what does winter sports travel insurance cover

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Best Travel Insurance for Winter, Adventure, and Extreme Sports

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Why Get Adventure Sports Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance often excludes high-risk sports, credit card travel insurance often excludes high-risk activities, travel insurance for high-risk sports, how to get travel insurance for high-risk sports, what sports travel insurance costs, how to choose travel insurance for high-risk sports, the best sports travel insurance plans, final thoughts.

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Planning an adventurous trip? Your travel insurance might not cover everything you want to do — particularly if you plan on adventure activities or winter or extreme sports. 

Whether diving the ocean’s depths or ziplining through a forest, sports travel insurance can help you go confidently on adventures knowing you’re covered if anything goes wrong. Whether you need emergency assistance and evacuation or a reimbursement for a trip cut short by injury, travel insurance with sports coverage can help.

While standard travel insurance typically offers medical coverage, most policies exclude certain activities, particularly risky sports. But you can purchase a travel insurance policy that provides coverage for all your adventures , either as a stand-alone policy or an add-on to a comprehensive travel insurance package.

Let’s explore everything you need to know about travel insurance for sports and adventure activities and how to get that coverage for any high-risk activities you may plan for your travels.

Adventure sports travel insurance covers activities such as mountain climbing or deep-sea scuba diving (i.e. any activity that has a higher risk level than a “regular” travel activity).

While accidents can happen anywhere, you’re particularly vulnerable when away from home. Medical expenses and evacuation can be costly , especially if traveling to remote areas or a foreign country where you’re unsure about quality medical care. Sports travel insurance covers emergency medical expenses, ambulance services, and evacuation.

Some travel insurance companies offer emergency assistance services , which can help you get the medical care you need in a remote location or challenging environment. The travel insurance company can provide access to medical professionals, coordinate your care, and arrange an emergency evacuation if needed.

For example, if you’re climbing a mountain and break a leg, adventure sports travel insurance can help get you off the mountain and connected with medical care.

Adventure sports travel insurance can also help if a sports-related injury requires you to cancel or interrupt your trip or if you experience equipment loss or damage. That can save you money on non-refundable expenses and help you replace sports equipment.

While getting travel insurance is wise, you should understand that standard travel insurance policies may not include coverage for certain sports activities . Some travel insurance plans offer coverage for sports-related injuries and accidents, but others may have exclusions or limitations for high-risk or extreme sports.

When you purchase a travel insurance policy, review the terms and conditions to know which sports and activities are covered and any exclusions or limitations you may need to work with. Usually, travel insurance medical coverage encompasses unexpected accidents or injuries, which can include some sports like hiking or snorkeling, for example. But extreme or high-risk sports such as white water rafting or skydiving may not be included.

Exclusions depend on the insurance policy, but here are some examples of sports and activities that your standard travel insurance policy may not cover:

• Base jumping
• Bungee jumping
• Martial arts and combat sports
• Motor racing and motorsports
• Mountaineering and rock climbing
• Off-piste skiing and snowboarding
• Paragliding and hang gliding
• Scuba diving and deep-sea diving

If you find your travel policy lacking in coverage for the activities you’ve planned, you should consider getting additional coverage, such as a specialized sports travel insurance policy or add-on coverage.

Don’t expect your credit card travel insurance to cover extreme sports. 

While you should read the terms and conditions of the policy, most credit card travel insurance policies exclude risky activities , which extends to sports considered extreme. 

Credit card travel insurance often covers basic medical expenses, trip cancellation or interruption, lost baggage, and travel accidents. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve ® has premium travel insurance, offering up to $1 million in travel accident insurance, along with emergency evacuation and transportation insurance, emergency medical and dental benefits, and other travel insurance benefits.

If you plan to do high-risk activities and use credit card travel insurance, check your coverage and consider upgrading your travel insurance to include your desired activities.

Credit card travel insurance is helpful but sometimes limited, especially compared to adventure sports travel insurance policies. You may need to pay for travel insurance if you’re planning extreme sports or activities.

As you plan an adventurous trip, consider which travel insurance coverage may be most appropriate for your plans. Some travel insurance policies are comprehensive and cover multiple types of high-risk sports, while others are more specialized. 

Because there’s a wide variety of what’s covered (or not) on each policy, using a travel insurance comparison service such as Squaremouth can be helpful. You can search for travel insurance policies that cover the activities you’re looking for and compare costs and coverage.

Consider these types of adventure travel insurance policies or add-ons:

• Adventure Sports: On an adventure sports travel insurance policy, look for covered activities such as hiking, mountaineering, or rafting. The policy may encompass injuries, medical expenses, trip cancellations or interruptions, and equipment loss or damage.
• Extreme Sports: Travel insurance for extreme sports typically covers skydiving, bungee jumping, or rock climbing, providing coverage for accidents, injuries, medical expenses, and emergency evacuation.
• Sports Equipment: Some travel insurance offers coverage for sports equipment, which can reimburse you for loss, theft, or damage to your gear.
• Team Sports: A travel insurance policy may cover team-related expenses, such as tournament cancellations or travel delays if you travel for competitive events.
• Water Sports: Water sports travel insurance policies may cover surfing, diving, snorkeling, or water skiing. For diving coverage, you should verify that the policy covers the depths you’re planning and whether you need certifications for coverage.
• Winter Sports: Winter sports travel insurance policies are designed for winter sports enthusiasts, offering coverage for skiing or snowboarding-related injuries and emergency medical expenses or equipment loss or damage. Some also cover ski resort closures.

While you can get travel insurance for sports, including high-risk sports, most travel insurance companies have personal liability requirements . Generally, you’re required to act responsibly to use your coverage. That includes not going against local authority warnings, like entering restricted spaces, working close to dangerous animals, or not using proper safety equipment.

Do some pre-trip planning on your chosen activities to learn about the risks and requirements for everything you want to do. You may need to complete certifications or training to participate safely.

Generally, if you want travel insurance for adventurous activities, you should get quotes for a comprehensive travel insurance plan and add a hazardous sports rider. Or specialized insurance providers may offer comprehensive plans for high-risk sports and activities.

Looking for insurance companies specializing in adventure sports is often a good idea to get comprehensive coverage for all your planned activities. 

With any travel insurance policy, you should review the terms and conditions to verify your planned activities are covered. Read your policy documents for exclusions, limitations, or requirements for your chosen activities. You should also verify your coverage limits. 

If you have a health or life insurance policy, check with your insurance carrier about coverage for high-risk sports during travel. While these are likely not covered, you may be able to add a special endorsement to your policy.

Travel insurance that can evacuate you off a mountain sounds like it would be costly, but it might be more affordable than you’d think. It’s certainly less expensive than calling for your own rescue helicopter.

You should expect to pay around 5% to 10% of your total trip cost for sports travel insurance. Your actual adventure sports travel insurance costs will vary depending on your age, trip cost and duration, location, planned activities, and other factors. 

To give you an idea of what you should expect, we got a quote from IMG for an iTravelInsured Travel Sport policy. For a 29-year-old traveler on a $1,500 5-day skiing trip in the U.S., coverage costs $119.65 . 

This policy includes $1 million in medical evacuation coverage and $50,000 in search and rescue coverage. You’re covered for up to $50,000 for medical expenses due to adventure or organized sports, though hazardous and extreme sports are limited to $5,000.

Consider these factors as you compare high-risk sports travel insurance coverage:

• Claims Process and Customer Support: Get the details on what happens if you need emergency assistance or want to file a claim. For example, find out how to get medical attention if injured in a remote area and whether you’re expected to pay upfront and file for reimbursement.
• Cost: Expect adventure travel insurance to cost more than standard travel insurance. Cheaper policies tend to offer less comprehensive coverage, so consider your needs as you balance cost and coverage.
• Duration: Some sports travel insurance policies limit the length of coverage for certain activities, so make sure you have coverage for your whole trip.
• Emergency Assistance and Evacuation: You may engage in high-risk activities in remote locations or challenging environments where medical attention is unavailable immediately. A travel insurance policy can offer emergency assistance or evacuation for medical care.
• Exclusions, Limitations, and Deductibles: Every policy has limits — even extreme policies. Find out what’s excluded, the limits of what you can claim, and if you’re expected to pay a deductible before getting reimbursed. Also, understand the terms and conditions, such as duration and geographical coverage.
• Medical Coverage: With a greater risk of injuries from extreme sports, you should ensure that the insurance policy has adequate coverage for medical emergencies, including hospitalization, ambulance services, and, if needed, medical evacuation.
• Requirements: You may need to meet age limits and disclose any preexisting medical conditions to get appropriate sports travel insurance coverage.
• Reviews: Consider customer reviews and ratings, which can give insight into a travel insurance provider’s coverage quality, customer service, and claims handling.
• Sports Coverage: Find out which sports and activities are covered so you can verify yours are covered.
• Sports Equipment Coverage: If you’re traveling with costly sports equipment such as scuba gear or snowboarding equipment, compare coverage for loss, theft, or damage to your equipment.
• Trip Cancellation and Interruption: A travel insurance policy should cover trip cancellation or interruption due to sports-related injuries.

Your high-risk sports travel insurance may require you to participate responsibly. For example, terms of coverage may require you to choose reputable operators, obtain proper training or certifications, follow local regulations, and use appropriate safety gear.

Not all travel insurance providers offer sports travel insurance, but you have options. Compare these leading travel insurance policies for sports:

• battleface : battleface’s adventure sports coverage includes cycling, mountain climbing, scuba diving, canoeing, snowboarding, and more, but it has limitations, including how deep you can dive or how high you can climb.
• Cat 70 : Cat 70’s Travel Plan covers some adventure sports, including snowboarding, but excludes bodily contact sports, skydiving, scuba diving, and more.
• HTH Worldwide : The HTH Worldwide Trip Protector Preferred plan offers coverage for adventure sports, including certified divers up to 60 feet and water rafting grades 1 to 3.
• IMG : IMG’s iTravelInsured Travel Sport plan has a wide range of covered activities, including adventure, extreme, hazardous, and organized sports. However, there are exclusions for races, endurance competitions, and piloting or learning to pilot.
• John Hancock : You’re covered for some — but not all — adventure sports with a John Hancock Gold travel insurance plan. Some exclusions include diving deeper than 100 feet, participating in sports competitions, or contact sports.
• Nationwide : With a Prime plan, you can get covered for adventure sports such as cycling, fishing, rafting, and zip lining, but exclusions apply, such as extreme sports, mountaineering, and organized sports.
• Travelex : The Travelex Adventure Sports upgrade covers professional athletic events, mountain climbing, skydiving, and more. Travelex’s Travel Basic and Travel Select plans provide basic coverage for some activities, including skiing, snorkeling, and scuba diving up to 60 feet.
• World Nomads : With the World Nomads Explorer plan, you can get covered for more than 200 activities, including scuba diving, bungee jumping, and mountain biking.

