Paragliding insurance for tandem pilots: The complete guide to liability, rescue costs and legal protection
03/11/2025
4
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
An unforgettable experience for the passenger, a high risk for the pilot. An unforeseen gust of wind can quickly lead to an accident with rescue costs of €10,000 and lengthy legal disputes. This article shows how specialist paragliding insurance for tandem pilots provides financial and legal protection.
Topics on this page
The topic in brief and concise terms
Special passenger liability insurance is essential for tandem pilots, as the standard owner’s liability insurance does not cover passenger damage and strict liability applies up to 163,000 euros.
Rescue costs without medical necessity (e.g. landing in a tree) are not covered by statutory health insurance and can exceed 8,000 euros, which is why private accident insurance with a high sum insured is essential.
A pilot legal expenses policy protects you against high costs for solicitors and expert assessors, which in criminal investigations or disputes after an accident can quickly run into five-figure sums.
Liability: The law protects your passenger, not your assets
Every tandem flight is based on an air carriage contract, which creates a particular liability situation. The German Aviation Act (LuftVG) provides for strict liability, as illustrated by a judgment of the Cologne Regional Court (case no. 3 O 176/19). In this case, a passenger was injured during a hard landing and was awarded EUR 20,000 in compensation for pain and suffering, even though the pilot was not at fault. The liability limit here is around EUR 163,000, which you would have to pay out of pocket without a special passenger liability insurance policy. A standard owner’s liability insurance policy, such as that offered by the German Hang Gliding Association (DHV), only covers damage caused to third parties on the ground, not that of the passenger. The sum insured should be at least EUR 1.5 million in order to be prepared for serious personal injury claims. This special policy is the first and most important pillar of your cover.
Rescue costs: Why health insurance doesn’t pay for a tree landing
A common misconception is the assumption that statutory health insurance covers the costs of a rescue. Insurers make a strict distinction between a medically necessary rescue and recovery from difficult terrain. If, after a change in the weather, you end up uninjured in a tree, there is no medical emergency; the health insurer will not pay. However, a helicopter operation for recovery can quickly cost between 3,000 and 8,000 euros. An average operation in the Alps costs almost 5,000 euros. The DHV paraglider owner’s liability insurance does include a component for recovery costs, but this is tiered. The tariffs offer the following cover limits:
BASIC: up to 2,500 euros
PLUS: up to 10,000 euros
PREMIUM: up to 20,000 euros
This personal benefit applies only to you as the pilot, not to your passenger. A private accident insurance policy or a specialised travel insurance for paragliders can close this gap and protect against six-figure claims.
Legal expenses insurance: The costly dispute after the flight
After an accident, legal proceedings often begin, which can become expensive without specific cover. A specialist pilot legal expenses insurance policy is the third pillar of comprehensive protection. It comes into play in several scenarios. On the one hand, it defends against unfounded compensation claims (passive legal protection), which are often included in liability insurance. On the other hand, it covers the costs of solicitors, courts and expert witnesses if you face a criminal investigation for negligent bodily injury. The cost of an expert report alone can quickly exceed 5,000 euros. Such cover is also crucial in disputes over breaches of airspace regulations or conflicts with the insurance company about its duty to provide cover. Without it, you face litigation costs running into several tens of thousands of euros.
Expert tips for your seamless insurance cover
Optimal insurance cover for tandem pilots is more than the sum of its parts. The policies must be coordinated with one another to avoid dangerous gaps in cover. Our expert tip: Pay attention to the exact terms and exclusions in your contracts. Many standard accident insurance policies explicitly exclude the risk of paragliding. Check whether your policy contains a so-called "air sports clause". A careful analysis of your situation is essential. Here is a checklist for reviewing your current cover:
Passenger liability: Is the cover limit sufficiently high (at least EUR 1.5 million)?
Rescue costs: Does your insurance also cover operations that are not medically necessary, and is it valid worldwide?
Equipment recovery: Are the costs of recovering your wing covered? In the DHV-PREMIUM tariff, EUR 500 is provided for this.
Legal expenses cover: Do you have specific pilot legal expenses cover that includes criminal and administrative law?
Scope of cover: Are flights abroad also fully covered, as is often possible through travel and leisure insurance?
A professional review of your policies can save you from financial ruin. Request an individual risk analysis now: have your insurance situation checked free of charge and receive specific optimisation suggestions.
More useful links
German Hang Gliding Association (DHV) offers comprehensive information about the insurance benefits included as part of DHV membership for paragliding and hang-gliding pilots.
German Hang Gliding Association (DHV) provides specific details on the insurance options for pilots of single-seat paragliders and hang gliders.
German Hang Gliding Association (DHV) offers information in English that may be relevant for international members or prospective members.
HDI shows special insurance offers for paragliding and hang-gliding pilots, arranged through an HDI representative.
German Hang Gliding Association (DHV) is the official homepage of the association, offering an overview of all activities, news and services.
FAQ
Is my private liability insurance sufficient for paragliding?
No, a private liability insurance policy generally excludes damage arising from the operation of aircraft. You need a legally required aircraft owner’s liability insurance policy.
What is the difference between rescue and salvage costs?
Rescue costs arise in an acute medical emergency and are often covered by the health insurance provider. Recovery costs apply when you are rescued from a hazardous situation without serious injury (e.g. from a tree). You usually have to bear these costs yourself if they are not insured.
How much should rescue costs be insured for?
As a helicopter operation in alpine terrain can quickly exceed €10,000, a sum insured of at least €20,000 is recommended to ensure cover even for complex or cross-border operations.
Does the insurance also cover damage to your own paraglider?
No, liability insurance only covers third-party damage. Damage to your own equipment is not insured. This would require separate comprehensive insurance, which is uncommon and very expensive in paragliding.
What happens if I fly without valid insurance?
Flying without the legally required operator liability insurance is an administrative offence under Section 58 of the Aviation Act and may be penalised with hefty fines. In the event of a claim, you are liable without limit with your entire private assets.
