Get ready for your summer splash with accident insurance!

What could be better than water activities to beat the heat on scorching summer days? From family-friendly inflatable water parks to recent trends like stand-up paddling, kayaking, snorkelling and scuba diving, as well as adrenaline-pumping surfing and wakeboarding, the options are endless. Travel enthusiasts might even venture abroad for water fun to destinations such as Kenting in Taiwan, Okinawa in Japan, Phuket in Thailand, Bali in Indonesia and the Maldives.

However, water sports come with inherent risks, and accidents do occasionally happen – whether you are in Hong Kong overseas. This summer, how can you ensure your safety while enjoying the season’s delights? What protection might accident insurance provide should misfortune strike?

Before diving in to any water activities, be sure to check the weather forecast, including information such as wind speed and wave height, and to confirm that the activities are conducted in designated safe water areas. When setting out, it is recommended that you inform your friends and family about the activity, as well as details of other participants. It’s also better to have your GPS watch handy. Beginners should avoid partaking in solo activities and should be accompanied by a qualified instructor. If using motorised equipment, such as jet skis or boats, it is important to have a valid driving licence and follow relevant safety regulations.

However, accidents really can catch you off guard. That is why, these days, an increasing number of people are opting for accident insurance, aiming to minimise the financial and emotional impact of an incident if something bad were to happen.

A key consideration of accident insurance is how we define an “accident”. This usually refers to injuries caused by sudden or unforeseen events, including those incurred during routine sporting activities. If an injury arises from a pre-existing medical condition, it typically falls outside the scope of coverage.

The accident insurance plans available on the market offer a diverse range of options. In general, coverage includes worldwide accident protection, dangerous sports coverage and 24-hour emergency assistance services, as well as medical expenses, accidental hospitalisation allowance, physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment, and costs for bone setting and acupuncture. Some plans even provide additional compensation for public holidays, while many also cover damage to clothing or personal belongings caused by an accident.

For example, if the insured person injures their ankle while paddle boarding and receives treatment from a registered doctor who subsequently refers them for physiotherapy, the accident insurance can provide valuable coverage. The insured person can file a claim with the insurance company for the medical expenses incurred.

With the summer holidays upon us, many families are enjoying quality time together through water sports. To meet this demand, most insurance companies now offer family plans, allowing parents and children to be covered under a single premium. Some plans even extend coverage for children to include full-time students up to the age of 23, catering to the different needs of individual families.

In addition, some accident insurance products resemble car insurance by offering a no-claims bonus. If the insured has not made any claims during a specified period, they can receive extra coverage for accidental death or permanent disability when renewing their policy, increasing their level of protection.

While getting out on the water is undoubtedly enjoyable, safety should always be the top priority. Even though most accident insurance plans cover recreational water sports, it’s essential to pay close attention to any exclusions when arranging a policy. For instance, certain policy terms clearly state that accidental injuries will not be covered if the insured person takes part in competitions, practice or training as a professional or amateur athlete.

Water sports enthusiasts should make sure they are familiar with the policy details and coverage terms before arranging insurance. This includes checking whether the specific sports they engage in are covered, as well as any restrictions related to locations and venues, plus any age limits for taking out and renewing the policy. By understanding these details, they can select the right accident insurance and fully enjoy making a splash this summer!

This Chinese version of this article was published in the Hong Kong Economics Journal.

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