Need Trip Insurance? Here are Some Options:
Whether you're planning to send your first multi-pitch route in Linville Gorge or experience the world-class granite of Looking Glass Rock, a guided climbing trip in North Carolina is an unforgettable adventure. But even the most meticulously planned trips can run into unexpected issues — from sudden illness or injury to lost gear or travel delays. That’s where travel insurance comes in.
Our cancellation & rescheduling policy can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1q-bR7PkJLZs0_olZSxbXVRB5W9TtLN_T2-159BUFGsc/edit?usp=sharing
At PCS, one of our core commitments is to support guiding as a sustainable and viable profession for our staff. A key part of this involves respecting their schedules, time off, and income expectations. When a scheduled trip is canceled without coverage, there are no funds available to compensate the guide. Travel insurance helps protect both you and our team — ensuring that in the event of a cancellation or rescheduling, you can recover your costs while our guides remain fairly supported. It’s a solution that benefits everyone.
Here’s what you need to know about travel insurance for guided rock climbing trips, and some trusted providers that offer coverage for adventure sports like climbing.
Why Travel Insurance for Rock Climbing?
Standard travel insurance typically covers trip cancellations, delays, and lost baggage. But if your trip involves technical rock climbing, many policies may exclude it by default or require special add-ons. As a participant in a guided climbing experience, it’s essential to make sure your policy includes:
Coverage for technical climbing or mountaineering
Trip cancellation or interruption
Emergency medical evacuation
Rescue and repatriation
Gear loss or damage (optional)
Top Recommended Travel Insurance Providers for Climbers
Here are a few companies that specialize in — or offer upgrades for — adventure sports like guided rock climbing.
1. Global Rescue
Best for: Comprehensive rescue and evacuation coverage
Global Rescue offers membership-based services that include field rescue, medical evacuation, and travel intelligence. Their Safe Travel insurance policy, underwritten by IMG, can be paired with the rescue membership and includes trip cancellation and medical coverage.
Covers technical climbing
Includes field rescue, not just hospital-to-hospital transport
Excellent for backcountry or remote trips
2. World Nomads
Best for: Budget-friendly adventure coverage
World Nomads is a go-to provider for climbers and other adventure travelers. Their Explorer Plan covers rock climbing, including sport, trad, and even ice climbing, as long as you’re not climbing solo or at extreme altitudes.
Includes emergency evacuation, gear protection, and trip interruption
Flexible policy extensions if your trip gets delayed
3. GEOS Alliance Rescue Coordination (via Ripcord Insurance)
Best for: High-risk or remote expeditions
Ripcord is another provider offering travel insurance plus rescue coordination services. Ideal for climbing trips in rugged terrain where local emergency services may be limited.
Covers technical rock climbing
Includes medical and security evacuation
Premium plans, but strong customer service and support
🔗 ripcordrescuetravelinsurance.com
4. Travelex with Adventure Sports Upgrade
Best for: Customizable coverage with a known brand
Travelex’s base plans do not cover climbing unless you purchase the Adventure Sports Upgrade. With the upgrade, rock climbing is covered and you get full travel protection including cancellation, emergency medical, and gear loss.
Coverage available for US residents only
Must check the upgrade box for adventure sports
Tips for Choosing the Right Plan
Read the fine print. Make sure “technical rock climbing” or “mountaineering” is not excluded — and that your guided trip falls within their covered activity list.
Check gear limits. If you’re bringing your own rack or rope, confirm what the policy reimburses for lost or stolen equipment.
Keep documentation. Save your guide’s certification and itinerary in case you need to prove the trip was guided and not solo.
Protect the Adventure Before It Begins
North Carolina’s cliffs and crags are calling — but travel hiccups, illness, or injury shouldn’t derail your climbing trip. Have questions about what coverage makes sense for your guided trip? Reach out — we’re always happy to help our clients prepare for safe, smart adventure.