Paul Sanchez
Garmin Search and Rescue SAR Insurance is an optional add-on to the Garmin Satellite Communicator device. It covers search and rescue costs, which can be expensive, especially if a helicopter is involved. The insurance is available for around $40 per year, with some limitations, such as not covering any medical costs. There are differing opinions on whether the insurance is worth purchasing, as it depends on the location and circumstances of the rescue situation. Some people have shared their experiences with the insurance, both positive and negative, and it is recommended to contact Garmin directly for more information and to review the policy's exclusions before purchasing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost of SAR insurance | $40 per year |
| Cost of SAR without insurance | $1,000 to $5,000 on average; extreme cases can cost upwards of $100,000 |
| What is covered by SAR insurance | Search and rescue costs, including transport costs for helicopter flights |
| What is not covered by SAR insurance | Medical costs |
| Conditions for coverage | Use of a Garmin Response-supported device with an active subscription to report an emergency |
| Exclusions | May not cover certain activities such as "free climbing" |
| Alternatives | Government agencies in some countries may provide search and rescue without cost |
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What You'll Learn
Cost of Search and Rescue (SAR) operations
Search and Rescue (SAR) operations are available throughout much of the United States to aid hikers in emergency situations. However, these services are not free in every state. While the federal government does not typically bill citizens for SAR operations, some states and counties have laws that allow them to charge for these services. For example, New Hampshire has billed citizens for SAR operations, and Utah's Grand County has also started charging for some SAR missions due to the high costs incurred. The cost of a typical SAR operation can vary significantly, ranging from a few hours of volunteer manpower to operations involving high-altitude helicopters, rescue boats, and paid employees over several days. The average SAR operation can cost around $1,000, but if a helicopter is involved, the cost can increase to upwards of $4,000 to $5,000. In rare cases, the cost of SAR operations can exceed $100,000 in extreme situations.
The United States Coast Guard is a leader in SAR operations, assisting an average of 114 people per day at a total cost of $680 million annually. A Coast Guard patrol boat costs $1,147 per hour, while the use of a C-130 turboprop plane increases the cost to $7,600 per hour. These costs do not include manpower or personnel training expenses. The National Park Service (NPS) is another agency heavily involved in SAR operations, logging almost 3,600 incidents in 2007, with associated expenses of around $3 million to $5 million.
The cost of SAR operations has become a controversial topic, with media commentary focusing on the high expenses associated with rescuing outdoor enthusiasts who act recklessly or illegally. Proponents of billing individuals for SAR services argue that taxpayers shouldn't bear the burden of someone else's lack of preparation. However, outdoor enthusiasts counter that such laws discourage people from calling for help when they need it.
To mitigate the potential financial burden of SAR operations, some individuals consider purchasing SAR insurance, such as the Garmin SAR Insurance Plan. This insurance provides coverage for search and rescue costs, offering financial reimbursement for qualified search and rescue-related expenses. However, it's important to carefully review the policy's exclusions and limitations before purchasing.
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Garmin InReach device
The Garmin InReach Satellite Communication device is a tool for adventurers, providing peace of mind when hiking, climbing, or exploring off the beaten track. The device allows users to call for help via the SOS button, which is located on the side of the device.
Garmin InReach users have the option to purchase Search and Rescue (SAR) Insurance, which covers the costs of search and rescue operations. The insurance is available for around $40 per year, and it is important to note that it must be purchased per person, not per device. This insurance is particularly useful for those who enjoy adventurous activities and exploring challenging terrain.
The insurance covers the costs of qualified search and rescue operations, including helicopter transport, which can be extremely expensive, often upwards of $4,000 to $5,000, and in some cases, over $100,000. It is worth noting that the insurance does not cover any medical expenses, only transport costs. For those with average health insurance, this additional layer of security can provide valuable peace of mind, especially when engaging in activities with measured risks, such as scrambling or climbing.
There are some limitations to the insurance. For example, it does not cover instances where the SOS button on the device is not activated, and there may be exclusions for certain activities, such as free climbing. It is important to carefully review the policy and contact Garmin directly to clarify any questions or concerns before purchasing.
