Whilst season-long ski insurance can easily be obtained through the MoneyMaxim travel insurance comparison service (get a quote via the green button above), many prefer to seek out more specific insurance cover from companies who specialise in longer stay wintersports cover. Below we detail a few of the companies we have come across, and the sample cost for a couple of European destinations.

MPI Brokers

MPI Brokers are currently updating their policies but they will be shown once they are available

The company have separate rates for different parts of Europe, and are particularly competitive in France. They have a 15% discount for buying online.

They cover most sorts of work you might undertake abroad except physical work involving the use of industrial machinery, or any work outside more than 6 metres above the ground, or work under ground.,

When it comes to activities, MPI will endeavour to find cover for you. If you are taking part in an activity other than skiing, watersports or mountain (cover for these are detailed on the policy document) you can contact MPI and they will help to arrange cover.

Ski Seasonaires has no days limit within the insured period and will cover skiing, snowboarding on or off piste (with or without a guide), skitouring and skiing in snow parks. You can also add on the Ski Instructors Liability Extension if you are teaching on the slopes in a voluntary capacity or the Ski Racing and Competition Extension if you are taking part in any competitive events.

There are many options available with the Worldwide Seasonaires/Backpacker policy. If you are not travelling to ski then you can choose to remove the Wintersports cover and there are other extensions which can be added such as:

• Mountain Biking
• Amateur Rugby
• Summer Sports Equipment
• Laptop/Tablet Cover up to £1500

Worldwide Insure

Worldwide Insure Longstay policies are available to UK residents. Policies can sometimes be extended - to do this you would need to contact Worldwide Insure. They offer a very basic policy which is great for those whose possessions are covered through their home insurance and two more comprehensive policies.

You are given the option to add ski cover. They will only cover one month continuous wintersports

As at 14th May 2024 the cost of one month continuous Wintersports cover is as follows:

• Budget £21
• Economy £28
• Super £35

, They cover those working abroad as long as 'manual labour' is not involved, and the company have confirmed work as bar or chalet staff is fine, and lift workers would be covered as long as the role was as an operator rather than as a repair worker.

As they have one pan European rate they can be very competitive in those countries which are more expensive for travel insurance, such as Spain and Switzerland.

British Mountaineering Council

This policy is designed for those looking to get involved in more extreme mountain activities. It does however come at a price, and if you are a boarder they will charge you extra! Covers all types of skiing including on-piste, off-piste, cross-country, touring, downhill, telemark, nordic, heli-skiing, ski-mountaineering and snowboarding (worldwide for an extra premium). Scottish Winter climbing, ice climbing, alpine climbing. Search and Rescue cover included. All climbing in Europe and most peaks worldwide up to 6,500m. Only open to BMC members. Be aware though that manual work is excluded from cover.

You do need to be a BMC member to take up their cover which costs £1.77 per month if you are under 27 years old.

Won't a GHIC or EHIC Card and a Carte Neige cover me?

The GHIC card (or EHIC card if yours is still valid) only gives a traveller access to the same standard of medical assistance offered to a citizen of the country you are visiting. It is not equivalent to private healthcare. We would not recommend either or the combination of both as adequate for a Brit overseas. The holes in the cover, such as repatriation costs in the case of illness (the Carte Neige covers only skiing accidents, and is really designed for French Nationals to top up their existing health cover) and liability insurance mean that whilst we think both have benefits they should be used in addition rather than instead of proper trip insurance.

21 year old travelling to France for 5 months

28 year old travelling to Switzerland for 5 months

Prices are as at 14/05/24 and include Wintersports cover. Please check company websites for latest information.

This information is based on journalistic investigation and research. It is not financial advice. Any information should be considered in regard to specific circumstances. Any suggestions followed up are done so at your own risk and your own research is key.

This content was last reviewed on 01/10/2024