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Travel insurance for adventure holidays: a guide to hiking, remote areas & more

Travel Tips
16.12.25 | 4 min read
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Expect the unexpected! Adventure travel is full of twists, turns, and delightful surprises. This guide explains how ahm travel insurance can help you handle hiccups without missing a moment of the fun.

Adventure travel is all about stepping off the beaten path, seeking thrills, and embracing the unexpected. Whether you’re trekking through dense rainforests, zip-lining across mountains, or surfing the waves on a tropical beach, adventure travel promises unforgettable experiences - and sometimes, a few curveballs along the way.

That’s where travel insurance from ahm can come in handy. Think of it as one of your safety nets, so you can focus on the fun and not the “what ifs.” 

Why adventure travel can be unpredictable (in the best way!)

Adventure travel, like all travel can be unpredictable. One day you might be hiking a serene trail, and the next, you’re navigating sudden weather changes, missed flights, or a minor mishap with your gear. These surprises make the journey exciting, but they can also cost you time, money, or peace of mind.

From adventure travel trips in exciting destinations to action packed itineraries, being prepared with travel insurance for adventure travel means you’ve got a helpful backup plan if things go off script.

Travel insurance for hiking and outdoor injuries

Even the most experienced adventurers can take a tumble now and then. A slip on a trail, a sprain mid-hike, or a bump during a water activity can quickly change your plans.

Depending on your policy, travel insurance might help with:

  • Medical treatment
  • Ambulance or evacuation costs in remote areas
  • Hospital stays

Example scenario: Imagine you’re hiking in New Zealand and slip on a wet trail. If you need medical care^, ahm travel insurance could help with the costs - so you can get back to exploring sooner. 

Quick tip: If your trip includes activities like climbing, rafting or mountain biking, check your policy - some activities may need specific cover.

Two people at a lookout
Travel insurance for lost adventure gear

Your gear is part of the experience - boots, surfboards, cameras, climbing ropes. If something goes missing, especially while you're on the move, it can throw a spanner in your plans.

Travel insurance can help cover some of the costs with:

  • Lost or stolen items
  • High-value items (limits apply, with optional extra cover available for certain items)

Example scenario: Say your camera bag disappears during a jungle trek. Depending on your policy, ahm travel insurance might help with the cost of it± - so you can keep capturing the adventure. 

Quick tip: Snap a quick photo of your gear or keep a simple list with receipts (less than 24 months old). It can make things easier if you need to make a claim. 

Travel insurance for delays and cancelled tours

Adventure travel doesn’t always stick to the schedule. Flights might get delayed, the weather has other ideas and sometimes plans need to change.

Travel insurance can help with:

  • Extra accommodation if your travel is unexpectedly delayed
  • Assistance with rebooking if your plans are disrupted by a covered event
  • Support with prepaid activity costs when cancellations are due to things like illness or severe weather

Example scenario: Picture this: You’re due to take your flight home, but a sudden storm rolls in, and the flight’s cancelled. ahm travel insurance can help with accommodation and rebooking costs* while you wait it out. 

Quick tip: Keep your bookings and receipts together. It might make last-minute changes a little less stressful.

Travel insurance for remote destinations and off-grid trips

Some of the best adventures happen far from the usual paths - think Patagonia, the Himalayas or remote Indonesian islands. The views? Incredible. The access to healthcare? Not always that easy.

Travel insurance can include:

  • Emergency evacuation
  • 24/7 medical advice
  • Coverage in areas with limited healthcare

Example scenario: You’re staying on a remote island and start feeling unwell overnight. ahm travel insurance could help with coordinating medical advice and transport to a nearby clinic - turning a stressful situation into something more a little more manageable. 

Quick tip: Check policy limits for remote areas. Some activities or locations might need extra cover.

Planning ahead: how to get the most out of your travel insurance

Every adventure is different, but a bit of planning can help you feel more relaxed and ready to roll. Here are a few things to think about:

  • Plan for unexpected changes: Delays, cancellations, or sudden weather shifts can happen. It might be worth checking that your level of cancellation cover suits your pre-paid bookings and travel plans - so you’re not caught off guard if things shift unexpectedly.
  • Protect your gear: Boots, boards, cameras, or other equipment can be important for your trip. Keeping a simple list or photos may help you check coverage if needed. Certain policies may offer optional gear or high-value item add-ons for extra cover.
  • Consider remote locations: Visiting areas off the beaten track can be amazing, although access to healthcare may be limited. It could be a good idea to check whether your policy includes cover for the activities you’re planning.
Wrapping it up: keep exploring

Adventure travel is full of unforgettable moments and the occasional hiccup. Travel insurance can help you manage surprises, letting you focus on what matters: the adventure.

If you’re planning your next trip, it might be worth exploring ahm’s travel insurance options. 

Things you should know

Limits, sub-limits, conditions and exclusions apply.

This is general advice only. This product is distributed by Australian Health Management Group Pty Limited (ABN 96 003 683 298, AR 266711) and administered by Travel Insurance Partners Pty Limited (ABN 73 144 049 230, AFSL 360138). Travel insurance is underwritten by Zurich Australian Insurance Limited (ABN 13 000 296 640, AFSL 232507). Please consider your own needs and the Combined FSG/PDS to decide if this product is right for you. For information on the Target Market and Target Market Determinations, visit ahm.com.au/travel-insurance/forms-and-guides.

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Unlimited overseas medical and hospital expense cover
Medical cover will not exceed 12 months from the onset of the illness or injury. Only applies to international policies.

±

Cover for lost, stolen or damaged items and travel documents
Comprehensive plans only. Item and aggregate limits apply. Depreciation applies to items more than two years old.

*

Cancellation coverage 
If you need to make a claim for trip cancellations, ensure you meet the specific criteria outlined in the Combined PDS/FSG(opens in a new tab).

Cancellation cover applies on a per-policy basis.​

For international comprehensive plans we include a $3,000 benefit per policy. If you need more, you can select an amount of cancellation cover from the options available to you at the time of applying for cover.