NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Starr Insurance Companies announced an agreement with Safe Descents, Inc. to provide the first-ever insurance program for rescue and evacuation for skiers and snowboarders in the United States.
The policy, underwritten by Starr Indemnity & Liability Company and sold through Safe Descents, provides coverage for transportation costs associated with accidental injuries sustained while skiing, snowboarding, riding a lift or participating in a ski or snowboard school within a resort. The insurance is available to residents in 45 states and the District of Columbia, covering ski and snowboard activities in the continental U.S. (approval is pending in IN, MA, NY, TX and VA).
“Starr and Safe Descents share a mission to enhance the skiing experience by mitigating the significant cost of accidents on the mountain,” said Lenny Bellafiore, head of domestic accident and health, Starr Insurance Companies. “Skiers and boarders don’t usually think they’ll get hurt on the slopes. But accidents happen, and the costs can be significant. Some costs, such as evacuation may not be covered by traditional health insurance. We’re excited to offer skiers this new, low-cost insurance coverage designed just for them.”
The insurance includes the following benefits, subject to the applicable reductions, limitations, exclusions, and termination provisions:
- Field Rescue – reimbursement for certain expenses associated with necessary transportation from a place of injury to the nearest hospital or medical facility (e.g. expenses incurred from aircraft, helicopters, snowmobiles, and dogs)
- Emergency Medical Evacuation – payment for certain expenses associated with necessary transportation via air or land ambulance or commercial airline carrier to the nearest hospital or medical facility
- Medical Repatriation – payment for transportation to a hospital or medical facility close to the injured skier or snowboarder’s primary residence capable of providing continued, appropriate treatment
- Companion Travel – the cost of a medical escort to accompany the injured skier or their children, back to their home in the event that they are unable to travel alone
“We are excited to partner with Starr and bring this valuable coverage to ski and snowboard enthusiasts,” said Mason Weems, president, Safe Descents, Inc. “This program provides insurance protection to families against costly, unforeseen expenses, like emergency medical transportation and evacuation.”
Coverage is available with the purchase of a daily or season pass. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.safedescents.com.
ABOUT STARR INSURANCE COMPANIES
Starr Insurance Companies (or Starr) is a marketing name for the operating insurance and travel assistance companies and subsidiaries of Starr International Company, Inc. and for the investment business of C. V. Starr & Co., Inc. and its subsidiaries. Starr is a leading insurance and investment organization with a presence on five continents; through its operating insurance companies, Starr provides property, casualty, and accident and health insurance products as well as a range of specialty coverages including aviation, marine, energy and excess casualty insurance. Starr’s insurance company subsidiaries domiciled in the U.S., Bermuda, China, Hong Kong, Singapore and U.K. each have an A.M. Best rating of “A” (Excellent). Starr’s Lloyd’s syndicate has a Standard & Poor’s rating of “A+” (Strong).
For more information visit us at www.starrcompanies.com
