In the past, mountain climbers had to purchase climbing insurance in groups of five or more. Now, the rules have been relaxed so that even individuals planning to climb can buy the insurance. Additionally, the payout amount has been raised from the original NT$500,000 to NT$1 million (excluding air rescue services). Thanks to effective promotion by property insurers and mandatory insurance requirements imposed by some local governments, the number of insured climbers has grown year after year over the past three years.
Mountain climber disappearances are not uncommon. In the past, many climbers were either unaware of the need for climbing insurance or restricted by the rule requiring at least five people to purchase coverage, resulting in relatively low insurance uptake. However, as property insurers have raised awareness about risk, sales of climbing insurance have shown a year-on-year upward trend. Premiums for climbing insurance amounted to NT$1.26 million in 2014, rising to NT$2.84 million and NT$4.26 million in 2015 and 2016, respectively.
Furthermore, the Property Insurance Association of Taiwan has also adjusted its policies this year in response to the needs of local governments revising their autonomous regulations on mountain area activity management. Starting in June, the minimum number of climbers required to purchase comprehensive climbing insurance has been reduced from the current five to one, better meeting the needs of climbers. As a result, the property insurance industry expects the number of policies purchased this year to continue increasing. The exclusions for climbing insurance are the same as those for general accident insurance—if death, disability, or injury results from intentional acts or criminal behavior, the insurer will not provide compensation. Some property insurers, to avoid disputes over claims with policyholders, simply refrain from selling climbing insurance during typhoons or when a typhoon is about to hit, as mountainous areas are considered high-risk zones.
However, Shin Kong Life Insurance states that if a person was already in a warning zone or a prohibited entry area before it was designated as such under disaster prevention laws or before the managing authority issued an announcement, and remains there not due to any fault of their own, they will still be eligible for compensation.