The right travel insurance coverage is essential when embarking on an adventurous trip with high-risk sports or activities. Adventure sports travel insurance can coordinate medical care, offer evacuation, and save you thousands if you’re injured on a trip. Whether bungee jumping or scuba diving, sports travel insurance can provide peace of mind while you’re chasing thrills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are adventure sports covered by travel insurance.

Adventure sports can be covered by travel insurance, but extreme sports are usually excluded from standard travel insurance coverage. Review your policy’s terms and conditions to determine whether your desired activities are covered. If not, you may want to purchase additional coverage appropriate for the activities you’re planning for your travel.

Does travel insurance cover water sports?

Travel insurance coverage for water sports varies depending on the policy and provider. For example, your standard policy may cover snorkeling, shallow diving, and surfing but could exclude deep-sea diving or white water rafting.

Does travel insurance cover sports injuries?

Travel insurance often covers sports injuries, but it depends on the sport. If you’re injured doing a sport not covered by your policy — such as ziplining or skydiving — medical care for your sports injury will not be covered. 

What travel insurance includes cover for sports equipment?

Sports travel insurance typically offers coverage for sports equipment, which can reimburse you for loss, theft, or damage of your sports equipment while traveling.

What travel insurance company covers me for extreme sports?

Several travel insurance companies cover extreme sports, including battleface, Cat 70, HTH Worldwide, IMG, John Hancock, Nationwide , Travelex, and World Nomads.

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About Jessica Merritt

A long-time points and miles student, Jessica is the former Personal Finance Managing Editor at U.S. News and World Report and is passionate about helping consumers fund their travels for as little cash as possible.

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What Does Winter Sports Travel Insurance Cover?

Whether you’re learning to ski on the dry slope near you or snowboard down the black run in the Alps this winter, winter sports can be fantastic fun and a great way to keep fit. However, it’s not a sport that’s to be taken lightly: equipment and travel expenses make it a costly endeavour, and the speeds involved – combined with the unforgiving nature of snow and ice – can make it hazardous, too.

That’s why it’s advisable for every participant, regardless of their experience or ability, to have dedicated skiing insurance or snowboarding insurance , or general winter sports insurance if you are doing some form of other winter activity on your trip abroad. In this guide, we’ll look at how it works, why it’s so indispensable, and what to look out for in a good policy.

What is winter sports travel insurance?

Travel insurance for winter sports are specialist policies designed to take care of all the possible circumstances that may befall a participant, whatever their activity. They make sure that you won’t lose out financially as a result of an accident or injury that affects you, your equipment or other people, even if you’re found to be at fault. They also give you the peace of mind that any bills incurred as a result, be they medical, transport-related or otherwise, are also taken care of.

Why is travel insurance for winter sports important?

In short, winter sports can be dangerous. Whether speeding down a mountain on skis or gliding across a rink on ice skates, there is always a risk of injury . These could be caused by a fall, a collision with another person, intense physical exertion, and even through the cold weather getting through poor or damaged clothing and kit. Even the most experienced winter sports enthusiast will make mistakes or be in the wrong place at the wrong time, so keeping covered whatever happens is vital.

Because of the UK’s relatively mild climate, the winter sports facilities in this country are somewhat limited, meaning that the majority of people travel abroad, either to the Alps or further afield. This means that travellers can’t rely on the NHS in the event of injury or accident and need to ensure that they have the right insurance cover in place to avoid huge medical fees.

What kind of activities are covered?

You can get insurance cover for just about every winter sport activity you can think of. That can include downhill skiing and snowboarding, whether on real snow on holiday, or artificial/indoor slopes around the UK. It can include cross-country skiing and alpine ski touring, stunt-related activities on skis or boards, and sliding sports like ice-skating and tobogganing.

One thing that is important to remember is that most insurers will distinguish between recreational activity and competitive events. So, if you’re planning to enter a competition, make sure that you check that your chosen policy is suitable.

What is included in winter sports travel insurance?

The exact detail of what should be in your winter sports travel insurance policy will vary slightly, depending on the nature of your sport. But in general terms, there are four particular areas you should look out for:

Personal Accident and Liability

Cover is essential if you have an accident while participating in your chosen sport and you become injured and/or your equipment is damaged. Additionally, if you happen to injure someone else and/or damage their kit, you could be liable for a claim. A good policy will protect you in these areas through Personal Accident and Personal Liability cover respectively.

Cover for equipment and luggage

From the start of your trip to the end, all the possessions you take with you are at risk of loss, damage or theft. This could be damage through a crash on the slopes, or misplaced luggage that fails to arrive at your destination. Insurance can fund any replacements that you might need, including hiring kit on a temporary basis so that your holiday isn’t disrupted.

Insurance for travel arrangements and competitions

As well as your luggage, you can also cover yourself if your travel arrangements are disrupted to the point that you’re delayed or have to abandon the trip. This also extends to any competitions you’ve entered or activities you’ve signed up for. Good insurance will pay out for any entry fees that are unrecoverable.

Medical expenses and repatriation

The costs of a winter sports accident can quickly mount up, even beyond the hefty fees of overseas hospital care. In the most serious circumstances, you may need rescuing off a mountain and need repatriating back to the UK. The sums of money involved in these services can be enormous, but insurance removes the risk of any personal financial loss if they’re required.

Does an EHIC or GHIC cover winter sports activity in Europe?

Possessing a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is always a good idea for any travel abroad. However, it is not a replacement for travel insurance.

EHICs and GHICs are designed to provide emergency treatment in the event of an accident or injury, but the protections they provide do not extend to all the medical care and related services you may require. For example, if you need to be rescued from a mountain, stay in hospital abroad for a long period of time, or be repatriated back to the UK, you would still need to pay substantial amounts.

Only through dedicated travel insurance policies can you make certain that all medical and related expenses are covered in any eventuality.

Get winter sports insurance with SportsCover Direct

At SportsCover Direct, we have over 25 years’ experience covering people just like you in almost every type of winter sport, ensuring you’re fully protected whenever you hit the slopes and rinks. Our policies include medical and repatriation cover, insurance for trip cancellation and curtailment, personal accident and liability cover, and help if your equipment is lost, damaged or stolen.

Our policies are available at competitive rates, and can be bought either for single trips, or on an annual multi-trip basis. Explore all our winter sports insurance policies in detail .

• Adventure & Sports Travel Insurance

Winter Sports

Travel Insurance for Winter Sports

Search for policies that cover sports like snowboarding, skiing, ice skating and more, winter sports travel insurance from skiing to heli skiing.

Travel insurance for winter sports can cover a wide array of activities with varying levels of danger. However, policies for adventurous travelers may still have a list of excluded activities. Coverage for skiing , for example, is included within many policies. On the other hand, coverage for extreme sports or adventure activities, such as heli skiing or ice climbing, can be included but is much less common.

Winter Sports Coverage

What Does Winter Sports Travel Insurance Cover?

Travel insurance for winter sports is primarily designed to provide cancellation and medical coverage. For travelers planning to participate in winter activities during their trip, but are forced to cancel, the Trip Cancellation benefit can refund their prepaid and non-refundable trip costs, including airfare, hotel accommodations, and expenses related to the activity, such as lift tickets or equipment rentals. In the event of an injury during the trip, travel insurance can reimburse the cost of treating the injury and the cost of a medical evacuation, if necessary.

What to look for when buying travel insurance for winter sports and activities:

Travel insurance for winter sports and activities can vary significantly from policy to policy. Activities that can be covered by one policy, may be specifically excluded from the next. For this reason, for travelers who plan to partake in specific winter sports or activities, it’s important to check a policy’s certificate for a list of excluded activities before purchasing. When buying travel insurance for winter sports, Squaremouth recommends at least $50,000 in Emergency Medical coverage, and $100,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage.

How to search for travel insurance for winter sports and activities:

The Sports & Activities benefit of travel insurance is designed to cover travelers who are participating in sports or adventurous activities. Using Squaremouth’s activity selection matrix below, travelers can enter the specific winter sports and activities they plan to participate in during their trip to only show available policies with the coverage they need.

Search for policies with coverage for winter sports using our selection matrix.

Search Winter Sports Travel Insurance Policies

Search for winter sports and activities you will be participating in during your trip, then select "Continue to Trip Information" to complete your quote.

• Winter dog sledding, glacier walking, skiing, snowboarding and more. Airboarding Bobsleighing Cross-Country Skiing/Langlauf Dog Sledding (Racing) Dog Sledding (Recreational) Glacier Walking Husky Dog Sledding Ice Climbing Ice Holing Ice Skating Ice Speedway Ice Windsurfing Luge Marathon (Arctic) Mountain Biking (Mega Avalanche or Similar) Skiing (Back country with a guide) Skiing (Back country without a guide) Skiing (Backcountry in resort) Skiing (Cat Skiing/Boarding) Skiing (Cross Country) Skiing (Free-Style) Skiing (Heli Skiing) Skiing (Moguls) Skiing (Mono) Skiing (Nordic) Skiing (Para) Skiing (Ski Biking) Skiing (Ski Blading) Skiing (Ski Boarding) Skiing (Ski Cross/Snowboard Cross) Skiing (Ski Dooing) Skiing (Ski Flying) Skiing (Ski Jumping) Skiing (Ski Mountaineering) Skiing (Ski Racing (ski school races etc)) Skiing (Ski Racing) Skiing (Ski Randonee) Skiing (Ski Stunting) Skiing (Ski Touring) Skiing (Slopestyle (no inverted aerials)) Skiing (Snowcat) Sledding/Tobogganing Sleigh Riding Sleigh Riding (Reindeer/Horse) Snow Biking Snow Blading Snow Bobbing Snow Go-Carting Snow Mobiling Snow Parascending Snow Scooting Snow Shoeing Snow Skiing (Recreational Downhill) Snow Tubing Snowboarding Snowboarding (Back-country without a Guide) Snowboarding (Backcountry in resort) Snowboarding (Freestyle/Terrain Park (inverted aerials)) Snowboarding (Freestyle/Terrain Park (no inverted aerials)) Snowboarding (Heli-boarding) Snowboarding (Recreational) Snowboarding (Slopestyle) Snowboarding (Snowboard Cross) Snowcat Driving Snowmobling Speed Flying/Riding Speed Skating Telemarking Tubing

Please select if you will be participating in amateur or professional events or competitions:

Your quote results will show policies that include coverage for the activities you have chosen, however, we cannot guarantee adequate coverage for your particular trip.

Please either call us or review your policy certificate for coverage limitations and exclusions that may apply to your trip and activities.

