Ski Insurance: Protecting Yourself On And Off The Slopes

Snow-capped mountains, small cottages, fresh powder — skiing is a wonderful activity demanding a lot of care. Like any kind of vacation activity, though, mishaps do happen. Ski within your physical limitations to keep yourself safe; stay on approved paths and steer clear of hazardous spots. Furthermore take note of the possible risks from harsh weather and avalanches.

Coverage for Medical Expenses

One winter sport that can be costly—especially considering the cost of flights, lift tickets, lodging and rental equipment—is skiing. Designed specifically for skiing and snowboarding excursions, specialised insurance can guard you against the possible financial consequences of unanticipated events as injuries or closed courses. Ski cover is a winter sports add-on or choice available to many basic travel policies. Usually covering emergency medical expenses associated to ski mishaps, including air ambulance evacuation, this add-on It might also include treatment back home and insurance for path closures brought on by lack of snow or weather. Given how expensive ski equipment may be, some plans also pay for lost or stolen equipment—a great advantage. Usually available on all comprehensive single trip and annual multi-trip travel insurance plans, this kind of coverage is based on your choice of suitable coverage limits and purchase of the Winter Sports add-on.

Trip Cancellation

An optional add-on to basic travel policies, ski insurance offers additional protection for a ski trip. Usually it covers medical costs for injuries and evacuations as well as protection against closed routes. It can also cover trip cancellals should injury compel you to postpone or cut off your vacation. Winter brings frequent snow-related travel delays; most regular travel insurance policies exclude coverage for these kinds of situations. Usually include coverage for unexpected delays, ski travel insurance packages can reimburse guests for booked, nonrefundable fees should they have to cancel their vacation. Generally speaking, whether it's included with your credit card or bought separately, skiing is covered under a standard travel insurance policy. Most insurance, however, exclude backcountry skiing—hiking over ungroomed terrain in an uninhabited, mountainous area. You might choose to look at a separate backcountry insurance policy or the extra Adventure Upgrade from Columbus Direct for this kind of coverage.

Snow-Related Travel Delays

You're spending a lot of time and money when you schedule a ski vacation. This is why you should ensure that, should something go wrong—such as a flight cancellation or an accident keeping you from skiing—your plans are covered. Luckily, if your trip is cancelled for covered reasons or interrupted for planned, nonrefundable fees, ski insurance is meant to reimburse those costs. Certain policies also cover other kinds of travel disruptions including lost or stolen equipment and medical expenditures. Wearing a helmet and keeping aware of your surroundings will help you to stay safe on the slopes. Furthermore, whether it has been a long time since your last ski trip or if you are about to visit the slopes for the first time, it is advisable to enrol in some instruction. This will enable you to avoid mishaps and raise your competency. Remember also to always follow all ski and snowboard safety guidelines and ski on designated paths.

Lost or Stolen Equipment

Including an equipment insurance policy into your travel insurance will assist pay for replacement of lost or damaged equipment. If you are flying to your ski location with pricey equipment, several insurance also include personal property protection for goods lost in transit. Under a specific floater, sometimes known as a personal articles floater, high-end ski equipment usually is insured separately from other items in a homeowners, condo or renters insurance policy. Usually less complicated than acquiring a separate specialised policy, it may cover valuables in sums up to $1 million or more. Make sure your ski insurance has search and rescue coverage added-on if you want to venture off-piste. Check the fine print since several insurance companies interpret this coverage differently. Only if you are within resort borders and with a ski guide will some plans cover for search and rescue fees. Others will only cover you should you be carrying a specialised mountain rescue membership—like Global Rescue—which Atlas Travel has included.