Winter sports travel insurance
Chase that perfect powder without worries
Winter sports fans have an overriding desire to be in the mountains. Whether you love skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, snow tubing, or even ice skating, there’s always something magical in the air when snowflakes begin to fall.
If you yearn to travel in pursuit of an unforgettable winter sports experience, you’re not alone. Millions of people take to the roads or fly to a resort every winter, ski pass in hand.
Just as for any kind of trip, it’s important to be well prepared when you’re planning a winter sports trip. These types of outdoor activities carry a certain amount of risk, and nothing can wreak havoc on your travel plans like a winter storm. You should always have a winter sports insurance cover in place for your winter trips to the mountains.
What does winter sports travel insurance cover?
Winter sports travel insurance policies from battleface provide peace of mind for every trip. With a policy in place, you can leave the worry behind and focus on your favorite winter sports activities. You can even enjoy coverage when you’re backcountry (or off piste) skiing, as long as the area hasn’t been deemed unsafe by resort management.
A few key coverages are included in winter sports travel insurance policies from battleface:
- Travel medical insurance: in case you’re injured on the slopes or fall ill while you’re traveling and require medical treatment. It’s especially important if you’re traveling abroad, as your everyday private health insurance may not provide coverage for medical expenses or emergency medical treatment
- Medical evacuation: in case things go really wrong. In the event of a serious medical emergency, our 24/7 assistance can schedule an evacuation for you and your policy can pay for it, up to a policy maximum
- Baggage loss, theft or delay, including your gear: if your board, boots, skis, or skates are lost, stolen or damaged during travel, your coverage can reimburse the cost to replace your belongings, or in the event of a delay, even pay for the rental of substitute equipment until your items are delivered by the airline
- Trip cancellation, trip interruption, and trip delay: if severe weather or other covered events cause your trip to be canceled, interrupted or delayed, you can be reimbursed for the money you spent on the trip, up to a pre-set amount, as well as additional costs to return home early, or expenses associated with a delay
Top winter sports destinations
Switzerland
With a decadently long ski season, storied powder and world-class ski resorts like Zermatt, Verbier, and St. Moritz, every skier and snowboarder needs to visit Switzerland at least once.
Canada
As the home of the 2010 Winter Olympics, British Columbia’s winter sports appeal is widespread. Whistler Blackcomb is a must-visit destination, offering more than 200 runs, plenty of freestyle space and views that have to be seen to be believed.
Japan
Head to Japan, where lofty mountain peaks across the country receive upwards of 600 inches of snow each winter. Hokkaido is the best known destination, boasting world-famous dry powder and more than 100 ski resorts (yes, really).
Argentina
When the ski season ends in the Northern Hemisphere, head south to Argentina. The Patagonia region is home to the highest mountains on Earth, outside of the Himalayas (hello, backcountry!). The season typically runs from June to October, so if you time it right, you’ll get home just in time for winter again.
What is not covered by winter sports travel insurance?
Certain extreme winter sports are excluded from coverage.
Also, while your policy covers damage to your equipment, you won’t be able to file a claim for normal wear and tear.
Here’s our recommendation if you’re off on a ski trip soon.
Learn more about the Discovery plan and how you can customize your coverage.
Winter sports travel insurance FAQs
Will my regular health insurance cover me if I'm injured while skiing or snowboarding in another country?
The short answer is “it depends.” You should check with your health insurer before you depart, as some may cover international travel, but many do not. Even if you are covered, be aware that you generally need to pay out of pocket and then seek reimbursement when you return home. Other considerations include:
- An emergency medical evacuation can easily cost $100,000 or more. Travel insurance generally pays this cost up front, and it can protect you against a huge bill for emergency medical treatment.
- For those on US Medicare, be aware that Medicare does not provide medical coverage outside the US.
- Don’t expect the State Department to come to your rescue. According to their website: “We do not pay medical bills. Payment of hospital and other expenses is the patient’s responsibility.”
Can I get a travel insurance policy for a domestic ski trip?
Are those Colorado peaks calling? Travel insurance isn’t just for international trips. You can also buy winter sports travel insurance for domestic trips, as long as you’re traveling more than 100 miles from home.
Does travel insurance cover bad weather?
Generally, yes. If extreme weather prevents you from taking your trip or delays you significantly, you can be reimbursed for any prepaid travel plans or expenses related to the delay. Unfortunately, if the ski report just isn’t as good as you thought it would be, you’ll still be on the hook for paying for your trip. No bluebird days guaranteed!
What is not covered by winter sports travel insurance?
Certain extreme winter sports are excluded from coverage. Also, while your policy covers damage to your equipment, you won’t be able to file a claim for normal wear and tear.
Does accidental death coverage apply to winter sports trips?
Coverage for accidental death and dismemberment can be added to your battleface travel insurance policy when you purchase it.
