Many people enjoy taking part in adventure sports such as SCUBA diving, rock climbing, skydiving and snowboarding, to name but a few. Although these activities are popular and enjoyable, the risk of injury associated with them is higher than normal, and some injuries may be both difficult and expensive to treat. Air evacuation may be necessary in some cases. Most travel insurance policies therefore do not cover expenses associated with injuries sustained while participating in them, and may specifically exclude injuries as a result of certain activities.
As stated above, the cost of treatment for injuries sustained while participating in adventure sports may be quite high and could potentially be financially devastating. Therefore, a person planning to take part in them would be wise to check their travel insurance policy carefully and consider coverage that applies to injuries that may be sustained while participating in any planned sporting activities. Adventure sports coverage does precisely that.
If a traveler is injured while engaged in an activity covered under their adventure sports policy, the policy normally pays for medical expenses, medical evacuation if necessary and possibly accidental death or dismemberment, depending on the specific coverage chosen. It may also provide medical evacuation to a facility better equipped to treat a specific injury than the hospital that the traveler is initially sent to. In the event that a covered traveler dies due to participation in a covered activity, repatriation of remains may also be covered.
Some travelers insurance policies may also exclude certain activities that are not normally considered to be adventure sports. Check the specific policy to see what exclusions may apply.
While injuries are never a desired nor expected outcome of engaging in sports, the risk is always present, and adventure sports coverage can provide the peace of mind that comes of knowing that medical costs will be covered by insurance.
Some policies may also cover rental of equipment in case of equipment loss, theft or delay. Check the specific policy to see if this applies.
Coverage varies widely from policy to policy and provider to provider, so be sure to read the policy carefully. Some activities may not be covered under any given policy, so be sure to choose one that covers the relevant activities. Check this website to compare policies and determine which one will be most suitable.
