United Kingdom

Preparing for wild weather in Wales

BY battleface

From Snowdonia to Pembrokeshire and the Brecon Beacons, Wales is home to a wealth of beautiful landscapes and countryside criss-crossed by trails ideal for adventurous walking or hiking trips. Whether you want to summit the highest peak in Wales, enjoy a scenic coastal walk, or retreat to the calm of ancient woodlands, you can find what you’re looking for in the national parks and verdant expanses of Wales. However, the country also has plenty of unpredictable and wild weather to watch out for, particularly during the fall and winter months.

However, potentially extreme weather conditions shouldn’t prevent you from scheduling a trip when the weather gets a little cooler. With the proper planning, organization, and common sense, you can be fully prepared for any inclement weather, no matter the season. And you can enjoy whatever activities you have planned — be it hiking, backpacking, mountaineering, or mountain biking — with the right gear in tow.
No matter what kind of outdoor adventure you’re planning for your trip to Wales, you won’t want to forget your travel insurance. Even the most meticulously planned trips can go sideways, and you’ll want to make sure you’re safe and sound. A battleface travel plan provides peace of mind for every trip, thanks to travel medical insurance and medical evacuation, baggage loss and delay, trip interruption and trip delay coverage.

Hiking and walking in Wales

Heading out on a hike or long walk in Wales requires some forward planning. First, you’ll want to make sure you choose a route that is suitable for the fitness level of you and your group. Don’t be overly ambitious, especially if you’re inexperienced and unfamiliar with the terrain. Take note of the estimated time it will take to complete your route, and make sure you set out early enough that you’ll be able to comfortably finish before nightfall.

You’ll also want to keep a close eye on the weather conditions as the day of your walk or hike approaches. Check for any weather warnings on a local radio station the morning of your hike, and if there are any severe storms or extreme weather events forecast — such as flood warnings, strong winds, or thunderstorms — you may want to reconsider. If local authorities advise that people should stay indoors or seek shelter, then you should definitely not head out.

Also keep in mind that conditions can change very quickly on the ground. While you may wake up to sun and clear skies, you can easily find yourself in the midst of heavy rainfall or snow just a matter of hours later. The best advice is to not assume the best — prepare for the worst.

That said, forecast rain or snow does not have to deter you or mean you should cancel your plans. Just make sure you’re adequately prepared with the right gear, clothes, and emergency kit. Read on to find out what to pack for wild weather in Wales.

What to pack for hiking in Wales

When it comes to packing for severe weather, the best advice is to wear plenty of layers. While you may be tempted to wear your heaviest and warmest coat, wearing several lighter layers is actually a better way of keeping warm air circulating and protecting against strong winds and rain.

Always keep your extremities warm, with a hat, gloves, thick walking socks, and waterproof hiking shoes or boots. Thermal, lightweight base layers are a great idea to wear close to your body, with several mid layers on top. If you encounter a severe storm or heavy rain and get completely soaked, you’ll be glad if you pack some additional clothes in your pack to change into. But at the very least, bring an extra pair of socks because nothing is more miserable than hiking with wet feet.

Perhaps the most important part of your gear is your waterproof outerwear. In addition to a waterproof jacket, you may also need waterproof trousers to wear over your pants in case you encounter heavy rainfall. A waterproof cover for your backpack will keep your supplies dry, and you should carry any valuables or electronic items inside a waterproof container.

You’ll also want to pack snacks and plenty of water. It’s best to overestimate how much you might need to eat or drink on your hike in case you end up staying out longer than you anticipated. And remember, just because it may be cold, it doesn’t mean you don’t need to drink plenty of fluids. Taking a flask of hot tea can be a great way to warm up and stay hydrated at the same time.

Navigating your route

According to local authorities, the most common reason for emergency services call outs from hikers and walkers in Wales is people becoming lost. Too many hikers assume that they can simply navigate using their phone’s GPS, or use trail markings to find their way. But phone batteries die, signals can be poor or non-existent, and things don’t always happen as anticipated.
So in addition to packing your fully charged phone and a portable charger, make sure you also take a map that is recommended by local tourist services. Even if you don’t plan to be out after nightfall, it’s wise to also pack headlamps with spare batteries, alongside your emergency kit. A first aid kit is also essential, and make absolutely sure you have the contact numbers for local emergency services before you set off

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OHIO: Any person who, with intent to defraud or knowing that he is facilitating a fraud against an insurer, submits an application or files a claim containing a false or deceptive statement is guilty of insurance fraud.

