Adventure Holiday Insurance

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"One of the most important aspects of purchasing adventure holiday insurance is knowing what you're covered for

There is a wide variety between the various holiday travel insurance policies as to what is covered and what is not. It is important travellers understand this and not believe that, merely by having travel insurance, everything is included. If the sports or activity you're participating in isn't covered, the insurance company may not pay out on claims and you, or your family, will need to pay all expenses.

Adventure travel insurance is one of those areas that can be shadowy for the consumer. For instance, cheap ski travel insurance, covering everything from ski equipment, accommodation and piste closure, is usually available across all policies. Aspects such as snowboarding may be covered, however, off piste and heli-skiing may not. While most policies are fairly specific, travellers always need to confirm first rather than assume.

Some companies are open to insuring for adventure and extreme sports but this cover may come at a considerably more expensive premium.

Backpacker insurance, because of the usual length of travel, most popular destinations and likely activities, is usually covered as a separate policy. It is also usually included and promoted as cheap travel insurance due to the financial constraints most backpackers operate under. In fact, backpackers often place themselves in more high risk situations making it imperative their travel insurance provides high quality and extensive cover for medical emergencies and evacuation as well as a low price.

Medical travel insurance can vary widely between insurers. For those travelling or hiking in more remote areas, developing countries or countries with exorbitantly expensive medical and hospital systems - and these categories include most of the world - high quality cover is a particularly important aspect.

Always choose a company that allows you to easily extend your policy from overseas - and never neglect to extend it. An Aussie traveller, we'll call him John, didn't renew his travel insurance as he didn't think it was necessary with only a short time to go before he returned from the U.S. to Australia. We've all heard of the familiar Ozzie adage "she'll be right" ... in this case, 'she' wasn't 'right'. 'John's' family had to took out a second mortgage to pay for his medical and evacuation expenses.

'John's' story is just one of a number on the www.smarttraveller.gov.au web site which lists numerous tips on travelling safe and purchasing either general or adventure travel insurance. The site is well worth the read.