Whether you’re skiing, snowboarding or tobogganing, winter sports travel insurance will bring some peace of mind to your wintry getaway. We cover potential issues that are exclusive to winter sports, such as lost or damaged equipment, closed pistes and medical evacuation from the mountain. That’s one less thing to think about when planning your ski trip!
What is winter sports travel insurance and do you need it?
Winter sports travel insurance is a specific type of travel insurance that covers the increased levels of risk that come with winter sports. Winter sports are typically activities like skiing, snowboarding or tobogganing.
Winter sports holidays are exhilarating, but there is no doubt that they come with a certain amount of risk. Accidents on the mountain come with an increased level of complexity to treat, which often makes them very expensive.
- More than 200 significant winter sports-related injuries are reported each year, according to the ABTA.
- 12% of people aged 25-34 have gone on a winter sports trip with someone who has a major injury from the slopes, such as a broken bone or concussion, which has landed them in hospital.
Regular travel insurance policies cover accidents and injuries, but they will not cover the high-risk activities of winter sports. Therefore, if you’re injured while skiing or snowboarding, you may not be covered. This makes getting specific winter sports travel insurance incredibly important.
Which winter sports are covered?
Our winter sports travel insurance includes a range of different activities, from skiing and snowboarding to bobsleighing and tobogganing.
Here’s a list of all the winter sports activities we cover:
- Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Off-piste skiing/snowboarding (except where considered unsafe by resort management)
- Cross country skiing
- Freestyle skiing*
- Cat skiing
- Mono skiing
- Recreational/non-professional ski racing or training*
- Ski acrobatics*
- Ski bob racing*
- Ski/snowboard fun parks*
- Ski stunting*
- Ski touring with a guide
- Bobsleighing*
- Glacier walking or trekking under 2,000m altitude
- Ice climbing under 100m (fully supervised)*
- Ice fishing
- Ice hockey*
- Lugeing*
- Snowmobiling*
- Tobogganing
Note: Unfortunately, there is no cover for ski flying, ski jumping or ski mountaineering. For the activities marked with an * above an increased medical excess of £250 will apply and there will be no cover under the personal accident or personal liability sections of the policy. See our policy wording for more details.
What else does InsureandGo’s winter sports travel insurance cover?
What’s covered?
Your travel insurance policy with winter sports added includes:
- Emergency medical expenses
- Cover for cancellation of your trip
- Over 100 sports and activities covered (see your policy wording for a full list of activities)
- Personal belongings and baggage cover
- Personal money, passports and travel documents cover
- Accommodation cover
- Legal expenses cover
- Delayed departure cover
- Our 24-hour emergency assistance team, available to call, day or night
What’s not covered?
We strive to provide as much cover as possible. However, there are some situations no travel insurance will cover. For example:
- You cannot cover events or reasons to claim which took place before you booked the trip or purchased insurance. Insurance exists to cover unexpected events outside of the insured’s control
- Claims which are less than the excess for that section of cover. For example, you cannot claim a £40 lost item if your baggage excess is £60
- All of our winter sports travel insurance policies include cover for cancellation of your trip, but there may be some exclusions. For example, you won’t be covered to cancel if you simply decide not to go
We will consider all pre-existing medical conditions, find out more about medical travel insurance.
The excess and amount of cover available varies depending on the level of travel insurance for winter sports you buy. Make sure you check the policy wording to see the full terms and conditions.
To check the policy exclusions and what is and isn’t included, take a look at our policy wording.
Valuables
The amount of valuables cover available depends on the policy you choose. Make sure you have a look at our policy wording to see the full terms and conditions. If you’ll be taking away something a bit more expensive you can add our valuables extension.
Lost, stolen or damaged items
Our winter sports travel insurance policies cover all skis, poles, snowboards, boots & bindings. We’ll cover lost, stolen or damaged items, even if they’re stolen out of a ski rack (between the hours of 10am – 8pm). We’ll also cover costs to hire equipment if yours is lost, stolen or damaged.
Unfortunately, we can’t cover lost, stolen or damaged items that are left unattended. We also can’t cover lost, stolen or damaged items that are not reported to the police within 24 hours.
