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 table below.
- 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.
Sailing is one of the best ways to experience a coastline. 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. Never fear, that’s what specialist sailing travel insurance is for!
Read on to learn more about sailing travel insurance, from the distance limits that catch people out to which Australian insurers actually offer it, whether that’s standard cover or something more specialised.
Do I need travel insurance for sailing?
Yes, if sailing is part of your trip, it’s worth checking your policy before assuming you’re covered. Of course, most standard travel insurance policies do include sailing, but only within a set distance from land, commonly somewhere between 10 and 15 nautical miles.
That’s why 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 Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) 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) and how far from land you’ll be covered for.
| Provider | Do they cover sailing? | Sailing conditions | Action | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 1Cover | Yes | Cover for 10 nautical miles or less off any landmass; cover for up to 15 nautical miles with Sports and adventure pack. | Quote | |
 Fast Cover | Yes | Cover for 10 nautical miles or less off any land mass; cover for up to 15 with Adventure pack. No competition or racing. | Quote | |
 Insure and Go | Yes | Sailing within territorial waters (1 single day tour only). No cover for yachting in international waters or racing. | Quote | |
 Travel Insurance Saver | Yes | Sailing/Yachting (recreational within territorial waters). General Exclusion - travelling in international waters in a private sail vessel or privately registered sail vessel. Consider the PDS and TMD from TIS and if the policy is right for you. | Quote | |
 Zoom | Yes | Cover for 10 nautical miles or less off any landmass; cover for up to 15 nautical miles with Sports and adventure pack | Quote | |
 Allianz | Yes | Cover for 10 nautical miles or less off any landmass; cover for up to 15 nautical miles with adventure pack | ||
 Australian Seniors | Yes | Cover for 10 nautical miles or less off any landmass; cover for up to 15 nautical miles with adventure pack | ||
 Boomers | Yes | Sailing/Yachting (recreational within territorial waters) | ||
 Budget Direct | Yes | Sailing/Yachting covered (recreational within territorial waters), Adventure pack needed for sailing outside territorial limits (vessel over 45ft). No cover in International waters. | ||
 Cover more | Yes | Sailing/Yachting covered (recreational within territorial waters), Adventure pack needed for sailing outside territorial limits (vessel over 45ft). No cover in International waters. | ||
 Easy Travel Insurance | Yes | Sailing is not covered in International Waters | ||
 Freely | Yes | Sailing/Yachting covered (recreational within territorial waters), Adventure pack needed for sailing outside territorial limits (vessel over 45ft). No cover in International waters. | ||
 Go Insurance | Yes | Cover can be purchased for boat hire. But ocean yachting more than 12 nautical miles/21.6km or more from land is excluded. | ||
 Insure 4 Less | Yes | Sailing/Yachting covered (recreational within territorial waters) | ||
 Medibank | Yes | No cover for sailing in International Waters in a private sailing vessel or a privately registered vessel. | ||
 PassportCard | Maybe | Optional cover for Sailing/Yachting/Motor Cruising outside territorial waters, on a professional charter. No cover for outside territorial waters on a privately registered vessel. | ||
 Southern Cross | Yes | Cover on a chartered vessel within 12 nautical miles if the vessel is crewed. Cover for ocean yachting within 12 nautical miles of populated land in an area with access to telecommunication and medical services. | ||
 Travel Insurance Direct | Yes | No cover for travelling in international waters in a private sail vessel or privately registered sail vessel. | ||
 Travel Insuranz | Yes | Sailing/Yachting covered (recreational within territorial waters) | ||
 World Nomads | Yes | Level 1: inland or coastal waters within 3 nautical miles. Level 2: beyond 3 nautical miles. | ||
 WorldCare | Yes | Cover for 10 nautical miles or less off any land mass; cover for up to 15 with Adventure pack. No competition or racing. |
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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