Few holidays can beat the joy of a week on the slopes, but few are as risky. When you unbuckle your ski boots at the end of the last run, there’s always a quiet moment of relief knowing you survived unscathed.
So what happens when you get lucky and find yourself in a rescue sled heading towards the hospital? If this statement provokes a nervous reaction, it’s time to check whether you have the right travel insurance and, if so, whether you have the right policy that is not protected by exclusions or limitations.
Don’t take this lightly. For starters, most travel insurance policies automatically exclude all winter sports because the risk of injury is too high and both medical evacuation from the slopes and treatment costs are too expensive.
Additionally, those that offer coverage, such as specialized policies specifically for skiers and snowboarders or standard travel policies that include winter sports through additional premiums, vary widely in both what they insure and the financial assistance they offer.
There are no easy shortcuts. You should always check the fine print of travel insurance; It may be boring, but there’s really no point in buying it if you don’t check it out. And because the risk of injury is so high, this is more important than ever in winter sports policies. Here are some points you should pay attention to.
What does winter sports insurance cover?
Below I focus mostly on elements specifically related to winter sports policies. Other aspects that apply to regular travel insurance, such as missed departure cover, personal liability and travel provider failure, will also be included but are also important to check.
Do I have the opportunity to ski off-piste?
Check this part of the policy particularly carefully if you intend to ski on marked pistes. Most policies now cover this, but there may be an extra charge and almost all have some conditions, such as being accompanied by a qualified guide. A few allow more freedom but still set some parameters. For example, the Ski Club of Great Britain policies say: “Guided skiing or kayaking is not a requirement of insurance, but you must comply with International Ski Federation rules or resort regulations and we recommend that you do not do this. Attempt to enter backcountry areas without consulting local advice and appropriate rescue equipment.”
Does drinking alcohol void my insurance?
This has long been a controversial issue in all travel insurance policies. In every example I’ve looked at so far, there is a clause in small print that excludes accidents that occur “under the influence of alcohol.” The problem is that the specification is too vague; for example, there are no set limits like you find in drunk driving laws. It is also unclear whether the hospital treating your injury will have the time or willingness to perform a blood alcohol test after the accident.
The risks of drinking and skiing are, of course, such that it would be difficult to argue against an insurance company refusing to pay compensation if the medical report finds that you have alcohol in your bloodstream. So, if you like to pamper yourself Vin Chaud or beer for lunch while skiing – be aware that it could void your insurance if you have an accident later.
Does winter sports insurance cover my equipment?
Typically there is a £500 limit for loss or damage to your own skis or snowboard, but many policies will not cover these if left outside a mountain restaurant – something that is impossible to avoid in my experience. Limits on hired equipment are generally around £250.
Am I insured against accidents in the snow park?
Be aware of exceptions that override crashes in snow parks (areas designated for freestyle skiing or snowboarding), especially if you or your kids enjoy doing a few jumps. Call the insurer to check coverage if necessary. Approximately 87 percent of policies do not cover injuries that occur in the snow park. The same goes for races organized by ski schools.
Should I wear a helmet?
Some policies now make wearing a helmet a requirement and exclude coverage for injuries if you ski without a helmet. Few people take such risks these days, but it can be tempting to pull it out on a warm spring day; so be careful of the consequences.
Am I covered for other activities at the resort?
If you want to enjoy other risky activities like parasailing or ice skating while at a resort, double-check that these are specifically covered.
How can I get winter sports insurance for people over 60?
Premiums will always reflect age, and once you pass the age of 65 it will become more difficult to get ski insurance. Saga is a company that has no official age restrictions on its winter sports policies.
What protection does the EHIC card give me?
It will be useful to obtain an up-to-date GHIC card (post-Brexit replacement for the EHIC card) before you travel. It does not replace insurance; Cover is normally limited to emergency treatments in public hospitals, but many insurance companies now require you to take out cover.
What happens if I lose my lift ticket?
£500 is a typical limit to cover this and will be enough even if you manage to lose your card on the first day of holiday.
Can I request whether the runways are closed due to weather conditions?
Most winter sports policies offer daily benefits if all slopes are closed for a certain period of time due to too much or too little snow. But daily payouts aren’t very exciting, usually around £50. Around 75 per cent of policies also cover additional travel and accommodation, usually up to £300, if your trip is delayed by an avalanche.
Are medical expenses covered?
The majority of policies offer broad coverage for medical treatment; £5 million is a typical limit and is more than enough to put your mind at ease. Note that the rescue insurance required to get you from the track to the hospital may be limited to a much lower amount.
Can I make a claim if my ski holiday is cancelled?
Claim limits range from £500 to £15,000; Make sure you have enough money to cover the value of your holiday.
I ski more than once in winter, can I be protected?
If you travel to the slopes more than three times a year, you’ll probably find the cheapest insurance by purchasing a multi-trip policy that covers all your holidays throughout the year, with any available as add-ons (see above). is often the best value. Most multi-trip policies cover you for 17 days of skiing in any given year. If you need more, for example for an additional short trip, you can always purchase a one-off policy. The Ski Club of Great Britain offers policies for up to 45 days per year.
What are the best winter sports insurance policies?
People have different needs when it comes to ski holiday policies, so you should always check if your requirements are met. A good place to start looking for a suitable policy is Which? He analyzed the coverage offered by 53 different policies. The top-rated policies are add-ons to bank accounts or home insurance.
The best is the Barclays Travel Pack Worldwide Insurance, an annual multi-trip policy added to a Barclays current account for £14.50 a month; NFU Mutual’s Home and Lifestyle policy including RAC breakdown cover and winter sports travel insurance add-on in the UK and Europe. Both were given an overall score of 78 percent according to Which?’s rating system, which is based on an assessment of what elements are more or less important for customers to choose and use the policy. Its highest-rated standalone policy is Staysure’s Signature cover, which received an overall score of 76 percent.
In general, the cost depends a lot on the length and level of cover, your age, and any health problems you may have. The only way to make sure you’re getting good value is to compare prices on two or three policies that fit your needs.
* Default Matrix (defaqto.com) helped provide some of the data in this feature.