Insurance for adventure sports holidays

Sports, travel or health insurance policies are often purchased prior to adventure holidays or an extreme sports trip. Specific extreme sports insurance is essential for high risk sports, but those who participate in sports and hobbies regularly may consider one of the many specialist sports-related insurance policies now available. Not only will such insurance cover medical costs following injury, but for professional sportspeople, some insurances will provide an income if injured on the field of play.

Personal insurance policies specific to sport provide additional peace of mind. Not only do they cover costs incurred as a result of injury, but they also cover the costs of injury to a third party.

Extreme sports insurance, essential for high risk activities such as skydiving, kart racing, hand gliding and mountain biking, carry high premiums, but policies are also available for less extreme activities such as football, cricket, tennis, badminton and rugby. With some policies, referees and other officials are also covered, not only for sporting injury, but also for assault. Some companies even provide cover for a one-off day of sports activity.

The extent of cover offered with each policy varies from company to company. Many offer cover for personal injury, loss of earning, third party liability and total permanent disability. Multiple sports may be covered on the policy, but ensure that these are highlighted when purchasing the insurance, in order for the policy to be based on the highest group sport in which you participate.

For one-off skiing or adventure holidays abroad, sports travel insurance will need to cover treatment for all injury costs in that country. Medical costs are particularly expensive in North America and even in EU countries, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) only covers basic treatment. Travel related issues (theft of equipment, cancelled or delayed flights and off-piste activities) should also be covered within the policy.

Many of the major insurance brokers provide insurance for sports, but companies specialising in sports-related insurance, extreme sports insurance and sports club insurance provide better premiums and more comprehensive cover.

As with any insurance policy, the cost varies greatly between companies, but so do the benefits. That's not to say that you shouldn't shop around for the best deal, but do ensure that the terms of the policy cover all circumstances possible within your sport.

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