Part of the excitement of going on holiday is the chance to do things you wouldn’t ordinarily do, experience new cultures and get a break from the daily routine. Many of us like to try out new sporting activities and adventure sports, whether it be bungee jumping, diving, white water rafting or skiing. The overwhelming majority of people who take part in these sorts of activities have a great time, but a small minority will get injured and need to seek medical attention. But will your insurance or EHIC cover you?

What exactly is an extreme or risky sport?

There is no debate over the definition of some extreme sports. Parachuting or bungee jumping are extreme in anyone’s book. But just take a look through the list of “extreme” sports covered by specialist insurance companies and you’ll see activities such as abseiling, surfing, swimming with dolphins, horse riding and scuba. Many of these activities are not things we’d consider dangerous, especially when done under supervision and with the correct equipment. If you’ve taken out travel insurance for your trip your insurer may disagree though, and you’ll have to read through the lengthy terms and conditions to find out what they define as a risky activity or extreme sport to find out whether or not you’ll be covered if you get injured.

EHIC and Extreme Sports

Unlike private travel insurance policies, EHIC cover will allow you to seek medical attention if you are injured during any type of sporting activity. EHIC is an agreement between 32 countries in Europe to provide healthcare to each other’s citizens, and as long as you have organised cover for each member of the family before leaving the UK, you will be able to see a state healthcare GP or attend an accident and emergency department in a public hospital. Treatment isn’t necessary free, but it will cost substantially less than treatment in a private facility. If you break bones while white water rafting or suffer a head injury falling off a horse, make sure that you make the emergency services aware that you are an EHIC holder and wish to be treated under the state system. Someone else can do this on your behalf if you are unable to.

Does EHIC cover everything?

EHIC is valuable cover to have, and will allow you to see a GP or be treated in A&E, be admitted to hospital and have scans, diagnostic tests and operations if necessary, and stay in hospital until you are ready to be discharged. Every country’s medical system is different though, so it’s important to do your research to find out what is covered in the country you are visiting. In some countries, ambulance transfers are private and you will be expected to meet the full cost. In other countries, family members are expected to bring food, towels and clean sheets for hospital patients. Many countries do not cover the costs of rehabilitation such as physiotherapy under EHIC rules, and you may be expected to pay or contribute towards crutches, wheelchairs or prescription medication.