Rescue operation in the Alps: Mountain emergency: Does insurance pay in case of negligence?

Travellers who overestimate their abilities while hiking or climbing, or who are inadequately equipped, do not lose their insurance coverage automatically, according to the German Association of the Insurance Industry (GDV). Generally speaking, negligence alone is usually not sufficient to exclude coverage, as stated by a GDV spokesperson.

The crucial factor is the specific services outlined in the individual policy. However, intentional behavior may lead to the denial of coverage by the insurer. Regardless of where injuries occur, insurers will typically cover rescue and retrieval costs if these services are included in the policy. Due to the high expense of helicopter rescues, the GDV recommends insuring against rescue and recovery expenses of at least €10,000.

While statutory health insurance covers medically necessary rescue efforts, it normally does not automatically cover mountain rescues in difficult terrain. In addition, pure search, rescue, or evacuation costs might be excluded. Ignoring established alpine safety rules can jeopardize insurance coverage, according to the German Alpine Association (DAV), which has over 1.6 million members.

The DAV notes that membership in its Alpine Safety Service (ASS) provides insurance against several exclusion criteria. Notably, there is no insurance coverage for damages resulting from deliberate or grossly negligent behavior, particularly when fundamental, universally recognized alpine rules are disregarded. A rescue operation in the Austrian Alps that garnered attention involved three families with infants and strollers who found themselves in distress on Sunday.

Police reported that rescue teams had to evacuate 36 individuals from high-altitude terrain, including 14 using two helicopters. No one was injured, but those who ventured into the mountains unprepared would be responsible for the associated expenses, according to a police spokesperson. It is unknown whether they have insurance and whether the insurer will reimburse the costs.