✈️ Private Aircraft Flying Travel Insurance
Flying on a private plane, whether it's as a passenger, pilot-in-training, or just having fun as a private flyer, is generally considered more dangerous than commercial air travel because of the increased number of variables involved. Most travel insurance policies do not cover private airplane activity due to the type of aircraft, geographical location, or the amount of risk associated with the flight. Therefore, travelers should consider purchasing a specialized type of travel insurance that covers private planes or use the same kind of policy for adventure sports in order to be protected.
This type of travel insurance provides financial assistance for things such as emergency medical services, emergency evacuation, lost wages due to accident-related injuries, and any additional costs that may arise from an accident occurring while flying on a privately operated commercial plane. When you take advantage of our insurance options you can be assured that you have adequate financial protection while enjoying your private pilot or private charter experience.
American Visitor Insurance makes it easy to compare multiple plans that specifically include private aircraft risks — something most regular travel policies refuse to cover. With instant quotes, flexible plan options, and worldwide protection, travelers can confidently enjoy aviation adventures with the right insurance in place.
What Are the Best Visitor Insurance Plans for Private Aircraft Flying in the USA?
Travelers planning to enjoy Private Aircraft Flying in the USA should choose a travel medical insurance plan that specifically covers air-activity and adventure sports. The best Private Aircraft Flying travel insurance options for visitors to the USA include Diplomat America and Diplomat Long Term, all available through American Visitor Insurance. These plans offer strong medical coverage and optional sports riders designed for high-risk activities like Private Aircraft Flying.
Diplomat America
Global Underwriters
Diplomat America excludes most aircraft-related activities unless you are a passenger on a commercial flight. However, with the Hazardous Activity Sports Rider, certain aviation sports can be included. Covered only if Hazardous Sports Rider is purchased:
- Piloting or flying a non-commercial aircraft.
- Other hazardous air sports included in their Low/Mid/High categories.
Always covered (no rider required):
- Traveling as a fare-paying passenger on a regularly scheduled commercial airline.
- Traveling as a passenger on a non-scheduled, private aircraft used for business or pleasure.
Excluded (not covered):
- Flying in aircraft used for testing/experiments.
- Acting as pilot, crew, or trainee (without Hazardous Sports Rider).
- Ultralight flying, hang-gliding, skydiving, parachuting (unless rider purchased).
- Spacecraft or aircraft designed to leave earth’s atmosphere.
Diplomat Long Term
Global Underwriters
Diplomat Longterm excludes most aircraft-related activities unless you are a passenger on a commercial flight. However, with the Hazardous Activity Sports Rider, certain aviation sports can be included. Covered only if Hazardous Sports Rider is purchased:
- Piloting or flying a non-commercial aircraft.
- Other hazardous air sports included in their Low/Mid/High categories.
Always covered (no rider required):
- Traveling as a fare-paying passenger on a regularly scheduled commercial airline.
- Traveling as a passenger on a non-scheduled, private aircraft used for business or pleasure.
Excluded (not covered):
- Flying in aircraft used for testing/experiments.
- Acting as pilot, crew, or trainee (without Hazardous Sports Rider).
- Ultralight flying, hang-gliding, skydiving, parachuting (unless rider purchased).
- Spacecraft or aircraft designed to leave earth’s atmosphere.
🛩️ Why Buy Private Aircraft Flying Insurance From American Visitor Insurance?
Compare Insurance Plans from Top-Rated Travel Insurance Companies that Provide Medical Emergency Evacuation and Accidental Injury Coverage for "Private Aerial Warehousing."
- Find Insurance Providers Who Offer Insurance for Private Aviation; Most Traditional Travel Policies Exclude Private Aviation.
- Insurance Coverage Available for Passengers, Recreational Flying, and Students in Aviation.
- Worldwide Coverage Available for Flying Across Mountains, Coastlines, Forests, or Remote Areas.
- Affordable Rates for Civilian-inspired Aviation and Other High-Risk Activities.
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance in the Event of Accident, Evacuation, or Plans for Hospitalization Related to Flight.
- Purchase Insurance Online and instantly receive your Policy Documents.
- Flexibility to Customize Your Insurance with Trip Interruption Coverage, AD&D (Accidental Death and Dismemberment) or Other Add-Ons to Personalize Your Insurance Coverage Plan.
- Over 15 Years of Experience Assisting Travelers with Aviation and Adventure Sports Insurance, American Visitor Insurance Provides Unmatched Service.
🚀 Why Private Aircraft Flying Needs Dedicated Insurance?
There are several things to think about when flying in a private plane, including:
- Size (smaller planes are generally less stable)
- The weather (you may fly into a storm with little warning)
- The location of your destination (many flights leave from remote locations where they may not have significant access to facilities for repairs or other emergencies)
- Emergency resources available to you in the event of an accident (many small planes will not have many emergency resources)
- Turbulence (you may experience significant turbulence on the flight)
In many cases, even a small accident or incident can cost you tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills if you are in the U.S. This is why it’s essential to have special private aircraft-related travel insurance when participating in:
- Travelers taking sightseeing trips on a small plane
- Students taking flight lessons
- Travelers riding with a friend who is licensed
- Passengers on charter flights
- Anyone who is participating in recreational activities involving aviation
By having a proper insurance policy, you can protect yourself against unpredictable emergencies and expensive medical costs.
🛫 What Does Private Aircraft Flying Insurance Typically Cover?
- Emergency Medical Expenses: Covers treatment, hospitalization, surgery, ambulance charges, and ICU if injured during a private flight.
- Emergency Medical Evacuation: Covers the transportation (ground or air) of you to the nearest medical facility in case of a medical emergency.
- Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D): Provides you with financial benefits for dismemberment or death due to an accident while engaging in an activity covered by your insurance.
- Repatriation of Remains: Covers the transportation of your deceased body to your country of origin.
- Trip Interruption (this benefit is optional in some plans): Will reimburse you for certain travel expenses incurred as a result of having to cancel your trip due to injury sustained while flying on a covered aircraft.
- Adventure Sports/Hazardous Activities Rider: Many plans require the purchase of a special rider in order to provide coverage for flying on a private aircraft and participating in adventure/hazardous activities.
🛡️ Who Should Buy Private Aircraft Flying Travel Insurance?
- Passengers on private sightseeing flights
- Travelers on recreational aviation trips
- Adventure tourists who fly in small airplanes
- Student pilots who are taking flying lessons
- People visiting friends or relatives who have small airplanes
- Travelers flying on a chartered private aircraft
- Photographers and others who take photographs while flying
If your flight is not on a commercial airline, there is a strong possibility you will need to purchase separate insurance for your private aircraft flying experience.
🧭 Benefits of Private Aircraft Flying Travel Insurance
- Protection against medical expenses incurred while engaged in high-risk aviation activities.
- Providing peace of mind to family and other loved ones.
- Protection against unanticipated flight related injuries that occur while flying.
- Global coverage for those who are involved in international aviation activities.
- Assistance from emergency teams when flying over distant and uninhabited territory.
- Assistance with medical expenses resulting from unanticipated emergencies, including but not limited to turbulence, crash landings, or acts of God.
❌ What Is Not Covered?
- Flying a private aircraft as a professional pilot
- Competitive aviation
- High-risk stunts or aerobatics
- Unauthorized or uncertified aircraft
- Flights against aviation authority rules
- Flying intoxicated or violating safety instructions
🌍 Best Destinations for Private Aircraft Flying
- Alaska
- Hawaii
- Canada – Northwest Territories
- New Zealand
- South Africa
- Patagonia, Chile
✨ Why Do You Need Insurance for Private Aircraft Flying?
- Private planes travel within low altitude and varied terrain, increasing risk.
- Many places have limited access to medical facilities for emergencies; remote airports may be many miles from hospitals or helicopter services.
- Medical transportation from remote locations typically costs anywhere from $30,000 to over $200,000 for emergency services.
- Most travel insurance providers will not cover private flight unless specifically requested.
- Insurance covering hazardous sports riders provides coverage while en route and for landing.
✈️ What Is Private Aircraft Flying Travel Insurance?
Private aircraft flying travel insurance covers medical and emergency services when using a private jet (either with or without a pilot) as a passenger and amateur flyer. Since there are greater risks to flying with a private individual than there are with a commercial airline, therefore, almost all generic travel insurance policies do not cover private aircraft flying unless you have an additional Aviation Crimes Coverage attached to it.
Private aircraft flying travel insurance does provide coverage during:
- Flying on scenic trips with a private plane
- Transport via bush planes and/or remotely accessible locations
- Chartering or renting small charter planes for sightseeing
- Flying as an amateur or private aviator
- Using air taxis to fly to remote locations (such as islands and deserts)
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❓ Private Aircraft Flying Insurance – FAQs
1. Is Private Aircraft (PCA) Travel Insurance Coverage Provided by Standard Travel Insurance Policies?
PCA is not covered under most travel insurance policies as most companies exclude this type of flying type from their coverage; however, specialized coverage for PCA exists, and in some cases can be purchased as an add-on to standard plans.
2. If I Want to Fly in a Private Aircraft (PCA), Who Needs to Purchase PCA Travel Insurance?
If you will be travelling to any location where a non-commercial pilot will be flying you there, then you need to buy PCA travel insurance. Examples include the following: as a recreational passenger; as a student pilot; as part of an AIR TOUR, or sightseeing flight; but certainly as a passenger of a chartered private aircraft.
3. What Exactly Does Private Aircraft (PCA) Travel Insurance Cover?
Coverage can include emergency medical treatment, which may include but not limited to: medical evacuation, accidental injury, intensive care unit (ICU) and sometimes accidental death and/or dismemberment. Note that not every plan will have the same benefit structure, so check your policy's coverages prior to travelling by PCA.
4. Does the Pilot Have to Be Licensed for PCA Travel Insurance to Be Covered Under the Policy?
Yes, as per nearly all PCA travel insurance plans, in order for your PCA travel insurance policy to cover the flight, the Pilot must hold all appropriate certifications; otherwise, you may have no coverage if an accident occurs.
5. Can I Purchase PCA Travel Insurance for Flights Outside the USA?
Yes, you may be able to use PCA Travel Insurance for flights worldwide provided that the Aircraft and Pilot meet all required national and/or international certification requirements.
6. Where Can I Find the Best Way to Compare Private Aircraft (PCA) Travel Insurance?
Visit American Visitor Insurance for the most comprehensive list of Aviation-friendly insurance Plans. They only list those that allow or offer PCA Coverage. Expert Assistance in Choosing the Best Insurance Plan for Your Type of Flying.
7. Is It Required to Have This Insurance When Going on Scenic or Sightseeing Flights?
There is no legal requirement, however it is strongly recommended due to the very high cost of medical expenses associated with mishaps involving small aircraft.
⭐ Why Buy Private Aircraft Flying Insurance From American Visitor Insurance?
- Compare top adventure sports plans instantly.
- Trusted U.S. insurance marketplace for 20+ years.
- 24/7 customer support.
- Plans for U.S. visitors and outbound travelers.
- Affordable premiums from trusted US insurers.
- Secure & fast online purchase with instant coverage.