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Hot Air Ballooning travel Insurance



Keen for your next airborne adventure? Here's some fast facts about this exhilarating experience:

  • Approximately 80% of hot air balloon injuries are because of the balloon hitting an electric wire.
  • Hot air balloons were the first successful human-carrying flight technology.
  • The hot air balloon is the only mode of transportation that can't be steered - they travel with the wind.
  • The world record for a hot-air balloon is over 21,000 metres.
  • Hot air balloon are usually flown in the early morning or at sunset when the winds are at their calmest.


Keep reading to find out what travel insurance can help you with if you’re planning to go hot-air ballooning on your holiday. 

What do we cover if you're going hot air ballooning?

If you find yourself up in the air, we might be able to help:

  • Hot air ballooning is automatically covered on all of 1Cover's travel insurance policies
  • For most policies (except Domestic policies), we provide medical and hospital assistance and medical evacuation (if it's deemed necessary)
  • Depending on your policy, you could also be covered for pre-paid activities that you miss out on because you're unable to travel.

what don't We Cover If you're going hot air ballooning?

You won’t be covered for anything arising from your hot air ballooning if:

  • You’re under the influence of any intoxicating liquor or drugs (except a prescribed drug)
  • You’re part of a competition or hot air ballooning professionally
  • You don’t follow instructions and/or wear the appropriate safety equipment
  • You don't use a licensed operator
  • You have a pre-existing medical condition that affects your hot air balloon ride and you never told us about it

 

The one place to go hot air ballooning

By Award Winning Travel Writer Ben Groundwater
 

 

You don’t even need to see it from the sky to understand how magical it is. Even from ground level in Cappadocia, in central Turkey, the sight of a hundred hot-air balloons soaring over the top of you, these multi-coloured orbs painted brilliantly over the monochrome desert canvas of rocks and dirt and cloudless sky, is enough to fill you with wonder.

Now, imagine being part of that airborne flotilla. Imagine leaving your hotel before the dawn and clambering into the basket of one of these quaint old gadgets. Imagine rising high into the sky as the sun begins to light the world, soaring for hours over the waxwork rock structures that make Cappadocia unique.

That’s what’s on offer in this part of the world, and it’s an experience like no other: hot-air ballooning over the Cappadocia desert. 

There are, of course, spectacular balloon flights to be taken in many of the world’s most picturesque locations. In Bagan, the temple-strewn centre of mystical Myanmar, balloonists float across the skyline in the dawn light, taking in the pagodas, the spires, the smoke from cooking fires and the hubbub of people beginning their day. In the Serengeti, in Tanzania, balloons provide a unique look at the Big 5, a way to take in the grandeur of this huge game park from above, to view wildlife without it ever knowing you were there.

There are more great locations, too: Letchworth State Park in New York; the Loire Valley in France; the red rocks of Sedona, Arizona; the rustic beauty of Chateau-d’Oex in Switzerland.

All of these are excellent choices for those who wish to experience the silent wonder of a hot-air balloon flight. However, none are quite as impressive as Cappadocia. Here it’s all about the conical rock formations that point to the sky; about the homes carved into living rock; about the incredible photos of these huge balloons floating through the flawless sky. Magical.
 

DISCLAIMER: The views stated are the views of the author only, are written for entertainment purposes, and are not intended as advice in regards to insurance or otherwise.

Stay safe: Hot air ballooning Top tips 

  • Always check weather conditions

    Most hot air balloon companies will never fly if the conditions aren’t right. But it’s important to do your homework and if it seems rainy or overly windy, be appropriately cautious. (Additionally, before you book,check the bad-weather policy of the company to make sure they give you the chance to fly another day if the weather is poor). 

  • Don't panic

    If you feel anxiety coming on, remember: birds are scared of hot air balloons and are unlikely to fly in to them. If a burner goes out, it will generally be re-lit straight away. And tests have been done that show balloons can fly even with a small or medium hole. 

  • Wear appropriate attire

    High-heels probably aren't the best idea. Comfortable, casual clothing that covers you up tends to work best, as well as a hat that covers your head and protects you from the heat of the burner. 

  • Follow instructions from the pilot

    Always listen to the pilot and crew when they give out safety reminders before and during the flight. If, in the middle of your flight, they decide to cut it short (due to weather problems), do not despair. Safety of the passengers is always the main priority.

  • Ask the company about its safety records

    Before you book in your hot-air adventure, do some research about the company you’re using: are they regulated, are they good at maintaining their balloons, and do they have positive reviews from other people who have flown with them? While hot-air ballooning is generally considered a safe experience sport, being informed is a good idea.

Hot air ballooning FAQs

  • Will I be covered if I miss my hot air ballooning tour?
  • There is a provision to claim for Cancellation Fees and Lost Deposits of unused travel arrangements if you have to cancel your trip or your trip is shortened due to claimable events such as injury/illness, and the fees cannot be recouped from the provider. 

  • Will I be covered if I my hot air ballooning tour is cancelled due to weather conditions?
  • You would have a provision to claim for cancelled activities due to weather conditions but only if that cost cannot be recouped from the provider. 

  • How much am I covered for if something happens to me while I’m cycling?
  • Provided you are within the parameters stated in the Policy Wording, and you don’t have a Domestic or Frequent Traveller Domestic policy, then the benefit we offer is unlimited. Terms and conditions apply. Please note that we do not cover for Search and Rescue. 

  • What if i need medical assistance?
  • In an emergency, get yourself to hospital. As soon as it is possible, we advise that you or a member of your travelling party call our medical assistance team who will be able to liaise with you or the hospital.   

READ ALL FAQS

 

Find out More about...

Activities We cover
 

We cover 100+ activities. Find out all information you need about what’s covered and what’s not before you go adventuring. 

hot air balloons
Where are you off to?


Amongst other places, people go hot air ballooning in New Zealand, China, Europe, the US and even Australia. Find out all about travel insurance on our individual destination pages.

Medical Questions


Have a pre-existing medical condition that might affect your hot air ballooning? Pregnant? Or want to know about repatriation? Find out everything you need to know here.

 

Still Need Some Help? 

If you have any other questions or queries, please send us a message via our Contact Us page. 
If you are experiencing an emergency, please use the details on our Emergency Assistance page