The American Alpine Club Rescue Benefits with Leigh Preston
Did you know that trail running, skiing, and biking can also be covered under your AAC Rescue Benefits? Neither did I which is why I am thrilled to share my interview with the American Alpine Club’s Membership Director and Rescue Benefits Coordinator, Leigh Preston. In the interview, we discuss Rescue Benefits, how to use them, and finish with a Listener Q&A.
American Alpine Club Rescue Benefits
There are four different levels of AAC membership: Supporter, Partner, Leader, and Advocate. Typically, Leigh steers new members to either the Partner or Leader levels. Think of the Partner Level, $100/year, as your basic rescue plan. It includes $7500 in rescue coverage (i.e., helicopter or ambulance transportation or Search and Rescue evacuation) plus $5000 for medical expenses (any out-of-pocket medical costs related to qualifying incidents). This level is great for individuals who typically travel closer to home.
Leader Level, $250/year, offers $300,000 in rescue coverage plus $5000 for medical expenses. Leigh recommends this level of membership for travelers who plan to go to more extreme backcountry excursions (such as Nepal, Patagonia, etc.). All levels go into effect as soon as you complete your membership transaction online - there is no delay period!
How to Use Your Rescue Benefits
AAC Rescue Benefits work best if you are able to contact Red Point Travel Protection (1-628-251-1510) directly. They coordinate a rescue on your behalf. This works via cell phone and Red Point also partners with Garmin. Leigh recommends setting Red Point as an emergency contact in your Garmin inReach. If you aren’t able to reach Read Point Travel initially, you can contact them afterward and ask for a reimbursement as well.
There are no altitude restrictions and most types of activities are covered including trail running, skiing, hiking, biking, rock climbing, multi-pitch, bouldering, sport climbing - basically any activity that you are not doing at home!
Important Exclusions
Rescue Benefits are not covered in the following areas:
North of the Arctic Circle (parts of Alaska, Greenland, and Canada)
South below the 60th parallel (Antartica)
Flying, jumping or being in an aircraft
AAC members also have the option to upgrade their coverage directly through Red Point. Members are eligible to receive 10% off Red Point’s Ripcord plan!
Listener Q&A
Q: What is the percentage likelihood that Red Point will pay your claims that are not initiated through them?
A: While I don’t see statistics on denied claims, I have heard from members that Red Point is pretty understanding and flexible. As long as you have a qualifying incident and a legitimate reason for why they weren’t contacted, you should be all set!
Q: Does the insurance cover the Emergency Room visit that you get evacuated to?
A: Yes! This is covered under the $5000 for medical expenses related to emergency stabilization.
Q: How many people successfully utilize rescue benefits annually? I worry about denied benefits?
A: In the past 12 months, we have had 15 people successfully use the evacuation and rescue benefits as well as a couple dozen that have processed medical claims. I would expect this number to be higher given the amount of active AAC members so I suspect many people don’t fully understand how to utilize their Rescue Benefits!
Q: How do people typically use these benefits?
A: Predominantly, people utilize these benefits for medical expense coverage related to Emergency Room visits.
Q: If you’re with a friend who doesn’t have benefits and you do and they need rescue, can you transfer benefits?
A: No, membership only covers you. There are Family Membership discounts as well as student and veteran discounts so I highly encourage everyone to become an AAC member!
Tune in to this BONUS episode about Rescue Benefits that are covered with your American Alpine Club membership.
Learn more about the AAC’s Rescue Benefits! To initiate a rescue with Red Point Travel Protection call: 1-628-251-1510
If you have a success story using the Red Point Insurance from being an AAC member, make sure to reach out to Leigh at the AAC and share your story! And as always, "PLAY HARD AND BE SMART!"
Cover Photo Credit: Drew Smith
