Look before you jump!

Instant decisions can sometimes be costly according to latest government advice. With the Summer upon us, and many looking forward to holidays and gap years, it is is timely to note that recent research into the 18-35 year old age group shows that 2 out of 3 went bungee jumping on the spur of the moment without checking that they were covered by some form of insurance. Likewise 1 out 2 did the same when it came to jet-skiing, scuba diving, mountaineering and rock climbing and 1 in 3 when it came to snow sports. With the cost of medical treatment, such as a broken leg coming in around £5-7,500 and that's just in Europe, rising to a colossal £24,000 in the USA, then it pays to be properly covered when you go abroad on holday. Don't forget though, that travel insurance policies do have exclusions so do check that what you want to do on holiday will be covered and do check that comprehensive medical and repatriation cover is included. An air ambulance (from Canaries) could cost you £12-16,000, for example, whilst you will need to stump up with £4-5,000 for a week's stay in hospital in Greece. Make sure you understand exactly when and where cover is given. For diving, check the maximum depth covered and for winter sports check whether off-piste is covered. This also goes for 3rd party liability, for example, if there is any chance you could collide with someone else or someone else’s property or equipment while enjoying your sporting activity. This is particularly important if you are taking part in winter sports. Finally, if you find yourself without cover, ask the organisers of the activity to provide cover or consider the purchase of top-up cover if you are involved in hazardous activities and have only basic travel insurance.