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How to Find Travel Insurance That Offers COVID Coverage

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Table of Contents

Does travel insurance cover COVID?

What is not covered, finding travel insurers covering covid-19, the best covid travel insurance, covid travel insurance, recapped.

Traveling now carries with it more uncertainty than ever before. If you plan on traveling anytime soon, one thing you can do to protect yourself is get a trip insurance policy that includes coronavirus coverage. Previously, many insurers excluded COVID-related claims due to the virus’ status as a foreseen event/pandemic.

But now, some insurers are changing their tune. Here’s what you need to know about how to find travel insurance providers that offer coronavirus-related coverage, as well as what is and isn’t covered.

Coronavirus coverage falls into several categories:

Trip cancellation: You need to cancel a trip prior to departure because you, a covered travel companion or possibly someone you need to care for contracted COVID-19.

Trip delay: Your trip is delayed due to changing COVID-related guidelines.

Travel medical coverage : You (or a covered travel companion) become ill with COVID-19 while traveling abroad and incur health care expenses or require an evacuation.

Of providers that are offering COVID policies, most are covering these expenses.

» Learn more: The majority of Americans plan to travel this year, according to recent NerdWallet study

Countries with Level 4 travel advisories: Some insurers disclose that if a Level 4 Do Not Travel advisory is issued by the U.S. Department of State for a specific country, you will not receive coronavirus-related coverage. With cases surging in various countries unexpectedly, the list of Level 4 countries is constantly changing. Before booking a trip and purchasing a policy, make sure to check that the country does not have a Level 4 advisory.

Fear of getting sick while traveling: Canceling a trip because you’re afraid you’ll get sick does not qualify for coverage under your travel insurance policy. Travel insurance providers have a list of standard reasons that qualify for cancellation, including: car accident, jury duty, terrorist act, military duty and other extenuating circumstances. If you want ultimate flexibility to cancel a trip (no matter the reason), you’ll want to look into the cancel for any reason, or CFAR, supplemental upgrade , which is offered on some travel insurance plans. When you purchase CFAR, you can get up to 75% of your nonrefundable deposit back as long as you cancel at least two days in advance. Not all plans offer CFAR as an option, so research before you purchase if you're interested in this add-on.

COVID-related events not directly related to you: If you planned on going to a conference or a family reunion that was canceled due to COVID-associated concerns, your travel insurer will not reimburse your nonrefundable flight or hotel accommodations.

» Learn more: The best travel insurance companies right now

Generally, the policies underwritten by U.S.-based travel insurance providers vary by state, trip information, traveler’s ages and other various details. Travel insurance comparison site Squaremouth (a NerdWallet partner) is one of the very few comparison sites that allows you to filter by policies that offer coronavirus coverage.

To find a policy that specifically covers coronavirus-related losses, input your departure and return dates, your main destination and select “Search for Policies Now.”

In our example, we input the following details: A $3,000 paid-in-full trip to Greece leaving on Oct. 9 and returning on Oct. 18 by a 40-year old U.S. citizen who is a resident of California. The policy will include trip cancellation coverage.

When incorporating the “Coronavirus Pandemic” filter, the results reveal that 57 out of 100 policies include this coverage. You can select additional filters, such as cancel for any reason, if you’re looking for that optional upgrade.

The results can be sorted by price, top sellers, top reviews and insurance providers, offering plenty of ways to easily search for the specific policy you’re looking for.

Each of the top three policies (which is just a sampling of the nearly 60 options) includes coronavirus cancellation and medical coverage, and displays the associated limits. Trip cancellation coverage is $3,000, representing the value of the trip. The price of the policy is clearly stated and ranges from 4.8% to 6.1% of the total trip cost. This range represents very typical travel insurance costs .

» Learn more: Is travel insurance worth it?

A recent NerdWallet analysis determined providers Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection , IMG and John Hancock Insurance Agency , Inc., among others.

Read the full results of best COVID-19 travel insurance .

Once you narrow your search, you’ll want to review the full policy details to ensure you’re familiar with what exactly is covered and not covered.

If you have specific questions — especially as they relate to the constantly changing travel advisories or whether coronavirus is considered as a foreseen event (which some providers will not cover) — you’ll want to reach out to the insurer. The last thing you want is to purchase travel insurance and later find out it will not cover you in your intended destination.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee:   Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards:  Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card  

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

June 1, 2020

Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with travel dates on or after

Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with effective start dates on or after

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Travel Insurance

Medical travel insurance, seniors travel insurance, europe travel insurance, worldwide travel insurance, coronavirus travel insurance, skiing travel insurance.

