Winter sports travel insurance
Why standard travel insurance isn't enough
Most standard travel insurance policies exclude winter sports activities. Skiing and snowboarding carry a higher risk of injury than typical holiday activities, and the associated medical costs — particularly helicopter evacuation from a mountain — can be very significant. A winter sports extension is essential if you are skiing or snowboarding.
What a winter sports extension should include
- Medical and evacuation cover: Mountain rescue and helicopter evacuation can cost thousands of pounds. Check that your medical cover limit is adequate for the country you are visiting.
- Ski equipment cover: Covers loss, theft, or damage to your own skis, boots, and related equipment, as well as hired equipment if you damage it.
- Piste closure and ski pack: Pays a daily benefit if the resort closes due to insufficient snow, or refunds unused lift passes.
- Personal liability: Covers legal costs and compensation if you injure another skier.
- Avalanche delay cover: Some policies pay costs if you are delayed due to an avalanche.
Off-piste and extreme activities
Off-piste skiing, freestyle, or racing activities may be excluded or covered only under specific conditions. If you plan to ski off-piste, check the policy wording carefully and ensure you are covered — ideally with a qualified guide.
Annual vs single-trip cover
If you ski once a year, adding a winter sports extension to a single-trip policy may be cheaper. If you ski multiple times, an annual policy with winter sports included may be better value. Use our single trip vs annual calculator to compare.
Frequently asked questions
Most standard travel insurance policies exclude winter sports (skiing, snowboarding, and similar activities). You usually need to add a specific winter sports extension to your policy.
A winter sports extension typically adds: medical and evacuation cover for skiing/snowboarding injuries; piste closure cover (if resorts close due to lack of snow); ski equipment cover; ski hire costs; and sometimes avalanche closure cover. Check the policy schedule.
Off-piste skiing is often excluded from standard winter sports extensions, or covered only under specific conditions (for example, when accompanied by a qualified guide). Check the policy exclusions carefully if you plan to ski off-piste.
It depends on the policy. Some annual policies include winter sports cover as standard; others require an add-on. Check your policy schedule, especially the list of excluded activities.
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Disclaimer
This is a simplified estimate based on the assumptions shown above. It isn't a quote, and a real insurer may arrive at a different figure. Use it as a starting point, then check the details with your insurer or adviser.