Why Winter Sports Travel Insurance is a Must

If there's one thing you can learn from the kind of people that regularly take winter sports holidays, it's that they rate their daredevil credentials. However, behind every confident snowboarder or skier is a person who knows they're backed up in the worst case scenario.


If the potential loss of possessions isn't already playing on their minds, they've also got to think of their precious limbs in the event of a half pipe catastrophe. It's for this reason that winter sports travel insurance is arguably more important for snowboarders and skiers than any other type of holidaymaker.

These groups have benefited hugely from an increased amount of specialist policies entering the market in recent years, which are designed solely for winter sports trips. These policies rack up huge sales figures during peak seasons and here's why.

Injury

Take one look at a ski slope, quarter pipe or a snow covered hill and dare to say that nothing could possibly go wrong with you hurtling down it. Injuries are unfortunately part and parcel of learning to snowboard or ski and you can still expect to take a few tumbles even as a competent glider.

To ensure any injuries sustained aren't left to ruin your bank account as well, it might be worth finding a specialist winter sports, ski or snowboard travel insurance policy to gain the best possible service. A specialist policy will often include cover for any medical emergencies, with this feature serviced by an emergency assistance helpline. This should be available 24 hours a day, every day of the year to guarantee you can always find treatment.

Loss of equipment/lift passes

You can still gain 24 hour medical assistance through a standard policy, but this won't include cover for the hundreds of pounds worth of gear helping you enjoy the experience. One look at your kit will reveal just how much you're being trusted with, and learners have every right to be a little cautious when preparing for a fall.

Fortunately, winter sports travel policies  will include equipment cover usually up to around £200. This will cover you in the event of your hired gear getting damaged, lost or stolen. You might have gear of your own to bring with you, in which case you'll benefit from even better cover - usually well over twice the amount of a hired gear policy. It's this feature that allows you to snowboard or ski without a care in the world, knowing everything is well protected.

Loss of personal belongings

Remember, winter sports travel insurance isn't just for if you injure yourself or fall ill around the arctic conditions. A winter sports policy will also cover some of the standard inclusions of a travel insurance policy, like bags, belongings and documentation.

That's right - along with the specific benefits of taking out a winter insurance policy, you can benefit from cover for cancellation of any sort, personal belongings, cash, travel documents and more.


Of course, the extent of this coverage and the specific items and events that are covered by your document will vary depending on the provider. You can get a good idea of what each company can offer through a price comparison site, or just hit the search engines for a list of the most well-known.

Either way, it's always essential to read your policy wording so you know exactly what you're entitled to. 

Darren Morgan is a part-time writer and loves to travel a lot. Currently he lives in Woking, England. Here he has suggested getting a winter sports travel insurance policy is very important for snowboarders and skiers.