• Unlimited medical emergency expenses¹
• Up to £10K cancellation cover
• 24/7 emergency medical helpline

Covered 27 million+ travellers

Trusted for 20+ years

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If you’re heading to the slopes, ski holiday travel insurance is as important as a warm coat. Luckily we’ve made getting ski cover as quick and easy as possible.

If you’re aged 65 or under, you can add  winter sports travel insurance  to any of our policies. Just choose the policy that suits you, whether online or over the phone, and you’ll have the option to add cover for skiing before you buy. We even offer ski insurance off piste!

If you’re planning to go with your family, you should consider a family ski travel insurance policy . We also offer cover for  snowboarding travel insurance .

WHAT IS COVERED IN SKI TRAVEL INSURANCE?

If you choose an  annual travel insurance  policy, adding cover for skiing allows you up to 17 days of snowy fun. On  single trip travel insurance , adding ski trip insurance covers you for the whole length of your stay, so you can go skiing for up to 365 days!

Here’s a list of all the ski activities we cover:

• Off-piste skiing (except where considered unsafe by resort management)
• Cross country skiing
• Freestyle skiing*
• Heli-skiing*
• Mono skiing
• Recreational/non-professional ski racing or training*
• Ski acrobatics*
• Ski bob racing*
• Ski/snowboard fun parks*
• Ski stunting*
• Ski touring with a guide

Note: Unfortunately, we’re unable to cover ski flying, ski jumping or ski mountaineering. For the activities marked with an * above, an increased medical excess of £250 will apply, and there will be no cover under the policy’s personal accident or personal liability sections. See our  policy wording  for more details.

WHAT’S NOT COVERED BY SKI HOLIDAY INSURANCE?

Unfortunately, our cover for ski trips is only available to people 65 and under (when they buy the policy) and is limited to 17 days per year on  annual travel insurance  policies.

We cover off-piste skiing unless the area has been designated as unsafe by the resort. We are also not able to cover any professional-level ski racing or training.

We will cover all skis, poles, boots & bindings even when they’re left in ski racks (between 10am and 8pm)! Payments for damaged or stolen equipment decrease with the age of the item, and we won’t be able to cover any ski equipment that is left unattended in a public place

SKI INSURANCE WITH COVID COVER

As with all of our  travel insurance  policies, InsureandGo Ski trip travel insurance covers Covid-19 as standard. This covers you for medical costs and cancellation if you are diagnosed with covid while abroad, subject to certain conditions. Please see the coronavirus travel insurance page for more information about  travel insurance that covers coronavirus .

SINGLE TRIP SKI INSURANCE

Our single trip ski insurance can cover you for trips when you’re skiing every day for up to 365 days! Even if you have an annual policy with ski cover, if you’re skiing for more than 17 days, you’ll need a  single trip travel insurance  policy with ski cover to ensure you’re protected on the slopes.

SKI INSURANCE WITH PRE-EXISTING MEDICAL CONDITIONS

Just like with every other trip, it’s essential to ensure you have adequate  travel insurance with medical conditions . We’ll consider cover for any medical conditions which are declared to us, even while you’re on a ski trip. However, please be aware that some conditions, such as  osteoporosis , may not be covered while you’re skiing.

SKI TRAVEL INSURANCE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How much is travel insurance for a ski holiday.

The cost varies from policy to policy and depends on several factors, such as your age, destination and the length of your trip. Please contact us for a quote.

What to look for in ski season travel insurance?

Every provider offers different cover for skiing – there will be variations in the activities covered and the amount they’ll pay out for cancellations and your belongings. You should always check to ensure that your policy meets your specific needs. In general, you should look for ski travel insurance which provides cover for:

• Medical costs while taking part in your chosen skiing activity
• Costs to return you to the UK if medically necessary
• Lost, stolen or damaged ski equipment
• Piste closure and lift passes
• Cancellation or curtailment

Is equipment included in ski travel insurance?

Yes. All InsureandGo policies with ski travel insurance added will cover equipment lost, stolen or damaged as long as it is not left unattended in a public area. If your skis or boots are delayed on your journey to the slopes, we’ll even pay for you to hire replacements until they arrive.

When should I buy travel insurance for a ski trip?

