In reply to TobyA:
I originally tried to take out income protection and life insurance via a standard broker. He initially seemed to be finding decent deals but I lost count of the number of insurers who, when we progressed with the application, referred my case for extra checks due to my climbing which always resulted in an increased premium or a long list of exclusions or sometimes both!
From the questions they asked, it was obvious that at no stage did I talk to anyone who had a clue what climbing was and their terms had also clearly been decided by someone who knew nothing about climbing.
Some of the things that led to withdrawal of an offer, an increased premium or exclusions:
- Climbing "extreme" grades
- Climbing harder than 7a
- Climbing harder than 7c
- Climbing anything with more than one pitch
- Climbing alone (including bouldering 2m high above a grassy landing!)
- Climbing without a helmet (as above)
- Climbing above water
- Soloing (although they couldn't define what soloing was or whether highballs counted)
- Climbing outside Europe
- Climbing abroad for more than 2 weeks a year
- Climbing more than 50 days per year
- Climbing above 3,500ft altitude (so you couldn't even go to Magic Wood)
Eventually I gave up with that broker and went to Summit. You talk to a climber who understands your needs. They arranged cover that includes worldwide climbing and bouldering up to 4,000m with no additions to the premium or exclusions.
Post edited at 20:33