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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:

• Snowboarding
• Off-piste skiing/snowboarding (except where considered unsafe by resort management)
• Cross country skiing
• Freestyle skiing*
• Mono skiing
• Recreational/non-professional ski racing or training *
• Ski acrobatics*
• Ski bob racing*
• Ski/snowboard fun parks*
• Ski stunting*
• Ski touring with a guide
• Bobsleighing*
• Glacier walking or trekking under 2,000m altitude
• Ice climbing under 100m (fully supervised)*
• Ice fishing
• Ice hockey*
• Snowmobiling*
• Tobogganing

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.

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 .

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.

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Winter Sports Cover

Travel insurance for skiing and winter sports.

If you’re planning a winter adventure skiing in the French Alps or going snowmobiling under the Northern lights then you will need to add the “Winter Sports” extension to your Travel Insurance.

This can be added to any Travel Insurance policy taken out with Just Travel Cover including single and annual trips. The Winter Sports extension covers you for many Winter Sports including popular activities such as skiing, sledging, snowboarding and snowmobiling.

Travel Insurance with Winter Sports Cover Explained

All Travel Insurance policies at Just Travel Cover come with Covid-19 cover as standard. Covid-19 cover offers your protection against cancellation if you contract Covid-19 before your holiday and cannot travel as well as emergency medical expenses if you contract Covid-19 whilst abroad.

Whilst we do offer no age limit across our Travel Insurance policies, when selecting Winter Sports extension there is a maximum age limit of 75. Cover varies by insurer and some policies contain exclusions. Always check the policy wording for your chosen insurer or call us on 0800 294 2969 for any further advice.

Is Winter Sports Extension Worth It?

Yes, like any sport a degree of risk is involved. Accidents can happen anytime anywhere and does not discriminate against your level of ability. Medical care abroad can be extremely expensive depending where you are, for example a skiing injury such as a sprained wrist will cost you more on the slopes in America than in Europe due to the higher costs of medical care.

Due to nature of the sports undertaken with a Winter Sports extension policy it is crucial that you have adequate personal liability cover. Personal liability cover won’t just cover you for accidentally colliding with someone (sledge or ski) but for any damage to property that may have occurred. Always check your policy wording for your chosen insurer as cover varies by insurer and some policies contain exclusions. If you require any further assistance with personal liability for Winter Sports you can speak to a member of our dedicated team on 0800 954 2969.

Other Benefits

Ski equipment.

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Adventurous Sports Insurance

Throwing yourself onto a bike or into the sea be sure you're covered., do i need adventurous sports insurance.

There's a degree of risk to most sports, but particularly the adventurous ones.

Having the right cover in place before you go on holiday means you can try exciting and adventurous sports without worrying about what might happen if something goes wrong.

Admiral Travel Insurance covers a wide range of sports, but let’s take a look at which ones you’re covered for as standard and which you’ll need to pay a bit extra for.

Covid-19 - what our travel insurance covers

Our travel insurance now covers you for certain events related to Coronavirus (COVID-19), provided you have proof of a positive Covid-19 test and your cover is active at the time of the event.

What we cover

We provide cover for some costs related to Covid-19: please see Section 1 'emergency medical costs and repatriation' and Section 2 'cancelling or cutting short your trip' in your policy book for full details on what's covered.

We'll cover you if:

• you were diagnosed with Covid-19 before your trip was due to start
• a close relative died or became seriously ill as a result of Covid-19 before your trip was due to start
• you weren't allowed to board your pre-booked outbound travel due to symptoms of Covid-19
• an insured person or a close relative died during the trip because of Covid-19
• you couldn't take part in an excursion due to you self-isolating after getting Covid-19

What we don’t cover

You won't be covered if:

• you had reason to believe your trip may be cancelled, postponed or cut short when you booked it, purchased your policy or started your trip
• any government or public authority imposes travel restrictions or quarantine on a community, location, or vessel because of Covid-19 (this includes, but is not limited to, local lockdowns, entry requirements, being denied entry and airspace closures)
• you have to quarantine after arriving in the UK or abroad
• the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) change their advice to avoid ‘all travel’ or ‘all but essential travel’ to your destination because of Covid-19

For more information about how Coronavirus (COVID-19) affects your travel cover, see our FAQ page . And remember to check the policy booklet carefully before you buy to make sure our cover meets your needs.

What's covered under standard travel insurance?

Many of the sports you might want to do on holiday are covered by our standard holiday insurance.

These activities don’t require an extra payment on top of your standard travel insurance – and you’ll be covered for personal accident and legal liability too:

Banana boating

Body/boogie boarding

Canoeing (up to grade two rivers)

Fishing Kayaking (up to grade two rivers)

Parasailing (over water)

River tubing

Sailboarding

Scuba diving up to 30m*

Sea kayaking

Snorkelling

Wake boarding

Windsurfing

Yachting (inside territorial waters)

Water skiing

White/black water rafting (up to grade four rivers)

*For unqualified scuba divers, the diving depth is limited to 30m. (See policy wording for more conditions around scuba diving cover).

Raquet ball

Table tennis

Tennis Volleyball

Beach games

Cycling (except for racing, BMX, mountain biking, and cycling on extreme terrain)

Fell walking

Hiking (up to 4,000m altitude)

Hot air ballooning

Ice skating

Orienteering

Paintballing

Pony trekking

Safari (guided)

Rollerblading/inline skating

Sand boarding

Skateboarding

Trekking (up to 4,000m altitude)

Paddle boarding

Jogging/Running (excluding marathons)

Pony trekking (any equine 58 inches or less at the wither)

Extreme sports travel insurance: how to get covered for hazardous activities

If you couldn’t see your chosen activity on the list above, don't panic. Adrenaline junkies out there can still try that once-in-a-lifetime bucket list activity – you’ll just need to pay a little extra to be covered.

When buying travel insurance through Admiral, you’ll get the option to add extra cover for a specific hazardous activity. Just select the sport or activity you’ll be taking part in and pay the extra cost to get cover.

Bear in mind all hazardous sports and activities on our list exclude cover for personal accident and legal liability:

Assault course

Bungee jumping (maximum three jumps)

Canoeing (rivers over grade 2)

Canyon swinging

Coasteering

Gorge walking

Horse riding

Kayaking (rivers over grade two)

Kite surfing (over land)

Sand yachting

Scuba diving to depths between 30m and 50m (requires qualification)

Sea canoeing

Shark diving

White/black water rafting (rivers over grade four)

Yachting (outside territorial waters)

Trekking (up to 4500m altitude)

Hiking (up to 4500m altitude)

Motorcycling over 125cc (Europe only)

Sky diving (max 3 jumps)

Paragliding

If you'd like to be insured for a sport that’s not listed, contact our team to find out if we can arrange cover for you.

What level of cover do I need?

Now you know what activities are covered as standard and which require an extra payment, you need to choose the right cover for your trip. We break travel down into three zones:

• Worldwide excluding USA, Canada, Caribbean and Mexico

See the full list of benefits  in the policy summary booklet .

Winter sports insurance: make sure you're covered

If you're taking to the slopes to go skiing or snowboarding, you'll need to add our  winter sports insurance  to your standard cover.

As well as covering you in case of accidents or injury on the slopes, winter sports insurance means you'll get compensation if your equipment is lost, stolen or damaged. It also covers you if your trip is affected by severe weather, like avalanches.

Without the upgrade, your trip won't be covered at all but adding it means you'll get all the standard protection included in our single trip and annual policies as well as cover for the sport you'll be taking part in.

Limitations and exclusions

As is always the case with insurance, there are certain limitations and exceptions that could invalidate your cover.

For Admiral's winter sports insurance, we don’t cover travellers over 75 years old for trips within Europe and over 70 years old for trips outside of Europe.

Reckless behaviour

You won't be covered if you're injured as a result of your own reckless behaviour. This includes:

• Deliberately injuring yourself
• Being under the influence of drugs, solvents or excessive amounts of alcohol
• Not following the safety precautions while taking part in an activity

For a full list of exceptions, see the General Exclusions section in our policy documents .

What if I have a pre-existing condition?

A pre-existing condition is a short or long term illness or injury you have or have had before you buy travel insurance. This includes having symptoms, tests, diagnosis or medical treatment for a condition.

You can declare your pre-existing conditions during the quote process to see if we can offer cover. If you’re unsure what needs to be declared or if you're unable to find your condition on the medical conditions list, please contact us on 0333 234 9913 .

Your pre-existing conditions won’t be covered unless you’ve:

• Declared them all on your policy
• Received written confirmation that we’ll cover your medical condition
• Paid any additional premium in full

Policy terms and conditions apply. Please note, if you’ve had a positive diagnosis of Covid-19 and been prescribed medication, received treatment, or had a consultation with a doctor or hospital specialist for any medical condition in the past two years, this needs to be declared on your policy.

If you don’t tell us about your pre-existing conditions or give us incorrect information, your policy may be invalid, and we may refuse all or part of any claim you submit.

For a quote with us, click the green button above.

The MoneyHelper directory

If you require cover for more serious medical conditions, MoneyHelper may be able to help you find specialist travel insurance through their medical directory.

If you wish to get in touch with them you can call them on 0800 138 7777 or find them online . (Monday to Friday 8:00-18:00, closed on Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays.)

Getting the most out of your trip

Going anywhere nice.

Off to one of the destinations below? Take a look at our guides for some hints and tips on what you need to remember.

Travel insurance that suits you

Whether you're travelling solo, with your family, or with a little one on the way, read our guides to make sure our cover is right for you.

Family Travel Insurance

Student travel insurance, travelling while pregnant, travel insurance over 65, travelling with medical conditions, travel insurance upgrades.

Whether you want the adrenaline rush of a skiing holiday, or fancy taking to the seas on a cruise, you'll need to add extra cover to your policy.

Cruise Travel Insurance

Ski travel insurance, gadget travel insurance, single trip insurance, annual trip insurance.

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Winter Sports Travel Insurance

Winter sports should be fun for everyone, even if you have a pre-existing medical condition. If you wish to enjoy sports such a skiing or snowboarding on your trip, it's important that you get specialist winter sports travel insurance. Our individually tailored policies cover cancellations and medical expenses.

Page contents

Why do you need travel insurance that covers winter sports, what is covered by winter sports travel insurance, what activities does winter sports travel insurance cover, age limits for winter sports cover, winter sports insurance with pre-existing medical conditions, why more than 3 million people have chosen allclear.

Winter sports travel insurance covers you should you wish to enjoy adventurous sports such a skiing or snowboarding and still want peace of mind whilst on holiday. This type of insurance covers you for medical emergencies, even those related to Covid, which is vital to prevent unexpected medical bills and give you the support you need if you have any medical problems while you are away.

