Zip lining means sliding down a tensioned cable on a pulley. At a ropes course with fixed safety equipment, most insurers treat this as an ordinary recreational activity.
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In brief
The assessment turns on the context. A zip line at a forest ropes course, holiday park or adventure park, with a harness and a continuous safety line, normally runs under your ordinary travel and personal accident cover. There is supervision, inspected equipment and a set briefing.
If the same cable hangs on a via ferrata or climbing route in the mountains, it becomes part of mountaineering and the familiar exclusion comes into play. A self-rigged cable between two trees is not an accepted activity under any policy.
Three questions determine cover: where the cable hangs, who runs it and how you are secured.
The location
Park or mountain route
A ropes course and a via ferrata fall into different categories.
Forest ropes course or adventure park
Cable on a climbing route
Never a home-made structure
The safety equipment
Harness, pulley and brake
Acceptance depends on your following the prescribed instructions.
Continuous safety system
Briefing from the staff
Weight and age limits
In an accident
Handling and recovery
If equipment fails, the operator is often the liable party.
Emergency assistance centre in the event of injury
Photographs of the installation
Requesting the inspection records
What is covered
Situation
Standard
With extension
Zip line at a forest ropes course or adventure park
Yes
Yes
Medical expenses after a collision on landing
Yes
Yes
Zip line forming part of a climbing route in the mountains
No
Provided that
Self-rigged cable between trees
No
No
Zip lining without the prescribed equipment
No
No
Liability for damage to the installation
Provided that
Provided that
What is actually covered is set out in the policy conditions and the insurance card (verzekeringskaart) that you receive in advance.
Where things go wrong in practice
Two points that determine who ultimately bears the loss.
In the mountains, zip lining shifts to the mountaineering exclusion
The standard list of exclusions names mountain sports, air sports, deep diving and speed competitions. A zip line in a park does not touch that list, but the same cable on a via ferrata or canyoning trip does. If you book a mountain package, ask for written confirmation in advance.
If a cable snaps or a brake fails, the operator may be liable as the possessor of a structure under Article 6:174 of the Dutch Civil Code, alongside Article 6:162 of the Dutch Civil Code where maintenance has been poor. If you did not follow the instructions, your own fault is weighed against this.
What does your premium depend on?
Location of the course — park or high mountains
Height and length — determines the risk of injury
Destination — supervision differs from country to country
Duration of the trip — a day out or a whole holiday
Age of the participants — separate limits apply to children
Sums insured — medical expenses and disability
Insurers weigh these details differently. That is why comparing pays off.
How we arrange it
You request a quoteWe take stock of your situation, risk and wishes.
We compareseveral insurers, on premium as well as conditions.
You receive a proposalWith an explanation of the differences and the exclusions.
We arrange the switchIncluding cancellation, so there is no gap in cover.
Customers rate our service on four aspects: personal service, service delivery, availability and the outcome. The reviews are collected and published by NH1816 and come from customers who have actually taken out a policy with Finass Advies B.V. or reported a claim.
Is a forest ropes course covered on my travel insurance?
Usually it is. A ropes course with fixed safety equipment and supervision counts as a recreational activity, not as mountaineering. Note the park's age and weight limits; anyone outside them is acting against the instructions.
And a zip line in the mountains?
That may fall under mountaineering, particularly if it forms part of a via ferrata or canyoning trip. The mountaineering exclusion then applies and you need additional cover. Report the package in advance.
Who is liable if the cable gives way?
In principle the operator, as the possessor of the installation and as the manager responsible for its maintenance. Record the situation with photographs, request the inspection report and report the accident to your own insurer.
Am I insured on a home-made zip line?
No. A home-made structure without inspection falls outside every accepted activity, and if someone else is injured your liability insurer may argue that you acted carelessly. Do not do this.
Finass Verzekert is a trading name of Finass Advies B.V. We advise on and arrange non-life insurance on the basis of an objective analysis of several insurers, and receive commission for this from the insurer, which is included in the premium. You pay no separate advice fee. Before you take out cover, we establish your wishes and needs.
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