Active holidays are booming, but travel experts are warning that many tourists could be unknowingly invalidating their insurance when exercising abroad.
With more travellers choosing to participate in races on holidays, experts at Total Travel Protection say a lack of awareness around insurance exclusions and medical cover could leave some runners facing significant costs if something goes wrong overseas.
For a growing number of people, the holiday now begins at the start line. Enter the active holidays – trips that include running and walking, whether that means flying overseas for a major marathon, collecting Parkruns in new locations, or choosing a getaway that has scenic training routes, recovery facilities and wellness experiences.
What was once a niche interest is now becoming a mainstream travel trend. Major races such as Tokyo, Berlin, New York and London continue to attract over 1.1 million runners each year, while experts say more travellers are now planning holidays around race calendars rather than sightseeing alone¹.
The wider appetite for active travel is also accelerating. National Geographic has named “running vacations” among the next major travel trends, while hospitality group Accor has predicted that athletic-focused travel will be one of the defining holiday movements of the year².
For runners, the appeal goes beyond fitness. Instead of seeing a city from taxis or tour buses, travellers are experiencing destinations at street level, often in the early morning before crowds arrive, turning races into a form of immersive tourism. Running USA’s Global Runner Survey found location is now the number one factor runners consider when choosing a race, ahead of traditional race-day considerations³.
Sarah Findlay, travel expert at Total Travel Protection, says the growth reflects a wider shift in how people approach both holidays and wellbeing.
She explains: “More people are recognising that exercise-based holidays can support both physical and mental wellbeing. Having a race or running event to train for often gives people purpose and routine, which can be hugely beneficial.
“We’re seeing travellers become far more intentional with how they spend their time away. Holidays are no longer just about relaxation, they’re about experiences, achievement and wellbeing. Active holidays combine all three, whether that’s a race weekend, a longer active break, or choosing accommodation that supports training and recovery.”
However, experts are warning that the physical demands of racing abroad should not be underestimated.
Dr Kathryn Basford at Asda Online Doctor explains; “Travelling for endurance events places extra strain on the body. Long-haul flights, disrupted sleep, heat, dehydration and unfamiliar terrain can all increase the risk of illness or injury.
“Anyone with a pre-existing medical condition such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes or joint problems should seek medical advice before travelling, particularly when combining it with high-intensity physical activity.”
Alongside physical preparation, experts say insurance is another key consideration and one many runners overlook.
Sarah explains: “Many travellers assume standard policies automatically cover organised sporting events, but this is not always the case, as certain policies don’t allow sporting activities to take up 50% or more of the planned holiday, or will not provide cover if sport is the primary reason for travel. Before booking an active holiday, you should check whether your policy only covers you for recreational activity. If this is the case, organised events are unlikely to be covered.
“Those entering marathons, triathlons or other endurance events will need specialist cover or an add-on policy. When taking out insurance for an active holiday, ensure that you check the levels of cover which your policy offers.”
This can be particularly important if the trip includes:
- Participation in an organised race
- Medical treatment overseas
- Cancellation due to injury before departure
- Cover for sports equipment
- Emergency repatriation
- Claims linked to a pre-existing medical condition
Sarah warns that “failing to disclose pre-existing medical conditions could invalidate future claims.”
As active holidays continue to grow in popularity, experts say preparation is no longer just about training plans and pacing but ensuring cover is in place if things don’t go to plan. For many runners, the finish line may be the goal but without the right insurance, the real risk starts long before race day.
Photo by RUN 4 FFWPU : https://www.pexels.com/photo/group-of-people-doing-fun-run-2461977/
