A requirement for expoers is that everyone get insurance in case of a rescue; this can be ruinously expensive (running to millions of euros for multi-day rescues!) and so it is a good idea to get cover for this.
In the past, Snowcard has been the most popular option but feel free to find something else if it seems more reasonable (but make sure it is definitely legit). The policy option you need for Snowcard is "Max Adventure" which covers original cave exploration in an area which has "organised local cave rescue".
It is very difficult to find out whether any insurance policy actually covers expedition caving or not. Some have complete exclusions for, say "potholing and climbing which normally requires guides or ropes", some are less explicit.
If you are a member of the local cave club then some of your rescue expenses would be covered by that club.
Here's the form to fill in for VfHÖ membership: download Found here www.hoehle.at/wordpress/verein/unterstutzungsmitglied-spenden/ and needs to be emailed to hoehle (at) tele2.at which goes to Robert TWC (The Wonder Caver).
Cost of membership is €30. There are details of how to do the bank transfer on their website but generally Robert rocks up at the dinner and cash is handed over.
Accident Insurance of the VÖH: The Austrian Speleological Association (VÖH) offers insurance for leisure time activities to their members in cooperation with the Allianz-Elementar insurance company. All members of caving clubs within the VÖH organisation (except Caving Club Ebensee) are automatically assured to the following conditions. To choose a club to become a member, please visit: hoehle.org/mitgliedsvereine.
Insurance sum:
The insurance is valid for all leisure time accidents, except accidents in residental areas and households. The insurance is valid world wide. The insurance sum is subsidiary with other insurances.
Invalitidy: Invalidity will be paid from 25 - 100 % (no benefit below 25 %).
Exclusion of liability: Reasons for exclusion of liability are influences from alcohol or drugs, using aircrafts, air- and motorsports, explosives, war, diving (pressure chambers are not covered), expeditions in glaciated areas outside of Europe and participation at competitions.
All statements without guarantee.
Contact person for questions (also responsible for forwarding claims to the insurance company): Thomas Exel versicherung@hoehle.org Tel: 0699/ 18 21 91 17
At the start of expo we have asked people to fill in an anonymous form for their health and medical details that will be kept secure in the tattie hut and only accessed in the case of an emergency.
If anybody has any suggestions for updates to this form or other things apart from basic medical details, history and requirements (and your insurance details) please suggest this by emailing the expo list (having first read the previous emails on this matter).
Please write the contact details of your next of kin above your name (you have your own page for "Money owed to...") in the Bier Book at base camp as soon as you arrive.
This is in addition to listing your next of kin in your medical record which you will have submitted in advance of expo. This duplication is for safety and in case your contactable next of kin has changed address or phone number between you submitting your medical form and you arriving at expo.