FAQ(?) - annual travel insurance for pilots

[tmmorris]

Sorry, this is probably a FAQ but I couldn't find it:

Who does annual worldwide multi-trip travel insurance that doesn't contain an exclusion for private flying? I need something that will e.g. include medical expenses for holidays in America but doesn't contain the usual 'excludes: flying other than as a passenger in a fully-licensed passenger carrying aicraft' clause. Surely there must be people out there with this need?

Tim

[Whirlybird]

Pretty sure it's been asked before, so a search might give you some info. There are a few different ones, but when I got mine a couple of years back, Traffords gave me the best deal, 0870.9000.331. www.traffordsinsurance.co.uk

[FlyingForFun]

There are usually a few ads in the back of most of the GA magazines. I'm with Whirly - I used Traffords, and had no problems with them. Their standard policy doesn't include aeros, although once I noticed that and spoke to them, they modified it to suit me, for a small additional charge. (Didn't have to make a claim, so don't know what their claims department is like.)

FFF
----------------

[flyingfemme]

I use a bunch called P.J. Hayman (023 9241 9010) and have their "Adventures" policy. Not the cheapest but it covers all sorts of weird and wonderful pastimes in which one might want to indulge (fixed-wing, helicopters, powerboating, motorcycling) as well as wintersports, scuba etc.

[Flyer Flier]

I had this problem before heading off for a flying holiday in the States, where medical insurance really is a must. A friend of mine recommended Airsports Insurance Bureau from the Isle of Wight. They normally cover hang glider pilots so I was pretty sure I would be covered sufficiently for my private flying.
I was very happy with the annual quote which seems to cover everything, thereby saving money on normal holiday insurance for delays, passports loss and personal liability etc as well as the medical bills and it's also worldwide. You can contact Yvonne on 01983 298480 or [email protected]
Cheers
Steve

[tmmorris]

Many thanks all - will pursue the companies mentioned. I don't need aeros so it should be easier.

Tim

[bmb7jiw]

Im not sure but Endsleigh Insurance possibly do something. Probably not the usual company youd think of as they specialise in Students, but Im sure I remember reading something about it...

Good luck

James

[NineEighteen]

I'm trying to arrange some worldwide cover and came across this article (http://money.guardian.co.uk/print/0,3858,4720669-110130,00.html). In the Guardian, of all places.

I thought it may be of interest.

Travel policy that clips pilots' wings

Bungee jumpers can get holiday insurance, so why not private flyers, asks John Speedy

John Speedy
Sunday July 27, 2003
The Observer

As a private aircraft pilot, I recently checked out the website of an insurance company which claimed to provide cover for more than 80 'sporting and hazardous' activities through its travel insurance policies. I was not surprised to see that one of the standard exclusions was 'flying other than as fare-paying passenger in a fully licensed aircraft'.

This is a standard exclusion in all policies except for a few highly specialised (and therefore expensive) brokers and underwriters.

Is this not absurd? I can be covered if I hurl myself out of a fully serviceable aircraft on a parachute, or off a bridge on a bungee, or off a cliff on a parascender, all with little or no training. However, if while abroad I indulge in a hobby which I share with thousands of other enthusiasts, which I have undertaken safely for more than 30 years, in which I was expensively and professionally trained and for which I am regularly examined both for competence and medically according to internationally regulated standards, I am uncoverable.

I can hire and drive an unfamiliar car on unfamiliar roads governed by unfamiliar laws and signs, all with no local training or testing, and be covered; but I cannot be covered if I hire an entirely familiar sort of light aircraft from an organisation which will certainly first require me to undertake a thorough check-ride with one of its instructors. I can accept a ride in a high-powered sports car or unstable 4WD, but not in a perfectly standard aircraft.

I cannot believe that this exclusion, which presumably dates back decades, is actuarially justified when so many 'hazardous' activities are permissible.

The irony is that the first 'standard' insurer to break ranks on this would, with suitable publicity among the active private pilot community, probably attract a great deal of business. We, too, take holidays abroad and look up wistfully from our resorts when we hear a familiar light aircraft over head, knowing it is only this maddening exclusion which prevents us going along to the local flying club and hiring an aircraft for an afternoon's sightseeing in what to us is a familiar and safe environment.

Ask a club to help you out

Perry Wilson, co-founding director of travel insurance specialist InsureandGo, writes:

'Private pilots do seem to be getting a raw deal, with many policies available not adequately covering the needs of those who want to fly while travelling abroad. The good news is that InsureandGo can provide cover with a small additional premium of about £1.50 per day for Europe. Personal accident or personal liability cover is not included but that does not affect medical expenses or repatriation.

The reason for this additional premium is simple - to keep basic premium levels competitive, insurers are forced to exclude certain activities or charge a top-up fee. However, more popular activities are included in the basic policy due to demand.

There is little data available to travel insurers enabling them to assess the true risk potential of many activities, so most underwriters would be unable to give a statistical analysis as to whether certain activities are a greater risk to accept than piloting a light aircraft.

But there is a way forward. A flying body, association or club could approach a travel insurance specialist broker about a specific scheme being underwritten for flying enthusiasts. Large rises in premiums may be avoided if the body could provide historic data proving the relative safety record of the activity.'

[Aim Far]

If you are spending a reasonable length of time in the US, it is worth considering the American Express annual worldwide policy. Its expensive but it includes full car hire insurance in North America which means it pays for itself after a couple of weeks. Private pilot coverage is extra as with most policies.