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Ski travel insurance
Avoid unexpected bills by getting ski cover if you're going skiing or snowboarding.
There’s nothing like hitting the slopes to break the monotony of everyday life. A few days of crisp mountain air, gliding over freshly packed powder is a great way to recharge. That said, the adrenaline rush from hurtling down a slope doesn’t come without some inherent risks of injury.
It’s always wise to protect yourself from all eventualities by making sure you have adequate winter sports cover for your holiday. Whether it’s an emergency evacuation from the ski slopes or lost equipment by the airline on your way there, you’ll have the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’ve got the cover that’s right for you.
What is ski travel insurance?
Ski travel insurance is specialist travel insurance to cover you during a ski holiday. In addition to standard travel cover, it includes protection for ski equipment, medical coverage, and in the event that you need to be evacuated off the mountains due to injury.
Why do I need ski cover?
Most standard travel insurance policies may not cover eventualities that are specific to skiing. The majority of insurance companies regard skiing as a high-risk activity and thus don’t include it in standard travel cover.
For example, if you injured yourself while skiing or snowboarding, ski travel insurance can cover your medical treatment, and the cost of evacuation from the mountains if needed.
In the same way ski insurances can also cover your costly ski equipment in the event that it’s lost, damaged or stolen.
What does ski travel insurance cover?
In addition to the standard things that fall under normal travel insurance, for example, delays and cancellations, medical costs and personal possessions, ski travel insurance covers things that are specific to ski holidays.
- Equipment cover. In the event that your equipment is lost, damaged or stolen.
- Medical treatment. If you happen to be travelling outside the UK, this would cover the cost of medical treatment if you get injured during your trip. Although this may be limited to a specific amount depending on your policy.
- Cancellations. If you get injured on the slopes and have to cancel the rest of your trip, you can claim the cost of the trip.
- Ski pass. To replace a ski pass if yours gets lost or stolen.
- Piste-closure. Many policies will cover you if you’re unable to ski because of the piste being closed due to bad weather or any reason. This is usually only applicable if the piste is closed for longer than a certain amount of time.
- Personal liability. This will cover you should you be liable for an injury you might cause while you were skiing.
What does ski travel insurance not cover?
It’s always important to be aware of the limits and stipulations of your policy such as the activities that your policy does not cover. These include more high-risk types of activities.
For example:
- Heli skiing
- Snowmobiling
- Off piste skiing
- Freestyle skiing
- Competitive skiing
- Ski touring
What should I consider when looking for a ski insurance policy?
One of the main things to consider, apart from what specifics the policy covers, is where you are travelling to. For example, if you’re planning to go to Europe, it’s important to get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in addition to your ski travel insurance.
The EHIC automatically entitles you to the same level of medical treatment as a local would get. However, the EHIC doesn’t cover you in all instances, such as emergency evacuation, which is why it’s so important to take out a ski travel insurance policy.
It is important to note that the EHIC only covers you in Europe and if you’re planning to go to the United States, it’s even more important to have insurance as medical treatment there can go well in to thousands of dollars.
As it stands, the EHIC card will only work up until 29 March 2019.
If you are concerned about whether your EHIC card will work after the UK leaves the EU, be aware that a standard travel insurance policy will cover you for any health insurance costs incurred.
How much does ski travel insurance cost?
How much your policy costs will depend on a number of factors, such as your age, frequency, destination and length of cover. Insurance companies factor all those elements to calculate the premium.
Ski travel tips and advice
- It’s imperative that you read through the terms and conditions of your insurance policy. Being aware of what exclusions apply will keep you from getting any unwanted surprises.
- Make sure to mention any pre-existing conditions such as asthma or diabetes in your application.
- It’s a good idea to do some research on your ski destination beforehand. It also helps to check weather reports and visit GOV.UK for local travel advice.
- In the event that you need to make a claim such as an injury or loss of equipment, make sure you or someone on your behalf contacts the insurer.
- Drinking and skiing don’t mix. Any incident involving alcohol or drugs is likely to affect the validity of your insurance claim and as a result you might have to pay thousands in medical expenses if you’re injured.
Frequently asked questions
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