Ideally, you should buy your ski cover as soon as you book your ski trip, to make sure you’re covered if you unexpectedly have to cancel. However, as long as you purchase your policy before you leave the UK, you will be covered to ski.

Are there age limits for ski travel insurance?

Yes. Unfortunately, we can only provide skiing cover for travellers under the age of 66 when purchasing the policy.

• Unlimited emergency medical expenses available on Black level policies.
• Based on 2,050 responses, correct as of 22/01/2024

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Ski Travel Insurance in the Covid-19/Brexit Era

1st October 2020 | Jane Peel, Chief Reporter

Last modified on May 14th, 2021

Getting the right insurance cover for your ski holidays is something most of us take seriously.  It’s never been more important than now.

While some of us may be wondering how, or if, we’ll manage to get on the slopes this winter, others are determined not to let coronavirus stop us.

Easier said than done.

UK government advice against ‘all but essential travel’ is, at the time of writing, in place for most of the alpine nations in Europe and North America.

Even some of the ‘safe’ ski countries, such and Norway and Finland, have imposed quarantine requirements for travellers arriving from the UK.

• Quarantine Measures To Ski Countries  

A number of UK ski tour operators have issued their own Covid-19 guarantees to reduce the financial risk you take if you book a trip that has to be cancelled or is disrupted by the virus. Check out the terms and conditions carefully before booking.

RELATED STORIES

• Crystal Ski Holidays Answers Your Covid-19 Questions  
• Inghams Ski Looks Forward To Next Winter  

(Update 21st October: Crystal Ski is now offering its own Covid-19 insurance to include the cost of overseas testing, repatriation, self-isolation and new flights home.  It will be included in all holidays this winter and should be used along your usual travel insurance. See the full details here Crystal Ski Holidays Offers Free Covid-19 Insurance).

If you are planning to head to the mountains, it’s advisable to seek out the best travel insurance policy for your needs.

Not least because come 1 st January 2021 when the Brexit transition period is over, and assuming no deals are done between now and then, the chances are that your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will no longer be valid.

If that’s the case, then any medical treatment you have in public hospitals or healthcare facilities in countries that are part of the EHIC scheme, will not be free.  You – or your insurance company – will have to foot the bill.

So, what do you need to look out for, apart from the obvious of ensuring you have cover for winter sports?

We’ve put together some advice based on our research so far.

Covid-19 – Am I Covered?

Many travel insurance companies have introduced some form of cover for Covid-related claims, but by no means all.

Some will have a general exclusion, which bars any claims relating to the virus. If this is the case, you will not be able to claim for any losses or expenses whatsover that arise from Covid-19.

Some policies will cover only medical expenses if you fall ill with coronavirus while on holiday.

Others will cover you for coronavirus-related medical expenses AND cancellation if you can’t go on your trip or it’s disrupted, though ‘travel disruption’ cover is often an optional add-on you’ll pay extra for.

Even with travel disruption cover, you will need to make sure it doesn’t exclude coronavirus.

You will need to check the small print carefully.

For example, will it pay out only if you catch the virus and have to cancel your holiday?

Or will it also do so if you’re forced to self-isolate because you’ve been in contact with someone with the virus and can’t travel?

Will it pay out if your local area or the area you’re travelling to imposes a lockdown?

The good news is that some insurers have told us they are going to be adding or improving coronavirus cover in time for the ski season with policies expected to be available later this month.

UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office message

“I think the situation can best be described as ‘fluid’ and the insurers I talk to are currently working on policy additions and changes that aim to accommodate snowsports in the new normal , ” Mike Welby, former director of specialist snowsports insurer Dogtag UK, told us.

“As ever, the number one piece of advice is to do your own research based on your own particular circumstances. Then read and understand the policy.  Seems obvious but people often don’t do this until they need to make a claim.  So if there is anything you don’t understand, email your insurers and ask for the answer in writing.

“An example of this would be: Are you travelling against FCO advice? Currently that would include alpine countries like France, so will your insurer agree it’s OK?

“What if you are displaying symptoms at say Geneva airport and the airline denies boarding – are you covered?

“Suppose your whole household has to isolate because one of you has symptoms but you are well and are supposed to be going on a ski trip with your friends – can you claim for cancelling?”

Mike says that booking with a tour operator that is subject to the Package Travel Regulations won’t always be of help either, since the regulations guarantee you a refund only if the operator has to cancel your holiday, not if you do.

