Starr offers skiing, snowboarding rescue insurance
This product is the first of its kind in the U.S. It provides protection for skiers and snowboarders against such costly risks as rescue, evacuation and transportation.
Starr Insurance Companies has agreed with Safe Descents, Inc., to provide the first-ever insurance program for rescue and evacuation for skiers and snowboarders in the United States.
Mitigating costs
The policy, underwritten by Starr Indemnity & Liability Company and sold through Safe Descents, provides coverage for transportation costs associated with accidental injuries sustained while skiing, snowboarding, riding a lift, or participating in a ski or snowboard school within a resort.
The insurance is available to residents in 45 states and the District of Columbia, covering ski and snowboard activities in the continental U.S. (approval is pending in Indiana, Massachusetts, New York, Texas, and Virginia).
Related: 20 sports that cause the most injuries
“Starr and Safe Descents share a mission to enhance the skiing experience by mitigating the significant cost of accidents on the mountain,” said Lenny Bellafiore, head of domestic accident and health at Starr.
“Skiers and boarders don’t usually think they’ll get hurt on the slopes. But accidents happen, and the costs can be significant. Some costs, such as evacuation, may not be covered by traditional health insurance. We’re excited to offer skiers this new, low-cost insurance coverage designed just for them.”
Benefits include rescue, evacuation & transportation
The insurance includes the following benefits, subject to the applicable reductions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions:
Field rescue – Reimbursement for certain expenses associated with necessary transportation from a place of injury to the nearest hospital or medical facility (e.g. expenses incurred from aircraft, helicopters, snowmobiles, and dogs).
Emergency medical evacuation – Payment for certain expenses associated with necessary transportation via air or land ambulance or commercial airline carrier to the nearest hospital or medical facility.
Medical repatriation – Payment for transportation to a hospital or medical facility close to the injured skier or snowboarder’s primary residence capable of providing continued, appropriate treatment.
Companion travel – The cost of a medical escort to accompany the injured skier or their children, back to their home in the event that they are unable to travel alone.
“We are excited to partner with Starr and bring this valuable coverage to ski and snowboard enthusiasts,” said Mason Weems, president of Safe Descents. “This program provides insurance protection to families against costly, unforeseen expenses, like emergency medical transportation and evacuation.”
Related: 16 skiing and snowboarding safety tips for insurance agents and their clients
Victoria Prussen Spears, Esq., (vspears@alm.com) is associate director of FC&S Legal, editor of the Insurance Coverage Law Report, and senior vice president at Meyerowitz Communications Inc.