Over 100 activities included at no extra cost on Direct Travel policies.
What is hot air ballooning?
Hot air ballooning involves travelling in a basket carried beneath a large balloon. A pilot controls the balloon’s height using heated air, while its direction is influenced by the wind. Flights are commonly offered as sightseeing experiences over countryside, cities and other scenic areas.
Can I get travel insurance for hot air ballooning?
Yes, cover for recreational hot air ballooning can be available through the policies offered by Direct Travel.
Select hot air ballooning when getting your quote and check that it appears on your Policy Certificate or policy documents. If you plan to pilot or crew the balloon rather than travel as a passenger, make sure the selected activity matches your involvement.
Things to remember:
- Choose hot air ballooning when getting your quote
- Check that it appears on your policy documents
- Book with an established balloon operator
- Follow the pilot and ground crew’s instructions
- Wear suitable clothing and sturdy, closed-toe footwear
What can travel insurance help with?
If you’re injured while taking part in insured hot air ballooning, emergency medical expenses and repatriation can be covered, subject to the terms and limits of your policy.
Depending on the policy selected, cover may also be available for cancellation, curtailment, personal belongings and other travel-related problems. Personal Accident and Personal Liability cover can vary, so check the applicable Policy Wording.
Hot Air Ballooning FAQs
Can a sightseeing balloon flight be covered?
Yes, recreational hot air balloon flights can be covered. Select hot air ballooning when getting your quote and book with an established operator.
What happens if bad weather cancels my balloon flight?
The balloon operator should explain its options for rearranging or refunding a weather-cancelled flight. Travel insurance cancellation cover normally applies to you needing to cancell or cut short your wider trip for specific insured reasons, rather than an individual activity being cancelled because of the weather.
Can medical expenses be covered if I am injured?
Emergency medical expenses can be covered if hot air ballooning is shown on your policy documents and the claim meets the policy’s terms and conditions.
Is Personal Liability covered while hot air ballooning?
Personal Liability may be restricted or excluded while hot air ballooning. Check the applicable cover before taking part.
Can I take part in a hot air ballooning competition?
Amateur participation during a wider trip can be covered. However, cover does not apply if the main purpose of your trip is to enter an amateur tournament or competition. Professional, sponsored or paid participation and competing for prize money are not covered.
Can I get cover if I have a medical condition?
Pre-existing medical conditions are considered separately from activity cover. Declare them when getting your quote, as cover is subject to medical screening and acceptance.
Cover is subject to the terms, conditions, limits and exclusions of your policy. Check the applicable Policy Wording and your policy documents before taking part.
