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Top summer outdoor adventures in the Dolomites

Home to pristine alpine wilderness, stunning jagged peaks, and winding high-altitude roads, the Dolomites mountain range is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northern Italy and one of the country’s top travel destinations. Rich in natural beauty and wonder, the region’s stunning scenery is complemented by a wealth of outdoor activities for both nature lovers and active travelers.

It’s widely known that the Italian Dolomites are ideal for winter trips centered around ski resorts and winter sports. But when the snow melts, from mid-June onwards there is also a vibrant summer scene to experience. In fact if you’re looking for an active summer holiday destination enhanced by plenty of fresh mountain air, then summer in the Dolomites may well be the perfect fit for you.

Hiking in the Dolomites

One of the main reasons people visit the Dolomites is to walk on the region’s hiking trails. Whether you’re looking to do a single day hike or a multi-day itinerary, the Dolomites hiking scene can provide options. The most iconic of the range’s summits is the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, or the Three Peaks of Lavaredo, which feature the region’s distinctive reddish pink-colored mountains at sunrise and sunset, a spectacular phenomenon known locally as enrosadira.

If you’re planning on hiking, you don’t need a great deal of equipment, but hiking poles are recommended for areas with high mountain passes. You’ll also want to make sure you have comfortable, supportive, and worn-in footwear so you’re not distracted from your panoramic views by aching feet!

Staying in Dolomites mountain huts

The high-altitude, pristine landscapes and peaks of the Dolomites are known for a unique type of lodgings in which you can stay, surrounded by natural beauty, far away from alpine resort towns. With accommodations ranging from simple to luxurious, rifugi are mountain huts that are especially popular in the summer with hikers, climbers, and backpackers.

In addition to food and wine, these unique Dolomites facilities provide unmatched vantage points and views of the mountains. They can often serve as convenient starting points or final destinations for your hikes, and as a guest you’ll experience wonderful hospitality amidst the clouds of high mountain peaks. So-called “hut hiking” is when travelers plan a multi-day walking trip with stops planned at a different mountain huts each night along their route.

Mountain biking in the Dolomites

The Dolomites are on the list of the most popular cycling destinations in Europe for good reason — the mountains are home to dramatic landscapes, challenging mountain passes, and numerous different mountain biking routes to explore. The Val Gardena valley offers abundant trails to experience amid stunning mountain scenery, as does the nearby Alpe di Siusi. Both are in the South Tyrol region of the Dolomites, where German is commonly spoken.

Keep in mind that routes can vary greatly in terms of the physical challenge they offer, so make sure you do your research beforehand to ensure you are tackling a trail that is suitable for your ability or endurance levels. If you are less experienced, you may consider signing up for an organized tour with a local guide.

Kayaking and rafting in the Dolomites

Water sports are also popular in the Dolomites in crystal clear lakes such as Lago di Braies, Lago di Sorapis, Lago di Landro, and lake Misurina. Lake Garda, one of Italy’s largest lakes, can also be found nearby. Kayaking across one of the region’s shimmering lakes surrounded by Dolomite peaks is sure to make for an unforgettable experience.

Always pack your travel insurance

Before you head off on your summer holidays, don’t forget to take out travel insurance. Especially if you are going on a trip centered around adventure sports and activities, it’s important to make sure you have a comprehensive policy that includes coverage for travel medical insurance, medical evacuation, baggage loss and delay, as well as trip cancellation, trip interruption, and trip delay. Once you have your plan in place, you can relax knowing you are prepared for any unanticipated events, and focus on enjoying your trip.

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PRE-EXISTING MEDICAL CONDITION

Pre-Existing Medical Condition means an illness, disease, or other condition during the 180 day period immediately prior to the date Your coverage is effective :
  1. received or received a recommendation for a test, examination, or medical treatment for a condition which first manifested itself, worsened or became acute, or had symptoms which would have prompted a reasonable person to seek diagnosis, care or treatment; or
  2. took or received a prescription for drugs or medicine. Item (2) of this definition does not apply to a condition which is treated or controlled solely through the taking of prescription drugs or medicine and remains treated or controlled without any adjustment or change in the required prescription throughout the 180 day period before coverage is effective under this policy.
  3. required a change in prescribed medication. Change in prescribed medication means the dosage or frequency of a medication has been reduced, increased, stopped and/or new medications have been prescribed due to the worsening of an underlying condition that is being treated with the medication, unless the change is:
    1. between a brand name and a generic medication with comparable dosage; or
    2. an adjustment to insulin or anti-coagulant dosage.
If you, or someone you are traveling with, has a Pre-Existing Medical Condition, you can still buy a policy from us but there is no cover for any claim arising directly or indirectly from that condition.

