Search and Rescue (SAR)
Search and Rescue Infographic
Search and Rescue (SAR)
When it comes to search and rescue (SAR), there isn't a clear cut answer to "Who pays for the operation" and "The cost of this operation". The cost of SAR is highly dependent upon the type and length of operation and its location.
North America
Much of North America, specifically USA, does not charge skiers/snowboarders for search and rescue. However there are several states in the United States that deviate from this no cost for SAR policy and are allowed to charge the rescued: (please refer to the Search and Rescue infographic).
- Sates allowed to charge for search and rescue operation
- Oregon
- Utah
- Idaho
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Maine
- Vermont
- New Hampshire
Europe
In much of Europe, most scenarios require the person being rescued to pay for the SAR operation. Hence many skiers/snowboarders travel with insurance to offset extortionate costs associated with search and rescue. Therefore to provide you with extra reassurance we have added Search and Rescue cover (of up to £10,000) to our Black Winter Sports Policy.
General costs associated with Search and Rescue*
| Europe | General Costs | North America |
| £2,100 per hour | Helicopter (to operate) | £1,100 to £3,200 per hour (dependent upon the size of helicopter) |
| £2,500 | Airlift to hospital | £10,000 to £12,000 (dependent upon the distance) |
| £6,000 | Repatriation | £30,000 |
| £9,000 | Helicopter evacuation | £2,600 |
| £50,000 (on occasions) | Air Ambulance Repatriation | £49,500 (on average) |
** Please note that these Search and Rescue costs are just an average approximation. The SAR costs can highly dependent upon the type and length of search and rescue operation.