If you’re planning a winter holiday and want full peace of mind, you’ll need to make sure you have Travel Insurance with ski cover in place. Few things ruin a holiday faster than an injury and a costly trip to the hospital. If you need emergency medical treatment and don’t have insurance, bills could be incredibly expensive.

Here’s what to look for when you’re buying Travel Insurance for your winter sports holiday.

Winter sports and other snow-based activities increase the risk of injury and require a lot of specialised equipment and unique venues compared to standard holidays on the beach. All this needs to be factored into your insurance policy.

ABTA research shows that over 3.5 million Brits who have been on a winter sports holiday have never taken out Travel Insurance. The same research found that ABTA Members had reported more than 200 significant injuries caused by collisions and falls on the slopes amongst British holidaymakers in the 2018 ski season.

Proper, high-quality cover for winter sports will help you avoid costly medical bills if you have an accident during your activity, lose or damage your equipment. Without a valid Travel Insurance policy, you could be left out of pocket.

Some insurance providers will offer cover through a dedicated policy or with a special add-on. When applying for a quote with AllClear, add ‘Winter Sports’ in the ‘Extras’ section after you have selected your preferred policy and your quote will adjust accordingly.

Benefits of AllClear Cover

Winter sports equipment – protects the cost of repairing or replacing your equipment up to £500, if yours were to be stolen, lost or damaged during your holiday. We’ll also help with the costs of hiring replacement equipment up to £10 a day. We take into account the age of your items when working out a claim.

Piste closure – we’ll contribute to the cost if you need to travel to another resort to ski or you can’t ski at all because of piste closures caused by a lack of snow.

Ski pack – cover for up to £400 of unused parts of a ski pack you bought before travelling if you’re unable to take part in winter sports because of illness or injury sustained while travelling. You’ll need to be medically certified as being unfit for your activity by a doctor at the resort.

Delayed ski equipment – up to £150 towards hiring replacement equipment if your own equipment is certified by your carrier to have been misplaced for more than 12 hours on the outward journey of your trip.

As above, the sports or activities covered will vary by your insurer. So, you need to check your policy documents carefully and make sure it’s appropriate for your plans.

With an AllClear add-on, the following activities are included:

Inner tubing (in snow)

Skiing (including, off-piste, mono, heli, dry and cross country)

Snowboarding 

Snowmobiling

Snowshoeing 

Sphereing/Zorbing

Tobogganing

If your activity is not included, call us for free on: 0808 281 0561 as we may be able  to add a specific activity to your policy.

It’s important to remember that there may be limitations or other requirements. For example, if you want to ski off-piste, you’ll need to be accompanied by a qualified instructor or guide. This information will be detailed in your policy documents.

Simple 3 step quote process

1. call us or click a quote button on our site, 2. complete our simple medical screening process, 3. get your quotes.

You’ll be given the option to include Winter Sports on most of our policies. A number of our providers will insure you up to and 65 years of age.

If you’re planning to hit the slopes, you must declare any medical conditions when applying for a quote.

Any injuries caused by an existing condition when participating in an activity could mean you aren’t covered if you haven’t declared it. Plus, if you fall ill while travelling because of an existing condition and you haven’t declared it, you’ll have to pay for your time in hospital. In addition to this, you won’t be covered for anything lost on your ski pack.

We can cover over 1300 different medical conditions, and we’re experts in Medical Travel Insurance since the year 2000. If you declare all your conditions, your insurer agrees to cover them, and the activity is included in your policy, you’ll be covered for the costs of your treatment and other expenses.

We compare cover from up to 61 insurance providers, and 98% of customers have rated us ‘Good’ or better at being helpful and friendly. [1]

“AllClear Gold is simply the best travel cover I have found.”

Even 2 years after having been declared to be in remission from cancer i found many companies would not insure me to go skiing, but with allclear it was a breeze – and best of all it wasn’t expensive. i’ve been using allclear for over 8 years and would never look anywhere else now. when i had a skiing accident 3 years ago they were fantastic and provided me with an excellent service getting me home safely, organising assistance at the airport etc. highly recommend their services ”, sarah harbord – trustpilot, read allclear trustpilot reviews.

We hope you found this information helpful and you enjoy your time on the slopes!

If you’d like to start a quote, click the quote now button below.

[1] From 450 responses.

Written by: Russell Wallace | Travel Insurance Expert Last Updated: 24 November 2023

[1] Based on Trustpilot reviews of all companies in the Travel Insurance Company category that have over 30,000 reviews as of January 2023.

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Specialist winter sports travel insurance

Planning a winter sports holiday? Look no further… 

In addition to the comprehensive cover benefits of Leisure Guard Travel Insurance, optional winter sports cover is available.

• Simply add Winter Sports Cover to your Travel Insurance policy when you start your quote
• Cover for Ski Equipment and Ski Equipment Hire
• Piste Closure
• Avalanche and Landslide Cover

If you’re planning a winter sports trip make sure you have the right levels of protection in place. Leisure Guard Winter Sports covers you for an array of winter sports including, snowboarding, skiing, tobogganing, bob sledging and many more.

If you purchase the winter sports upgrade on an annual multi trip policy and have paid the additional premium you will have winter sports cover for up to 17 days.

Leisure Guard’s optional winter sports cover includes:

• Ski, ski equipment and ski pass loss (up to £2,000)
• Ski equipment delay (£20 per complete 24 hours, up to a maximum of £200)
• Piste closure (£20 per complete 24 hours, up to a maximum of £240)
• Avalanche or landslide (£20 per complete 24 hours, up to a maximum of £240)

Benefits of Leisure Guard Winter Sports Insurance

• Up to £15,000,000 medical emergency & Repatriation cover
• Up to £7,500 cancellation & curtailment cover
• 24/7 Access to an online doctor at home and whilst overseas
• Ski Equipment and Ski Pass Cover
• Ski Equipment Delay Cover
• Piste Closeure Cover
• 24hr emergency helpline in place should you need us while on your trip

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• Winter Sports Travel Insurance

Ski and Winter Sports Travel Insurance

Whether you're a James Bond-level pro or you prefer to slip down the nursery slopes at your own pace, accidents on the piste happen and can be serious.  

Winter Sports Cover is a mandatory add-on to your travel insurance available for an additional premium. It could help in the event of injury, lost, stolen or damaged equipment

Protection for skiing and snowboarding, on and off piste

Winter Sports Cover gives protection for a range of common and less-common snowbound activities including off-piste (within resort boundaries and in recognised areas). It covers lost, damaged or stolen ski equipment and piste closure. Whether it’s your first time or your hundredth, don’t hit the slopes without it

What’s covered?

Add the Winter Sports Option for an additional premium to any Post Office Travel Insurance policy and get all this extra protection

Skiing, snowboarding, airboarding and more

It’s not just skiing and snowboarding. Whether it’s ski-blading, airboarding, skidooing, tobogganing or even snowmobiling, there are plenty of winter sports we can cover you for^, off piste as well as on^^

Emergency medical support and evacuation

Your policy includes access to a 24/7 emergency medical helpline, plus medical evacuation in case you’re hurt in an inaccessible area

Lost, damaged or stolen equipment 

Whether you’ve your own equipment or you’ve hired some, we can cover loss, theft or damage. Terms and conditions apply. Check our policy wording for details

Piste closure

It can be fun to go up the mountain when the weather’s heavy, but when there’s no snow at all, there’s no point. If the piste is closed because there’s no snow, you could make a claim

All medical conditions considered

Living with a medical condition such as high blood pressure, cholesterol or diabetes shouldn't stop you having a fantastic holiday. But it's important you’re adequately insured. So make sure you tell us the full details of all existing medical conditions.

Post Office Travel Insurance covers most pre-existing medical conditions. Get a quote today to see if we can cover you.

If you have a serious pre-existing medical condition we’re unable to cover you for, check the Money and Pensions Scheme (MaPS) directory of companies that may be able to help you. Or call 0800 138 7777 .

Pre-existing medical conditions

^^This service is not available for trips taken in the UK, only for international travel. The service allows up to 3 separate medical events per person, per policy and for each medical event up to 3 appointments per person listed on the policy. All appointment charges are covered by your travel insurance policy. You will not need to pay any excess fees for this service. For any online appointments or where the appointment was held at your accommodation, where a prescription is issued, you will need to pay for any medication and claim upon your return home. No excess will be applied for any prescription charges. If your appointment takes place at a clinic and they have a dispensing chemist, you will not need to pay for your prescription and all charges will be covered by your policy at the point of appointment. If there is no dispensing chemist at the clinic, you will either be given a prescription, or the prescription will be sent to a chemist by the treating Doctor, and you will need to pay for any medication and claim upon your return home. If your medical situation needs to be handed over from an outpatient case to an inpatient case and requires hospital admission, you will be handed over to our emergency medical assistance team in the UK. For any inpatient cases, no excess will be applicable.

Choose a travel insurance cover level

The table shows the maximum cover limits available with Ski and Winter Sports Cover for each of our cover levels. You can add Ski and Winter Sports Cover for an additional premium.

Policy wording

Ready to get a quote?

Let’s find the protection that’s right for your travels. Get a quote for Post Office Travel Insurance

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Post Office won a ‘Best Travel Insurance Provider’ award at the Your Money Awards in 2021, 2022 and 2023

Post Office won a “Best Travel Insurance Provider” award at the British Travel Awards in 2022

Defaqto 5-star rated cover

Our Premier level policies have a 5-star Defaqto rating

Common questions

What is winter sports travel insurance.

The risks posed when taking part in winter sport are very different to those a person might face on any other kind of holiday. In some cases, they’re more dangerous too. It’s important to make sure that, as well as taking part in winter sports safely and responsibly, you have cover in case something goes wrong. This cover also provides protection for things that can happen to your equipment, such as loss, theft or damage.

Why add winter sports cover?

Whether you have your own equipment or you’re hiring it, replacements can be expensive if they have to come out of your pocket. If you're going on a trip involving winter sports, then adding this cover is mandatory.  Its not just your equipment that needs to be covered but you as well. We can help you if you’re taken ill while on the mountain or get injured, and if the weather decides to dry up and there’s no snow on the piste, we can help restore the balance. 

Isn’t my Ghic or Ehic card enough protection?

UK citizens travelling in EU countries can access some state-provided healthcare there for free or at a reduced cost. You'll need a UK Global Health Insurance Card (Ghic) or, if it’s still in date, a European Health Insurance Card (Ehic).

Remember, neither card covers any additional cost to return you to the UK or for a relative to stay or fly out to be with you. In a medical emergency you may have no control over the hospital you are taken to or the closest hospital may be private. But medical travel insurance may be able to cover some of the cost for you.

