26 November 2024

Winter Sports Travel Insurance - What is included?

Compare ski holiday insurance. You may be surprised by the added benefits.

The main reasons many people buy travel insurance is to protect against cancellation, medical emergencies or if their luggage goes missing. If you are heading to the ski slopes, then you may know that you need additional cover for the increased risk that winter sports brings. We recommend that you compare travel insurance policies that cover skiing as cover levels and what is included can vary.

Are you aware of all the additional benefits that Winter Sports Travel Insurance may offer?

Ski Equipment

This is cover not just for your own or borrowed skis but can also cover hired gear as well. Compensation is usually factored by the age of the equipment but may also include the cost of hiring if your own skis are stolen. Cover is also available if your skis boots or other luggage is delayed or lost in transit.

Ski Pass

Your lift pass can be one of the more expensive parts of any ski holiday so if it is lost or stolen, forking out for a new one can be very painful on the wallet. Your ski travel insurance can recompense you if you need a new lift pass and it can also pay out if you are taken ill or have an injury which means you are unable to make full use of it.

Piste Closure

Sometimes you can reach your destination with no issue only to discover that some of the ski runs are out of action. This can happen due adverse weather conditions, avalanche warnings or lack of snow. If you have this section included with your travel insurance, it may cover the cost of transport and a new ski pass for an alternative resort.

Travel Delay

Travel delays can happen not just at the airport. A local avalanche alert can prevent you reaching your accommodation safely. If this happens you may need to make alternative arrangements for travel or a different place to stay. Check whether your policy will reimburse you for these costs.

Physiotherapy

Unfortunately accidents on the slopes whether you are skiing, snowboarding or tobogganing are common. Most winter travel insurance policies will help with medical care at your resort but, depending on the seriousness of your injury, you may need ongoing care on your return home. Some ski travel insurance policies will include cover for physiotherapy treatment back in the UK.

Search and Rescue

If you are unlucky enough to be caught on the slopes in bad weather, or lose your way on the pistes then knowing there are highly trained staff who can come to your aid is very reassuring. However, if the search and rescue team are called out for you, you could see a large bill coming your way. Let's hope it doesn't happen to you but winter sports insurance with this emergency cover included is available.

What is important to consider with Ski Travel Insurance?

• Ensure that you are covered for your chosen activities. The sports that are covered will be listed in the terms and conditions of the policy.

• If you take part in an activity that you are not covered for, including off-piste skiing, then your travel insurer is unlikely to pay out on any claim.

You can compare many different travel insurers in one go by using our travel insurance comparison service. Just select that you require winter sports cover when you run your quote.

Are you an experienced skier looking for the extra thrill of skiing off-piste? Do you need ski travel insurance which will cover you when you have an underlying health conditions? Are you going abroad for the whole ski season?

If you require more specialist winter travel cover for your trip to the slopes we can also help. Our panel of insurers includes many providers that are experts in providing winter sports travel cover to those with particular needs.