Elephant Riding and Trekking Travel Insurance

Elephant riding is popular in Thailand and Africa and involves well-trained elephants riding through places such as forests and villages. It is possible to go on an elephant trek that lasts from 3-5 days that also includes mountain biking and rafting but it is also possible to go on an hour and a half trek. If you are a beginner it is important to ensure that you have a professional with you at all times and they help you plan a safe route. Elephant riding is generally very safe but it is important to get insurance to fully cover your ride. Do your research to make sure you are using a company which puts the welfare of the elephants first.

As with all insurance it is very important to ensure that all areas of your holiday are included within your insurance policy and not just the elephant riding. Remember to carefully read the terms and conditions to ensure you are covered for all your requirements. Don’t worry if you have just taken out insurance and aren’t happy as you realise it doesn’t fully cover you, as you have a 14 day cooling off period with any insurance cover. It is recommended that you look at all the different types of insurance offered to find the best policy for you as, if elephant riding is a one off holiday activity, it may be better to look at a single trip policy instead of an annual policy.

What our Experts say

"Are you a thrillseeker? Many standard travel insurance policies will not cover more adventurous sports or activities. If you want to be able to bungee jump, or take a hot air balloon ride or just take part in a spontaneous activity that may be a little on the riskier side then opt for a travel insurance policy which includes or allows you to add on additional cover for more adventurous pastimes. That way you are more likely to be able to say yes!"

Sally Wilson Moneymaxim Insurance Expert

Listed below are a number of policies which cover elephant riding under their travel insurance but please do check the policy documents carefully to ensure they fully meet your requirements.

Elephant Riding Travel Insurers

JS Travel Insurance

JS travel insurance offer elephant riding for trips up to 7 days within their travel insurance policy with the payment of an additional premium. They do not provide personal liability or personal accident cover. You must also ensure that the activity is adequately supervised and that appropriate safety equipment is worn at all times. A quote of their insurance can be obtained from using the form found at the bottom of their page on elephant riding.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition there is no reason why you shouldn’t get cover as JS travel Insurance also specialise in this area.

GoodtoGo Insurance

As with JS Insurance, Goodtogo offer cover for elephant treks or riding for trips up to 7 days as long as you have paid the necessary extra premium to upgrade your policy. No Personal Accident or Personal Liability cover is included when elephant riding or trekking. This will cover you for other additional activities so well worth doing if you think you may want to go bungee jumping for example!

They also have good cover for pre-existing medical conditions and specialise in cover for over-65s.

Things to consider when elephant riding

The main injuries gained from elephant riding come from falling off so, if you are a beginner, it is important to have a professional with you at all times and to plan you a safe route. There is also the possibility of heat stroke or sunburn so it is important to cover up and wear suntan location. Dehydration is also possible so remember to keep hydrated and take water along with you.

This content was last reviewed on 03/04/2024