Also, Ehic no longer provides access to healthcare services in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland for UK nationals in most costs.

• Read more travel insurance FAQs

Need some help?

Travel insurance help and support.

For emergency medical assistance, to make a claim, find answers to common questions about our cover or get in touch:

Visit our travel insurance support page

Travel insurance policy types

Single-trip Travel Insurance

• Cover for a one-off trip in the UK or abroad 
• Perfect for one-off trips or longer holidays of up to 365 days*
• No age limit 

Annual Multi-trip Travel Insurance

• Cover for multiple-trips for a 12-month period 
• You can go away multiple times in the policy year with various trip durations available**
• Available for everyone aged up to 75 years 

Backpacker Insurance

• Cover for a one-off trip up to 18 months 
• Option to return home for up to 7 days on 3 occasions. 
• For people aged 18 – 60 wanting to travel the world for a gap year or career break 

* For Economy, Standard and Premier policies, the Singe trip policy will cover you for one trip up to:

365 days for persons aged up to and including age 70

90 days for persons aged between 71 and 75

31 days for persons aged between 76 and above

** For Economy, Standard and Premier policies under Annual Multi-Trip although you can take as many trips as you want within the policy year, there is a maximum duration for each individual trip. This limit varies depending on the cover level chosen and will be 17 or 31 days. On some policies the limit can be extended to 31, 45 or 60 days for an additional premium.

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About our travel insurance

Post Office® Travel Insurance is arranged by Post Office Limited and Post Office Management Services Limited.

Post Office Limited is an appointed representative of Post Office Management Services Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FRN 630318. Post Office Limited and Post Office Management Services Limited are registered in England and Wales. Registered numbers 2154540 and 08459718 respectively. Registered Office: 100 Wood Street, London, EC2V 7ER. Post Office and the Post Office logo are registered trademarks of Post Office Limited.

The above details can be checked on the Financial Services Register by visiting the Financial Conduct Authority website and searching by Firm Reference Number (FRN).

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Winter Sports and Ski Insurance

What is Winter Sports and Ski insurance? 

What does winter sports travel insurance cover? 

With our Winter Sports & Ski travel insurance add-on, you receive the same level of protection you get with our standard travel insurance policies, but with additional cover for unique risks associated with winter sports.

You can choose either a  Single Trip  policy, an   Annual policy or a Backpacker   policy, depending on how you travel. Plus, you also have a choice of a Silver or Gold level of cover.

Please note that our annual policies can only cover you for a maximum of 17 days winter sports cover throughout the year. If you need winter sports cover for longer than 17 days, you'll need to buy a   Single Trip  or a  Backpacker  policy

Depending on which policy and level of cover you choose, you'll be protected against:

• Cancelling or cutting short your trip
• Emergency medical and associated expenses
• Loss of passport
• Delayed personal possessions
• Lost, stolen or damaged personal possessions
• Loss of money
• Personal accident
• Missed departures
• Delayed departures
• Personal liability

Terms and Conditions apply.

In addition to this our Winter Sports and Ski add-on covers you for risks that are unique to skiing holidays. So, depending on which level of cover you choose, you'll also be insured against:

• Unused ski-pack costs
• Delayed, lost, stolen or damaged ski equipment
• Piste closures
• Avalanche closures

Terms and conditions apply. 

Our Winter Sports & Ski add-on gives you even more cover

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Need help? Call us on: 01 619 3681  

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Does your travel insurance cover winter sports?

Back Back to Solved

21 December 2022

If you’re reading this article, then you’re probably thinking it’s time for a winter holiday.

Or you may have already booked one and need to check you have the right insurance cover before you go.

Will travel insurance cover me for winter sports?

Travellers sometimes assume they are covered for winter sports as part of their travel insurance, but it is often not the case, meaning thousands of people could be heading to the slopes without any cover. Research from ABTA, the travel trade association, showed that just over one in five (22%) people [1] who have been on a winter sports holiday never check whether they have taken out appropriate insurance for activities like skiing and snowboarding.

You might already have a travel insurance policy, but it’s important to check you have the correct cover when you’re travelling or going on holiday so there are no surprises. Ultimately it means you can relax, as you shouldn’t have any unexpected costs if something does go wrong.

It can cover expenses arising from issues such as:

• Cancelling or cutting short your trip, if it’s for reasons beyond your control
• Disruptions such as delays
• Emergency medical expenses
• Lost or stolen baggage and possessions

A standard travel insurance policy will usually only cover you for low-risk activities. If you’re one of the UK’s estimated 2.2 million active skiers or snowboarders and are planning a trip to the slopes - or you want to take part in another adventurous winter sport - then you’re likely to need an additional winter sports policy.

What does winter sports insurance cover?

Winter sports insurance, also known as ski insurance, is an add-on to standard travel insurance that offers more comprehensive cover. 

Depending on what policy you choose, from which insurer, it may cover the following activities:

• Snowboarding
• Glacier trekking
• Tobogganing
• Sleigh rides
• Snowmobiling
• Dogsledding

Some of the more extreme winter sports such as heli-skiing (off-trail, downhill skiing which you access by a helicopter rather than ski lift) or competitive winter sports, may not be covered, in which case you would need further specialist insurance.

It’s important to check individual policies to see if your chosen activity is covered, as they can all vary. Also, aside from the key activities, do check what else is included in your cover. It might include cover for:

• Replacing equipment, whether you hired it or it belongs to you, such as helmets or skis if lost, damaged or stolen
• If an avalanche or piste closure prevents you from taking part in winter sports activities or simply results in the resort being closed
• Medical costs if you injure yourself 
• Cost of cancelled activities and equipment due to illness or injury
• Off-piste skiing or snowboarding, although policies may stipulate these must be with a qualified instructor

So, if you’re heading off on an active alpine break, be sure to check your insurance cover before travelling. Unexpected medical costs, in particular can be hugely expensive. Once you’ve done this, you can relax in the knowledge that you’re covered for the unexpected and focus on getting ready for a fantastic winter escape!

Go to Solved to read more about how to stay covered at home and on your travels.

[1] https://www.abta.com/news/2-5-million-brits-have-taken-slopes-without-ever-having-winter-sports-travel-insurance

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Winter Sports Travel Insurance

• Unlimited access to HealthHero - our 24/7 video or telephone GP helpline based in the UK.
• Providing cover if your ski equipment is damaged, stolen, lost or destroyed on your trip. This includes equipment you own and equipment you’ve hired.
• Covering the cost of extra transport and accommodation if you cannot reach your destination or get back home because of an avalanche.
• Protection against the closure of ski lifts, ski schools and piste at your resort due to weather.

What is Winter Sports and Ski insurance? 

What does our winter sports & ski travel insurance cover.

With our ski insurance add-on, you receive the same level of protection you get with our standard travel insurance policies, but with additional cover for unique risks associated with winter sports. You can add winter sports cover to your policy to protect yourself and your equipment when taking part in sports like skiing and snowboarding.

With our ski travel insurance, you get all the great benefits of our Silver or Gold policies, depending on which level of winter sports insurance cover you choose. You can choose either a Single Trip policy, an Annual policy or a Backpacker   policy, depending on how you travel. These policies will include cover for:

• Cancelling or curtailing your trip
• Emergency medical and associated expenses
• Loss of passport*
• Delayed personal possessions
• Lost, stolen or damaged personal possessions*
• Loss of personal money*
• Personal accident cover
• Missed departures
• Delayed departures
• Personal liability
• Legal expenses
• End-supplier failure**

We no longer be offer travel insurance policies to cover people's pre-existing medical conditions. This is only a temporary measure due to the improvements we are making to our online booking engine. Please keep an eye on the Allianz Assistance website in the future so you are aware when we are able to offer this additional cover again.

Our Winter Sports and Ski add-on gives you even more cover. In addition to the above, you’ll be protected against:

• Avalanche closure: We’ll cover the cost of extra transport and accommodation (up to your payment limit) if you cannot reach your destination or get back home because of an avalanche.
• Ski-pack costs: If you have to cancel your trip, cut it short or you cannot ski due to injury or illness, we’ll cover your ski-pack costs up to the amount shown in your policy documents. This includes the cost of hired ski equipment, ski-school fees and lift passes.
• Delayed ski equipment: We’ll provide cover for alternative ski equipment if yours is stolen or delayed for more than 12 hours from when you arrive at your destination.
• Ski equipment: We’ll provide cover if your ski equipment is damaged, stolen, lost or destroyed on your trip. This includes equipment you own and equipment you’ve hired.
• Piste closure: If the ski lifts and ski schools at your resort are closed because of the weather, we’ll pay up to the amount shown in your schedule for the cost of extra transport or lift passes to let you ski or snowboard at another resort; or as compensation if no other resort is available.
• *Not available with Bronze level cover
• **Only available with Gold level cover
• Terms and Conditions apply.  

Our Winter Sports & Ski add-on gives you even more cover

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Annual Multi-Trip Silver with Ski

Single trip gold with ski, backpacker with ski, frequently asked questions.

When you head away on a skiing or winter sports holiday, you’ll likely encounter risks that you wouldn’t on a regular trip; these things aren’t usually covered by a standard travel insurance policy.

But, with specialist winter sports travel insurance, you’re covered against things like piste closure, avalanches and emergency medical expenses. Plus, your equipment is covered, so there’s no need to worry about it getting lost or damaged.

Whether you’re taking on the thrill of a Black Run in Klosters or snowboarding in Whistler, our winter sports insurance covers you, so you can test your skills or learn a new hobby with confidence.

The best winter sports insurance policies cover you for far more than just skiing. When you purchase our Winter Sports and Ski add-on, you’ll be covered for the following activities – providing that you’re not taking part as a professional, or as part of a race or competition:

• Bigfoot skiing
• Cross-country skiing
• Glacier skiing
• Mono-skiing
• Snowboarding
• Snowblading
• Tobogganing

Please note that off-piste skiing and snowboarding are only covered by our winter sports travel insurance policies when you are skiing within the ski-area boundaries of a recognised ski resort, and following ski-patrol guidelines.

Whether you’re looking for travel insurance for skiing in France or somewhere further afield, at Allianz Assistance, we’ve got you covered.

If you’re looking for travel insurance for skiing in Europe, select the European country you're travelling to for our Single Trip cover.

For our Annual policy, you should choose our ‘Europe’ cover. This means you’re covered in the European countries listed in our policy documents, so you’ll get to enjoy some of the most popular places in the world for a winter sports break – like St. Moritz in Switzerland, Borovets in Bulgaria and Chamonix in France.

