Over 100 activities covered for free on Direct Travel policies.
What is potholing?
Potholing, also known as caving, involves exploring natural underground passages and cave systems. Depending on the route, it may include walking, crawling, climbing and moving through confined or wet areas. It is usually undertaken with an experienced guide or organised group.
Do I need travel insurance for potholing?
Yes. Slippery surfaces, falling rocks, confined passages and remote underground locations can make accidents more difficult to manage. Policies that cover potholing can be available through Direct Travel. Select the activity when getting your quotes and make sure it appears on your Policy Certificate before entering a cave system.
Things to remember:
- Select potholing when getting your travel insurance quotes
- Make sure the activity appears on your Policy Certificate
- Check whether search and rescue expenses are included on the policy selected
- Explore with an experienced guide or organised group and never enter a cave alone
- Wear a helmet, headlamp, and protective clothing suitable for the conditions
Travel insurance that includes potholing
Emergency medical expenses can be covered if you are injured while potholing abroad. Depending on the policy selected, cover may also be available for medical repatriation, cancellation, curtailment, personal belongings and other insured events affecting your trip.
Medical cover does not automatically mean that every cave rescue or recovery cost is included. Check whether search and rescue expenses are covered and review the applicable Policy Wording for the full terms, limits and exclusions.
Potholing FAQs
Is potholing covered by standard travel insurance?
Activity cover varies between policies, and potholing should not be assumed to be included. Select it during the quote process and confirm that it appears on your Policy Certificate.
Do I need to take part with a qualified guide?
You should take part with an experienced guide or organised group and follow all local safety instructions. Do not assume that unsupported or solo cave exploration is covered.
Are emergency medical expenses covered after a potholing accident?
Emergency medical expenses can be covered if you suffer an accidental injury while potholing and the activity is shown on your policy. Excesses, benefit limits and exclusions apply.
Can I go potholing alone?
You should never explore a cave alone. Solo potholing may also fall outside the conditions of activity cover. Travel with an organised group, follow your guide's instructions and tell someone outside the cave about your route and expected return time.
Does potholing cover include cave diving?
No. Cave diving is a separate underwater activity with substantially different risks. A policy showing potholing should not be treated as cover for cave diving.
Is Personal Liability covered while potholing?
Personal Liability may be included depending on the selected policy and the circumstances of an incident. It does not replace any liability insurance required by a cave operator, guide or activity provider.
Can I get potholing cover with a medical condition?
You may be able to obtain cover, but you must declare all relevant medical conditions during the quote process. Your cover and premium will depend on the policy and the outcome of medical screening.
Before buying, make sure potholing is displayed on your Policy Certificate. Check the search and rescue benefit where relevant and review the Policy Wording for all applicable terms, conditions, limits and exclusions.
