Does Travel Insurance Cover Snow Sports?

Key takeaways

• Snow sports such as skiing and snowboarding are generally covered under standard travel insurance plans as adventurous activities, as long as conditions like safety procedures and licensed guidance are followed.

• Coverage typically applies to recreational, on-piste skiing/snowboarding within resort boundaries. Off-piste or backcountry skiing/snowboarding are excluded. Competitive or professional snow sports are also excluded across most insurers, regardless of skill level.

• Always confirm what counts as an "adventurous activity" under your specific policy, since definitions and conditions vary amonst insurers.

• Equipment coverage for ski gear is often not included under standard baggage and personal belongings benefits. You must specifically purchase a sports equipment add-on for your winter equipment to be covered.

If you're planning to do snow sports on your next holiday trip, you might wonder whether your travel insurance covers you on the slopes. Snow sports come with a higher risk of injury than typical leisure activities, and the cost of an overseas medical emergency or evacuation from a ski resort can be significant.

This guide breaks down what's typically covered under travel insurance for snow sports, what's excluded, and what to look out for before you hit the slopes.

Are snow sports covered under standard travel insurance?

Generally, yes. 

Skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports are commonly classified as adventurous activities, which standard travel insurance plans may cover as part of the policy, without requiring a separate add-on. This places snow sports in the same broad category as other adventurous activities like scuba diving, bungee jumping, and hiking.

For an activity to be covered under your travel insurance with adventurous activity benefits, it usually needs to meet the following conditions:

• It is a recreational activity commonly available to the public, done overseas during your trip for leisure or as part of a tour.

• It is undertaken while complying with all safety procedures, such as wearing safety equipment and following the rules and regulations of the activity.

• Where guidance and supervision from licensed guides or instructors is available, the activity is carried out under their guidance.

• It is not specifically excluded under the general exclusions of the travel insurance's policy.

Skiing within marked, patrolled resort boundaries, with appropriate safety equipment, meets the above conditions. 

5 types of winter activities that are excluded from travel insurance

These five common exclusions from insurance for snow sports:

1. Extreme sports: Most travel insurance policies exclude claims for loss or liability arising from extreme sports involving speed, height, danger, a high level of physical exertion, highly specialised gear, or spectacular stunts, whether competitive or non-competitive, team or individual.

2. Off-piste or backcountry skiing: Skiing outside marked and maintained resort boundaries carries a higher risk and is commonly excluded, even under policies that cover standard on-piste skiing.

3. Competitive or professional snow activities: If you're skiing competitively, as part of a sponsored event, or for financial reward, this typically falls outside standard coverage regardless of the activity itself.

4. Snow activities without proper safety equipment or supervision: Skipping required safety gear or ignoring the guidance of a licensed instructor where one is available can affect whether a claim is paid.

5. Specifically excluded under the policy's general exclusions: Some commonly excluded winter activities include mountaineering and ice climbing.

Keen to find out more? Read our guide to travel insurance for adventurous sports.

What about winter sports equipment?

If you're bringing your own skis, snowboard, or other gear, check whether your travel insurance policy covers them. 

Equipment coverage for ski gear is often not included under standard baggage and personal belongings benefits. You must specifically purchase a specific sports equipment add-on for your winter equipment like skis and snowboards to be covered.

Choose the right coverage for your ski trip

Enjoy coverage for adventurous activities¹ such as skiing, bungee jumping, skydiving and more! with Income's Travel Insurance. Protect against common travel inconveniences such as damage to personal belongings, personal accident, medical expenses while overseas and trip cancellations due to unexpected events, even if you purchase last-minute.

For travellers heading on shorter ski trips within Asia, travel insurance with hourly coverage is also worth considering if you're only travelling for a few days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on travel insurance for snow sports

1. Does travel insurance cover skiing?

Generally, yes. Recreational, on-piste skiing within resort boundaries is typically covered as an adventurous activity under standard travel insurance plans, provided you follow safety procedures and use appropriate equipment.

2. Is off-piste or backcountry skiing covered?

No, off-piste and backcountry skiing carry a higher risk than skiing within marked resort boundaries. They are commonly excluded, even under policies that cover standard recreational skiing.

3. Does travel insurance cover snowboarding too?

Yes, snowboarding is generally covered under the same adventurous activity terms as skiing, subject to the same conditions around safety procedures and recreational use.

4. What if I'm skiing competitively? Will it be covered by travel insurance?

Competitive or professional snow sports are typically excluded across most travel insurance policies, regardless of your skill level. Coverage is generally intended for recreational activities only.

5. Is my ski equipment covered if it's lost or damaged?

Often yes, under the general baggage and personal belongings benefit of your policy, though sub-limits for individual items may apply. Some insurers offer a dedicated sports equipment add-on for higher coverage on gear like skis and snowboards.

6. Do I need a separate add-on for snow sports coverage?

It depends on the insurer. Many standard travel insurance plans include adventurous activities like skiing and snowboarding as part of the base policy, with no separate add-on required, but it's worth confirming this with your specific plan before you travel.