TRAVEL INSURANCE
As mountain medics we are frequently asked about travel insurance that covers activities going to high altitude, trekking, rock and ice climbing and other fun activities. We are asked by both patients and by friends.
As an organization the BMMS in unable to offer specific recommendations so we approached all our members to find out which companies they had personally used or suggested to patients. All the companies below have been used by BMMS members, and some members have even had to make claims whilst abroad.
If giving advice to patients it is vital that you make it very clear to them that they must carefully read any conditions associated with their policy. All potentially hazardous activities, maximum altitudes, medical conditions and medication must be declared. It is up to the patient to ensure that the policy covers their needs.
Some policies cover rescue but not search (consider carrying a personal locator beacon so search becomes irrelevant!), some cover piste skiing but not ski mountaineering. Some need a declaration of kayak grade or altitude. Some offer very specific exploratory expedition cover.
For some policies one can purchase extra cover for specific activities. At least one of these companies has offered us a introduction commission and whilst we appreciate that this could benefit our society’s funds we feel this could raise difficult medical ethical issues so have declined these offers for the current time.
The trustees will be discussing this in the future. Having said this please encourage people to mention our society when arranging insurance if only to boost our profile.
In alphabetical order:
Austrian Alpine Club
https://aacuk.org.uk/p-mountain-rescue-search-insurance
Specifically for members of the AAC and included in the membership fee. Membership is open to all. The AAC make it very clear that this is a worldwide rescue policy and not standard travel insurance but some members combine it with another policy.
Banks
Many high street banks offer a basic form of travel Insurance. Before relying on these policies do check their exclusions for mountain travel. The Royal Bank of Scotland does offer a fairly robust policy with the potential to add on risk activities for their Platinum customers.
British Mountaineering Council (BMC)
https://www.thebmc.co.uk/insurance
Currently five policies that are obviously geared for active climbers, trekkers and mountaineers. Some quite limiting medical restrictions.
Dogtag
https://www.dogtag.com
Have your insurance, medical and next of kin details around your neck.
Federation Francais des Clubs Alpin et de Montagne
https://www.ffcam.fr
Truly worldwide. Cover Antarctica. Can use a UK address.
Redpoint Resolutions
https://redpointresolutions.com/individual_travel_insurance/
Ripcord
https://www.ripcordrescuetravelinsurance.com
At a glance seem to cover most things in most places.
Ski Club of Great Britain
https://www.skiclubinsurance.co.uk
Obviously geared to skiing, including off piste without a guide.
Snowcard
https://www.snowcard.co.uk
Many activities including on and off piste snow sports but also high altitude trips (search and rescue), rock climbing and ice climbing. Premium reflects activities.
True traveller
https://www.truetraveller.com
Different travel policies which, at the upper end, cover unlimited altitude and volunteer work abroad.
World First
https://www.world-first.co.uk/?cid=29393
Policies can cover many adventurous sports but more importantly they specialise in people with pre-existing conditions up to 100 years old. Expect to spend an hour on the phone as their specifically trained agents take a sensible but thorough medical and activity history backed by their innovative screening system. The premium will be appropriate to the risk level.
World Nomads
https://www.worldnomads.com/