Winter sports insurance: what to look for in your policy.

Once you’ve decided to go skiing and booked you tickets, the next thing you need to organise is your travel insurance. Given the risks inherent to winter sports, just like other sporting activities, it is unlikely that standard travel insurance policies will offer you adequate cover. It is important, therefore, that you purchase a policy tailored to your needs.

What should your winter sports insurance policy cover?

There are an abundance of policies offered by different insurers available online. It is important to shop around before you buy.

All winter sports policies should offer personal accident cover as a priority. Even if you are skiing in Europe, where the European Health insurance card applies, it is advisable to boost your cover with a private insurance policy.

Your personal possessions should also be covered, including your ski equipment. Even if you do not yet own your own skis, boots or poles, you are likely to be liable for any damage to the equipment you hire.

You should also check to make sure that cancellation or curtailment of your trip and piste closure are covered under your policy.

Check what is not included under your policy.

The greatest variation between winter sports insurance policies is likely to be found in what they do not cover, i.e. in the exclusions section.

Read the policy exclusions to ensure that all of the activities in which you intend to participate are covered. For example, if you are an extreme skier, read the policy information carefully to ensure that it will not be invalidated if you decide to go off-piste.

Most insurers will require that at all times you ski safely, wearing all the appropriate protective equipment; that you take notice of all local authority warnings in order for your insurance to be valid. You should not recklessly expose yourself to hazard at any point during your holiday.

AA Travel Insurance, Go Travel Insurance and 1 Stop Travel Insurance are three reputable insurers offering comprehensive winter sports cover. Visit their websites to see if their policies meet your needs and to receive a free quotation.

About the Author:
For great deals on travel insurance including annual travel insurance with discounts for couples & families, visit AA Travel Insurance.