Tips for Buying Ski Insurance

Buying cheap ski insurance is pretty easy these days. With the fierce competition in the travel insurance market, you can pick up some incredibly cheap deals on ski and snowboard insurance policies. But be warned; it can often be too good to be true. Read our advice on buying the best ski insurance cover, and why that is rarely the same as buying cheap ski insurance.

The good news is, most travel insurance companies offer ski and snowboard cover regardless of your level of expertise in the sport. They do this because most of the ski and snowboard resorts around the world are liable for all winter sport activities within their boundaries. This is one of the main reasons the ski resorts control the slopes so efficiently.

It is in their interests to make sure the pistes are maintained, that ski and snowboard instructors are competent, and that any dangerous conditions like heavy snow, ice, and avalanche risks are properly managed.

Contrary to popular belief, most insurers will cover you for off-piste skiing and snowboarding, providing that it is not done in a restricted or unsafe area. If you’re planning on going even more hardcore than this, then the lines become blurry. This is when you should speak to a consultant about the possibility of specialist ski insurance.

Most ski travel insurance policies will include the fact that they will, if necessary, cover for emergency medical treatment undertaken by qualified staff, and also any air evacuation or road ambulance transport that is required. This is perhaps the most feared event in the snow sports, and more common than you’d think, so it’s especially important to check that this is included.

Aside from broken bones and bruised egos, your winter sports equipment also needs careful consideration when looking for the best snow sports insurance policy. Most insurers will cover you for theft, providing your gear was in official resort storage with a check-in, and not simply piled up beside the balcony of your favourite après ski bar. In fact, anywhere that the general public has unlimited access too — including ski racks.

When looking for the best deal for ski or snowboard insurance it’s use your common sense. By trying to deceive your insurers, to keep your premium lower you’re effectively voiding your policy.

For example, if you state that you won’t be skiing off-piste, but then break your leg on the most spellbinding off-piste ride of your life — you won’t be covered, and that incredible run will cost you more than you could ever imagine.

The boundaries of the resort should be adhered to at all times if you want to keep within the guidelines of your policy. When looking for a suitable resort, check that they provide adequate security options to store your gear.

Insurers are famously shrewd, and almost always uncover the truth. If you’re new to skiing and you’ve just hurled yourself down a triple black diamond run — they will find out, and you probably won’t be insured. The same goes if you’re intoxicated, or high.

The best tip we can give you for searching out the best ski or snowboard insurance cover, is to take a realistic look at the resort you’ll be staying at. What runs are on offer for your ability, what facilities are available for your security, and then match up a policy to suit.

Most insurers are quick to answer your questions as they know you’re shopping around for the best ski insurance deals. Double check everything, and leave any risk and worry behind. Your mind should be completely on the powder.