Abseiling Travel Insurance Compared

Abseiling, also known as rappelling, is climbing down a rock face sitting back and relying totally on a rope and harness to get you safely to the bottom. Abseiling is not for the less brave but it is often used as a charity event and can be a good way of fund raising. There are many different courses and activity days provided for abseiling, however, it is important to ensure that you are fully covered by your insurance to participate, as that is the last thing you want to be worried about when abseiling down a rock face. Unless you’re a professional at abseiling, abseiling is normally completed with a professional instructor.

When on holiday it is essential that all activities you are likely to participate in are covered by your insurance policy and not just the abseiling so always remember to read the terms and conditions carefully. Don’t worry if you have just taken out insurance and realise it doesn’t fully cover you. You have a 14 day cooling off period with any insurance cover if you aren’t happy. It is good to look at any holiday insurance you already have in detail as, if abseiling isn’t covered, you can always look at buying a separate single trip abseiling policy or even one which will just cover abseiling for a single day.

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What our Experts say

"It's very easy to forget that an activity such as abseiling might mean that you are not insured if you are injured in a fall - or even trap your fingers badly in the equipment. It's therefore important to ensure you have a policy that will cover you (and your family if required) whether you are undertaking an activity at Center Parcs or abseiling down the Eiffel Tower!"

Mark Bower Moneymaxim Insurance Expert

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The policies below offer abseiling cover at the time of writing but please do check the policy documents carefully to ensure they fully meet your requirements.

Abseiling Travel Insurers

CoverForYou

The abseiling cover is included by CoverForYou within their standard list of included activities provided it as carried out within organiser’s guidelines.

CoverForYou make no exclusions for either Personal Accident or Personal Liability for abseiling.

Explorer Travel Insurance

Abseiling is only covered by paying an extra premium to add Activity Pack 2 but this does then add cover for various other more adventurous activities.

Voyager Plus Travel Insurance

Abseiling is covered as standard as one of their Leisure activities. You must comply with local laws and regulations and be wearing any required safety equipment.

Things to consider when abseiling

Abseiling at all levels poses many risks for accidents and injuries, and it is essential that, if you are a beginner, a qualified professional has organised and is supervising the event. Injuries from abseiling can include: falling rock injuries, collisions with trees or rocks, failure of equipment, anxiety or stress, rope burn and injuries from another person swinging. It is also important to understand the risk of avalanche in the area in which you wish to abseil down, this can help to prevent the risk of injury.

Another important consideration is the condition of the equipment you are using. You should always check that all equipment is in excellent condition and that all the equipment needed is present before you start your decent. Some of the equipment needed is a climbing harness, climbing ropes, descender or rappel, belay device, helmet, gloves, knee and elbow pads, climbing shoes and a rope bag.

Despite the seemingly large number of risks, abseiling is generally considered a safe sport for those of all ages.

This content was last reviewed on 21/02/2024