Travel and accident insurance: why we always recommend it

Every step in a natural environment can bring you closer to a unique and unrepeatable adventure. Climbing the Villarrica Volcano, hiking the W Circuit in Torres del Paine or biking in San Pedro de Atacama are adventures that awaken the senses and challenge your limits. However, behind all that excitement and natural beauty, there are also risks that are important to consider.

Having travel and accident insurance is not only advisable: in many cases, it can make the difference between quickly resolving an incident or facing a complex, costly, and stressful situation.

What is travel and accident insurance?

It is a policy, that is, a contract between you and an insurance company, which establishes the conditions under which you will receive help or compensation for certain unforeseen events during your trip. In other words, it is your formal support in case of accidents, medical emergencies, or other unexpected events.

Although there are many types of insurance with different scopes, in the context of outdoor activities, it is ideal to contract one that includes emergency medical assistance, evacuation, hospitalization, repatriation, and personal accidents, among other benefits.

What does a good travel and accident insurance cover?

An insurance designed for outdoor adventures should include, at a minimum:

• Medical attention for injuries (sprains, fractures, cuts, etc.).

• Evacuation in case of emergency, whether by land or air.

• Coverage for hospitalization and medications.

• Transfer to appropriate medical centers if there is no nearby care.

• Expenses for trip cancellation or interruption for medical reasons.

• Compensation for lost or damaged luggage.

In addition, some insurances offer additional services such as 24/7 telephone assistance, remote medical guidance, or locating lost luggage.

What things are usually not covered?

It is important to read the fine print. Some insurances do not include:

• Activities considered "high risk" if a specific plan is not contracted (such as mountaineering, skiing, rafting, etc.).

• Incidents related to alcohol or drug consumption.

• Undeclared pre-existing injuries.

• Material losses without a police report or official documentation.

At Outdoor Index we always recommend checking if the type of adventure you will do is covered in your policy.

Why is it especially important in outdoor experiences?

The difference between an urban walk and an outdoor expedition like those offered by Outdoor Index is enormous. You are not minutes away from a clinic nor can you take a taxi back to your accommodation if something goes wrong. You are in the middle of nature, with conditions that can change rapidly.

Some examples of real incidents:

• During the ascent of the Villarrica Volcano, it is possible to slip on sections with snow or loose rocks, which can cause minor injuries such as sprains or minor bumps that require basic care.

• In treks through Patagonia, the weather changes abruptly and cases of decompensation are frequent.

• In extensive routes like the W or O circuit, it is normal for physical discomforts such as blisters, fatigue, or dehydration to appear, which could lead to adjusting the pace or even finishing the route earlier than planned.

In all these cases, good insurance allows you to have medical attention and logistical support without worrying about costs.

How to hire travel and accident insurance?

Here are some practical tips:

• Look for insurance that includes adventure activities. Not all of them do by default.

• Check the limits of medical coverage. If you travel to remote areas, a low amount may not be enough.

• Read the exclusions in the contract. Make sure the activity you will do is covered.

• Always carry with you the 24/7 assistance number and your policy number.

• Consider specific insurance for days, weeks, or even for each excursion. Nowadays there are very flexible options that adapt to the type of experience you are going to live.

Safety and support at Outdoor Index

At Outdoor Index, each tour and excursion is carefully designed to provide an unforgettable experience, with the highest possible level of safety. We work with certified guides and reliable local agencies, and that is why:

In all the experiences published on our website, you will find indicated whether the tour includes travel and accident insurance or not.

If the tour does not include it, we strongly recommend that you contract one on your own before starting your trip. We invite you to discover all our tours and excursions: The best adventures in Chile