If you are jetting off on a ski trip this Winter, then this one’s for you: How can we be sure to select the best ski insurance when preparing for our Winter holiday?
It can definitely be quite overwhelming when you discover how many options for finding the best ski insurance are available, including both cost and cover.
The important thing is to evaluate your specific needs, rather than what might appear to initially be the best “deal”.
If you end up opting for ski insurance that does not cover a particular incident such as theft of skiing equipment or mountain rescue, you will not find your cover very helpful should such incidents occur to you when travelling.
Here are some key tips to help you choose the best travel insurance for your ski holidays:
Step 1: Choose the right location
Although you may need to get this part right before you start booking anything, it is a crucial step that cannot be overlooked.
Just because a particular ski resort is offering very cheap ski trip plans does not mean that you are guaranteed good skiing conditions or even safe conditions.
For example, a ski resort may be offering excellent deals as they are struggling with a lack of snow this season, or avalanches may be foreseen which could cause slope closures and serious accidents.
Remember the old saying: if something seems too good to be true, it often is.
So do your research in advance and ensure that your chosen ski destination is expecting good and safe skiing conditions this Winter and, most importantly, that safety is taken seriously in the region.
Step 2: Multi-trip or single-trip travel insurance?
This is an important step as considering your future needs in advance could save you money in the long run.
If you foresee yourself only travelling abroad once this year for your ski vacation, then a single-trip travel policy with a Winter sports add-on will be the cheapest option.
This will cover you only for the one holiday, but means you don’t need to pay for anything else beyond this trip.
With this type of policy, the premium will be determined by your age, the length of your stay and the total trip costs.
If you usually go on a sun holiday or other trips throughout the year, however, it would be better in the long-run to choose multi-trip travel policy with a Winter sports add-on as this could save you money.
If you are a regular traveller, it is definitely a must.
Remember: you must opt for a Winter sports add-on to your basic policy, whether you opt for single or multi-trip, as sports like skiing and snowboarding come with unique risks that must be accounted for separately in the eyes of insurers.
As these sports and the conditions, we do them in can be quite treacherous, it is essential to be sufficiently covered against the possible risks.
Unfortunately, accidents are common on the slopes. So choosing to go for this add-on is of crucial importance when taking out an insurance policy for your ski trip.
If you already have taken out a multi-trip policy, it is not too late to opt for a Winter sports add-on, which can usually be added at a later stage after you signed up for the insurance policy.
Step 3: Examine policies thoroughly before making a decision
As Winter sports can be so varied, it is crucial that you carefully examine insurance policies to see exactly what you would be covered for.
If you plan to do a range of other activities such as off-piste skiing or snow sledging, make sure the policies you are looking at would cover such activities.
Be careful as the definition of what “Winter sports” consists of can vary between different insurance providers.
Here are some other key features to look for in your ski insurance policy:
- Does this policy cover theft or damage of rented equipment?
- Are there any age restrictions on the policy? (Many policies will exclude those aged 65+)
- Does this policy cover me in the event of an accident on the slopes, including air transportation if required?
- Will the policy cover costs involved if there is no snow at my ski resort and I must move to higher slopes?
- If you are travelling with children, will the family ski insurance cover any accidents they might have if they are skiing without you while partaking in a lesson?
Compare the best winter sports travel insurance policies critically instead of just choosing the cheapest option.
Step 4: Opt for the travel insurance that fits your needs, desires and budget
Once you find a policy or a number of policies that cover you sufficiently for all activities you will be partaking in, now it is time to decide which one fits your needs, desires and budget limits.
Be aware that most Winter sports insurance policies will also outline a list of exclusions, so it is important to familiarise yourself with these before choosing which insurer to go with.
Also, be sure to examine excess amounts on the policies you are considering.
Sometimes, the excess amounts can exceed the amounts being claimed, especially when it comes to the cheapest travel insurance policies.
Another key point to bear in mind: Inform your insurer in advance of any pre-existing medical conditions. These can affect your premium and non-disclosure could leave to your claims being deemed invalid should you have any trouble on your Winter holiday.
Step 5: Enjoy your Winter sports holiday to the max!
Congratulations! You’ve successfully finished all the hard work and can now enjoy your ski or snowboarding holiday with peace of mind.
Ensure to make the most of your trip by enjoying all amenities offered in your ski resort: go skating on the ice rink, soak up the heat in the sauna and enjoy some mulled wine in the ski lodge.
Enjoy your holiday and stay safe on the slopes this Winter season!
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