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Hitting the High Seas: Why Hazardous Cover is Essential for Yachties

Life on a yacht is anything but a walk in the park. For deckhands, bosuns, and any crew member with the qualifications, a typical day might involve physical tasks like sail handling and line work, demanding peak physical fitness. But that’s not all. Many yachting adventures incorporate the thrill of water activities – scuba diving, snorkelling, and jet skiing. These exciting pursuits, however, fall under the category of hazardous sports. Hazardous sports are activities with a higher than average risk of…

Life on a yacht is anything but a walk in the park. For deckhands, bosuns, and any crew member with the qualifications, a typical day might involve physical tasks like sail handling and line work, demanding peak physical fitness. But that’s not all. Many yachting adventures incorporate the thrill of water activities – scuba diving, snorkelling, and jet skiing. These exciting pursuits, however, fall under the category of hazardous sports. Hazardous sports are activities with a higher than average risk of injury, and while they add an undeniable splash of fun to a yachting trip, proper hazardous cover is crucial for your well-being.

Travel insurance might offer some coverage for hazardous sports, but often with limitations or exclusions. In these cases, additional cover specifically designed for these activities becomes essential. The good news? Many international health insurance plans do include coverage for hazardous sports, but it’s always wise to double-check the specifics of your plan before setting sail. This blog will delve deeper into the importance of hazardous cover for yachties, exploring the limitations of travel insurance and the benefits of specialized plans

The Thrill and the Risk: Hazardous Sports on Yachts

We established that the term hazardous sports applies to activities with a higher than usual risk of injury. Let’s unpack what that means in the context of yachting, focusing on the popular activities of scuba diving, jet skiing, and snorkelling.

Scuba Diving: Descending into the underwater world is magical, but it comes with inherent risks. The Divers Alert Network (DAN) reports that in 2021, there were over 6,000 chamber recompression treatments for dive injuries in the US alone. Decompression sickness, a potentially life-threatening condition caused by gas bubbles forming in the bloodstream, is a major concern.

Jet Skiing: These powerful machines offer exhilarating rides, but according to the US Coast Guard, jet skis are involved in a significant portion of recreational boating accidents. Injuries can range from cuts and bruises to spinal cord damage and head trauma from collisions or falls.

Snorkelling: While seemingly less risky, snorkelling still carries dangers. Sunburn, coral cuts, and marine life encounters can all lead to medical attention. Additionally, drowning is a possibility, especially for inexperienced snorkelers.

Medical Cover: Your Lifeline on the Water

With these potential dangers in mind, having proper medical cover becomes paramount for yachties who participate in hazardous sports. Here’s why:

Emergency Care: Even minor injuries can escalate quickly at sea, especially when far from shore. Medical cover ensures access to qualified medical professionals and emergency evacuation if needed.

Treatment Costs: Medical care, particularly in remote locations, can be exorbitantly expensive. Hazardous cover helps offset these costs, preventing financial hardship on top of injury.

Hyperbaric Treatment: For scuba diving injuries like decompression sickness, hyperbaric chambers are often the only effective treatment. Cover can ensure access to these chambers, potentially saving lives.

Peace of Mind: Knowing you’re covered allows you to relax and enjoy the activities you love without the constant worry of financial burden in case of an accident.

Investing in hazardous cover is an investment in your safety and well-being. It allows you to embrace the thrill of water sports on during your yachting career with the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re protected if things take an unexpected turn.

Navigating the Coverage Maze: Travel Insurance vs. International Health Insurance for Hazardous Sports

When it comes to hazardous sports like scuba diving, jet skiing, and snorkelling, understanding the nuances of travel insurance and international health insurance is crucial for yachties. Let’s break down how each type of insurance approaches hazardous cover, using scuba diving depth as an example.

Travel Insurance: Limited Coverage, Specific Activities

Travel insurance typically offers limited coverage for hazardous sports, often with restrictions on the specific activities included. While some plans might cover scuba diving, the depth limit is usually shallower than what international health insurance offers. Think of it as basic protection for the most common water activities. For instance, your travel insurance might cover scuba diving up to 15 meters, depending on the provider. This depth is considered safe for recreational diving without extensive training.

International Health Insurance: Broader Coverage, Criteria Apply

International health insurance plans generally provide broader coverage for hazardous sports, including activities like scuba diving to a greater depth. However, this doesn’t guarantee automatic coverage. Most plans have specific criteria that need to be met for hazardous sports to be included. These criteria can vary but might involve:

Pre-existing medical conditions: If you have a pre-existing condition that could be exacerbated by the activity, coverage might be excluded or limited.

Participation level: Some plans might differentiate between recreational and professional participation in hazardous sports. Recreational diving would likely be covered, while professional diving with higher risks might be excluded.

Certification and training: For activities like scuba diving, having the proper certification and participating within the certified depth limits can be a requirement for coverage.

Expatriate Group Example: Tailored Coverage but Requires Qualification

Let’s take Expatriate Group plans as an example. These plans, designed for people living and working abroad, often include coverage for hazardous sports. However, to be covered for scuba diving to a depth of, say, 25 meters, you might need to:

  • Be a certified diver with a valid license.
  • Have no pre-existing conditions that could be a risk factor at that depth.
  • Ensure the diving activity adheres to safety regulations.

While international health insurance offers potentially deeper coverage for hazardous sports like scuba diving, it’s crucial to understand the specific criteria outlined in your plan. Don’t assume you’re covered – always read the fine print carefully before engaging in any hazardous sport. If you’re unsure, contact your insurance provider to confirm coverage details.

  PlanDepth of Cover (Scuba diving)
International Health InsuranceWill cover up to 25-meter depth
Travel InsuranceWill cover up to 15-meter depth

Life at sea is undeniably thrilling, but venturing into hazardous sports like scuba diving, jet skiing, and snorkelling requires a balanced approach. While the exhilaration is undeniable, hazardous cover is an essential element of your yachting journey.

Think of hazardous cover as an investment in your future. A serious injury sustained during a water sport can have a devastating impact on your yachting career. Medical bills can pile up quickly, and without proper cover, the financial burden could force you to step off the deck for good. Hazardous cover acts as a safety net, ensuring you receive the medical attention you need without facing financial ruin.

Remember, smooth sailing starts with proper protection. Don’t let an unexpected accident derail your yachting dreams. By understanding the limitations of travel insurance and the potential of international health insurance with its specific criteria, you can choose the coverage that best suits your needs. So, before you set sail and embrace the aquatic adventures, ensure you’re properly covered for hazardous sports.

Clarity Employee Benefits is an authorized Financial Services Provider – FSP No. 51007. We specialize in international health insurance and travel insurance for yachties, please do not hesitate to contact us if you are in need of health insurance guidance or advice. 

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