Mountaineering and Climbing Insurance

Mountaineering and Climbing takes many forms, and as a result many travel insurers are pretty wary of it - exclusions can apply on all sorts of climbing activities from a simple wall at Center Parcs to a high altitude climb in the Himilayas - but there are a growing number of insurers who are prepared to insure Climbing or Mountaineering - at whatever level you are looking for cover.

As with any insurance its important that you make sure you are covered for the type of trip you are undertaking, but from a cost perpective its also worthwhile you are not 'overbuying cover' - there is no point being covered for a high altitude climb in the Himalayas if in fact you are undertaking a Via Ferrata break in the Dolomites. So do read all the terms and conditions carefully. Likewise if you climb once a year a single trip policy may be a better option covering your climbing trip rather than an all encompassing annual policy.

We have split our policies into three main categories - those that cover recreational climbing, Via Ferrata, Wall Climbing and the like, those covering European trips (with guides and/or ropes) and those which will cover high altitude Himalayan trips. Remember the companies who cover more 'extreme' activities often offer a range for those looking for lower levels of cover.

Recreational Climbing Policies

Columbus Direct Travel Insurance

Automatically cover Trekking and Climbing Walls within their standard activities, with a weeks cover starting at under £10 for a 45 year old, but Mountaineering up to 4000m and Via Ferrata can be added as additional permissable activities for only around £4 more. Moneymaxim customers can also benefit from additional discounts on all Columbus Policies by using the following links:
5% off all annual policies
2% off all single trip policies

Debenhams Travel Insurance

Automatically covers Abseiling, Trekking Glacier Walking and hiking up to 6000m in altitude within their standard activities (although there are limitations on personal accident and liability cover) and Rock Climbing (although not mountaineering) and Via Ferrata can be added to the policy for an additional premium.

Mid Range Policies

Sportscover Direct

Covers mountaineering (with ropes and guides) to any height limit in Europe, although there are restrictions further afield. They also offer an Activity TopUp which means that this can be combined with a 'normal' annual travel policies (such as those packaged with a bank account) for the specific period of the activity being undertaken enabling medical, accident and search and rescue to be covered by Sportscover Direct during that period, but your existing policy to cover the rest of your holiday, your baggage, cancellation etc.

Full Mountaineers Policies

British Mountaineering Club

Offers a range of 5 policies, from those for people not planning to climb at all, through trekking and moderate rock climbing and Alpine / Ski policies to full blown High Altitude and Remote Area policies. Membership of the BMC is required, although quotations can be obtained prior to any committment being made. The company have long expertise in this area and the wide cover provided provides customers with confidence.

Snowcard

A variety of policies are offered covering clmbs up to 7500m, although sports climbers, high altitude trekkers and ramblers can find lower cost policies with more appropriate cover as well.

This information is based on journalistic investigation and research. It is not financial advice. Any information should be considered in regard to specific circumstances. Any suggestions followed up are done so at your own risk and your own research is key.