Nowadays, anyone with the necessary resources and curiosity can explore the northernmost and southernmost parts of Earth – the polar regions. For many its like stepping into another world, full of frozen landscapes of breathtaking scenery, fresh crisp air and the chance to see unique wildlife close up.
There are countless opportunities for adventure, but there are countless ways your Polar travel adventure can go wrong. That’s why travel insurance is critical.
Travelling North is a truly Canadian adventure
Polar bears are the iconic symbol of the Arctic, and Canada’s Baffin Island is one of the best places to see them in their natural habitat. The largest island in Canada is in Nunavut and is the fifth largest island in the world, Baffin Island is known for its rugged terrain, pristine lakes and rivers, and diverse wildlife—a photographer’s paradise. The island is home to glaciers, fjords and towering peaks, making it a popular destination for hikers, mountaineers and ice climbers. It’s also known as one of the best destinations for Arctic diving into clear, cold waters with excellent visibility so you can see schools of Arctic cod, walruses, seals and even beluga whales.
Or is your plan to discover the beauty and wonder of Wapusk National Park, located in Manitoba? It’s home to one of the largest populations of polar bears in the world and is located on the shores of Hudson Bay. In the spring, you can see the remarkable event of polar bear cubs coming out of their dens for the first time with their mothers, learning to explore their new home and playing in the snow. In the winter, the park transforms into a snow-covered wonderland, offering stunning views and a unique opportunity to experience the Arctic tundra.
Many choose Iqaluit, the capital and largest city of Nunavut, in the arctic. Here you can enjoy breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, unique cuisine and a viewing point for the Northern Lights on clear nights from late August until April and you can even go dog sledding.
Going to the South Pole has seasons that are opposite to North America
The South Pole or Antarctic is technically a desert where the only animals that live on land are penguins. There are amazing sights like Blood Falls, a six-storey waterfall that has an outflow of blood-red water, and in the spring, the Southern Lights or Aurora Australis.
By travelling in the fall, you may see the remarkable births of emperor penguin chicks, sadly an endangered species that may be extinct by 2100, only 75 years from now. You can also witness pods of over eight species of whales arriving in the Antarctic, where they go to feast on krill.
The only way to get to the South Pole is by plane or helicopter. Unlike the North Pole, which is on the sea, the South Pole is on land. The most common route is flying to Argentina, the southernmost tip of South America and from there flying or taking a cruise to the pole.
Travelling to the Poles means expecting the unexpected with travel insurance protection
There are several ways to visit the Poles: by ship, by helicopter or plane. But, with every polar expedition, the “unexpected” is part of the adventure that you cannot avoid, like becoming sick or having an accident.
It is your responsibility to ensure you have emergency travel medical coverage for health care risks while on your trip, including emergency evacuation coverage back to Canada if you have headed to the Antarctic or to your home province, if you are on an Artic tour.
If you have a medical emergency where you must receive the care of a doctor as soon as possible, almost every situation at either of the poles will require a private charter aircraft to evacuate you. Depending on the location and where the closest hospital is located, the expense could be very costly. It is imperative that your travel insurance covers you for the location you are visiting.
Make certain you are covered for dangerous activities
The majority of polar adventures include riding in qamatiks (sleds for travelling on snow and ice) or riding in boats. There may be optional activities such as hiking, kayaking, snorkeling or diving.
Most travel medical insurance policies contain exclusions for dangerous or extreme sports (or a similar term, like “high risk activity”). These exclusions don’t list every sport possible, so if you are in any doubt about an activity, confirm whether your sport would be excluded before you try it. Generally, illnesses or injuries that happen while you are doing the following are excluded by most travel insurance policies:
- Scuba diving or professional snorkeling
- Freestyle skiing or snowboarding/ski jumping, downhill skiing or snowboarding outside marked trails or heli-skiing
- Rock/mountain/ice climbing with or without ropes
If you want to be adventurous, there may be a policy that will meet your needs — and it may not be much more expensive. The cost for the insurance can be very similar -— it’s just that the policy exclusions are different.
It’s important to always check with a travel insurance broker like SBIS for guidance regarding your personal insurance needs, and to review any special considerations for your travel destination of choice.
Don’t forget Trip Cancellation/Interruption coverage
Your polar adventure may be a once in a lifetime opportunity, and it is necessary to make sure you’re covered just in case of events beyond your control. Sometimes things don’t always go the way your travel providers plan due to unforeseen environmental conditions. Planes can be delayed. Luggage gets lost.
To choose the best travel insurance as you plan your trip to help to protect your peace of mind and yes, your wallet, make sure your travel insurance policy has adequate coverage for:
- Trip cancellation or trip interruption due to sickness, injury, death, a stable pre-existing medical condition, common carrier issues like a strike or mechanical breakdown, termination of your employment, traffic accident while en route to your departure, and more.
- Missed connections due to common carrier issues, and more.
- Travel delays due to lost or stolen passports, natural disasters, civil commotion or other unavoidable events.
And protect your belongings
Be sure to also get baggage Insurance. It is protection beyond what you get with your credit cards or health insurance emergency medical coverage. Baggage insurance doesn’t cost much, but can save you a lot of stress, expensive replacement bills, and even basic discomfort because you don’t have the personal things you need! You can get coverage to provide
- Payment for lost, damaged, destroyed or stolen baggage and personal effects, anywhere in the world, on water, land or in the air
- Coverage for stolen currency due to theft
- Payment for personal necessities if your baggage is delayed
- Costs for the return of excess baggage if you need to be airlifted home and there’s no room aboard the aircraft.
You can add this extra baggage insurance to your Trip Cancellation and Interruption coverage for even more protection.
Get your travel insurance for Polar Peace of Mind
At SBIS we understand your needs and are enthusiastic about helping you have the travel insurance protection you can count on. Just click here. If you just want some helpful advice we’re here when you need us. Give us a call at 416.601.0429 or 1.800.667.0429 toll-free. We’ll help you navigate your options and find the best plan for your polar adventure needs.
