HomeTravel InsuranceWinter Sports Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance for Winter Sports

We’ve made getting travel insurance for winter sports as quick and easy as possible. If you’re aged 65 or under you can add winter sports cover to any of our policies. Simply choose the policy that’s right for you, and you’ll have the option to add winter sports cover before completing your purchase.

Our winter sports travel insurance is available for one-off trips or multiple trips throughout the year. If you choose an annual multi-trip policy, adding winter sports travel insurance will cover you for up to 17 days on the slopes. On single trip travel insurance, adding winter sports covers you for the whole length of your stay, so you can go skiing, snowboarding or even bobsleighing for up to 365 days!

What does winter sports insurance cover?

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:

Note: Unfortunately, we’re unable to cover 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.

Why do you need travel insurance for winter sports?

It’s important to think about buying a comprehensive winter sports insurance policy which will not only cover you in the event of an accident or injury but will also cover your equipment if it gets lost or stolen.
We know this is the last thing you want to think about when you’re looking forward to a winter break, so make sure you’re insured by selecting winter sports cover. You can add the cover, and a range of other add-ons, after choosing your travel insurance policy. Remember, if you have an accident while taking part in a winter sports activity and you haven’t got winter sports cover, your claim might not be fully paid.

Winter sports insurance with 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.

What does winter sports insurance cover?

Whether you’re looking for single trip cover or an annual multi-trip policy we offer ski & winter sports insurance as an optional extra on all of our policies. Winter sports cover for a single trip will last the whole length of your stay. Adding the cover to an annual multi-trip policy will allow you 17 days of snowy fun!
Some winter activities, which we class as being particularly hazardous, can carry an increased medical excess and won’t be covered under personal accident and liability. This includes ice hockey, ski acrobatics and a few more. For a full list, see the policy wording.

What is coveredWhat is not covered
Lost, stolen or damaged itemsLost, stolen or damaged items left unattended (unless in a ski rack between 10am-8pm)
Costs to hire equipment if yours is lost, stolen or damagedLost, stolen or damaged items not reported to the police within 24 hours
Replacement ski passAccidents or injuries due to drugs or alcohol
Piste closureSki flying
Medical costsSki jumping
Repatriation costs if medically necessarySki mountaineering 

Are there any restrictions to the winter sports insurance cover?

Unfortunately our cover for winter sports is only available to people 65 and under (at the time they buy the policy), and is limited to 17 days per year on annual policies.

We cover off-piste skiing and snowboarding, unless the area has been designated as unsafe by the resort. We are also not able to cover any professional-level ski racing or training.

We will cover all skis, poles, snowboards, boots & bindings even when they’re left in ski racks (between 10am and 8pm)! Payments for damaged or stolen equipment decrease with the age of the item, and we won’t be able to cover any sports equipment that is left unattended in a public place.

Frequently asked questions

How much is winter sports travel insurance?

This varies from policy to policy and depends on a number of factors, such as your age, destination and the length of your trip. Please contact us for a quote.

What to look for in winter sports travel insurance?

Every provider offers different cover for winter sports, and you should always check to make sure that your policy meets your specific needs. 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

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.

When should I buy winter sports travel insurance?

Ideally you should buy your winter sports cover as soon as you book your winter sports trip. As long as you purchase your policy before you leave the UK, you will be covered.

Are there age limits for winter sports travel insurance?

Yes. Unfortunately we cannot provide winter sports cover for any travellers over the age of 65 at the time of purchasing the policy.

Winter sports safety tips

Don’t let an accident on the first day ruin the whole week, remember a few simple tips and ensure a great time in the snow.

1. Wear a helmet
I know this seems like a really boring suggestion, but seriously – the amount of accidents and even deaths caused by head injuries have made many resorts set rules to make helmets mandatory when on the slopes.

2. Wear suntan lotion
Any seasoned pro knows that suntan lotion to the face is a must. Unless, of course, you want to show off your skier’s burn lines in the office the following week.

3. Dress smart
First timers always seem to make the same mistake – you don’t need to dress for the Arctic! If you’re skiing or snowboarding all day, you’ll generally be keeping your body temperature quite high. Invest in a good coat and ski trousers. One will keep you warm, the other will keep your bottom dry after you’ve landed on it for the hundredth time.

4. Know your limits
Winter sports – the clue is in the name. Most activities will use muscle groups that you probably haven’t used in a while. Cramp is a common occurrence and when you’re halfway down a vertical slope, it can be pretty inconvenient! Ease yourself in – you’ve got a whole holiday ahead of you.

5. Don’t go into the roped off areas
Again, this may seem an obvious one – but that fresh powder can look very appealing. Seriously though, there are so many horror stories about people getting lost or setting off avalanches – why take the risk?

There is a lot of extra information available from places like GOV.UK. Plus your resort will usually have a wealth of info and tips available.

To choose the right winter sports travel insurance policy for you, get a quote online or read our policy documents for more information.

  1. Unlimited emergency medical expenses available on Black level policies.
  2. Based on 2,050 responses, correct as of 22/01/2024