There are exceptions, of course.  As mentioned above, a number of ski tour operators have introduced their own Covid guarantees.

Covid-19 Medical Cover/Cancellation Cover Examples

MPI Brokers, which specialises in snowsports insurance, will pay for your emergency medical treatment if you contract the virus abroad.

It is currently not offering Covid-19 cancellation cover.  However, we are told this is likely be introduced so watch this space.

Dogtag UK, another snowsports specialist, told PlanetSKI that it will shortly be launching a new ski-specific insurance product that will cover some coronavirus related events.

“We know that planning a winter sports holiday can be stressful at the best of times, and hope that by having this extra level of security our customers will have a more enjoyable experience,” a spokesman told us.

Dogtag Ski is expected to be available later in October and the Covid-19 cover will include:

• Medical expenses and repatriation if you develop Covid-19 abroad
• Travelling home early if medically necessary after developing Covid-19 abroad
• Cancellation if anyone on the policy tests positive up to 14 days before travelling
• Accommodation if you are denied entry at the airport on the way home due to showing virus symptoms, along with the cost of your return trip

AXA says it will cover existing and new customers for emergency medical claims related to coronavirus in countries exempt from the current UK Foreign Office advice against all but essential travel.

Customers will also be covered if they can’t travel because they, someone they are due to travel with, or a close relative contracts coronavirus.

But AXA’s new policies will not protect you if you have to cancel your trip as a result of a lockdown, the Foreign Office advising against travel or any other country’s advice not to travel there.

“For claims such as these, customers should arrange a refund with their tour operator and/or airline,” it says.

One of the UK’s biggest insurers, Aviva, which offers winter sports cover, told PlanetSKI it had stopped selling new travel insurance policies back in March when the global pandemic struck.

It is, however, renewing annual policies for existing customers which will cover the medical costs of contracting the virus abroad.

And if you happen to have Aviva’s Travel Disruption upgrade, you also get:

Up to £5,000 for cancellation or abandonment cover if you cannot travel or continue your trip for one of the following reasons:

• Strike or industrial action
• Severe snowfall
• The Foreign Office advises against travel
• Food poisoning, pandemic or epidemic influenza or catastrophic damage directly affects your pre-booked holiday accommodation

Warnings Against Travel

There are several issues to consider here.

Travel Warning Introduced After Booking/During Your Trip

The simplest one to deal with is if a Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advisory warning against all but essential travel is introduced to your destination after you have booked your holiday and/or taken out your insurance policy.

As long as your policy does not exclude all Covid-19 related claims and you have travel disruption/cancellation cover you should be able to claim for any losses you can’t recover from your tour operator or elsewhere.

Equally, if a travel advisory is imposed while you are abroad, you will continue to benefit from the cover you had at the start of the trip.

Travel Warning In Place At Time of Booking

The FCDO currently advises against all but essential travel to almost every alpine nation.

So are we safe to book a holiday to one of those countries in the hope that the situation will change?

What if it doesn’t and we can’t travel?  Will our insurance be invalidated because we knew of the risk at the time of booking/taking out the policy?

Aviva says on its website:

“You aren’t covered for cancelling due to COVID-19 if restrictions were in place when you booked the trip – such as FCO advice, quarantine, self-isolation periods or local lockdowns.”

We contacted Aviva who told us that booking while a travel warning was in place would not invalidate the whole policy.

In other words, if you are prepared to take the risk, you can book now to go skiing in France in February, for example, knowing your insurance will be valid should Covid-19 restrictions be lifted.

“The validity of cover won’t be affected if FCDO advice against travelling has been lifted by the time of travel,” a spokeswoman for the Association of British Insurers told us.

“However, customers should make sure they are aware of current restrictions at the time of booking and whether these are likely to be in place at the time of travel as they are unlikely to receive a refund if FCDO advice does not change.

“When booking any trip it is important to be aware of what the terms of refund are and to book on a credit card where possible.”

And how can our hypothetical skier wanting to go to France in February possibly know whether the travel advisory will be lifted by then?

The only chance of recompense, if it’s not lifted, may well depend on who you have booked your trip with, their terms and conditions and how you have paid.

Travel Warning In Place At Time Of Travel

The FCDO warning system or ‘red list’ is advisory only so, in theory, there is nothing to stop you travelling to a country to which the UK government advises you do not travel.