If you choose ‘Worldwide (excluding USA and Canada)’, the area of cover is anywhere in the world except the USA and Canada. This is a great option if you’re looking to travel to some of the world’s most impressive resorts, like the four ski resorts within an easy drive of Queenstown, New Zealand. If you prefer, you can even take a holiday to Niseko in Japan, which is widely regarded as being one of the snowiest places on the planet. 

If you choose ‘Worldwide (including USA and Canada)’, the area of cover is any country in the world, so you can explore far-flung ski resorts like Whistler Blackcomb in Canada. 

Although the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) can currently help to protect you on your break, it doesn’t offer comprehensive cover.

For example, neither your EHIC nor your GHIC will cover the cost of medical treatment in a private hospital, mountain rescue or repatriation to the UK. As a result, if you don’t have winter sports cover and you have an accident in a ski resort, you’ll have to pay for mountain rescue and repatriation to a UK hospital, which could cost tens of thousands of pounds. 

We’re sure that you’ll take all possible precautions before you hit the slopes, but unfortunately accidents do still happen. So, before you embark on your winter sports holiday, you should pack your EHIC or GHIC and consider taking out travel insurance too. This way, even if something does go wrong, you’re covered. 

Winter sports safety tips

Taking part in winter sports like skiing and snowboarding comes with some risks, so make sure you take steps to prevent accidents on the slopes.

• Wear a helmet - Protect yourself from serious head injuries when taking part in winter sports, many ski resorts make helmets mandatory for these activities
• Wear appropriate clothing - You'll want to invest in a good waterproof ski jacket and trousers to keep you warm enough and to help you stay dry when you land in the snow.
• Stay in the roped areas - Going outside of the designated resort boundaries can put you at risk of getting lost or caught in an avalanche, especially if you're inexperienced.
• Wear sunscreen - Though most of your body will be covered, you'll want to avoid the dreaded skier's sunburn on your face so be sure to keep topping up the sun lotion for any exposed areas.

How to ensure you have the right cover

Does your bank or credit card company provide cover.

Many bank accounts and credit cards come with some level of travel insurance cover. While some may be comprehensive, they may not cover you for everything you have planned whilst you’re away, particularly if you have adventurous plans or unusual excursions booked. 

Make sure you look into the travel insurance policy that you have before every trip, to make sure it’s suitable for you and your plans.

Purchasing a holiday using a credit card means you are often protected by Consumer Protection cover. In most cases, it allows you to get your money returned to you if your provider defaults and you cannot travel.

Are you covered by ABTA or ATOL?

If you have booked a holiday through a tour operator or travel agent, it may be worth checking if you are covered by ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents) or ATOL (Air Travel Organiser’s License). This type of cover means that your package holiday is protected if, for example, the travel company providing your holiday arrangements or the travel agent themselves fail financially or close down.

Your travel agents will be able to tell you if your holiday is ABTA or ATOL protected. Alternatively, use the links provided to check your cover at home.

What is an EHIC or GHIC and what can it offer you?

Looking for more cover? Here's what else we offer:

Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance

Single Trip Travel Insurance

Family Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance for Medical Conditions

Sports & Leisure Travel Insurance

Popular ski and winter sports destinations

Travel Insurance for Bulgaria

Travel Insurance for France

Travel Insurance for Europe

Policy documents

You'll need your policy number to submit your claim to us. This is available in your certificate of insurance which is sent to you when you take out cover. 

It's a good idea to take your policy information with you on your trip so you can provide us with all the necessary details in order for us to help.

Claims assessment

Once we receive your claim, it'll be assessed by our experienced team. 

To speed up the assessment of your claim please make sure to include all applicable information and evidence such as receipts, booking confirmations, hotel reservations and crime reference numbers. If you fail to provide all the necessary information this will cause a delay in processing your claim. 

Your claims outcome

Once our team has assessed your claim we'll be in touch with you via your preferred contact method to confirm the outcome and inform you of any next steps.

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Make A Claim?

Policy documents.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition that we are unable cover under our own policies, you may be able to obtain an alternative travel insurance policy through one of the providers  featured in the MoneyHelper  directory  of specialist travel insurance providers for people with serious medical conditions. Do take time to study and compare the terms and conditions to ensure you have the cover you need. To contact the Money Advice Service for further details of the directory

Call: 0800 138 7777 (lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm) or Email: [email protected]

Overview of Travel Insurance Coverage

What does travel insurance cover, what does credit card travel insurance cover, what travel insurance coverage do you need to pay more for, choosing the right travel insurance, what does travel insurance cover frequently asked questions, understanding what travel insurance covers.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: Chase Freedom Flex℠. The details for these products have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.

• Travel insurance is intended to cover risks and financial losses associated with traveling.
• Coverage can include trip cancellation, baggage protection, medical care, and emergency evacuation.
• When filing a claim, be specific and comprehensive in your documentation to ease the process.

Whether it's a trip across the world or a trip across the state, having travel insurance provides major relief if things go awry. Flight delays, lost baggage, illness, injuries, and other unforeseen events can disrupt even the best-laid plans. With a major disruption comes the potential for unanticipated expenses.

Travel insurance and the coverage it offers can help keep you protected and save you money in the long run.

Travel insurance policies protect travelers from financial losses should something go wrong during their trip. You can customize which coverages you want to include, and there are several to choose from.

"Common types of coverage include trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage protection, coverage for medical care if you get sick or hurt during your trip, and emergency medical evacuation," says Angela Borden, a travel insurance expert and product strategist for travel insurance company Seven Corners.

Travel insurance plans offer nonrefundable payments and other trip-related expenses. While monetary compensation is a primary benefit, there is another valuable perk of travel insurance. It can provide peace of mind.

Your specific travel insurance plan (and its terms and conditions) will determine the minutia and specifics of what is covered. As with most other forms of insurance, a general rule of thumb is the more you spend, the better your coverage.

"Travel insurance can be confusing, so it's best to research a reputable company that specializes in travel insurance and has a long history of successfully helping travelers all over the world," says Borden.

Trip cancellation and interruptions

A travel insurance policy can reimburse you for a prepaid, nonrefundable trip if it is canceled for a covered event, such as a natural disaster or a global pandemic.

Trip interruption insurance covers you if you're already on your trip and you get sick, there's a natural disaster, or something else happens. Make sure to check with your travel insurance providers to discuss any inclusions, coverage, and more.

Travel delays and missed connections

Travel delay insurance coverage provides reimbursement for any expenses you incur when you experience a delay in transit over a minimum time. Reimbursements can include hotels, airfare, food, and other related expenses.

Medical emergencies and evacuations

Typically, US healthcare plans are not accepted in other countries. So travel insurance with medical coverage can be particularly beneficial when you are abroad. Medical coverage can also help with locating doctors and healthcare facilities.

Medical transportation coverage will also pay for emergency evacuation expenses such as airlifts and medically-equipped flights back to the US. Out of pocket, these expenses can easily amount to tens of thousands of dollars. Certain plans may even transport you to a hospital of choice for care.

Travel insurance generally does not include coverage for pre-existing conditions. That said, you can obtain a pre-existing condition waiver, which we will talk about later.  

Baggage and personal belongings

Most airlines will reimburse travelers for lost or destroyed baggage, but be prepared for limitations. Travel insurance plans will typically cover stolen items, such as those stolen out of a hotel room. This may not include expensive jewelry, antiques, or heirloom items. Typically, airlines have a few days to recover your bag.

In the meantime, you can make a claim to pay for items like certain toiletries and other items you need to pick up. If your bag is truly lost or you don't get it for an extended period, you can file a true lost baggage claim.

A major perk on several travel credit cards is embedded credit card travel insurance . Typically, you will need to use the specific card for the transaction (at least with partial payment) for travel coverage to kick in.

Each card has specific rules on what exactly is covered. But one of the industry leaders is the $550-per-year Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card. Here's a snapshot of what is covered with this specific card:

• Baggage delay: up to $100 reimbursed per day for up to five days if a passenger carrier delays your baggage by more than six hours.
• Lost and damaged baggage: up to $3,000 per passenger per trip, but only up to $500 per passenger for jewelry and watches and up to $500 per passenger for cameras and other electronic equipment.
• Trip delay reimbursement: up to $500 per ticket if you're delayed more than six hours or require an overnight stay.
• Trip cancellation and interruption protection: up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses.
• Medical evacuation benefit: up to $100,000 for necessary emergency evacuation and transportation when on a trip of five to 60 days and traveling more than 100 miles from home.
• Travel accident insurance: accidental death or dismemberment coverage of up to $100,000 (up to $1,000,000 for common carrier travel).
• Emergency medical and dental benefits: up to $2,500 for medical expenses (subject to a $50 deductible) when on a trip arranged by a travel agency and traveling more than 100 miles from home.
• Rental car coverage: primary coverage for damages caused by theft or collision up to $75,000 on rentals of 31 days or fewer

More protections are included with cards with an annual fee, but there are exceptions. The no-annual-fee Chase Freedom Flex, for instance, includes up to $1,500 per person (and up to $6,000 per trip) in trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage.

However, there are some differences between credit card travel coverage and obtaining coverage from a third party.

"Credit card coverage does not typically provide travel medical benefits," Borden says. "For protection if you get sick or hurt while traveling, you'll want a travel insurance plan with medical coverage."

Whether you get your travel insurance in a standalone policy or through a credit card, it's important to review your plan details carefully. In either case, there may be exclusions and other requirements such as deadlines when filing a claim, Borden notes.

Knowing what travel insurance doesn't cover is as important as knowing what it does cover.

"Travelers should understand that travel insurance benefits come into play only if a covered reason occurs," Borden says. Most standard travel insurance plans won't reimburse you for the following:

Cancel for any reason (CFAR)

Cancel-for-any-reason travel insurance covers a trip cancellation for any reason, not just a covered event. your standard benefits won't kick in unless it's a covered event. For instance, you'll be reimbursed simply for changing your mind about taking a trip.

That said, CFAR travel insurance is not without its downsides. For one, it's more expensive than traditional insurance, and most CFAR policies will only reimburse you for a percentage of your travel expenses. Additionally, CFAR policies aren't available for annual travel insurance . 

You can find our guide on the best CFAR travel insurance here.

Foreseen weather events

Sudden storms or unforeseen weather events are typically covered by standard travel insurance plans. There are exceptions to be aware of. For example, an anticipated and named hurricane will not be covered.

Medical tourism

If you're going to travel internationally for a medical procedure or doctor's visit, your travel insurance plan will not cover the procedure itself. Most medical travel plans also won't cover you if something goes wrong with your procedure.

Pre-existing conditions and pregnancy

Those with specific pre-existing conditions, such as someone with diabetes and needing more insulin, will not be covered by most plans. In addition, pregnancy-related expenses will likely not be covered under most plans.

