Regular travel insurance policies may not give adequate cover for all sports and activities. Those looking to take a specific sport holiday (i.e. winter sports, scuba diving or golf) or to take part in certain activities may need the added protection of a specialist policy or add-on benefits. What are the advantages of a sports travel insurance package and are these policies essential?
The Benefits of Taking Out Specialist Sports Travel Insurance
Not all travel insurance policies will give benefits for sports and activities. The emphasis with many is simply to give standard travel and health protection. If an individual wants to take part in a specific sport or is planning a full sporting holiday then the additional insurance they need may pose too much of a risk for a regular policy.
In some cases this may mean that an insurance company will not cover a specific activity or sport at all. In others they may be willing to include them within the policy at an additional cost. Specialist sports travel policies may simply give more targeted benefits at a lower cost in some cases.
Taking a sports holiday changes the needs of the holidaymaker when it comes to insurance. A skier or snowboarder, for example, has an increased risk of accident or injury. They may also be taking expensive equipment with them or hiring it on their trip.
An individual taking a golfing holiday may also need protection for their equipment. They may also benefit from features that will help them recoup the cost of golfing fees in the event that they cannot play due to weather conditions, illness or injury. No matter what sport is planned, a specialist policy may be better placed to give this kind of additional protection.
Not having full coverage can also cause problems. A claim for a sports related accident on a policy that does not having relevant benefits may well be turned down and the entire policy could be invalidated.
Alternatives to Specialist Sport Travel Insurance
In some cases individuals may be able to get the protection they need from other types of travel insurance. This often depends on:
- The sports/activities that they are planning.
- The flexibility of the insurance company.
So, for example, a regular travel policy may allow a holidaymaker to take part in a few specified activities on holiday. Some policies (such as backpacking insurance) may include a wider range of allowable sports and activities within their base cost.
Some annual/multi-trip policies may also work in the same way. Or, as an alternative, they may allow the addition of specialist benefits to a base product. So, for example, an annual policy may have an option to add specialist golf or winter sports benefits. In some cases this may work out to be cheaper than a specialist policy; in others it may be more expensive.
Which Sports Travel Insurance is Best?
The best travel insurance policy may well be the one that will cover the relevant sports or activities and that offers the best protection at the lowest cost. For some, regular trip insurance will be enough; others may need something more targeted.
Do remember, however, that it isn’t simply enough to read what a policy will cover and to assume that full protection will be given. Finding out what it won’t cover (its exclusions) for the relevant sport/activity is an essential part of the short-listing process.
Keep in mind also that there are many different types of insurance policy that may suit those looking for sports/activities travel products. Those looking to cut the costs of their sports travel insurance may find it useful to investigate ways of saving money.
Carol Finch - Carol Finch is the Topic Editor for Retirement Planning, Budgeting, E-Commerce & Technical/Business Writing on Suite101.
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