Some people would be terrified at the thought of jumping out of an airplane and freefalling thousands of feet, but for others, it is the ultimate adrenaline rush.
Skydiving is as extreme as a sport can be. A whole minute of freefall miles above the ground is bound to slake your thirst for adventure.
It is a high-risk sport that only the most daring people attempt. So, it is prudent to secure yourself with sky diving insurance when skydiving. Should anything go awry, parachuting insurance could cushion you from the financial impact of medical bills.
Skydiving Insurance for Travel
Nobody likes to pay medical bills while on vacation. It is worse when it's for hazardous sports-related injuries, as the injuries sustained are usually more serious and require more intensive (and expensive) treatment. But a hazardous sports travel insurance plan will provide you with a financial safety net should the worst happen.
Basic travel insurance plans do not always cover adventure sports. To cover the added risk of hazardous sports, be sure to get an adventure sports travel insurance plan that includes skydive insurance or tandem skydive insurance (if applicable) before you make the big leap.
What does Skydiving Insurance Cover?
Skydiving insurance provides essential financial protection against the risks associated with this high-adrenaline sport. It is specifically designed to address injuries and liabilities that standard insurance policies often exclude. Coverage typically includes accident-related medical expenses, such as treatment for broken bones, dislocations, or concussions, which are common in skydiving mishaps. For tandem skydivers, policies may also extend to cover equipment malfunctions and guide-related risks.
Additionally, skydiving insurance can offer personal liability coverage, safeguarding individuals against claims arising from accidents during a jump. For businesses and organizations, more comprehensive options such as commercial general liability and aircraft liability may be available, protecting against property damage or injury caused during operations. Some policies even include enhancements like premises liability, protecting against incidents that occur on company-owned property.
Whether you are a solo skydiver, instructor, or part of a skydiving school, securing specialized insurance ensures peace of mind, allowing you to fully embrace the thrill of freefalling while minimizing financial risks. Always review your policy carefully to ensure it covers your specific needs.
How much does Skydiving Insurance Cost?
The cost of skydiving insurance varies depending on several factors, including the type of coverage, level of risk, and whether you’re an individual skydiver or part of a business. For recreational skydivers, premiums are generally affordable, ranging from $100 to $300 annually for basic coverage, such as accident-related medical expenses and personal liability. Tandem skydiving or higher-risk activities may increase costs slightly.
For businesses, such as skydiving schools or operators, the cost is higher, reflecting the need for broader coverage like commercial general liability, aircraft liability, and property coverage. Premiums can range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more annually, depending on the number of participants, equipment, and operational risks.
Ultimately, the price you pay is a small investment compared to the potential financial burden of an accident. Working with a specialized insurer ensures your coverage fits your unique needs without overpaying for unnecessary features.
Skydiving Basics
There is some debate as to who invented skydiving. But the first recorded jump was in 1919 by Leslie Irvin. Both the parachute and harness were much improved during WWII, and the sport became popular around the 1950s.
The highest recorded skydive was from an absurd height of 128,000 feet (about 39,000 meters) But most enthusiasts jump from 10,000 feet (about 3,000 meters) to 14,000 feet (about 4,250 meters), which is still quite risky.
Both your harness and parachute play a paramount role in skydiving. You need to double-check and optimize your gear to your body weight and structure. A loose strap or a buckle can result in severe injury when you pull the ripcord for your parachute.
You will need a license to skydive solo, but if you are a beginner, you can opt for tandem skydiving. In tandem skydiving, an instructor will skydive with you in a tandem harness. The risks of tandem diving are considerably less. However, you will still need to follow your guide's instructions carefully, as any mistake can result in a disaster for both of you.
It is easy to get lost in that floating sensation of freefall. But you need to be attentive and focused to know when to pull the parachute cord. Pulling too early can cause you to get blown far off-course, and pulling too late can end in a painful crash landing.
Skydiving is undoubtedly a risky extreme sport. You need a clear head and foolproof gear to attempt it, but even then, unpredictable weather conditions can result in disaster. It is best to prepare for every eventuality with a hazardous sports travel insurance plan.
Risks of Skydiving
The injuries sustained in skydiving accidents are usually quite severe. Malfunctions in your harness and parachute can result in joint and limb dislocations. High-speed impact with both water and land can cause broken bones, internal hemorrhaging, and a severe concussion.
Although you will hear that unpredictable and severe weather conditions can result in accidents, most of the injuries incurred through skydiving happen due to the inexperience of skydivers. If you check your equipment thoroughly and follow your instructor’s advice, then the risks are much reduced.
The fatality rate of skydiving is low, at roughly 0.0007%. However, the injuries sustained can require extensive and expensive medical treatment. Therefore, skydiving insurance or tandem skydiving insurance is recommended for all participants.