Do you really need travel insurance when traveling to and participating in an outdoor activity?

There is nothing like the feeling one gets when one completes an outdoor challenge like completing a long distance trail, bagging a big game animal or summiting a high peak. The effort is great and the rewards are many. But there is also the threat of risk. This article will describe three real life scenarios in terms of what one can accomplish, the restrictions applied to these challenges as well as what kind of liabilities are involved if something goes wrong on one of these quests.

White Mountains, NH

The White Mountains and, specifically, the Presidential Range in New Hampshire are home to some of the toughest mountains to hike in the northeast and some of the worst weather in the world. Mount Washington is the highest peak in this region at 6,288 feet. According to the book

Not Without Peril: 150 Years of Misadventure on the Presidential Range of New Hampshire

By Nicholas S Howe, over 150 people have died within this mountain range between 1849 and 2012. And according to:

wikipedia.org

178 people have died within this mountain range as of July, 2025.

The New Hampshire Fish & Game Commission is responsible for search and rescue missions in the state’s woodlands and inland waterways. They are the ones that rescue stranded hikers. They sell a

Get Outside Safety Card

that protects one against being charged for a rescue in the White Mountains. This card runs $25 per individual, $35 per family. It covers hikers, fisherpersons, hunters and those involved in outdoor activities in the Whites. Without this card, those rescued could face bills of $2,500 to $100,000.

Florida Everglades

The Everglades Headwaters WMA is managed by the

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

in partnership with the

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

and the

Florida Forest Service .

You can hunt alligators in the Florida Everglades and other designated areas through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Statewide Alligator Harvest Program by obtaining a permit via a lottery system, while crocodile hunting is illegal and requires special permission for management. The alligator hunting season typically runs from mid-August to early November, and successful applicants receive a permit for two alligators and the necessary CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) tags.

The National Park service and other federal government agencies generally do not charge someone for rescue due to getting lost or injured in the Florida Everglades. But here’s an interesting fact. According to:

This Florida Law Firm

If you have been injured while you were attempting to rescue someone, you may be entitled to compensation.

Mount McKinley or Denali

The

National Park Service

manages outdoor activities on and around the 20,310 foot Mount Denali or McKinley. They have a lengthy list of requirements as well as a permitting process to climb this mount. They recommend going in groups. The average time to ascend this mount is 18-30 days. If the weather is not favorable, some parties may not be able to complete their ascent. According to:

wikipedia.org

Mountaineering is the sport of climbing mountains.

The National Park Service does not have a policy to charge climbers for rescue services. However, any hospital, air ambulance or other associated costs after leaving the mountain are the sole responsibility of the climber.

So, in all three of the above scenarios, there was always a possibility of a liability. For the White Mountains, if you didn’t buy their Hike Safe Pass, and since they are a small state with limited revenues, they would be more likely to charge you for a rescue. For the Florida Everglades, there is always the possibility of a rescuer suing you if s/he gets injured in the process. And on Mount Denali/McKinley, any costs not directly associated with your rescue are your responsibility.

Here is where Global Rescue makes all the difference. Before you travel, Global Rescue provides comprehensive Destination Reports featuring up-to-date medical and security advisories to help you plan with confidence. As part of your Global Rescue membership, you’ll also have access to Visa and Passport Services, Logistics Management, and other valuable travel support resources.

Through the My Global Rescue mobile app, you can stay connected with GPS tracking and an emergency SOS button that connects you directly to Global Rescue for immediate assistance anytime, anywhere.

If an emergency arises during your adventure, the Global Rescue Operations Team will coordinate and arrange all necessary evacuation services and manage related costs directly with providers. Members can also access virtual health consultations (available with select membership plans), obtain hospital referrals, and receive support throughout the process. In the most serious situations, Global Rescue will also manage mortal remains transport back home with professionalism and care.

Travelers can receive a Global Rescue Destination Report by clicking/tapping the ad banner below:

Start planning your next outdoor adventure with peace of mind today. Global Rescue memberships start at just $139, with options based on trip duration and membership type.

Mike C