Engaging in extreme sports like skydiving, mountaineering, kitesurfing, and skiing offers an adrenaline rush but also entails higher risks. Therefore, it's crucial to understand how your travel insurance addresses these activities.
What's covered by default?
Most travel insurance policies cover regular activities such as hiking, swimming, and cycling. However, when participating in riskier activities, such as off-piste skiing, deep-sea diving, or mountaineering, these are often excluded from standard coverage due to the increased risk of injury or accidents.
What's not covered?
Extreme sports such as bungee jumping, paragliding, canyoning, and skiing (including off-piste) are typically excluded from basic travel insurance coverage. This means that medical expenses, rescue operations, or repatriation resulting from accidents during these activities are not reimbursed. Additionally, liability claims arising from damage to others while engaging in these sports are often not covered.
Winter sports: Additional coverage needed
While winter sports like skiing and snowboarding are popular, these activities are not always standardly covered in your travel insurance. To be adequately insured during your winter sports vacation, it's necessary to obtain an additional winter sports coverage. This coverage protects against extra costs due to accidents or illness on the slopes, including medical expenses, rescue operations, and repatriation. Additionally, costs for ski passes, ski lessons, and ski equipment rental can be reimbursed if you are unable to participate due to illness or an accident.
How can you obtain additional coverage?
To protect yourself while participating in extreme sports, you can opt for an additional coverage option. This ensures that medical expenses, rescue actions, and liability during these activities are covered. For instance, some insurers offer comprehensive coverage for such sports within Europe at an affordable premium.
What should you consider?
- Policy terms: Always review your insurance's specific terms to determine which sports are covered and which are not.
- Type of coverage: Some insurers offer separate coverage for winter sports. If you plan to engage in both winter and other extreme sports, ensure both are included in your policy.
- Duration of coverage: If you frequently participate in extreme sports, a continuous travel insurance policy with sports coverage might be more economical and practical than repeatedly purchasing short-term policies.
Conclusion
Engaging in extreme sports, including winter sports, carries unique risks that are not always covered by standard travel insurance. By carefully reviewing your policy and obtaining additional coverage if necessary, you can confidently enjoy your adventurous activities.