But will you have any protection if you do so?

We asked the Association of British Insurers for its view of how insurance companies were likely to respond.

Would they consider the whole policy to be invalid or – since the FCDO warning clearly relates only to Covid-19 – just any sections relating to the virus?

“Travelling against FCDO advice is likely to invalidate all of your travel insurance cover,” the ABI’s spokeswoman told us.

Dogtag UK says:

“None of our policies will provide cover if you decide to travel against the advice of the FCO. This would be for ‘all travel’ and ‘all but essential travel’ unless customers have contacted us in advance with their reasons for travel and cover has been agreed by the underwriters.”

Others take a different view.

Michael Pettifer of MPI Brokers told us that travelling against UK government advice was not against the law and MPI would continue to accept non-Covid claims in these circumstances.

So if you’re unfortunate enough to suffer an injury on the slopes or are taken ill with anything other than coronavirus, MPI’s policies will still pay out.

Aviva says that if you travel against FCDO advice, it won’t pay out for any disruption to your holiday, for example if you have to return home early.

However…

“If you book a trip and travel against the advice your travel policy will cover you, so long as you follow the advice of the local authorities, for situations such as:

• Medical expenses for new conditions or accepted conditions you’ve told us about including with COVID-19
• If you’re quarantined abroad, for example following a temperature check.”

Sho uld I Book To Go Skiing and When?  

This is the big question we’re being asked more and more at PlanetSKI as the new season approaches.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that many skiers and snowboarders have already decided it’s too much of a risk and have chosen to sit out the 2020-21 season.

For those of us who can’t face the prospect of a winter off the snow, what’s the best approach?

Should I bite the bullet and book now?

“I’m not. I’m going to wait, wait, wait,” one of our contacts who has spent years in the ski industry told us.

“My view is to leave it as long as you can leave it and only book when you are 99% sure it’s going to be OK to travel.

“I’m probably going to drive and book accommodation at the last minute.

“Of course, if you need to go at February half-term, you might need to book Eurotunnel and maybe try to find accommodation that will allow you to cancel right up to the last minute.

“If people are that desperate to go skiing this winter they are going to have to be prepared to take it on the chin.

“This season is going to be really darned tricky.”

That could be the understatement of the year.

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Ski travel insurance

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In this guide

What is ski travel insurance?

What does ski insurance cover, how does ski insurance work, "is off-piste skiing covered, frequently asked questions.

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What you need to know

• If you are hitting the slopes, ski insurance is a key travel insurance add-on.
• It can refund you for things like trip cancellations, damaged skiing equipment, unused lift passes and costly mountain rescues overseas.
• Ski travel insurance is important both in Australia and abroad. COVID cover is included with some policies.

Ski travel insurance is a type of cover which is specifically designed for people visiting the slopes to ski, snowboard, or take part in any other recreational snow sports.

It usually comes as an optional add-on to a standard travel insurance policy, but provides additional cover that's useful for people who are skiing or snowboarding.

• COVID-19 related travel expenses. Some policies will cover you for cancellation or medical expenses if you get COVID-19 before or while on your trip. You can also get your money back if there's an outbreak at the ski resort you booked. Find out more about ski travel insurance COVID-19 cover below.
• Lost or damaged equipment. Travel insurance can help towards the cost of replacing expensive ski equipment if it's lost, stolen or damaged during your trip. It can even pay for a replacement lift pass if that goes missing too.
• Equipment hire. If your gear is lost or damaged, insurance will cover the cost of rental so you can get back on the slopes as quickly as possible.
• Injury on the slopes. Lots of standard travel insurance policies won't cover medical expenses if you hurt yourself while skiing, but ski insurance will.
• Mountain rescue. Even a relatively small injury can require mountain rescue if you're in a tricky spot. Ski insurance will cover the cost of helicopter rescue, as well as transport to the nearest hospital.
• Unused lift passes. If an injury or even bad weather keeps you off the slopes, ski insurance can reimburse you for your unused lift pass, as well as wasted equipment hire or ski lessons.

Ski travel insurance can help for those breaks to Thredbo or Hotham – or if you're hitting the slopes in Europe or America for a longer trip.

Ski insurance is specifically designed for ski trips and goes beyond what's covered under standard travel cover . It offers financial protection if:

Your ski equipment gets lost, damaged or stolen during your trip. Such equipment is unlikely to be covered under a regular policy.

