Winter Sports Travel Insurance Guide

Winter sports can be great fun, but they can also be hazardous too. If you have not had an accident indulging in winter sports, you will probably know someone who has. Most basic travel insurance policies exclude winter sports as they are far more likely to result in an accident than a beach or sightseeing holiday. If you have annual travel insurance, check whether winter sports are covered, if not you may end up spending far more than you anticipated for your winter sports experience.

There is no such thing as a totally risk free winter sports holiday. Last year there were more than 400,000 travel insurance claims by UK holiday makers and business travellers, according to the Association of British Insurers.

Winter sports insurance is an integral part of any winter sports break. Specialist winter sport, ski travel insurance and snowboarding insurance policies cover the obvious problems, such as an accident or an illness, a stolen wallet or camera. Plus a winter sports policy will also provide cover for all your winter sports equipment.

Winter sports insurance will also provide compensation for delays and cancellation, for damaged or lost luggage, and even a telephone help line for emergencies. Off piste ski and snowboarding is covered by winter sports travel insurance.

The traditional way to buy winter sports insurance is to take out cover for each trip. If you only plan to make one or possibly two trips abroad a year, this might be the best option. However annual travel insurance that includes winter sports insurance cover may be the cheapest option. Winter sports insurance is often part of an annual travel insurance policy and provides up to a maximum number of days ski insurance and snowboarding insurance cover at no extra cost.