Trip length
Winter sports cover for a single trip will last the whole length of your stay. If you add winter sports cover to an annual multi-trip policy, this will only cover you for 17 days of snowy fun.
How much does winter sports insurance cost?
There is no fixed cost for winter sports travel insurance. The cost of your winter sports travel insurance will vary depending on a few factors, such as:
- The length of your trip. The longer your trip is, the more expensive winter sports insurance becomes. This is because there’s a higher chance of something going wrong. For example, an injury while skiing, falling ill, or disrupted travel plans. While annual travel insurance is more expensive than single trip policies, it’s more cost-effective if you’re jetting off on multiple trips.
- Where you’re going. Some countries have higher risk factors than others. For example, travelling to a country with expensive medical treatments, like the US. Or to high-risk countries like Ukraine and Syria.
- Your medical conditions. Participating in winter sports comes with an increased risk of injury, especially if you’re living with a medical condition. If this is the case, please inform us. If you don’t, it may affect any claims you make about your condition.
- Your age. As we get older, the risk of accidents or illness can increase. This is why policy prices are typically higher for older travellers. However, we will always work with you to find a policy that aligns with your needs and preferences.
The best travel insurance for your winter sports trip
Winter sports cover is added to your travel insurance policy. Not sure what you need?
- Heading to the Alps? Our Europe travel insurance will have you covered, even if you accidentally ski over the border into another country.
- Going slightly further afield? Our worldwide travel insurance might be what you need if you’re heading to destinations like the Rockies or Whistler.
- Doing multiple snowy getaways this year? Our multi-trip annual travel insurance policies will cover you for up to 17 days of wintery fun.
- Not skiing or snowboarding? Don’t worry. Our winter sports policies cover most winter sports, including ice fishing, bobsleighing and snowmobile rides.
- Don’t want a pre-existing medical condition to stop you? It won’t. Our pre-existing medical condition travel insurance covers over 1,300 pre-existing conditions, many at no extra cost.
- We can be as flexible as you need. Already got a policy and need to add winter sports cover? No worries. You can manage your policy online or give our team a call.
Annual or single trip winter sports cover?
When deciding between single or annual winter sports cover, it’s important to consider a few factors. For a 2-week ski holiday to Val d’Isère, a single trip policy is ideal. This will cover your equipment, including all skis, poles, snowboards, boots and bindings.
Planning to enjoy multiple winter trips throughout the year? Then an annual policy will likely be better suited. Also known as a multi-trip policy, this covers all your winter sports trips and excursions within a year. And it is better value than buying several single trip policies.
Please note: Winter sports cover for a single trip will last the whole length of your stay. If you add winter sports cover to an annual multi-trip policy, this will only cover you for 17 days.
Choose a cover level to suit your travel needs
| Black | Gold | Silver | |
| Medical expenses and repatriation | Unlimited | £15 million | £10 Million |
| Cancellation and curtailment | £10,000 | £7,500 | £5,000 |
| Travel delay | Up to £650 | Up to £540 | Up to £450 |
| Personal belongings | £5,000 | £2,500 | £2,000 |
| Legal Expenses | £60,000 | £50,000 | £15,000 |
| Standard Excess | Nil | £50 | £60 |
Winter sports insurance for travellers with pre-existing medical conditions
Just like with every other type of trip, it’s important to make sure you have adequate travel insurance for medical conditions. We’ll consider cover for any medical conditions which are declared to us, even while you’re on a winter sports trip. However please be aware that some conditions, such as osteoporosis may not be covered while you’re taking part in winter sports.
We consider something to be a pre-existing condition if you have:
- Taken any prescribed medication or received medical treatment within the last 2 years
- Been registered in or been an outpatient at a hospital, clinic or GP surgery in the last 2 years.
- Been advised of a terminal illness.
Before buying a winter sports travel insurance policy, you must let us know about any pre-existing conditions you have. Just call us or use our quick and easy online medical screening.
Which destinations are covered by our winter sports insurance?
