Golf travel insurance

You can add golf travel insurance to either a single trip or annual trip policy at an extra cost. If an add-on doesn’t offer the cover you need, you’ll need to look for a specialist policy. 

A standard travel insurance policy should cover you to play golf, but you’ll need to check your policy documents to see exactly how much protection it offers. Standard travel policies may cover you to play, but might not provide enough cover if you’re taking your own clubs.  

If your travel insurance doesn’t cover playing golf, you may be able to add it on or try shopping around for a specialist golf travel insurance policy. This will offer extra cover designed for golfers. Unfortunately, you can’t compare this type of insurance with Compare the Market. 

To work out how much cover you need for your golfing holiday, consider: 

• The value of your golf clubs and equipment – remember to include your trolley, balls, and any GPS gadgets.
• How much you’ll pay for green fees. Are you playing at prestigious and expensive courses? 
• Is this a one-off golfing holiday or are you better off with an annual policy?
• Are you travelling alone or with a group? It might be worth considering a group travel insurance policy. 

Golf is considered a low-risk sport for insurance purposes, so a standard travel policy should cover accidents and injuries.  

If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, you’ll need to tell your insurance provider before you travel.

There are a few common exclusions to look out for when taking out travel insurance for your golfing holiday. For instance, you probably won’t be covered if: 

• You travel against Foreign & Commonwealth Office advice. 
• You’re treated for a pre-existing medical condition you didn’t disclose to your insurance provider. 
• Your claim results from under the influence of drugs and alcohol. 
• Your golf clubs suffer general wear and tear. 
• Any loss, damage or theft results from your own carelessness – say, leaving your golf clubs unattended in public. 
• Your holiday is disrupted due to terrorism, civil unrest, or natural disasters.   

Many golfing holiday insurance policies will replace your old clubs with new ones if they’re lost, damaged or stolen. But check the small print, as some insurance providers only replace old equipment with new gear if it’s under a certain age. 

When you compare policies, check:

• The maximum cover for each golf club, particularly if yours are expensive. Be sure to check your policy’s single-item limit.
• The maximum lost green fees covered per day, especially if you’re playing at a pricey resort.
• The maximum amount you can pay for equipment hire each day if your clubs are lost, stolen or damaged.

You should always tell your insurance provider about any pre-existing medical condition before taking out a policy. 

This could mean your premium costs a bit more, but not declaring it could invalidate your policy. 

You might. If you no longer have the receipts for your clubs, check the policy to make sure you can claim without proof of purchase. If you don’t have it, some insurance providers may reduce the amount you can claim for expensive items. 

If you’re lucky enough to get a hole in one on your holiday, your excitement could quickly evaporate when you get to the clubhouse and realise you’re expected to foot the bar bill for every golfer there.

Hole-in-one cover lets you claim on your insurance for the cost of buying the customary hole-in-one bar round. It’s not usually included in a standard travel policy, but you might find specialist golf insurance covers it.

Read your policy to see what you need to provide to prove your feat, such as a certified score card and your bar receipt.

Golf insurance may cover you for accidents and injuries caused driving a golf cart but not damage to the cart. Check your policy to see what’s covered and look for exclusions, such as driving a golf buggy under the influence. Be sure to stick to the safety guidelines and rules of the golf course.

If you’re planning a golfing trip, it’s worth exploring your options with our comparison service.

How much cover you need will depend on where you’re going, the equipment you’re taking and how much you’re planning to play.

If you can’t find an insurance provider that offers the level of cover you want, it might be worth shopping around for a specialist golf travel insurance provider.