA Travel | No | No cover for private vessel such as a ship, yacht, motorboat, or sailing boat in international waters. | ||
 Cover-More | Yes | Sailing within Territorial waters covered. Outside Territorial waters requires adventure pack (over 45ft vessel) | ||
 Tower Insurance | Yes | Within 25 nautical miles from the mainland only. | ||
 World Nomads | Yes | |||
 AMI Insurance | No | Travelling in International waters in a private sailing vessel or a privately registered vessel is not covered. |
Get Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
How far from shore am I covered for sailing?
Most standard travel insurance policies cover sailing within 10 to 15 nautical miles of a landmass. If you’re planning to sail beyond this distance (into open water or international waters) a specialist sailing travel insurance policy will generally be required, as standard policies are unlikely to provide adequate cover for open water sailing. Check the specific distance limitations of any policy you’re considering against your planned route before purchasing.
Am I covered if I drink alcohol while sailing?
Most travel insurance policies will not pay claims that arise as a result of intoxication. If an incident occurs while you or a travelling companion were under the influence of alcohol, your insurer is unlikely to accept a related claim. This exclusion applies on the water just as it does on land, so it’s important to sail responsibly at all times to ensure your cover remains valid.
How much am I covered for if something happens while sailing?
This depends on the policy you choose. Most comprehensive travel insurance policies include unlimited emergency medical cover, though some policies (particularly for older travellers) may apply a cap to the maximum medical benefit available. Emergency evacuation cover is also typically included, though limits can vary. Comparing policies side by side is the best way to understand the specific cover levels available for your circumstances.
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