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SOS button activation
The SOS button on the Garmin InReach Satellite Communication device is designed to be pressed in an emergency. When activated, it sends a message to the GEOS International Emergency Rescue Coordination Center (IERCC), which picks up your coordinates and communicates with you to send a message to the appropriate emergency service response team in your area.
To activate the SOS signal, lift the cover on the side of the device and hold down the SOS button. A loud noise will sound, and a 20-second countdown will begin. During this countdown, you have the option to cancel the SOS signal. If you do not cancel, a message will automatically be sent, alerting the rescue coordination center that you have an emergency and need help.
It is important to note that the Garmin SAR Insurance policy, which covers search and rescue costs, may require the SOS button to be pressed on your device for a payout to occur. However, there are conflicting opinions on this, and it is best to contact Garmin directly to clarify the exclusions and requirements of the policy.
The Hiking Guy and Dixie of Homemade Wanderlust on YouTube have documented their experiences with activating the SOS button and the aftermath, which may provide further insights into the process and whether the insurance is worth it for your specific needs.
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Medical coverage
The Garmin Search and Rescue (SAR) insurance policy covers search and rescue costs incurred during the rescue of the individual covered by the plan. The policy provides coverage with a few limitations, such as not providing coverage for hiking in a war zone. The average SAR can cost around $1,000, with the addition of a helicopter increasing the cost to upwards of $4,000–$5,000. There have been cases where costs were upwards of $100,000, but these were extreme situations.
The Garmin SAR insurance plan is purchased per person, which increases the cost for families. The plan covers financial reimbursement for qualified search and rescue-related expenses, including ambulance and hospital costs.
There are some concerns about the reliability of the insurance, as some sources suggest that the SOS button on the Garmin InReach device must be pressed for the insurance to pay out. This has raised questions about scenarios where the individual is hiking alone and is unconscious or unable to press the button.
It is recommended that individuals contact Garmin directly to clarify the exclusions and inclusions of the policy before purchasing. The decision to purchase SAR insurance depends on the individual's risk profile and the types of trips, treks, and adventures they undertake. It is an extra layer of security that may provide peace of mind in certain situations.
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Cost of insurance
The cost of a Search and Rescue (SAR) operation can be extremely high, often running into thousands of dollars. The average SAR operation costs around $1,000, but if a helicopter is involved, this figure can increase to upwards of $4,000-$5,000. In some extreme cases, costs have exceeded $100,000.
Garmin's SAR insurance is offered as an annual subscription service, costing around $40 per year. This price is in addition to the monthly subscription fee for the handheld device, which is $35 per month for the NEW Garmin GEOS plan (previously $30). So, all in, it costs around $500 per year for both the subscription and coverage.
It's important to note that Garmin's SAR insurance does not cover any medical expenses, only transport costs. This means that if you require medical evacuation, your health insurance will still be billed, and you may be left with surprise costs. However, having SAR insurance can provide peace of mind and help cover some of the expensive transport fees associated with search and rescue operations.
When considering the cost of insurance, it's worth evaluating the types of trips, treks, and adventures you typically undertake. If you often hike in remote or challenging terrain, the likelihood of needing search and rescue services may be higher, making the insurance a worthwhile investment.
Additionally, it's important to carefully review the policy's exclusions and limitations. For example, the insurance only applies if the SOS button is pressed on your Garmin device, and it needs to be purchased per person, not per device, which can increase the cost for families.
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Frequently asked questions
Garmin SAR insurance covers search and rescue costs. It offers financial reimbursement for qualified search and rescue-related expenses incurred during the rescue of the individual covered by the plan.
It depends on the types of trips, treks, and adventures you plan on taking. Search and rescue operations can be very costly, with the average SAR costing around $1,000. If there is a helicopter involved, costs can be upwards of $4,000-5,000. There have been cases where costs were upwards of $100,000.
Garmin SAR insurance only covers transport and does not cover any medical expenses. It also needs to be purchased per person, which can increase the cost for families.
