Sports and outdoor activities: Don’t head out without insurance!

Do you have sufficient coverage?

Before you tackle your next mountain bike trail or rock face, take a couple of minutes to double check or to take stock of the coverage you already have.

Several types of coverage may apply: 

Insurance from a sports association

If you’re a member of a cycling or rock climbing association or club, accident, rescue, and death and dismemberment insurance may be included in your membership fee or available at a discounted rate.

This kind of coverage may be a good option, especially given the low price tag, but it only covers you when you’re engaged in the specified sport (e.g., insurance for Rando Québec members only covers you for hiking-related activities).

Group insurance

Group insurance plans offered by employers may also meet most of your emergency medical care needs.

However, they may not include any emergency dental or paramedical care (e.g., chiropractic or physical therapy) a sports-related injury may require.

Accident Insurance

Ideal complement to group insurance or the Quebec health insurance plan (RAMQ), Day-to-Day Accident Insurance is a practical and inexpensive option (just a few dollars a month). It covers you in all sorts of situations. For example: 

1. Accidents that occur while engaging in your favourite sport (kitesurfing, parachuting, rock climbing, cycling, etc.)
2. Injuries sustained while travelling by private vehicle (motorcycle, ATV, car, etc.) or public transportation (bus, plane, etc.), or on foot
3. Accidents at home while doing DIY renovations (e.g., fall from the roof, etc.)

Coverage includes fractures, dental care, and death and dismemberment.

It also extends to some paramedical expense subject to maximum reimbursement amounts, including specialized care to get you back on your feet after a mishap (chiropractor and physiotherapist), paramedical equipment (e.g., crutches, orthopedic boots), and ambulance transportation.

Another advantage of comprehensive accident coverage is that it often includes post-accident assistance as well. That can really make a difference! For example it could provide financial assistance for help taking care of your children or for vocational rehabilitation if an accident makes a career change necessary or having your home or vehicle adapted to accommodate you after an accident.

Complementary insurance vs. combinable insurance

It’s possible you may need two types of insurance to be fully protected. Here are two good examples.

1. Nicolas, mountain biking accident

Poor Nicolas took a spill and broke his wrist and two front teeth…

His basic group insurance coverage includes emergency medical treatment (doctor, pain medication, cast, etc.) for his broken wrist.

Paramedical care (physical therapist) is limited to a set amount of $300 per year and does not include dental care.

Luckily, Nicolas also had accident insurance, which covered his dental costs and all physical therapy expenses beyond those included in his group coverage, and also compensated him for the fractured wrist.

This is an example of complementary insurance.

2. Émilie fell to her death while rock climbing

Her family will receive a benefit from her accident insurance policy regardless of whether or not she held life insurance.

This is an example of combinable insurance.

Coverage for sports or recreational activities outside province of Quebec

Here are a few important things to know and keep in mind when you engage in outdoor sports while travelling in Canada or abroad:

• Whenever you leave Quebec, it is highly recommended that you take out travel insurance. RAMQ doesn’t cover the full cost of emergency care in Canada, and the amounts reimbursed for out-of-country care are minimal.
• Travel insurance not only covers medical care, but also ambulance transportation (of all kinds) and repatriation to Quebec. It is important to check with your insurer that the sport you want to take part in while travelling is indeed covered since some may be excluded, such as rock climbing or mountaineering. You don’t want to get stuck with a huge medical bill.
• Travel insurance not only covers medical care, but also ambulance transportation (of all kinds) and repatriation to Quebec. Do you really want to run the risk of getting stuck with a huge medical bill?
• Accident insurance and travel insurance are complementary. With accident insurance, you’ll be covered anywhere in the world.
  • For example, CAA-Quebec accident insurance provides compensation if you die or are dismembered in a mountain accident abroad.
  • However, if you need to be treated outside Canada and repatriated, you’ll need travel insurance (group, credit card, or private).

Did you know? The CAA-Quebec Annual Plan even provides coverage for travel within Quebec.* If you need emergency care while travelling in Quebec (regardless of whether it’s the result of an accident), your Annual Plan could reimburse you for expenses not covered by RAMQ, much like group insurance plans do.

What kind of fees are not covered by RAMQ?

• Ambulance transportation (paid for by the government only in some cases)
• Paramedical equipment and services such as orthopedic boots, crutches, or a semi-private hospital room
• Professional services if prescribed as part of emergency treatment (e.g., chiropractic, physical therapy, and even osteopathy).

Find the right option for you

In short, as you can see, there are various insurance plans available to give you peace of mind when you’re out in the great outdoors. It’s important to check what coverage you already have and supplement it as needed so you have the best protection based on your travel plans and favourite activities.

5 tips on how to stay safe while taking part in outdoor sports and activities

Beyond having the right insurance, here’s what you can do to stay safe in the mountains or the woods.

1. Hikers, download a smartphone app that gives you updates on trails (e.g., trail conditions, upkeep, degree of difficulty). That way you can choose trails based on your ability and fitness level. Paper trail maps are another good resource.
2. Bring plenty of water! Hydration is crucial when you’re physically active. Never drink stream water, no matter how clean it looks. Remember to bring food (nuts, dried fruit, energy bars, etc.), especially if the hike is longer than 5 km.
3. Dress appropriately for your activity and the weather. Having the right gear will help ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience.
4. Avoid solo adventures as much as possible. If you do go it alone, be sure to tell at least one friend or family member when you’re leaving and approximately when you’ll be back.
5. Respect plants and wildlife by following the guidelines for the area you’re visiting and don’t leave any garbage behind.

_{CAA‑Quebec Travel Insurance products are provided by Orion Travel Insurance Company and distributed to Quebec residents exclusively by CAA‑Quebec Travel and Cabinet en assurance de personnes CAA‑Québec.}

_{*One night’s stay in a commercial establishment is required for the stay to be considered as travel within Quebec.}