If you’re planning on heading up to some snowy peaks and hitting the slopes, you’ll want to ensure you’ve got the right cover just in case something were to happen when skiing or snowboarding.

Travel insurance with winter cover is essential for any snow sports trip, giving you the knowledge that if your trip is affected that you’ll be able to resolve snow-related issues in a straightforward way. Our winter sports cover can be added to any of our single trip or annual multi-trip policies, as long as you're aged 65 or under.

What does Ski Travel Insurance cover?

Ski travel insurance comes with all the basics you would get with a standard travel insurance policy such as cover for lost or stolen luggage, flight delays, cancellations, medical costs etc, but with the additional protection for skiers and their equipment.

The best ski travel insurance will usually cover the following:

• Stolen, damaged or lost skiing/winter sports equipment *
• Piste closure
• Avalanche cover
• Having to hire equipment if yours is lost or delayed.
• Personal liability in case you accidentally injure someone else

*skis, poles, ski boots and bindings, ski helmets, snowboards, snowboard boots and bindings.

Ski Holiday Cover limitations and exclusions

Not all skiing travel insurance policies are the same – there are certain things that may not be covered by your insurance, such as:

• Heli-skiing
• Snowmobiling
• Off-piste skiing
• Freestyle skiing
• Competitive skiing
• Ski touring

Do I need an EHIC/GHIC card for Skiing in Europe?

If you’re planning on visiting a ski resort in Europe or Switzerland, you will need to make sure that you have a valid Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) on top of your travel insurance. The GHIC has now replaced the EHIC for most people and will be accepted for emergency healthcare in State-run hospitals. However, if you have an EHIC that was issued before the end of 2020, it will still be valid up until the expiry date.

Your GHIC/EHIC will cover any emergency medical treatment or healthcare you may need in any local public hospital. However, it won’t cover the cost of the following:

• Mountain rescue
• Private treatment
• Repatriation in case you need to be flown back home

What things affect skiing travel insurance?

When arranging travel insurance to ski, there’s a couple of things you should think about before making a decision:

• Travel destination – travel insurance for skiing tends to cost more in places like the USA and Canada compared to how much it would cost in somewhere like Europe, as medical treatment is more expensive in those countries.
• How many others are travelling with you – if you’re going as a couple, a group or with extended family on your holidays, the price of your ski insurance will reflect this.
• Your medical history – if you have any pre-existing medical conditions, you will have to let your insurer know otherwise, they may not accept any claims you make in relation to this.

Can I get ski insurance if I have a pre-existing condition?

Having a pre-existing medical condition shouldn’t stop you from getting ski insurance. Whilst it may make finding the right level of cover a little more challenging, there are policies available that will cover you for your medical conditions.

In some cases, however, you may need to consider taking out specialist insurance to ensure your medical condition will be covered. Plus, if you have any medical conditions, you’re considered to be more vulnerable to catching Covid-19, but luckily you can now get ski travel insurance with covid cover.