Travel Insurance: Why It Matters

Bare Waves SailingMay 11, 2026

Travel Insurance: Why It Matters

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of stepping onto a boat, meeting your crew, and knowing a week of sun, connection, and adventure lies ahead. We design our trips so you can fully let go and be present.

But there’s one thing we strongly recommend taking care of before you arrive:

Travel insurance.

Not because we expect anything to go wrong—but because having the right coverage allows you to relax more fully, knowing you’ve prepared for the unexpected.

We STRONGLY encourage all travelers joining us to have both:

Trip cancellation / interruption insurance
Travel medical / health insurance

You might never need to use it—and that’s the best-case scenario. But if something unexpected happens, insurance can help reduce stress and financial impact.

More importantly, it gives you peace of mind, so you can fully enjoy your time on the water, with your community, and in the moment.

What to Look for: Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance

Not all policies are created equal. When choosing coverage, make sure your plan includes:

Trip cancellation & interruption – Coverage if you need to cancel before departure or cut your trip short due to illness, emergencies, or other covered reasons.
Double check that your policy is valid for the countries/regions where you will travel to and covers you based on your country citizenship/residency.
Gentle Reminder: our trips are non-refundable except as outlined in our Terms & Conditions and booking policy, which is why having this type of coverage is especially important.
Flight protection – Reimbursement for covered delays, cancellations, or missed connections.
Baggage coverage – Protection for delayed, lost, stolen, or damaged luggage.
Activity coverage – Ensure your policy explicitly covers sailing in coastal waters and any activities during your trip.
Citizenship / residency – Double check the policy covers your country of citizenship/residency.
Flexible policy options
- Single-trip policies* for one-off trips
- Annual multi-trip policies* if you travel frequently throughout the year (often at a savings when compared to multiple single-trip policies)

And importantly: always read the policy details carefully so you understand what is—and isn’t—covered, including exclusions and limits.

What to Look for: Travel Medical & Health Insurance

This is the one travelers often overlook—but it’s essential, especially when traveling internationally.

Your policy should include:

Emergency medical coverage abroad – Ensure you can get medical care, prescription medications, etc. for the region(s) you’re visiting, and that the coverage meets your specific needs.
Emergency evacuation – Look for policies that will cover the costs to transport you from the boat to the nearest medical facility if needed.
Repatriation coverage – Ensure your policy includes transport back to your home country in serious situations.
Coverage for all planned activities – Including sailing in coastal waters and any excursions during your trip.
Valid coverage in your destination region(s) – Always double-check that your policy applies to the countries you’ll be visiting. Some regions, for example Australia, require a different policy or policy add-on.

It’s also a good idea to review your existing coverage—including health insurance, as well as homeowner’s or renter’s insurance—to understand what may already be included and where you might need additional protection.

An Insurance Option to Explore

If you’re looking for a provider, here’s an option that might fit your needs:

👉 Globelink International*

They offer flexible options for both single trips and annual coverage, with plans designed for active travelers.

*Disclosure: If you purchase a policy through our affiliate links, we may receive a small commission. This does not affect the price you pay. We encourage you to review the policy details carefully to ensure it meets your individual needs. The above affiliate(s) do(es) not constitute an endorsement from us.