OKLAHOMA: Any person who knowingly, and with intent to injure, defraud or deceive any insurer, makes any claim for the proceeds of an insurance policy containing any false, incomplete or misleading information is guilty of a felony.

OREGON: IMPORTANT NOTE: Any person who knowingly presents a false or fraudulent claim for payment of a loss or benefit or knowingly presents false information in an application for insurance may be guilty of a crime and may be subject to fines and confinement in prison.

TENNESSEE: It is a crime to knowingly provide false, incomplete or misleading information to an insurance company for the purpose of defrauding the company. Penalties include imprisonment, fines and denial of insurance benefit.

TEXAS: Any person who knowingly presents a false or fraudulent claim for payment of a loss is guilty of a crime and may be subject to fines and confinement in state prison.

VIRGINIA: It is a crime to knowingly provide false, incomplete or misleading information to an insurance company for the purpose of defrauding the company. Penalties include imprisonment, fines and denial of insurance benefits.

WASHINGTON: It is a crime to knowingly provide false, incomplete or misleading information to an insurance company for the purpose of defrauding the company. Penalties include imprisonment, fines and denial of insurance benefits.

NEW YORK*: Any person who knowingly and with intent to defraud any insurance company or other person files an application for insurance or statement of claim containing any materially false information, or conceals for the purpose of misleading, information concerning any fact material thereto, commits a fraudulent insurance act, which is a crime, and shall also be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed five thousand dollars and the stated value of the claim for each such violation.

PRE-EXISTING MEDICAL CONDITION

Pre-Existing Medical Condition means an illness, disease, or other condition during the 180 day period immediately prior to the date Your coverage is effective :

received or received a recommendation for a test, examination, or medical treatment for a condition which first manifested itself, worsened or became acute, or had symptoms which would have prompted a reasonable person to seek diagnosis, care or treatment; or
took or received a prescription for drugs or medicine. Item (2) of this definition does not apply to a condition which is treated or controlled solely through the taking of prescription drugs or medicine and remains treated or controlled without any adjustment or change in the required prescription throughout the 180 day period before coverage is effective under this policy.
required a change in prescribed medication. Change in prescribed medication means the dosage or frequency of a medication has been reduced, increased, stopped and/or new medications have been prescribed due to the worsening of an underlying condition that is being treated with the medication, unless the change is:
1. between a brand name and a generic medication with comparable dosage; or
2. an adjustment to insulin or anti-coagulant dosage.

If you, or someone you are traveling with, has a Pre-Existing Medical Condition, you can still buy a policy from us but there is no cover for any claim arising directly or indirectly from that condition.

PRE-EXISTING MEDICAL CONDITION

Any Medical Condition that, within the last 12 months, required any:

surgery, inpatient or outpatient treatment, referrals or investigations of any sort. This includes being on any waiting list, taking any prescription medication, tablets or required medical treatment (This will not apply to common colds, flu or contraceptive medication);
medical advice or treatment for any respiratory condition relating to the lungs or breathing;
medical advice or treatment for any heart, stroke or diabetic condition;

Hypertension or high cholesterol controlled by 1 prescription drug only and where the dosage has not been changed within the last 12 months will not be considered a pre-existing medical condition

Coverages Available:

*not all coverages are available in all states

Travel Protection Benefits	Limits
Trip Cancellation	100% of trip cost (up to a maximum of $20,000)
Single Occupancy	Up to trip cost
Cancel for Any Reason	Up to 75% of trip cost Up to 50% of trip costs in FL(CFAR not available to NY residents)
Trip Interruption	150% of trip cost
Delay Package
Trip Delay	Maximum $200 per day up to $2,500
Missed Connection	Maximum of $1,000 per covered trip
Baggage Package – Excess
Baggage and Personal Effects	$2,500 $100 Deductible
Baggage Delay	$100 per day up to a maximum of $500
Travel Medical Package – Excess AK, CO, ID, ND, NH – Primary
Travel Medical Expense – Adventure sports included	$100,000 $50,000 in NH $50 Deductible
Emergency Dental	$750
Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation of Remains	Up to $500,000 Up to $1,000,000 in NH
Accidental Death & Dismemberment	$100,000 or $250,000 or $500,000
Pet Medical Package
Pet Medical Expense	Up to $2,000 $100 Deductible
Pet Return	Up to $500
Rental Vehicle Damage – Primary	Up to $35,000 per rented vehicle- Primary $250 Deductible for loss greater than $2,000
Vacation Rental Damage	$1,500 or $3,000 or $5,000

Travel Medical Insurance

Some benefits are subject to an excess (aka, the deductible, or what you have to pay before we pay), as stated in the Policy Schedule, and are per Policy Period.