We offer winter sports travel insurance policies based on the following destination groupings:
- The UK.
- Europe (plus countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, plus Madeira and The Azores)*
- Worldwide (except the USA, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean).
- Worldwide.
*Europe includes: Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Azores, Balearics, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia And Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canary Islands, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madeira, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine.
If you’ve already bought annual multi-trip travel insurance for a particular area but are now going to be travelling further afield, we can upgrade your cover to include the new destination. Alternatively, you could purchase separate single-trip cover instead, but upgrading your annual travel insurance policy to include worldwide cover can often work out cheaper.
If you’d like to discuss these options, or you’re still unsure which area your trip falls into, please contact us.
What information is needed to get a winter travel insurance quote?
Getting your winter travel insurance quote is quick and simple. All we need from you is some basic details to help us accurately tailor a policy to your needs. You won’t need any documents, but you will need to tell us:
- Where you’re travelling to and when (date specific)
- How many people you’re travelling with
- Any medical conditions you have
- How many people need travel insurance
- Your baggage cover requirements
- Your medical cover limit
- What you’re comfortable paying for cancellation cover
We’re happy to talk you through this over the phone – give us a call to discuss. Alternatively, you can book your winter sports insurance online below.
How to book our winter sports insurance
We know planning your winter getaway can be complex, so we make getting winter sports travel insurance as simple as possible:
1. Let us know about your trip
We need to know a bit about your trip, who you want to cover and when you want the policy to start. We will also ask you for information regarding any pre-existing medical conditions so that we can provide you with the right level of cover.
It’s quick and easy to give us this information, either online or by calling our team:
2. Get your quote
Once we have all the details we need, we will send you your quote. At this stage, you can go ahead and buy your policy, or save the quote for the future.
“Getting a robust winter sports travel insurance policy is so important before heading out. Nobody wants to be airlifted off the side of the mountain, but it’s even worse if you’re paying for it directly. Our winter sports travel insurance policies cover you for that, as well as any lost or damaged equipment, or even if the piste is closed. That leaves you free to enjoy your winter sports break, stress-free.”
Letitia Smith – Travel insurance expert
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Top tips for winter sports travel
When booking your winter trip, it’s normal to get caught up in the excitement of planning and booking! However, it’s worth noting that many winter sports come with certain risks. Whether you’re hitting the slopes, enjoying a reindeer ride, hiking, or something else, being mindful and taking steps to avoid accidents is important for winter trips.
Here are some key winter sports travel tips:
- Always wear protective gear. Whether you’re a seasoned pro on the black slopes or a beginner, your safety should come first. Always wear safety gear when participating in winter activities, and listen to your instructors carefully.
- Pack appropriate clothing. Warm clothes are essential for colder countries and climates. Invest in quality winter gear to stay warm, dry, and comfortable – especially in heavy snow or when you’re out on the slopes.
- Stick to the boundaries. Never go beyond the designated boundaries set by your winter sports instructors.
- Prepare your body. It’s a good idea to strengthen your core and legs before your trip. Activities like skiing, snowboarding and hiking can be tough on your body, so be mindful of this. Preparing your body can minimise your risk of injury when abroad.
- Wear sun cream. Even in the cold, your skin still needs protection. Skier’s sunburn can be very uncomfortable, so don’t forget to reapply, especially in exposed areas.
- Eat and drink well. Keep your body fuelled with nutritional and warming foods to combat the cold.
Frequently asked questions on winter sports travel insurance
Will I need to pay an excess if I make a claim?
In the event you need to make a claim, you may need to pay an excess. This is the fixed amount you’ll contribute towards the total cost of your claim, while your insurer covers the rest.
The excess amount will vary based on your policy and the type of claim you’re making.
For example:
- Ski or snowboard equipment damage/theft. If your skis, snowboard, or other equipment is lost, stolen, or damaged, you may need to pay an excess before claiming replacements or repairs.
- Medical emergencies on the slopes. If you’re injured while skiing or snowboarding and need treatment, you may have to cover an excess amount before your insurer will cover the medical costs.
