Insurance: Protect Yourself
1. Types of Insurance Coverage
Accidents and unforeseen events can occur at any time, affecting clients in various ways, such as an injury preventing travel or requiring evacuation. Since our trip fees do not cover cancellations, we strongly recommend obtaining third-party insurance.
Key Considerations:
- The cost of insurance is minimal compared to the potential financial loss of missing a trip.
- Choosing not to purchase insurance is a calculated decision to self-insure.
2. Different Types of Insurance Coverage
Traveler Emergency Medical
Covers medical emergencies, including hospitalization, medication, etc.
Emergency Rescue/Evacuation Services
Includes expenses for emergency rescue (e.g., helicopter, ambulance).
Trip Cancellation & Interruption
Covers cancellations or interruptions before or during the trip due to emergencies.
Adventure Sports Optional Coverage
Includes activities like mountaineering and backcountry skiing; note exclusions for Arctic Circle travel.
COVID-19 and Sickness Policy
Policies have changed due to health authority recommendations. Check the Sickness Policy document for details.
Additional Recommendations
We strongly advise all clients to contact insurance companies directly, fully disclose the nature of their trips, and ask detailed questions about coverage to ensure their needs are met. This information is provided as a resource, and we are not liable for any denied claims.
3. Recommended Insurance Companies
It’s hard to recommend specific insurance companies or policies since each client’s needs and risk tolerances are different. Currently Global Rescue / IMG appear to offer the best coverage, including covid-related claims, albeit at a premium rate.
Renowned for providing top-tier rescue insurance in remote and extreme locations. Their trip cancellation insurance covers cancellations before and during trips, including those to Svalbard. They are one of the few insurers that covered COVID-19 cancellations during the pandemic. Contact them directly to ensure their current policies suit your specific requirements.
Offers comprehensive packages including medical, rescue, and trip cancellation at affordable rates. The Explorer package is recommended for most Sawback trips, but it has limitations, especially for Canadian residents and COVID-19 exclusions. Check with them for the most accurate details.
Brokers for TuGo insurance, providing affordable packages for backcountry skiing and mountaineering trips specifically for Canadian residents. While they initially did not cover COVID-19 cancellations, their policy now includes certain COVID-related claims. Always verify coverage directly before purchase.
4. Budget Insurance Options
For those seeking budget-friendly travel insurance, there are a few alternative options that may provide basic coverage, but it is important to carefully check if they meet your specific trip needs:
Automobile Association Insurance
Often available on an annual basis at a reasonable fee. They typically offer travel insurance as an add-on, which may include coverage for trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and more.
Company Benefit Plans
Some employers offer travel insurance as part of their employee benefits package. Check with your company to see if your benefits include trip insurance, medical coverage, or emergency evacuation services.
Credit Card Insurance
Many credit cards provide trip cancellation and interruption coverage as part of their perks. While this can be a cost-effective option, coverage is often limited and may come with significant exclusions, such as lower payout limits (e.g., maxing out at $2500), which may not be enough to cover longer trips or high-cost activities like backcountry skiing. It is crucial to read the fine print and confirm the details with your credit card provider.
