11 Most Dangerous Tourist Activities Travel Insurance Won’t Cover

Many people begin to travel more in search of adventure, and true daredevils are drawn to activities that promise once-in-a-lifetime thrills. However, what may start as a free-spirited idea to bungee jump or swim with sharks can carry real danger.

What most tourists don't realize is that their standard travel insurance may specifically exclude these high-risk pursuits. An accident can leave you not only injured but also facing evacuation or hospital bills that soar past $100,000.

Here are 11 potentially dangerous activities that your travel insurance policy likely won't cover.

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Ziplining is a popular activity, so many are surprised to hear that it falls into a gray area with many insurance companies. You must check the fine print, as most do not cover high-risk and adventurous activities, which often include ziplining.

A recent zipline collision in St. Croix resulted in two Americans being air-lifted by the Coast Guard. Considering that without insurance, air ambulances can cost between $20,000 and $80,000, you cannot take that risk.

As World Nomads says, "Before you leap, make sure your travel insurance covers bungee jumping." Even when purchasing specialized adventure insurance, there are often different plans, so bungee jumping may not even be covered.

For example, is your bungee jumping location far from a medical facility? With medical evacuation coverage, you can have access to a 24/7 emergency assistance team.

For adrenaline lovers, BASE jumping is the perfect fit. However, Global Rescue warns that this activity requires skill and training, is illegal from many points, and if something happens, traditional insurance won't cover you. A medical evacuation can cost up to $300,000.

If you're someone who frequently participates in high-risk activities, you may be interested in a Global Rescue membership, starting at $139.

Some individuals want action-packed trips, with 23% saying they're interested in high-octane activities like skydiving — a figure that is up 13% from 2024.

However, jumping out of a plane, especially without proper certification, could expose you to insurance issues, not just concerning travel but also your life insurance policy. Speak with your travel insurance provider before you skydive, as this activity can disqualify you from benefits.

If you love being on the water, you may want to experience the Terminator rapid on the Futaleufú River in Patagonia or Cataract Canyon's Big Drops 2 and 3. However, accidents happen, and when they do, you may not be covered.

Even companies that specialize in adventure travel will not cover Class 6 rapids, which are the most extreme (think the Niagara River below the falls).

Skin diving requires little to no equipment, making it a popular choice for those who love underwater diving, but there are insurance restrictions. The same applies to scuba diving. Some insurance companies may not cover benefits for accidental injury once you dive 60 feet or more in depth, for example.

Global Rescue covers everything from free diving to shark diving adventures, providing coverage for unique circumstances like decompression sickness in Belize.

Several places around the world are renowned for elephant tourism. In some cases, you can observe wild herds, but in others, you can interact with these giant creatures in sanctuaries. Some of these are more ethical than others, which should be a consideration during your travel plans.

Recently, a tourist was killed during an elephant bathing experience in Thailand, bringing awareness to many issues, including the dangers for both humans and elephants, which is why you need specialized coverage.

The most notable bull running event is the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain. Over 1 million spectators observe fighting bulls transferred to the bullring. Once released onto the designated course of streets, some run with them.

Each year, between 50 and 100 people get hurt during the nine-day festival. Most insurance plans will deny coverage for these high-risk injuries. However, specialized policies, like World Nomads' Explore Plan, cover bull running and riding.

Whether you're in Costa Rica, Hawaii, or Greece, you may decide to head out on an active volcano tour. While you may think of molten lava risks (which are possible), you're more likely to sustain injuries from a fall, which was the unfortunate case for a tourist in Indonesia, who was not the only fatality over the past few years.

There were delays when rescuing her, which is why you must consider the possibility of emergency medical rescues — it could save you hundreds of thousands, and more importantly, your life.

Storm chasing may seem exhilarating, but there are inherent dangers. Tourists are paying big money to visit Tornado Valley, including a 76-year-old from Iowa who said, "My friends and family think I'm crazy, but I'm having the time of my life."

Not even the top adventure tourism insurance companies offer specialized "storm chasing" policies, per se. Contact those who provide insurance for hazardous sports and adventure travel to discuss your options.

Many resources and expedition tours support seniors interested in a trek to Everest Base Camp, but your insurance company may not be as open to the experience.

At the highest point, you'll stand over 5,500 meters above sea level (many travel policies only cover you up to 3,000 meters). If you experience altitude sickness symptoms and don't improve, descent is the only option, often requiring medical evacuation, which will cost around $6,000 or more out-of-pocket.

Adventure travel can be exhilarating, but the risks extend beyond broken bones or missed flights. Many high-octane activities aren't covered by standard travel insurance. That's why reviewing policy fine print is crucial before you book.

Pairing specialized coverage with one of the top travel cards, for instance, can help protect both your health and your budget, ensuring your once-in-a-lifetime journey doesn't turn into lifelong debt.