Learning to fly - insurance

[deemac]

My son has been taking flying lessons with Sunstate Aviation in Kissimmee on our last 2 visits (and made his first solo flight during our last visit at Easter). However, we've just noticed on renewing our annual insurance that he is most definitely NOT covered if he has an accident.

Can anyone suggest what type of policy we need and where to get it please?

Danny

[lgordon6041]

Im not aware of any specific policy to cover flying. In the military we have various schemes but I am not aware of any out there, I may be wrong. You could try calling a flying school local to yourself and ask those guys the question.
Sorry I couldn't be more help.

[deemac]

Thanks Lee,

We've spoken to the flying school, and despite teaching numerous overseas visitors, they suggested that we could arrange it through our travel insurance, but they don't want to know.

We didn't give it a thought on previous visits, but now that we're aware that we wouldn't be covered for any hospital bills (and we know that in the US they can easily send you into bankruptcy!)that might result from a flying accident (God forbid), we would prefer to arrange cover.

[floridadreamvilla.co.uk]

If you look at the classified's at the back of any UK PPL magazine (Pilot, Flyer or Today's Pilot) they have quite a few adverts for this kind of insurance. I've used them in the past but have just got normal insurance now as I do not do any flying in the US any more.

Most life insurance policies won't pay out either if you are killed while learning to fly[msnsad]

[floridadreamvilla.co.uk]

I had to declare I was a PPL to all my life insurance providers, all who were ok with it (after filling out an extra questionairre). I'd imagine the student PPL situation would be a lot different as Lucy suggests.

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Mach 2
Most life insurance policies won't pay out either if you are killed while learning to fly[msnsad]
[/quote]

[deemac]

Thanks John - I'll pick up one of the mags. And thanks Mach2 I'd rather not think about the life insurance aspect - I don't think I'd be worried about money in those circumstances, but prolonged hospital treatment in a US hospital, well that's another thing!

[blott]

I was just looking for something else online and I found AmEx do cover for flying in a non commercial aircraft for an additional premium on top of their travel insurance premium.

Go to http://www.americanexpress.co.uk and get yourself a travel insurance quote. On about the third or fourth screen, there's an option to add 'special sports and activities' which is the cover for flying.

[deemac]

Thanks Blott,

I've just had a quick look and it appears to be what we're looking for.

I'll check it properly tomorrow.

[deemac]

Hi again Blott,

Checked it out, read the small print (well - most of it anyway) and completed the whole thing online. Annual cover £176 total - £99 for normal cover and £77 for the Special Sports and Activities option that definitely includes flying.

Thanks again for your help.

[blott]

You're welcome, glad it turned out right for you! :)

[orlandodaze]

My son previously flew with Sunstate and found them very good, however this year the service was quite poor, with bookings being cancelled and no effort made to contact us at the villa.

These companies specialise in travel insurance for flight training:
http://www.traffordsinsurance.co.uk/
http://www.direct-travel.co.uk
http://www.duinsure.com/

[flyrr100]

I'm an airline pilot. My insurance got cheaper the more experience I got!
Now I have an ATP with for type ratings. Ove 13,000 hours, and I'm a jet captain. My insurance is still loaded. And my life insurance is more than you'd pay!