Life Insurance And Paramotoring: What's Covered?

Paramotoring is an extreme sport that involves paragliding with a powered engine. It is considered a high-risk activity, and accidents and injuries are common. When participating in paramotoring, it is important to have the necessary insurance coverage in case of unexpected events or accidents. While standard travel insurance policies typically do not cover hazardous activities like paramotoring, specialised insurance options are available to provide financial protection in the event of accidents, injuries, or damage to property. This raises the question: does life insurance cover paramotoring?

Does travel insurance cover paramotoring?

Paramotoring is considered an extreme sport and is classified as a Grade 7 sport, the highest-risk group. As such, standard travel insurance policies do not usually cover paramotoring. However, some companies offer specialist travel insurance policies that include cover for paramotoring. These policies typically include cover for medical and repatriation costs, trip cancellation, delays, curtailment, and lost or stolen baggage.

Sports Travel Insurance

SportsCover Direct, for example, offers a Sports Travel Insurance policy that covers paramotoring under instruction or supervision by a qualified instructor. This policy includes cover for medical and repatriation costs, trip cancellation and curtailment, and other travel eventualities such as trip delays and lost or stolen baggage. This policy is available to both UK and international residents.

Travel Insurance Bolt-On

If you already have a travel insurance policy in place that does not include cover for paramotoring, you can purchase a bolt-on style of protection for your trip. SportsCover Direct offers this option, providing cover for paramotoring under instruction or supervision.

Sports Accident Insurance

SportsCover Direct also offers Sports Accident Insurance, which is designed to protect those participating in paramotoring in the UK under instruction or supervision. This policy includes personal accident insurance and income protection.

JS Insurance

JS Insurance offers a Paramotoring Travel Insurance policy for those planning a trip abroad and participating in paramotoring. This policy includes cover for emergency medical and repatriation, cancellation or curtailment, and missed departure or connection. They also provide cover for pre-existing medical conditions.

SkySchool

SkySchool has an arrangement with Sports Cover Direct to provide specialist Travel Insurance for Paramotoring for those taking a paramotor course or going on a SkyWeek Trip outside of the UK. This insurance is compulsory for SkySchool students.

What about life insurance with pre-existing medical conditions?

Paramotoring is an extreme sport that involves paragliding with a powered engine. Due to the high risk associated with this activity, it is important to have valid insurance in place in case of accidents, injuries, or damage to property. While some sources recommend liability insurance, which covers damage to property and legal costs, it typically does not include cover for injuries to yourself. Therefore, it is advisable to have additional health insurance to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation.

When it comes to life insurance, pre-existing medical conditions can make obtaining coverage more challenging and costly. Each insurer defines pre-existing conditions differently, but they generally refer to any health issue that may impact your longevity. Some common examples include high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, and asthma. The presence of such conditions may lead to higher premiums or even disqualification from certain types of life insurance. However, it is important to note that minor and well-managed health conditions may not significantly affect your eligibility or premium.

To obtain life insurance with a pre-existing condition, it is advisable to shop around and research different insurance companies, as their approaches to qualifying customers vary. Be transparent about your health on your application, as providing false information or omitting details may result in disqualification or premium increases. Additionally, consider adding a guaranteed insurability rider to your policy, which will allow you to increase your death benefit in the future without undergoing additional medical testing.

If you are unable to obtain traditional life insurance due to your health, there are alternative options such as group life insurance and guaranteed issue life insurance. Group life insurance is often offered by employers at affordable rates, and your health conditions may not be considered. On the other hand, guaranteed issue life insurance does not require a medical exam or health questionnaire, making it a viable option for individuals with serious conditions. However, this type of insurance is significantly more expensive, and there may be limitations on the death benefit payout if the insured person passes away within a few years of purchasing the policy.

Is there a maximum age limit for life insurance?

While there is no universal maximum age limit for life insurance, it is more difficult to obtain coverage beyond the age of 50. Life insurance policies and premiums vary depending on the individual and the company.

Life Insurance Over 50

If you are over 50, you may find it challenging to obtain life insurance, and your options may be more limited. The younger and healthier you are, the less expensive life insurance tends to be. However, this does not mean that you should rule out insurance altogether. Several types of life insurance may be suitable for people over 50, such as term life insurance, whole life insurance, and guaranteed issue life insurance.

