Does Travel Insurance Cover Golf?

Two older golf players taking golf clubs from a golf cart while talking and smiling on the field

Golf is one of the UK’s most popular sports, especially among people over 50. In fact, a 2024/25 survey shows that 41% of private golf club members are aged 61 or older.

Many golfers now take their passion abroad. If that’s you, golf travel insurance can help protect you when you play on courses around the world.

But what exactly is golf travel insurance? What does it cover – and what doesn’t it cover? This guide explains everything you need to know.

Key takeaways:

Golf travel insurance can protect your equipment, green fees and liability when playing abroad.
Policies often include cover for lost or delayed gear, illness-related cancellations and hiring replacement clubs.
Exclusions apply for careless actions, alcohol-related incidents and expected cancellations.

What is golf travel insurance?

Golf travel insurance gives you peace of mind when you play on courses abroad. It’s there to protect you if something unexpected happens during your trip, so you can tee off with confidence.

You might wonder if you really need travel insurance for golf trips – after all, golf isn’t an extreme sport. But accidents can happen. You could get injured, or your gear might be lost, damaged, or stolen. Golf travel insurance helps cover these costs, so you’re not left out of pocket.

What does golf cover include?

Depending on your provider, travel insurance including golf cover can insure you for several things:

Protection for golf equipment

Most providers cover your golf gear if it’s lost or damaged during your trip. This includes clubs, bags and trolleys. So, you can play with your own equipment and relax knowing you’re protected if something goes wrong.

Unused green fees

Feeling unwell before your round? Injured halfway through? Many policies refund your non-refundable green fees if illness or injury stops you from playing.

You may also be covered if the course closes because of bad weather.

Hiring equipment

If your clubs are delayed, lost or stolen, your insurer may pay a daily amount so you can hire clubs, bags, trolleys and shoes.

Personal liability

Sometimes shots don’t go where you planned. A stray ball could hit someone or damage property. Adding golf cover to your travel insurance can protect you from the costs if this happens.

What doesn’t golf travel insurance cover?

There are some things that holiday insurance with golf cover won’t protect. Exclusions vary by provider, but common exemptions include:

Non-accidental damage. If you damage your equipment on purpose or through careless actions.
Alcohol or drugs. If you lose or damage gear while under the influence.
Carelessness. If you lose items due to an avoidable mistake, like leaving them unattended in public.
Expected cancellation. If the reason for your claim happened before you booked your trip or took out your insurance policy. Cover is for unexpected events only.
Choosing not to go. If you decide to cancel your golf trip, you won’t be covered.

Is golf covered by travel insurance?

At Saga, our travel insurance covers a range of leisure activities, including golf. Our policies cover you for:

Delayed baggage. If your golf equipment is delayed by more than 12 hours on your outward journey, we’ll pay up to £35 per day to hire replacement equipment.
Illness and injury. If you’re injured, fall ill, quarantined, or pass away during your trip and can’t play, we’ll refund up to £250 for pre-booked green fees (if they’re non-refundable).
Loss, theft, or accidental damage. If your golf equipment is stolen or damaged during your trip, we’ll cover you up to the amount shown in your policy. This depends on your level of cover and whether you have single-trip or annual multi-trip insurance.

Who underwrites Saga Travel Insurance?

Saga Travel Insurance is designed for people over 50 and is underwritten by Astrenska Insurance Limited, with claims administered on their behalf by Collinson Insurance Services Limited.