Hiking Insurance?

In reply to Toymanswife :

They are adults, they will survive. Deep breaths, wait for the good stories when they get back :)

Hike in NYS.   No charge if you screw up, state covers the cost.

Since rescues have been increasing there has been talk of ways to cover.

Once has been a permit with a fee, similar to hunting/fishing.

Toymanswife said:

Deep breath, guys.  These are my adult sons.  The eldest is married and 31. He's done this before with them. #3 child is 19 and it's his first time with them.  This is a very large church and they are doing this with permits and yes, there are people within the upper groups that know what's happening.

 

I had written this off as "over-protective" mom, and that you would receive the reassurance you needed before they left.  I have spent the majority of my life in the woods and have always emerged from them at the time and place agreed to.  However, this morning I read about a massive search effort for a woman near Clingman's Dome who has been missing for nearly a week after getting separated from her daughter during a day hike.  While there are a few folks who go missing in the wilderness of WNC every year, most are found within a few hours or a day; this one hit me differently that previous incidents due to your posts.  Thanks for bringing up your concerns, I am re-evaluating my communications with my Scouts and my Scout parents as a result. I hope you received the reassurance you deserve.  

Toymanswife said:

Deep breath, guys.  These are my adult sons.  The eldest is married and 31. He's done this before with them. #3 child is 19 and it's his first time with them.  This is a very large church and they are doing this with permits and yes, there are people within the upper groups that know what's happening.

 

Sorry, now I'm just shaking my head.  I figured they were young teenagers.  Adults taking a hike in the woods?  They'll be fine, and better for the experience.  SO much safer than a drive into the city.

Edit:  I suppose it goes to show that you never stop being a mom.  Nothing wrong with that.

My view: if you're that worried that they're going to need extraction, re-evaluate the group they're going with. If you trust the group, then relax. Sure, something like a turned ankle could potentially happen but if you've got a good group they'll be able to deal with it. A good group will also prevent problems like individuals getting separated.

Disclaimer: I've gone on solo canoe trips in the Canadian wilderness with no cellphones, SPOT trackers or any sort of insurance, so I may have a different view of acceptable risk than a mom. I definitely have a different level of risk acceptance than my sister, who won't accept her kids doing the same stuff we did in the same very safe neighborhood.

I know I'm being the over-protective mom. I guess my little extras that I do have saved our butts a few times.  I'm still actively parenting since I have a 15 year old at home. They will probably go off and have a terrific time and that's the end of it.