- Piste closure compensation. If bad weather or a lack of snow forces ski resorts to close, your insurance may cover the cost of alternative arrangements, but an excess may apply.
- Avalanche or weather delays. If an avalanche or extreme weather prevents you from reaching your resort, your policy may cover additional costs, such as accommodation or transport. An excess could be deducted from your claim.
Please refer to our policy wording for more details on claims.
Can I get winter sports insurance without travel insurance?
Unfortunately, we do not offer winter sports insurance without travel insurance. To get winter sports insurance, you need to add this specific type of cover to either a single trip or annual multi-trip policy.
Please be aware that winter sports travel insurance for a single trip will last the whole length of your stay, but is limited to 17 days per year on annual policies.
What to look for in winter sports insurance?
In general, you should look for winter sports travel insurance which provides cover for
- Medical costs while taking part in your chosen activity
- Costs to return you to the UK if medically necessary
- Lost, stolen or damaged ski equipment
- Piste closure
- Cancellation or curtailment
Every provider offers different cover for winter sports, and you should always check to make sure that your policy meets your specific needs.
Is equipment included in winter sports travel insurance?
Yes. All InsureandGo policies with winter sports travel insurance added will cover equipment lost, stolen or damaged, as long as it is not left unattended in a public area. We cover all skis, poles, snowboards, boots & bindings.
If your skiing equipment is lost, stolen or damaged, we’ll cover it – even if it’s stolen out of a ski rack (between the hours of 10am and 8pm). We’ll also cover the costs of hiring new equipment.
Unfortunately, we can’t cover lost, stolen or damaged items that are left unattended. We also can’t cover lost, stolen or damaged items that are not reported to the police within 24 hours.
When should I buy winter sports travel insurance?
You should buy your winter sports cover as soon as you book your winter sports trip, or as soon as possible. Remember that your winter sports travel insurance will only be valid if you have bought it before you leave the UK.
Are there age limits for winter sports insurance?
No. Our policies have no upper age limits.
How to claim on your InsureandGo winter sports travel insurance
As soon as you know you want to make a claim:
- Contact the claims handlers. You can either do this online or give us a call
- Gather as much evidence as possible upfront to speed up the process
- Complete the claim form carefully. Include any copies of relevant paperwork, such as receipts or medical certificates.
- Submit the claim. Make sure to keep a copy for yourself.
Note: Be sure to check the fine print on your policy before claiming. You’ll want to check that you’re within the time limits for making a claim and how much your excess is.
Will GHIC cover me for winter sports?
The GHIC, formerly known as the EHIC or E111, is a medical card that entitles you to free or reduced-cost medical treatment while in Europe. While the cost of medical treatment is reduced or free in some countries, it does not cover anything outside of this, such as airlifting to the hospital.
The GHIC is not an alternative to winter sports travel insurance and does not cover the cost of repatriation if you need to be flown back to the UK. The UK Government advises that all UK nationals get the required level of travel insurance before they leave the country.
Do I need winter sports insurance for trips to snowy countries?
If you’re planning a snowy getaway, winter sports travel insurance might be sensible – even if you’re not planning on skiing. Remember that winter sports travel insurance covers more than just skiing. If you fancy a snowmobile ride, dog-sledding or a reindeer trip, regular travel insurance policies won’t cover you in case of an emergency or mishap.
What is considered off-piste for travel insurance?
Typically, an area that is considered off-piste for travel insurance is any area that is between the piste-bashed runs. These areas are often unmanaged terrain and can be easily identified by looking at the boundaries on the resort’s map.
At InsureandGo, we cover off-piste skiing and snowboarding as standard unless the area has been designated as unsafe by the resort.
Who can buy an InsureandGo winter sports travel insurance policy?
All our winter sports travel insurance policies are available to UK residents. This means:
- Someone who has been living in the UK or the Channel Islands for at least six of the last 12 months
- They must be in the UK at the time of purchase
- All trips must start and end in the UK
Get a quote online or browse our policy documents for more information.
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Frequently asked questions
If you’ve got more questions about how our winter sports travel insurance works, or more general travel insurance queries, have a read through our FAQs.
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