If you’re planning on travelling this winter, it’s advisable to purchase a winter sports travel insurance policy to protect you from a range of financial risks and liabilities. However, simply because you’re purchasing travel insurance for winter sports doesn’t mean you’ll be covered when partaking in all kinds of snow-related activities. There are some exclusions to look out for, including:
1. Extreme winter sports
Generally, all winter sports are classified as dangerous and risky. That’s why your basic travel insurance policy doesn’t cover them, and you have to buy additional cover – winter sports insurance.
However, insurers regard some winter sports as extremely dangerous as the likelihood of getting injured or damaging equipment is high. This includes snowmobiling and tobogganing. It’s vital to ask your travel insurance provider what winter sports they cover and whether you can add any extra sports.
2. Staying off-piste
Insurers are in the business of making money, so they’ll do everything in their power to ensure they don’t pay your claims, including only covering you when you’re on-piste. Therefore, if you get injured or damage property while off-piste, you won’t be covered.
Another rule your travel insurance provider might stipulate is having to wear protective gear such as a helmet to be covered.
3. Travelling against the advice of the FCDO
If you travel to a destination that the FCDO advises against travel to, your winter sports policy will likely be null and void. Fortunately, you can bypass this by purchasing specialist travel insurance.
However, it’s wise to follow guidelines as there may be a forecast winter storm or blizzard that puts your health and safety at risk.
4. Unattended equipment
It’s no secret that equipment for winter sports can be expensive to purchase and maintain. From ski boots and windproof jackets to snowboards and skis, these items cost an arm and a leg. While your provider may cover equipment loss, damage and theft, they may exclude unattended stolen or lost equipment.
Not all policies offer the same level of cover, and the only way to know the exclusions in your policies is by reading in between the fine print. You can use our tools to compare exclusions and read the terms and policies from different providers.