Are you participating in an overseas marathon or running event? Don't forget to fine-tune your travel insurance before you get ready to race!
While you may be well trained for your epic endeavour it’s important to cover yourself against a variety of holiday hurdles as you get set to go. Making sure you're covered for any potentially costly medical bills is a must in the event that you injure yourself whilst running abroad.
If you're finding it tricky to get cover for your action-packed adventure....we can help. Get on track to top travel insurance for your fun run with our handy helpers below. On your marks, get set, go!
What Type Of Long Distance Running Is Covered?
Typically, you will only be covered by a standard travel insurance policy if you are;
- Running marathon distance or less (up to 42.2 kilometres or 26.2 miles)
- Participating as an amateur only
- Racing on foot, (not on a bicycle or within a vehicle)
- Not receiving any prize money
What Is Not?
It’s unlikely that you’ll find cover from a standard travel insurance policy if you are:
- Racing competitively
- Competing for a reward or prize money
- Competing professionally
What's Typically Covered In Your Policy?
Sure you’re an experienced long-distance runner. However, by not taking out the right insurance policy, your trip can quickly skid out of control. If you break a bone, fall ill or find yourself at the mercy of a cancelled running event (due to unforeseen circumstances), your travel insurance may help you get you back on track by covering any costs incurred. Yippee!
Your travel insurance policy may also cover you for:
Medical expenses should you fall over and break an arm and need to go to hospital. Travel insurance will ease the pain by covering your medical fees, doctor’s appointment, X-rays and medication you require.
Personal liability should you cause damage to another person. Travel insurance provides protection in the event you are found to be legally liable for causing harm to another person. Watch your step when running in a crowd in any case!
Repatriation You would be covered in the event that you were to seriously injure yourself while running and needed to be brought back to your home country for medical care.
Cancellation costs Your prepaid travel deposits may be covered in the event that you are unable to travel or participate in your event due to unforeseen circumstances like serious injury or illness.
Theft of cash if your wallet is pickpocketed Theft can put a dent in your trip but travel insurance will cover you for any lost or stolen items and in some cases, reimburse your stolen too.
Loss of passport Imagine it, you’ve finished your run, about to head to the airport when your passport is nowhere to be found. Hold on to your hydration sachet as your travel insurer will cover the cost of organising an emergency passport.
Where To Run Around The World?
Need some inspiration? With over 500 official marathons around the world each year, you’re spoilt for choice. Some events are huge, drawing tens of thousands of recreational runners.
Some of the most famous and prestigious runs around the world are held in world-class cities like London, New York City, Berlin, Paris, Honolulu, Tokyo, Chicago and Boston.
Fancy something a little different? Why not pick a lesser-known marathon to put you through your paces? Some more obscure routes include the Great Wall Marathon in China, the Intercontinental Eurasia Marathon in Istanbul and the Big Five Marathon in South Africa.
Get On Track To Top Travel Cover
The nature of long-distance running can put your body under immense physical and mental strain. Even minimal health issues such as blisters, muscle aches and joint pain can set you back when you're running for hours at a time. And the risk of severe injuries during the race itself are not uncommon. All these possibilities could put some pressure on your purse strings should you require medical treatment overseas!
Trying to find a policy that covers you for long-distance running events overseas doesn't need to leave you breathless. Before you jet off on the holiday of your dreams, think twice before settling on the cheapest policy you find. The wrong policy can cost you far more if it doesn’t fit your needs. Be sure to compare policies, do plenty of research and make sure you have adequate cover.
Whether you’re doing a fun-run, speed trial, triathlon or endurance race, sprint to comprehensive travel insurance for ultimate peace of mind.
Natalie Smith
Having travelled to over 40 countries, studied tourism management and worked as a flight attendant for over three years, Natalie knows more than a thing or two about travel! She’s an adventure-lover, whose favourite trips have been trekking Machu Picchu and volunteering in an animal shelter in the Amazon. Qualified in Tier 2 General Insurance General Advice and specialising in travel insurance for the last five years, she in passionate about helping travellers get the most out of their holiday.
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