A golf trip involves a lot of money tied up in flights, accommodation, pre-paid green fees and, of course, your clubs. Standard travel insurance doesn't always cover golf equipment or golf-specific costs, and some policies have low limits that won't come close to replacing a set of clubs. Golf travel insurance, or a golf add-on to a standard policy, fills those gaps. Here's what to look for.
This article is general information, not financial advice. Read the policy wording carefully and choose cover that suits your needs.
What golf travel insurance can cover
| Cover | What it means |
|---|---|
| Golf equipment | Loss, theft or damage to clubs, bag and other equipment |
| Club hire | The cost of hiring clubs if yours are delayed, lost or damaged |
| Non-refundable green fees | Pre-paid rounds you can't play due to illness, injury or other covered events |
| Course closure | Sometimes, pre-paid rounds lost because a course closes (check carefully) |
| Hole-in-one cover | Some policies contribute to the celebration costs. Read our hole in one guide |
| Personal liability | Cover if you accidentally injure someone or damage property, such as with a wayward ball |
| Medical expenses | Treatment and repatriation if you're ill or injured abroad |
| Cancellation and curtailment | Costs if you have to cancel or cut short the trip for a covered reason |
Equipment cover: what to check
- Total limit: is it enough to replace your clubs, bag and accessories?
- Single-item limit: some policies limit each item, for example a driver, to a set amount. A set of clubs may count as one item or several.
- New-for-old or depreciation: older clubs may be paid out at a reduced value.
- Excess: the amount you pay towards each claim.
- Receipts and proof of ownership: keep receipts, photos and serial numbers.
- Unattended items: many policies exclude equipment left unattended, such as in a car overnight.
- In transit: check cover when clubs are in the hold of a plane.
Delayed and lost clubs
If your clubs don't arrive:
- Report it to the airline before leaving the airport, and get a written report reference.
- Keep receipts for club hire and essential purchases.
- Claim from the airline first, then from your insurer for the balance, as your policy requires.
Airlines' liability for lost or damaged baggage is limited by international rules and their own conditions. Read travelling with golf clubs.
Cancellation and weather
- Illness and injury before the trip are commonly covered cancellation reasons.
- Bad weather that closes courses is often not covered as standard. Some golf policies offer limited cover for course closures; read the details.
- Travel disruption such as cancelled flights may be covered under separate sections.
Medical cover
- Make sure medical cover is adequate for your destination. Costs in some countries are very high.
- Declare pre-existing conditions as required.
- Check cover for sports injuries: golf is usually covered, but confirm.
Read golf course safety.
Personal liability
A golf ball can cause injury or damage. Personal liability cover protects you if you're held responsible. Some golf club memberships and national golf associations include liability insurance; check whether it applies abroad.
Annual vs single-trip
- Annual multi-trip policies suit golfers who travel several times a year.
- Single-trip policies suit one-off holidays.
- Golf add-ons can often be added to either.
Home insurance
Some home insurance policies cover golf equipment away from home, sometimes as an optional extra. Check whether it applies abroad and what the limits are, to avoid paying twice.
Tips to protect your clubs
- Use a hard or well-padded travel bag.
- Remove drivers' heads if adjustable, and pack a stiff arm or broom handle to protect the shafts.
- Label your bag with your contact details inside and out.
- Photograph your clubs and record serial numbers.
- Consider a luggage tracker.
Read how to clean and care for golf clubs.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need golf insurance for a golf holiday?
It's worth considering, especially if you're taking expensive clubs or pre-paying green fees. Check whether your existing travel or home insurance already covers golf.
Does travel insurance cover golf clubs?
Some policies do, often with limits; others exclude them or require an add-on. Read the policy wording.
Are green fees covered if it rains?
Usually not as standard. Some golf policies offer limited cover for course closures.
What should I do if the airline loses my clubs?
Report it before leaving the airport, keep receipts for club hire, and claim from the airline and your insurer.
The bottom line
Golf trips involve expensive equipment and pre-paid costs that standard insurance may not fully protect. Check equipment limits, club hire, green fees, medical cover and liability, keep proof of ownership, and pack your clubs carefully. A few minutes reading the policy can save a ruined trip. For more trip planning, read how to plan a golf trip and golf tour operators.