You break your leg and have to visit a private medical facility for help

Personal liability if you injure someone and they try to sue you

The ski fields close down because of bad weather and you have to change resorts or are forced to cancel

You catch COVID-19 or there's an outbreak at the ski resort you booked. Conditions apply and the country must be deemed safe to travel to by Smartraveller .

Other trip cancellations: for example, if you have to cut short your trip after an injury on the slopes.

Fingers crossed, none of these will happen to you, but this is why travel insurance with COVID coverage is so important when you're on the go, even for a staycation.

Depending on the policy you get, you may or may not be covered for other forms of skiing.

A piste is recognised as a marked run or path down a mountain. Off-piste skiing refers to skiing in the backcountry or on unmarked trails. As there are more risks involved, only a handful of insurance providers will offer off-piste cover .

Note: This information was last updated August 2023

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Am i covered for other snow activities.

Yes. Most insurers will offer cover for recreational skiing and other snow activities such as snowboarding under a ski insurance policy. However, you won't be covered for off-piste, cross-country or backcountry skiing.

Can I get multi-trip ski travel insurance?

You can buy ski travel insurance for one trip if you're heading for a one-off break. But if you're a more frequent skiier then you might want an annual policy .

Am I covered for heli-skiing?

Often, you will need to purchase cover for heli-skiing as an additional benefit. An added premium will apply – if this cover is available to you. Contact your insurer for more information.

Who can apply for ski cover in Australia?

In comparison to other types of travel cover, ski travel insurance is generally only available to people under the age of 65 as senior buyers are considered to carry too great a risk for insurers. Other general requirements for taking out this cover include:

• Must be a resident of Australia
• Policy must be purchased prior to starting journey
• Journey must start and end in Australia

Can I ski if I have a pre-existing medical condition?

Generally, yes. Check to see if your condition is automatically covered in your policy (usually conditions like allergies and asthma are included). If you have a more serious condition, consider AllClear a brand that specialises in travel insurance for the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions.

Gary Ross Hunter

Gary Ross Hunter is an editor at Finder, specialising in insurance. He’s been writing about life, travel, home, car, pet and health insurance for over 6 years and regularly appears as an insurance expert in publications including The Sydney Morning Herald, The Guardian and news.com.au. Gary holds a Kaplan Tier 2 General Advice General Insurance certification which meets the requirements of ASIC Regulatory Guide 146 (RG146).

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• Help and Support
• Travel Insurance

Adventurous Sports Insurance

Throwing yourself onto a bike or into the sea be sure you're covered., do i need adventurous sports insurance.

There's a degree of risk to most sports, but particularly the adventurous ones.

Having the right cover in place before you go on holiday means you can try exciting and adventurous sports without worrying about what might happen if something goes wrong.

Admiral Travel Insurance covers a wide range of sports, but let’s take a look at which ones you’re covered for as standard and which you’ll need to pay a bit extra for.

Covid-19 - what our travel insurance covers

Our travel insurance now covers you for certain events related to Coronavirus (COVID-19), provided you have proof of a positive Covid-19 test and your cover is active at the time of the event.

What we cover

We provide cover for some costs related to Covid-19: please see Section 1 'emergency medical costs and repatriation' and Section 2 'cancelling or cutting short your trip' in your policy book for full details on what's covered.

We'll cover you if:

• you were diagnosed with Covid-19 before your trip was due to start
• a close relative died or became seriously ill as a result of Covid-19 before your trip was due to start
• you weren't allowed to board your pre-booked outbound travel due to symptoms of Covid-19
• an insured person or a close relative died during the trip because of Covid-19
• you couldn't take part in an excursion due to you self-isolating after getting Covid-19

What we don’t cover

You won't be covered if:

• you had reason to believe your trip may be cancelled, postponed or cut short when you booked it, purchased your policy or started your trip
• any government or public authority imposes travel restrictions or quarantine on a community, location, or vessel because of Covid-19 (this includes, but is not limited to, local lockdowns, entry requirements, being denied entry and airspace closures)
• you have to quarantine after arriving in the UK or abroad
• the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) change their advice to avoid ‘all travel’ or ‘all but essential travel’ to your destination because of Covid-19

For more information about how Coronavirus (COVID-19) affects your travel cover, see our FAQ page . And remember to check the policy booklet carefully before you buy to make sure our cover meets your needs.

What's covered under standard travel insurance?

