Why You Need Travel Insurance
Surf Trips to Bali & Sri Lanka
It's May, and you know what that means! Exciting surf seasons ahead in both Bali and Sri Lanka! Dry season in Bali, this is the perfect time to plan your surf trip to Bali, expect big consistent swells and strong periods as the tradewinds shift to make clean offshore conditions along Bali’s west coast. Sri Lanka is entering the shoulder season, while the occasional rains begin to appear the line up becomes less crowded and the waves are still rolling in.
So you have selected your surf trip destination, booked your flights, chosen your surf camps and packed your bags. There is just one final detail that often gets overlooked — travel insurance. It may not be the most exciting part of planning your surf trip, but it belongs at the top of the checklist.
Why do you need Travel Insurance?
Yes sure, booking flights, accommodation and activities is much more exciting than travel insurance, but when you are on your way to Bali or Sri Lanka, you will be surfing daily, riding around in scooters and tuk-tuks, going hiking, exploring local Gems, enjoying local foods and having countless parties, it is important to be covered by travel insurance for a few reasons:
1. Expensive medical care
You are not in your own country and are unfortunately not covered by the healthcare systems in Bali or Sri Lanka, which can make treatments rather expensive.
In Bali, international clinics and hospitals such as Siloam and BIMC are popular choices among travellers. In Sri Lanka, private medical centres including Nawaloka Hospital and Asiri Hospital provide reliable care in major cities. If you are in need of treatment for a surf injury, dehydration or emergency medical assistance, travel insurance helps ensure you can receive care without unexpected financial pressure.
2. Surfing is an adventure sport
Even when the waves are clean, offshore and mellow, mistakes can happen. Anything from minor inconveniences like reef cuts and fin cuts to more serious accidents, which can happen when you are pushing your limits in the water. As an adventure sport, surfing carries an element of unpredictability, making travel insurance an important part of trip planning.
3. Travel plans often change
Delayed flights, cancellations or unexpected changes happen often while travelling. Having travel insurance means even if these changes do happen you have nothing to worry about.
4. Transport options can be risky
Exploring Bali and Sri Lanka is often done on a scooter or in a tuk-tuk, it is great to explore these destinations using local transport options, however they can present challenges too. In Bali, scooters and motorbikes are one of the most common ways to travel between surf spots, beaches and towns. In Sri Lanka, tuk-tuks, trains, private drivers and scooters are popular options for moving along the coast and between destinations. While these transport methods offer flexibility and convenience, accidents and travel-related incidents can happen, making insurance important.
5. Protect your gear
Surfboards, luggage and equipment are vital to the surf trip, they are also at risk during transit. From damaged surfboards to delayed baggage and misplaced luggage, travel mishaps can happen along the way. Insurance that includes sports equipment and baggage coverage helps protect your gear and keeps your trip on track.
Your Bali & Sri Lanka Travel Insurance Checklist
Selecting your travel insurance doesn't have to be difficult, it should be a quick and easy process. Make sure you are adequately prepared for your surf trip by going over this brief checklist before clicking "buy."
1. Is surfing actually covered?
Surfing is not covered by every insurance policy. They often only cover lower risk sports, so be sure to look at the policy carefully.
Look for:
Surfing is specifically listed
Surf-related injuries are covered
Larger waves and adventure sports are not excluded
2. Does it include medical cover?
Medical care can become expensive quickly, even for smaller injuries.
Make sure your policy covers:
Clinic appointments
Hospital treatment and stays
Specialist treatment and medication
Emergency medical care
3. Is emergency assistance included?
Better to have this option and not use it, then to not have it at all.
Look for coverage for:
Ambulance transport
Emergency evacuation
Transfers to larger or better-equipped hospitals if needed
24/7 emergency assistance hotline
4. Are delays and cancellations covered?
When you are traveling and making friends, plans are often changing and it is always great to be covered.
Check if your insurance includes:
Flight delays
Flight delays
Missed connections
Unexpected travel disruptions
5. Is your travel gear insured?
For surfers, boards and luggage are part of the adventure and the most important part.
Double-check coverage for:
Lost luggage
Delayed baggage
Damaged surfboards and sports equipment
Airport transit mishaps
Because nobody wants their surf trip arriving without their board.
6. Check the fine print!
This is the step most travellers skip.
Before booking, take a quick look at:
Policy exclusions
Excess fees
Adventure sport limitations
Claim conditions
A few minutes now can save major headaches later.
These are the most important things to check when selecting an insurance company as this will ensure that you are fully covered for your trip to Bali or Sri Lanka, now here are some great insurance companies we recommend:
World Nomads: Best for surf trips
This is your best bet when your trip is all about surfing, which yours most likely is when coming to Kima Surf Camps.They cover over 200 adventure activities and surfing is included within this list. They cover trip cancellations, gear and baggage, so your surfboard is sorted. It is slightly more expensive but ideal for a short surf trip that has fixed travel dates.
Safety Wings: Best for longer trips and more budget-friendly
For travellers who plan to travel longer and with more loose travel plans, this is a better option. They have affordable monthly subscriptions, which is great when travelling with no end date. It is easier to start, stop or even extend, fitting perfectly to your plans. Just a side note, these budget-friendly plans often do not cover surfing, but can be added, so just check this.
If you are looking for something more modern and flexible, try these newer options that are getting more popular:
Final tip: No matter who you choose — always read the fine print. Especially around surfing, scooters, and anything “adventure-related.” That’s where most people get caught out.
Alright, insurance sorted? Now you are ready to surf Bali and Sri Lanka’s best surf spots, and give it your all because you know you are covered!
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