Benefits	Limits
Cancellation and Curtailment	5,000
Emergency Medical Expenses, Evacuation and Repatriation of Mortal Remains	10,000,000 (excess 250 or 50)
Hospital Benefit	25 per day, maximum 100
Personal Accident	up to 250,000
Baggage Loss or Delay	up to 5,000 (excess 250 or 50)
Personal Money and Passport, limited to 250 in respect of cash	500 (excess 250 or 50)
Personal Liability	500,000
Travel Delay	500
Optional Benefits	Limits
Business Extension	up to 1,000 (excess 100)
Winter Sports (Ski Equipment)	up to 750 (excess 50 or 100)
Important notes: Winter Sports optional cover, where selected, does not extend to the Personal Liability benefit under Section F of the policy Travellers up to the age of 79 can purchase this product. Cover for illness is not available for those aged 75 years or over

Travel Medical Insurance

Some benefits are subject to an excess (aka, the deductible, or what you have to pay before we pay), as stated in the Policy Schedule, and are per Policy Period.

Benefits	Limits
Trip Interruption	2,000
Medical and Emergency Expenses	10,000,000 (excess 250)
Hospital Benefit	25 per day, maximum 100
Personal Accident	50,000 as standard, optional increase up to 250,000
Baggage Loss or Delay	2,000 as standard, optional increase up to 10,000
Personal Money and Passport	500 (excess 250) *** Limited to 250 in respect of cash
Personal Liability	500,000
Optional Benefits	Limits
Business Extension	up to 1,000 (excess 100)
Winter Sports (Ski Equipment)	up to 750 (excess 50 per person, 100 per family)
Important notes: Winter Sports optional cover, where selected, does not extend to the Personal Liability benefit under Section G of the policy Travellers up to the age of 79 can purchase this product. Cover for illness is not available for those aged 75 years or over

Travel Medical Insurance

Some benefits are subject to an excess (aka, the deductible, or what you have to pay before we pay), as stated in the Policy Schedule, and are per Policy Period.

Benefits	Limits
Cancellation	up to $20,000
Trip Interruption	$1,000
Medical and Emergency Expenses	$5,000,000 (deductible $250)
Hospital Benefit	$25 per day, maximum $100
Personal Accident	up to $50,000
Baggage	$2,000 (deductible $250)
Personal Money and Passport, limited to $250 in respect of cash	$500 (deductible $250)
Personal Liability	$500,000
Optional Benefits	Limits
Business Extension	up to $1,000 (deductible $100)
Winter Sports (Ski Equipment)	up to $750 (deductible $50 or $100)
Important notes: Winter Sports optional cover, where selected, does not extend to the Personal Liability benefit under Section G of the policy Travellers up to the age of 79 can purchase this product. Cover for illness and Winter Sports is not available for those aged 75 years or over Medical and Emergency Expenses are limited to $50,000 within Canada if you are not covered by government health insurance plan (GHIP) at the time of your claim

Travel Medical Insurance

Some benefits are subject to an excess (aka, the deductible, or what you have to pay before we pay), as stated in the Policy Schedule, and are per Policy Period.

Benefits	Limits
Cancellation and Curtailment	5,000
Emergency Medical Expenses, Evacuation and Repatriation of Mortal Remains	10,000,000 (excess 250 or 50)
Hospital Benefit	25 per day, maximum 100
Personal Accident	up to 250,000
Baggage Loss or Delay	up to 5,000 (excess 250 or 50)
Personal Money and Passport, limited to 250 in respect of cash	500 (excess 250 or 50)
Personal Liability	500,000
Travel Delay	500
Optional Benefits	Limits
Business Extension	up to 1,000 (excess 100)
Winter Sports (Ski Equipment)	up to 750 (excess 50 or 100)
Important notes: Winter Sports optional cover, where selected, does not extend to the Personal Liability benefit under Section F of the policy Travellers up to the age of 79 can purchase this product. Cover for illness is not available for those aged 75 years or over