We've all been there, or are currently there; insurance-less and underemployed, but happy as a clam because we clock-in 80-plus days per season of skiing or riding. Luckily, there is an insurance company that gets rippin, penniless chicks like some of us: they are called XSI and they offer accident insurance for $17 a month. —Leah Fieldng

It's no surprise that when we head out into the backcountry, strap ourselves into kayaks, click our shoes into our bike pedals and begin a mountain trek that we are taking risks. Many of us have sacrificed a safe, office job with benefits for a life on the wild side working as a ski shop lackey, guide, instructor or patrolwomen. If you're part-time you often don't receive benefits, yet you're still taking incredible physical risk every day.

Robert Scott, of Draper, Utah, who has been in the insurance business for 14 years, recognized the disparity between sports-driven people and insurance options, after he broke his hand boxing—Scott is an amateur boxer—and created Xtreme Sports Insurance.
Scott partnered with Conesco Insurance Company last spring and since then XSI has amassed 5,000 participants and has had to hire a fleet of full-time employees.

"It's turned into a full-time gig," said Scott enthusiastically.
But it's no surprise that XSI expanded so quickly at $17 a month for coverage.
Unlike mainstream insurance companies, XSI pays the injured athlete, not the hospital or doctor. Participants filing a claim simply need to submit proof of injury from a doctor.

"It can also work as a supplement to your current insurance," said Scott.
For more information visit www.xsinow.com.