Ski Holiday Booked? Check Your Travel Insurance Before You Travel

Your ski holiday is booked, and the countdown to the mountains has begun. While you organise equipment, book lessons and decide what to pack, check your Travel Insurance early: standard policies do not always include the winter sports cover your trip may require.

Whether you are heading out for your first lesson or returning to a favourite resort, make sure your policy matches the holiday you have planned. Check winter sports activities, medical and rescue cover, equipment, piste closures, off-piste conditions, cancellation protection and medical declarations before you go.

Check that winter sports are included

Do not assume that standard Travel Insurance covers skiing or snowboarding. You may need to add a Winter Sports extension. Check the activities covered, along with any age restrictions and limits on the number of winter sports days.

Already have an Annual Multi-Trip policy? Read the winter sports terms before relying on it for your next ski holiday.

Look beyond medical treatment

If you are injured on the slopes, getting to hospital may involve mountain rescue. Check your policy for emergency medical treatment, rescue and repatriation cover – the cost of getting you home if medically necessary.

A valid GHIC or EHIC can help with eligible state healthcare where accepted, but it does not cover private treatment, mountain rescue or repatriation and is not a replacement for Travel Insurance.

Check cover for your equipment

Taking your own skis or hiring in resort? Look for cover for lost, stolen or damaged equipment, and check whether hired equipment is included. Read the limits, excesses and storage conditions, including rules about leaving equipment unattended (limits apply).

Some policies may also contribute towards replacement equipment hire if your own equipment is delayed or lost on the outward journey. Check the applicable limits, excesses and evidence required.

Understand piste closure and ski pack benefits

Winter Sports cover may include benefits for piste closures caused by snow conditions (terms apply), or unused ski passes, lessons and equipment hire if illness or injury prevents you from skiing.

Check the circumstances covered, any waiting periods and the evidence needed to claim. These benefits do not mean every change to your skiing plans will be covered.

Check the rules for off-piste skiing

If you plan to ski off-piste, check that your policy allows it. Conditions may include skiing with a qualified guide or staying within permitted areas. Other activities, such as ski touring, may need separate cover.

Follow local safety advice and check helmet requirements in both your resort and your policy. Alcohol exclusions can also affect a claim.

Arrange cover early and answer medical questions accurately

Arrange Travel Insurance as soon as possible after booking. Check that cancellation cover is sufficient for your prepaid costs and understand which reasons for cancelling are insured.

Answer all medical screening questions accurately, even if a condition is well managed. If your health changes after buying cover, check whether you need to tell your insurer.

Keep the details handy

Before you leave, save your policy number and emergency assistance number on your phone and share them with someone travelling with you. Read how to get help and what to do if you need treatment abroad.

Find out more with Just Travel Cover

At Just Travel Cover, we compare Travel Insurance from a panel of insurers, with Winter Sports options available. Our team can explain the options and help you check the cover for your trip.

Visit our Winter Sports Travel Insurance page to compare available options and check the cover you may need before heading to the slopes.

Winter Sports Travel Insurance

Cover is subject to eligibility, policy terms, conditions, limits and exclusions. Benefits vary by insurer. Always read your chosen policy wording.

We’ve partnered with Just Travel Cover so you can compare Travel Insurance options through its service. Use the button below to compare prices online, or call 0800 294 2972 and mention Ski Line.

Terms

We act as an introducer to Just Travel Cover and are not involved in the sale, fulfilment or administration of Travel Insurance. By clicking the link above, you will be redirected to a website operated by Just Travel Cover, a trading style of Just Insurance Agents Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (610022). Any information you provide will be collected and used by Just Travel Cover to provide your quote and policy documentation. Just Travel Cover is solely responsible for fulfilling your policy, including issuing documentation, handling customer service and providing renewal invitations. Please refer to their Privacy Policy for more information about how your data is handled.