Extreme Sports and Winter Vacations: Are You Well Covered?

With the arrival of the holidays, many people are taking advantage of the opportunity to escape to the sun… or to indulge in more adventurous winter activities. Whether you are planning a week of skiing in the West, a kitesurfing getaway in the South or even a parachute jump to start the year off with a bang, one question needs to be asked: does your group insurance really cover you?

Recreational Activities: Beware of Exclusions

Some hobbies, whether practiced at home or on a trip, are classified as extreme sports or unconventional activities. Examples include:

• mountaineering
• hang-gliding
• kitesurfing and paraskiing
• snowkiting
• bungee jumping
• combat sports
• skydiving
• flying a plane

These activities are often listed as exclusions in insurance contracts – whether for travel, disability, or life insurance.

What Activities are Generally Covered?

More popular recreational sports, such as downhill skiing, are usually covered. However, caution is advised. If you are taking part in a competition or if you are paid to practice the sport, exclusions may apply.

Activities Frequently Excluded from Insurance Contracts

Although each insurer has its own rules, many exclude coverage for injuries or death related to the practice of:

• gliding, hang-gliding and paragliding
• mountaineering or high-mountain climbing
• bungee jumping or skydiving
• combat sports
• motorized vehicule competitions
• professional or remunerated underwater or sporting activities

Before You Go… Check Your Protection

Winter holidays are the perfect time to get away from it all – but before leaving for your trip, take a few minutes to check your insurance policy.

This will allow you to:

• find out the true extent of your coverage.
• identify exclusions that may apply depending on the activity
• avoid unpleasant surprises in the event of an incident

In a Nutshell

Vacations are a time to relax and have fun, but caution is still called for when it comes to risky activities. Before practicing extreme or unusual sports, take the time to verify your insurance coverage. Some careful checking can save you a lot of trouble and help you make the most of your vacation.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.