That said, you can obtain a pre-existing condition waiver for stable conditions. In order to obtain a wavier, you will need to purchase travel insurance within a certain time frame from when you booked your trip, usually two to three weeks, depending on your policy.

Extreme sports and activities

Accidents occurring while participating in extreme sports like skydiving and paragliding will typically not be covered under most plans. However, many plans offer the ability to upgrade to a higher-priced version with extended coverage.

Navigating claims and assistance

When a trip goes awry, the first thing you should do is document everything and be as specific as possible with documentation. This will make the claims process easier, as you can substantiate and quantify your financial losses due to the delay.

For example, your flight home has been delayed long enough to be covered under your policy, you'll want to keep any receipts from purchases made while waiting. For instances where your luggage is lost, you will need to file a report with local authorities and document all the items you packed.

Cancellation protection also requires meticulous attention to detail. If you're too sick to fly, you may need to see a doctor to prove your eligibility. If an airline cancels a flight, you'll also need to document any refunds you received as travel insurance isn't going to reimburse you for money you've already gotten back. 

Part of the benefit of CFAR insurance is the reduced paperwork necessary to file a claim. You'll still need to document your nonrefundable losses, but you won't have to substantiate why you're canceling a trip.

Each plan should be personalized to meet the insured party's needs. Some travelers prefer to stick to the bare minimum (flight cancellation benefits through the airline). Others want a comprehensive plan with every coverage possible. Before you buy anything, set your destination. Are there any travel restrictions or changes pending? Does your destination country require emergency or other medical coverage?

If the destination airport is known for lost or delayed luggage, travelers should keep important items in carry-ons. Lost or delayed luggage coverage protects insured parties in the event of a significant delay or total loss.

Second, check current credit card travel benefits to avoid redundancies. Savvy travelers don't need to pay for the same coverage twice.

Finally, consider your individual needs. Do you have a chronic medical condition, or do you feel safe with emergency-only medical coverage? Keep in mind, this does not include coverage for cosmetic surgery or other medical tourism. Do you have a budget limit for travel insurance? Asking and answering these important questions will help every traveler find the right product.

Most travel insurance plans are simple, and Business Insider's guide to the best travel insurance companies outlines our top picks. Remember, read your policy and its specifics closely to ensure it includes the items you need coverage for.

No one likes to dwell on how a trip might not go as planned before even leaving. However, at its core, travel insurance provides peace of mind as you go about your trip. While the upfront cost may seem significant, when you compare it to the potential expenses of a canceled flight, emergency evacuation, or a hefty medical bill, it's a small price to pay in the grand scheme of things.

Coverage for pandemics vary from policy to policy. Some travel insurance companies have specific provisions for pandemic-related cancellations, while others may exclude them entirely.

Sports injuries are often covered under travel insurance, but high-risk or adventure sports might require additional coverage or a special policy.

Travel advisories have different effects on your travel insurance depending on your policy. Traveling to a country already under travel advisory may invalidate your coverage, but if you're already traveling when a travel advisory is announced, you may be covered.

Travel insurance usually covers the cost of emergency medical evacuations to the nearest suitable medical facility, and sometimes back to your home country, if necessary.

Many travel insurance policies provide coverage for the cost of replacing lost or stolen passports during a trip.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

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Winter sports cover

Extra protection for hitting the slopes

Underwritten by Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited

We’re here if it all goes downhill

Whether you’re an avid snowboarder or planning your first ski trip to the Alps, make sure you’re protected with our winter sports cover add-on.

We can help cover the costs of medical emergencies, piste closure and lost or damaged snow sports equipment. With Sainsbury’s Bank, you’ll have peace of mind that you could be covered if your alpine adventure takes a wrong turn down a slippery slope.

How does winter sports insurance cover work?

With Sainsbury’s Bank, you can add it on to your  travel insurance policy  to cover most winter sports activities.

So, whether you’re zooming down the slopes or enjoying après ski, your winter travel insurance will include cover for:

Medical emergencies

Cancellation or having to cut your trip short

Lost, damaged or stolen baggage

Our winter sports cover also has a range of benefits to protect you and your equipment. This includes cover for:

Lost, stolen or damaged snow sports equipment

Hiring replacement equipment if yours is lost, damaged or delayed

Your unused equipment hire or tuition fees if you’re sick or have an accident

Your ski pass if it’s lost or stolen

Extra transport or accommodation in the event of an avalanche or landslide at your resort

Physiotherapy treatment when you return to the UK if you’ve had an accident

Compensation if the slopes in your resort are closed due to weather conditions

Winter sports cover policy limits

With  Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Insurance , you can choose from three levels of cover – Silver, Gold and Platinum.

If your claim is successful, we’ll pay you up to the amount shown below.

Terms, conditions, excesses and limitations apply. You can find out more about the terms of our cover in our  policy booklet .

Some exclusions

While we’ll do what we can to give you complete protection, it’s important to remember that no insurance policy covers everything.

For example , even with the winter sports add-on, our insurance does not cover:

• Anyone older than 66 years of age
• Any claim as a result of off-piste skiing where you’re not accompanied by a qualified instructor with appropriate liability insurance
• Any claim as a result of taking part in winter sports activities during avalanche warnings
• Damage to winter sports equipment caused by normal wear and tear, gradual deterioration, or mechanical or electrical breakdown
• Loss or theft of winter sports equipment or ski passes left unattended in a public place
• Loss or theft of winter sports equipment or ski passes that was not reported to the police as soon as possible

What winter sports are covered?

Need off-piste ski insurance or snowboarding insurance? You’ve come to the right place. We can protect when you’re taking part in the following winter sports:

• On-piste skiing or snowboarding
• Off-piste skiing or snowboarding where you’re accompanied by an insured instructor
• Cross-country skiing on recognised routes and with a guide
• Ski racing arranged by ski schools for pupils

Are any snow sports not covered?

There are some riskier winter activities that we don’t cover. These include:

• Bobsleighing
• Heli-skiing
• Ski acrobatics
• Ski jumping
• Skeleton sledding

Don’t see your planned winter sports activity listed? Not to worry. Give our customer helpline a call on 0345 305 2622^ to see if it’s covered by your policy.

Planning more than one trip?

If you’re a regular on the slopes, you may be better off taking out our  Annual Multi-trip travel insurance .

You’ll be covered up to a maximum of 24 days a year for winter sports and could save time and money, rather than buying a policy for each trip.

Get a travel insurance quote

Ready to get your ski holiday insurance? With our optional winter sports cover, you can focus on enjoying your adrenaline-fuelled adventure.

And with up to 20% off for Nectar members, you’ll get peace of mind and protection for less. Exclusions apply*

Helpful travel guides

Whether you’re going on a family ski trip with the kids or an epic solo snowboarding adventure, check out our useful travel guides.

Dealing with disruption

What to do if your flight to the slopes is delayed or cancelled.

Flying with children

Tips to make travelling with babies and toddlers stress-free.

Keeping your money safe

Get advice on how to look after money, cards and valuables abroad.

Any questions?  

Check out our most  frequently asked questions about travel insurance . If you still need to talk to us, our friendly team will be happy to help. 

Call 0345 305 2621^ 

^Sales and service lines are open 9am-5pm Monday to Friday. Closed weekend and Bank Holidays. Calls may be monitored or recorded. Calls are charged at local rates from landlines and mobiles.

Helpful phone numbers

Terms and conditions

*Up to 20% discount applies when you tell us your Nectar card number. Discount does not apply to premiums for pre-existing medical conditions or enhanced gadget cover. You won't be eligible if you buy through a price comparison website. We reserve the right to change or cancel this offer without notice.

Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Insurance is underwritten by Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited. Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited is a company incorporated in England and Wales with company number 13436330 and whose registered office address is 10 Fenchurch Avenue, London, United Kingdom, EC3M 5BN. Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Firm Reference Number 955859. You can check this on the Financial Services Register by visiting; register.fca.org.uk.

Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Insurance is sold and administered by Hood Travel Limited, registered at Companies House 08318836. Hood Travel is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under registration number 597211. Hood Travel Limited’s registered address is at 2nd Floor, Decora Court, Tylers Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 2BB.

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The Best Travel Insurance for Students

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Table of Contents

What does travel insurance for students cover?

How much does travel insurance for students cost, travel guard: best for budget travelers, world nomads: best for adventurers, allianz: best for premier travel benefits at a lower cost, geoblue navigator for students: best study abroad health insurance, more tips for purchasing study abroad travel insurance.

If you’re a student who’s planning to travel internationally or study abroad, it’s a good idea to go prepared with comprehensive student travel insurance. But where do you find plans tailored to your unique needs?

These companies offer some of the best options for travel insurance for students, whether you’re globe-trotting for a week, a semester or a whole year.

Student travel insurance can vary from plan to plan. But there are a few things you should look for whether you’re an exchange student, studying abroad or simply planning an international trip between classes.

Trip cancellation insurance : This coverage reimburses you for any prepaid, nonrefundable costs of your trip should you have to cancel for any unexpected circumstances covered by your selected policy. 

Travel medical coverage : If you become ill or get injured while traveling, travel medical coverage can help pay for medical expenses and even emergency travel back home.

Travel delay insurance : In the event of rescheduled or canceled flights that result in painfully long layovers, this coverage will reimburse you for personal items, food and lodging you may have to pay for as you wait for a rescheduled flight.

Delayed baggage : Just as it sounds, this coverage reimburses you for luggage (including necessities you might have to purchase while you wait for your luggage to arrive) if it’s delayed or lost by a travel provider in transit.

» Learn more: When to buy travel insurance

As with travel insurance for more general travelers, there are several factors that affect the cost of travel insurance for study abroad students and other young travelers, including:

Traveler age.

Overall trip cost.

Trip duration.

Specific coverage selected.

Because there are so many factors involved, and because every travel insurance company is different, it’s often wise to compare a number of plans to decide which is best for you and your travel plans. That said, these are some of the best student travel insurance options.

» Learn more: Best annual travel insurance this year

Travel Guard by AIG

• Offers last-minute coverage.
• Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Exclusion Waiver available at all plan levels.
• Plan available for business travelers.
• Cancel For Any reason coverage only available for higher-level plans, and only reimburses up to 50% of the trip cost.
• Trip interruption coverage doesn't apply to trips paid for with points and miles.

What Travel Guard covers

There are several options available from Travel Guard for travel insurance for students studying abroad or simply exploring on break: Deluxe, Preferred and Essential.

They all include trip cancellation and interruption, medical coverage, and lost or delayed baggage insurance. Bonus: They even come with dental coverage. Add-ons like car rental coverage and “cancel for any reason coverage” are also available with some plans.

There is also an annual plan available, but coverage automatically expires if any single trip lasts longer than 90 days, so it wouldn’t likely be sufficient for more than a semester abroad.