Term Life Insurance

The maximum age for term life insurance varies by insurer but typically ranges from 75 to 86 years old. The premium for a term insurance plan increases significantly after the age of 50. It is still advisable to purchase term life insurance if you are over 50 and eligible. The chosen term must not exceed age 90.

Whole Life Insurance

Whole life insurance policies typically have no age limit, but this depends on the insurer. Age limits for whole life insurance can vary from around 80 to 85. These policies provide lifelong coverage and a savings component, offering financial protection for loved ones and accumulating cash value.

Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance

Guaranteed issue life insurance is another option for older individuals. This type of policy typically has no medical exam or health questionnaire requirement, and coverage is not denied based on health conditions. However, due to the lack of qualifications, premiums tend to be substantially higher, benefit limits are lower, and there is generally a limited benefit period for the first two years.

Paramotoring Insurance

It is worth noting that while this answer focuses on life insurance, you also inquired about paramotoring insurance. This type of insurance is designed specifically for paramotoring and related activities. It is important to have separate coverage for paramotoring, as standard travel insurance policies typically do not cover hazardous activities.

What does sports accident insurance cover?

Sports accident insurance is designed to financially protect sports enthusiasts, including amateurs and semi-professionals, who are taking part in a sport(s) within the UK. It covers over 500 sports and activities and is also available for those travelling abroad to play sports.

Sports accident insurance offers a range of benefits, including personal accident cover, personal liability, and income protection. It will assist with rehabilitation and recovery following an injury whilst playing your chosen sport, with income protection available as an optional benefit. It also covers accidental injury or property damage to a third party.

It is important to note that sports accident insurance does not include cover for medical treatment abroad or repatriation and, therefore, cannot be a substitute for travel insurance. If you are participating in a sport abroad, a sports travel insurance policy is likely to be more suitable.

Sports accident insurance is particularly relevant for extreme sports enthusiasts, as standard health insurance and complementary health care may not be sufficient in the event of an accident. For example, in many countries, healthcare costs for operations in mountainous areas or on ski slopes are not reimbursed by the Social Security system or supplementary health insurance.

Additionally, sports accident insurance can provide peace of mind for those who enjoy physical activity and want to be covered for a range of potential incidents, including injuries, property damage, and income loss.

What is the cost of paramotoring insurance?

The cost of paramotoring insurance varies depending on the provider and the type of policy chosen. Here is a list of some insurance providers and their respective costs:

Sports Cover Direct

Sports Cover Direct offers three types of policies for paramotoring:

• Sports Travel Insurance: This policy is designed for those engaging in paramotoring abroad under instruction or supervision. It includes cover for medical and repatriation costs, trip cancellation, delays, and lost or stolen baggage. The cost of this policy starts at £120 for 1 week and £150 for 2 weeks.
• Travel Insurance Bolt-On: If you already have a travel insurance policy that does not cover paramotoring, Sports Cover Direct can provide a bolt-on protection for your trip.
• Sports Accident Insurance: This policy is for paramotoring in the UK under instruction or supervision. It offers personal accident insurance and income protection. The cost of this policy is £70 per week.

AXA Insurance Agency for Aviation

AXA provides €1,500,000 liability cover for paramotoring worldwide, excluding the USA, US territories, and Canada. The cost of this policy is €140.

BHPA (British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association)

BHPA offers third-party insurance with £5,000,000 of liability coverage as part of its membership. The membership cost starts at £149 per year, with a £25 one-time joining fee.

O2 Sports Insurance (for US pilots)

O2 Sports Insurance offers third-party liability insurance for ultralight or light sport aircraft. Their policy provides $1,000,000 of liability coverage. To qualify, you must be a member of the USPPA and the USUA. The cost of this policy is not specified, but you can contact them for a quote.

Statewide Insurance Advisors (for US pilots)

Statewide Insurance Advisors offer accidental coverage, critical illness/life insurance, and dental cover. This is available to all PPG pilots, and membership in a club or organisation is not required. You can contact them for details and rates.

XInsurance (for paramotor schools and instructors)

XInsurance offers a liability policy for paramotor instructors with a USPPA Instructor rating or equivalent. You can contact them directly for a quote.

Romero Sports and Leisure (for schools and instructors)

Romero Sports and Leisure is the insurance broker used by BHPA. They cater to businesses in the sports and leisure industry and can tailor their policies to your specific needs. You can contact them directly for a quote.

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