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Are you insured for your risky and adventurous hobbies?

In attempts to raise funds, create awareness, break world records or just for the thrill of it, we have seen a growing number of  individuals partake in ‘adventurous’ activities that are dangerous and potentially life threatening. It is important for these individuals who engage in such extreme activities and adventures to consider having the appropriate cover in place in the unfortunate event of injury, disability or even death, especially when they have dependents – including family members and employees.

This is according to Motshabi Nomvethe, Technical Marketing Specialist at PPS, who says that hazardous activities include anything from climbing high mountains, running extreme distances in dangerous places, scuba diving, hang gliding, race car driving, bungee jumping and many more. 

It is however important that adrenaline junkies disclose their extreme hobbies to their insurance brokers in order to fully understand what their insurance policy will cover should anything tragic happen whilst they participating in these adventures, explains Nomvethe.

Anyone who plans on partaking in activities that would be considered a ‘hazardous pursuit’ by their insurer, needs to ensure that they are fully covered. “Insurance providers may not cover consumers in the event of an accident, if the policy taken out contains specific exclusions for this type of activity. It is therefore important that consumers who engage in these types of activities ensure that they are adequately covered.”

“The reality is that most extreme sports and activities have an increased element of risk which could result in injury or even death,” says Nomvethe. It should be a priority for these individuals to ensure that they or their family is looked after should an accident happen.  

“Most policies require people to apply for the additional hazardous pursuits cover at an extra premium, which can often prove to be very expensive compared with the cost of an ordinary policy. It’s not cheap to get coverage for activities that are perceived as hazardous. In fact, some insurers not only automatically exclude coverage for hazardous pursuits, but will also refuse to provide cover against such activities at all.”  

She states that some other insurers also expect consumers to inform them each and every time before they partake in these activities. “When selecting the right type of insurance, consumers should find cover that will also include protection against hazardous pursuits or dangerous sports, such as motorised racing, scuba diving or trail running through dangerous terrain.” 

Nomvethe notes that PPS covers its members across the globe, be it due to travel, emigration or partaking in any sports or activities that are considered to be hazardous. “The company believes that its professional members should be provided with the freedom to do what they want, where they want to. When taking out a sickness, life or disability insurance policy with PPS, there are no additional loadings or exclusions applied for extreme activities that the member may take part in. PPS’ members do not have to inform PPS before engaging in any of these activities, so they can afford to be spontaneous and try new activities, while on holiday for example, without worrying about disclosing this information beforehand.”

PPS members have the peace of mind of knowing that they can have comprehensive cover, which includes global cover and hazardous pursuits cover with no extra loadings, concludes Nomvethe.