Multiple price points for a wide range of coverage options.

Dental coverage included.

24/7 emergency assistance available with all plans.

If you plan on participating in adventure sports, the Adventure Sports Bundle is only available as an add-on on some Preferred and Deluxe plans.

» Learn more: Read our full review of Travel Guard

World Nomads

• Travelers can extend coverage mid-trip.
• The standard plan covers up to $300,000 in emergency evacuation costs.
• Plans automatically cover 200+ adventurous activities.
• No Cancel For Any Reason upgrades are available.
• No pre-existing medical condition waivers are available.

What World Nomads covers

Designed for independent, often more adventurous travelers, World Nomads offers several travel insurance options for students of any age.

While plans may seem more expensive than some other options, it’s important to remember that these plans include medical treatment and evacuation if you are injured while participating in some adventure sports. Plans also cover medical expenses, trip cancellation and interruption, baggage loss and delay, and include 24/7 travel assistance.

Many adventure sports are covered.

Some plans include car rental coverage.

Dental is covered.

Pre-existing conditions aren’t covered.

» Learn more: Best adventure sports travel insurance

• Annual or single-trip policies are available.
• Multiple types of insurance available.
• All plans include access to a 24/7 assistance hotline.
• More expensive than average.
• CFAR upgrades are not available.
• Rental car protection is only available by adding the One Trip Rental Car protector to your plan or by purchasing a standalone rental car plan.

What Allianz covers

A well-known travel insurance company, Allianz offers a number of travel insurance plans that may appeal to students.

All plans include epidemic coverage, trip cancellation and interruption, medical and dental coverage, baggage loss and delay, and 24-hour assistance. And premium plans tend to offer similar coverage as other insurance companies but at a lower price.

There’s also an annual plan available called AllTrips, but it doesn’t cover individual trips longer than 45 consecutive days.

Includes epidemic coverage (including for COVID-19).

Covers 100% of prepaid costs if you cancel your trip for a covered reason.

The cost to change flights or other transportation is covered on some plans if you have to change or cancel bookings because of a covered reason.

Rental car coverage not included on any plan.

» Learn more: NerdWallet's Allianz review

• Flexible deductible options.
• Wide ranging medical coverage.
• Low prices for medical only needs.
• Lacks in traditional travel insurance coverage options such as trip Interruption, bag delays, etc.
• Better when paired with travel credit card insurance coverage.

What GeoBlue covers

Designed for students staying in one place for more than a week or even a whole semester, GeoBlue’s Navigator for Students plan is perfect for students studying abroad who are more concerned with health care coverage than travel-related benefits.

It’s designed more like traditional health insurance with deductibles, monthly payment plans and unlimited annual maximums when it comes to medical care. It covers medical care inside and outside the U.S., making it a good overall health insurance if you plan to travel back and forth. Travel vaccinations, emergency medical transportation and repatriation are even covered.

What’s not covered are more typical travel-related expenses like lost baggage, delayed flights and trip cancellation. But the medical coverage is so comprehensive that if you want travel-specific coverage, you could opt to purchase a more budget-friendly plan for each specific trip.

Unlimited annual maximum for medical benefits.

Sliding payment scale to customize your deductible-to-monthly premium payments.

Preventive care is covered.

Dental and vision benefits are extra.

Coverage for most travel-related snafus isn’t included.

» Learn more: GeoBlue travel insurance review : Is it worth the cost?

The best travel insurance for students studying abroad or traveling between semesters or even on holiday breaks is insurance that’s best suited to you and your travel plans.

Before you hit “Add to cart,” compare several plans, make sure to read the fine print and understand what’s covered (and, just as importantly, what’s not ). Select a plan that offers the coverage required to help you feel safe, secure and protected wherever you roam.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Domestic Travel Insurance: What Does It Cover?

D omestic vacations are generally less expensive than international ones, and your health insurance policy may already cover medical emergencies you experience, even across state lines. So, do you need one of the best travel insurance policies while vacationing in the U.S.? And what would a policy cover during a domestic trip?

In this article, we explain what domestic travel insurance covers to help you determine whether purchasing one of these policies is right for you. Keep reading to find out more.

Table of contents

What does domestic travel insurance cover, domestic travel insurance exclusions, do you need travel insurance for domestic trips, how much is domestic travel insurance, when to buy domestic travel insurance, domestic travel insurance faqs, summary of money’s guide to domestic travel insurance.

While travel insurance is mainly associated with international travel, you can also purchase this type of policy for domestic trips. Coverage options vary by insurance company and plan, yet most travel insurance policies afford the following types of coverage.

• Emergency medical coverage: Reimburses you — up to the policy limit — for medical treatment related to accidents or illnesses you experience during a trip. Coverage generally excludes pre-existing conditions and may be primary or secondary to any existing medical insurance you have that’s in effect at your destination. (Check with your insurer to confirm that coverage.)
• Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation coverage: Covers emergency transportation to the nearest medical facility or back to a hospital close to your home, if medically necessary and recommended by your doctor. It also covers expenses related to transporting your remains to your return destination if you die during the trip.
• Trip cancellation coverage: Refunds you a percentage of pre-paid, non-refundable travel costs — up to a limit — if you cancel or interrupt your trip for eligible reasons. Valid reasons for canceling include natural disasters and the illness or injury of a traveler or their family member.
• Trip interruption coverage: If you must interrupt a trip for a covered reason, travel insurance can reimburse you for the unused portion of the trip and any expenses you incur returning home. Reimbursement is usually capped at 150% of the trip’s cost.
• Travel delay coverage: Trip delay coverage reimburses you up to your policy limits if you experience flight delays and incur additional expenses like meals or lodging. It may also cover airport delays and flight change fees.
• Baggage loss and baggage delay coverage: Refunds you the cost of replacement items (up to a per-item limit) if your luggage is lost or delayed during your trip. You usually have to wait a specified number of hours before filing a claim and provide purchase receipts or a list of items in your luggage. Coverage may also be subject to a deductible.
• 24-hour emergency and travel assistance: Most travel insurers offer worldwide travel assistance services. These include help with replacing lost documents, luggage, prescriptions or medical devices and arranging hotel accommodations and medical transport services.

For more information about these and other coverage options, read our article on what travel insurance covers .

Travel insurance add-ons and benefits for domestic trips

Again, while options vary by company, insurers generally offer add-ons and other benefits that can enhance a base travel insurance policy. These include:

• Rental car collision coverage: Also called collision damage waiver (CDW), this add-on waives policyholders’ financial responsibility (up to a limit) if their rental vehicle is damaged in an accident or collision. When available, this option generally costs extra.
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage: While standard cancellation coverage reimburses policyholders for cancellations related to specific covered events, cancel for any reason coverage reimburses policyholders for a portion of their trip cost (50% to 75%) if they cancel for any reason whatsoever. This option can increase the policy’s price by as much as 50%.
• Waiver of pre-existing conditions: Travel insurance policies commonly exclude coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. Unless you qualify for a pre-existing conditions waiver at the time of purchase, you won’t be reimbursed for medical expenses related to a condition diagnosed before — even shortly before — your policy’s effective date. Qualifying for this waiver often requires meeting specific criteria, such as being medically fit to travel and insuring the entire trip cost.
• Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D): This coverage pays out a sum of money if you die, lose a limb or experience vision loss during your trip due to an accident. Depending on the policy, coverage may apply at specific times (while boarding or traveling by plane) or throughout the trip. Some, but not all, policies automatically include this benefit.

Before researching travel insurance for your next trip, keep in mind that some insurers define domestic travel as any trip that takes you over 100 miles from home but is still within the U.S. That means shorter trips may not be eligible for coverage.

Additionally, you may not be covered in all states. Read your policy information thoroughly to understand the coverage exclusions.

According to the NAIC, other common travel insurance exclusions include:

• Pandemics (although some companies cover certain losses related to COVID-19)
• Pre-existing medical conditions (unless you qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver)
• Civil or political unrest at the destination
• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Coverage for high-risk activities (think snowboarding or parasailing)

You don’t necessarily need to purchase a travel insurance plan for a trip within the U.S., especially if your health insurance plan already offers out-of-state or out-of-network coverage.

Additionally, your auto insurance policy generally extends the same coverage and limits to rental vehicles as to the cars you own, so you may not need additional protection. (And rental car companies may not accept a collision damage waiver from a travel insurer as a valid form of coverage.)

Furthermore, some of the best travel credit cards offer benefits that can duplicate or supplement travel insurance coverage. For example, many top-tier credit cards include trip cancellation and interruption coverage and collision damage waivers for rental cars.

Not all credit cards provide these benefits, however, so review your credit card’s benefits guide or contact the issuer for details. You should also verify whether your credit card’s coverage is primary or secondary to other forms of insurance you’re already carrying.

What you’ll pay for a domestic travel insurance policy will depend on factors such as your age (and the age of your travel companions), the insurance company, the plan and coverage options you choose and the total cost of your trip.

Here are some price examples from various insurers for a $4,500 (total) domestic trip for two travelers.

Read our guide to the best travel insurance companies for more information on these and other insurers. And if you’re planning a cruise, check out our top picks for cruise travel insurance .

Generally, it’s best to buy travel insurance soon after making your initial trip payment. That will ensure you qualify for optional benefits such as CFAR coverage and pre-existing condition waivers.

If you don’t know whether to purchase travel insurance coverage in the first place, consider your risks. Travel insurance may make sense if you’re planning an expensive trip and your airfare or hotel bookings are non-refundable. A policy could reimburse you for some of those expenses if you have to cancel or postpone your travel plans at the “last minute.”

That can be especially true when traveling to a destination where weather-related risks are common. For example, if you’re visiting California during peak wildfire season or Florida during hurricane season, travel insurance could offer peace of mind and financial protection against travel disruptions caused by a natural disaster.

Does travel insurance cover domestic flights?

How much is travel insurance, is travel insurance worth it.

If you’re a U.S. resident traveling to other states, domestic travel insurance may be an option worth considering. A comprehensive travel insurance policy for domestic vacations can cost between 3% and 14% of the total cost of your trip, depending on the coverage options you select.

If you’ve booked expensive, non-refundable accommodations, are traveling to a state where natural disasters are common or don’t have health insurance coverage that extends out of state, travel insurance could offer you a measure of financial protection against common travel mishaps — all for a fraction of the cost of your trip.

© Copyright 2024 Money Group, LLC . All Rights Reserved.

This article originally appeared on Money.com and may contain affiliate links for which Money receives compensation. Opinions expressed in this article are the author's alone, not those of a third-party entity, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed. Offers may be subject to change without notice. For more information, read Money’s full disclaimer .