Ski insurance

What is ski travel insurance?

Skiing holiday insurance is cover specially designed for ski trips. It includes protection for your equipment, medical treatment in case you’re injured, and specific costs like getting an injured skier off a mountain and safely home.

Do I need ski travel insurance?

Ski holiday insurance is vital, as a standard travel policy won’t be enough to cover any number of situations you might run into on the slopes.

For example, medical costs from skiing injuries are not often covered under standard insurance, as it’s seen by insurers as extra-high risk.

Likewise, your ski equipment won’t come under standard personal possession cover – so if it’s lost, damaged or stolen you’ll need specialist cover to be able to claim.

According to MoneySuperMarket data correct as of September 2019

What does ski travel insurance cover?

Ski insurance should cover you for the standard things normal travel insurance offers. This can include policies that cover delays and cancellations, medical costs (including pre-existing conditions), and personal possessions.

However it also includes ski-related policies such as:

• Equipment cover: If you need to replace your equipment or hire alternatives when yours is lost, damaged or stolen
• Medical treatment: If you need to claim back the cost of medical treatment for ski-related injuries, though this is generally only up to a certain amount
• Cancellations: If you have to cancel the rest of your holiday as a result of an injury on the slopes
• Ski pass: If you need to purchase a new ski pass when yours is lost or stolen
• Piste-closure: If you’re unable to ski when the piste is closed, though this might only apply if that’s above a certain amount of time, usually between 12 and 24 hours
• Off-piste skiing: Many insurers also offer cover for skiing off-piste, though usually you’ll need to be accompanied by a qualified guide or instructor
• Avalanche delays: If you can’t ski due to an avalanche
• Personal liability: If someone else gets injured as a result of your skiing and you become personally liable

Watch out for different types of skiing

Depending on the provider and policy you take out, you may or may not be covered for other types of skiing including:

• Cross-country skiing
• Heli-skiing
• Ski acrobatics
• Ski stunting
• Ski touring
• Ski bob-racing
• Competitive skiing
• Mono skiing
• Ski fun parks
• Off-piste skiing

Is ski theft a serious risk?

When it comes to ski holidays, people tend to be more concerned with injuries than theft. However, the theft of skiing equipment is a much more serious problem than you realise. According to the Ski Club of Great Britain, theft affected as many as 14% of skiers in 2016.

According to MoneySuperMarket data correct as of September 2019

According to MoneySuperMarket data correct as of September 2019

A European policy would be enough for a holiday to France or Switzerland, but if you’re planning on skiing in Canada you’ll need something more comprehensive.

However you should always check with providers if they have restrictions on certain countries, while the government also provides foreign travel advice.

What’s excluded from ski travel insurance?

Aside from certain types of skiing that may not be covered, you may also find that ski holiday insurance also excludes cover for:

• Being under the influence: If you injure yourself or lose your possessions while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, your insurer may refuse your claim
• Not wearing the right gear: If you get injured without wearing a helmet or goggles you probably won’t be able to claim for medical treatment costs
• Leaving your things unattended: If your possessions are lost, damaged or stolen after you’ve left them unattended in a public space, your claim is likely to be rejected

According to MoneySuperMarket data correct as of September 2019

How much does ski travel insurance cost?

The cost of winter sports insurance, which generally includes cover for skiing, can depend on numerous factors.

Your age: Winter sports cover, like most travel insurance, is generally more expensive the older you are. This is largely because the chances of you having a pre-existing medical condition goes up as you get older, though you’re also more likely to sustain an injury

Travel frequency: If you travel often, you’re likely to pay more for cover – whether it’s insuring each trip individually or all together under a multi-trip policy. However if you plan on booking more than three trips in a year, even if only one involves skiing, you could still benefit from taking out a multi-trip policy

Destination: Travelling to countries such as the USA, Canada and New Zealand often costs more in travel insurance. This is due to higher medical costs, as well as potential repatriation and rescue expenses

Should I rent skiing equipment or bring my own?

The question of whether to rent your skiing equipment or bring your own generally comes down to cost. According to recent data from Intersport, the average return airline baggage fee for snow sport equipment is actually greater than the average rental price for skis and poles in France. This means that hiring equipment at your destination might make more sense.

When should I buy ski travel insurance?

You should buy ski holiday insurance, like any other kind of travel insurance, as soon as you’ve booked your holiday.

This is because it can be useful if you need to cancel your holiday before you leave, and with travel insurance in place early you’ll be able to claim back the cost of your trip if you cancel due to:

• Illness or injury
• Redundancy
• Bereavement

Ski holiday travel tips

A skiing trip should be fun and exciting, but to make sure you stay safe and sound, follow these tips:

• Bring the right equipment: You’ll need a helmet and protective clothing as well as goggles and sunblock, as the sun can be more intense at high altitudes
• Check the weather: If there’s too much or not enough snow on the slopes, or there might be an avalanche ahead, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to ski
• Respect other skiers: Remember to be responsible when you’re skiing – safely enter and exit any ski runs you use and don’t interfere with other skiers
• Know your limits: Don’t try any slopes or runs that you think might be too extreme or difficult, especially if you haven’t got an instructor with you
• Keep people aware: When you go out to ski, make sure someone who hasn’t gone with you knows where you are and where you’ll be going. This way if you get lost or if something happens, someone will be able to find you

According to MoneySuperMarket data correct as of September 2019