PRE-EXISTING MEDICAL CONDITION

Any Medical Condition that, within the last 12 months, required any:

  • surgery, inpatient or outpatient treatment, referrals or investigations of any sort. This includes being on any waiting list, taking any prescription medication, tablets or required medical treatment (This will not apply to common colds, flu or contraceptive medication);
  • medical advice or treatment for any respiratory condition relating to the lungs or breathing;
  • medical advice or treatment for any heart, stroke or diabetic condition;

Hypertension or high cholesterol controlled by 1 prescription drug only and where the dosage has not been changed within the last 12 months will not be considered a pre-existing medical condition

Coverages Available:

*not all coverages are available in all states
Travel Protection Benefits Limits
Trip Cancellation 100% of trip cost (up to a maximum of $20,000)
Single Occupancy Up to trip cost
Cancel for Any Reason Up to 75% of trip cost Up to 50% of trip costs in FL(CFAR not available to NY residents)
Trip Interruption 150% of trip cost
Delay Package
Trip Delay
Maximum $200 per day up to $2,500
Missed Connection Maximum of $1,000 per covered trip
Baggage Package – Excess
Baggage and Personal Effects $2,500 $100 Deductible
Baggage Delay $100 per day up to a maximum of $500
Travel Medical Package – Excess AK, CO, ID, ND, NH – Primary
Travel Medical Expense – Adventure sports included $100,000 $50,000 in NH $50 Deductible
Emergency Dental $750
Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation of Remains Up to $500,000
Up to $1,000,000 in NH
Accidental Death & Dismemberment $100,000 or $250,000 or $500,000
Pet Medical Package
Pet Medical Expense Up to $2,000 $100 Deductible
Pet Return Up to $500
Rental Vehicle Damage – Primary Up to $35,000 per rented vehicle- Primary $250 Deductible for loss greater than $2,000
Vacation Rental Damage $1,500 or $3,000 or $5,000

Travel Medical Insurance

Some benefits are subject to an excess (aka, the deductible, or what you have to pay before we pay), as stated in the Policy Schedule, and are per Policy Period.

Benefits Limits
Cancellation and Curtailment 5,000
Emergency Medical Expenses, Evacuation and Repatriation of Mortal Remains 10,000,000 (excess 250 or 50)
Hospital Benefit 25 per day, maximum 100
Personal Accident up to 250,000
Baggage Loss or Delay up to 5,000 (excess 250 or 50)
Personal Money and Passport, limited to 250 in respect of cash 500 (excess 250 or 50)
Personal Liability 500,000
Travel Delay 500
Optional Benefits Limits
Business Extension up to 1,000 (excess 100)
Winter Sports (Ski Equipment) up to 750 (excess 50 or 100)

Travel Medical Insurance

Some benefits are subject to an excess (aka, the deductible, or what you have to pay before we pay), as stated in the Policy Schedule, and are per Policy Period.

Benefits Limits
Trip Interruption 2,000
Emergency Medical Expenses, Evacuation and Repatriation of Mortal Remains 10,000,000 (excess 250)
Hospital Benefit 25 per day, maximum 100
Personal Accident up to 5,000
Baggage Loss or Delay up to 2,000 (excess 250 or 50)
Personal Money and Passport, limited to 250 in respect of cash 500 (excess 250) *** Limited to 250 in respect of cash
Personal Liability 500,000
Optional Benefits Limits
Business Extension up to 1,000 (excess 100)
Winter Sports (Ski Equipment) up to 750 (excess 50 or 100)
Personal Accident up to 250,000
Baggage up to 10,000

Travel Medical Insurance

Some benefits are subject to an excess (aka, the deductible, or what you have to pay before we pay), as stated in the Policy Schedule, and are per Policy Period.

Benefits Limits
Cancellation up to $20,000
Trip Interruption $1,000
Medical and Emergency Expenses $5,000,000 (deductible $250)
Hospital Benefit $25 per day, maximum $100
Personal Accident up to $50,000
Baggage $2,000 (deductible $250)
Personal Money and Passport, limited to $250 in respect of cash $500 (deductible $250)
Personal Liability $500,000
Optional Benefits Limits
Business Extension up to $1,000 (deductible $100)
Winter Sports (Ski Equipment) up to $750 (deductible $50 or $100)

Travel Medical Insurance

Some benefits are subject to an excess (aka, the deductible, or what you have to pay before we pay), as stated in the Policy Schedule, and are per Policy Period.

Benefits Limits
Cancellation and Curtailment 5,000
Emergency Medical Expenses, Evacuation and Repatriation of Mortal Remains 10,000,000 (excess 250 or 50)
Hospital Benefit 25 per day, maximum 100
Personal Accident up to 250,000
Baggage Loss or Delay up to 5,000 (excess 250 or 50)
Personal Money and Passport, limited to 250 in respect of cash 500 (excess 250 or 50)
Personal Liability 500,000
Travel Delay 500
Optional Benefits Limits
Business Extension up to 1,000 (excess 100)
Winter Sports (Ski Equipment) up to 750 (excess 50 or 100)