The idea of risk plays a big role in the outdoor industry. Liability insurance is an important consideration for any professional guiding company or wilderness education program, but that’s not what this post is about. Instead, it’s about who bears the financial risk if someone chooses to leave a course or trip because of injury, illness, or other reason? Over the years we’ve had a handful of people who were unable to complete the program they started for a variety of reasons. This happens, and while it isn’t a regular occurrence, it also isn’t exceedingly rare. Things happen, life happens, and sometimes carefully crafted plans don’t make it to fruition.
But when it happens, what happens with regard to tuition or trip fees?
When someone registers for one of our programs, they have to check a box that says they have read and understand our school policies. These are written in plain english, not legalese, and explain how we go about the business of doing business. One of these policies states that if a student leaves a program, we do not provide a refund. It also states that if this is a concern, to consider purchasing travel and/or tuition insurance, depending on the type of program it is.
This isn’t about us being unreasonable or an advertisement for the insurance industry; it is about who carries the burden of risk. Were we to cover this risk, our tuition rates would have to dramatically increase. If you are planning on participating in one of our programs, or any other outdoor or travel related program (bushcraft school, guided wilderness trip, etc.), I encourage you to consider this risk before attending. Travel or tuition insurance can provide compensation if you are unable to complete the program, and there are also plans that cover unforeseen medical and evacuation expenses.
This post is all about planning ahead. After you have a car accident, it’s too late to get collision insurance. Obviously no one except TV psychics can predict the future, but is likely better for you financially to pay a little up front in the form of travel insurance than to lose out on tuition or be stuck with an enormous medical or evacuation bill on the back end due to unforeseen circumstances. It is better to go into a situation with your eyes open to the risks than to ignore them and simply hope for the best.
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