Many of the sports you might want to do on holiday are covered by our standard holiday insurance.

These activities don’t require an extra payment on top of your standard travel insurance – and you’ll be covered for personal accident and legal liability too:

Banana boating

Body/boogie boarding

Canoeing (up to grade two rivers)

Fishing Kayaking (up to grade two rivers)

Parasailing (over water)

River tubing

Sailboarding

Scuba diving up to 30m*

Sea kayaking

Snorkelling

Wake boarding

Windsurfing

Yachting (inside territorial waters)

Water skiing

White/black water rafting (up to grade four rivers)

*For unqualified scuba divers, the diving depth is limited to 30m. (See policy wording for more conditions around scuba diving cover).

Raquet ball

Table tennis

Tennis Volleyball

Beach games

Cycling (except for racing, BMX, mountain biking, and cycling on extreme terrain)

Fell walking

Hiking (up to 4,000m altitude)

Hot air ballooning

Ice skating

Orienteering

Paintballing

Pony trekking

Safari (guided)

Rollerblading/inline skating

Sand boarding

Skateboarding

Trekking (up to 4,000m altitude)

Paddle boarding

Jogging/Running (excluding marathons)

Pony trekking (any equine 58 inches or less at the wither)

Extreme sports travel insurance: how to get covered for hazardous activities

If you couldn’t see your chosen activity on the list above, don't panic. Adrenaline junkies out there can still try that once-in-a-lifetime bucket list activity – you’ll just need to pay a little extra to be covered.

When buying travel insurance through Admiral, you’ll get the option to add extra cover for a specific hazardous activity. Just select the sport or activity you’ll be taking part in and pay the extra cost to get cover.

Bear in mind all hazardous sports and activities on our list exclude cover for personal accident and legal liability:

Assault course

Bungee jumping (maximum three jumps)

Canoeing (rivers over grade 2)

Canyon swinging

Coasteering

Gorge walking

Horse riding

Kayaking (rivers over grade two)

Kite surfing (over land)

Sand yachting

Scuba diving to depths between 30m and 50m (requires qualification)

Sea canoeing

Shark diving

White/black water rafting (rivers over grade four)

Yachting (outside territorial waters)

Trekking (up to 4500m altitude)

Hiking (up to 4500m altitude)

Motorcycling over 125cc (Europe only)

Sky diving (max 3 jumps)

Paragliding

If you'd like to be insured for a sport that’s not listed, contact our team to find out if we can arrange cover for you.

What level of cover do I need?

Now you know what activities are covered as standard and which require an extra payment, you need to choose the right cover for your trip. We break travel down into three zones:

• Worldwide excluding USA, Canada, Caribbean and Mexico

See the full list of benefits  in the policy summary booklet .

Winter sports insurance: make sure you're covered

If you're taking to the slopes to go skiing or snowboarding, you'll need to add our  winter sports insurance  to your standard cover.

As well as covering you in case of accidents or injury on the slopes, winter sports insurance means you'll get compensation if your equipment is lost, stolen or damaged. It also covers you if your trip is affected by severe weather, like avalanches.

Without the upgrade, your trip won't be covered at all but adding it means you'll get all the standard protection included in our single trip and annual policies as well as cover for the sport you'll be taking part in.

Limitations and exclusions

As is always the case with insurance, there are certain limitations and exceptions that could invalidate your cover.

For Admiral's winter sports insurance, we don’t cover travellers over 75 years old for trips within Europe and over 70 years old for trips outside of Europe.

Reckless behaviour

You won't be covered if you're injured as a result of your own reckless behaviour. This includes:

• Deliberately injuring yourself
• Being under the influence of drugs, solvents or excessive amounts of alcohol
• Not following the safety precautions while taking part in an activity

For a full list of exceptions, see the General Exclusions section in our policy documents .

What if I have a pre-existing condition?

A pre-existing condition is a short or long term illness or injury you have or have had before you buy travel insurance. This includes having symptoms, tests, diagnosis or medical treatment for a condition.

You can declare your pre-existing conditions during the quote process to see if we can offer cover. If you’re unsure what needs to be declared or if you're unable to find your condition on the medical conditions list, please contact us on 0333 234 9913 .

Your pre-existing conditions won’t be covered unless you’ve:

• Declared them all on your policy
• Received written confirmation that we’ll cover your medical condition
• Paid any additional premium in full

Policy terms and conditions apply. Please note, if you’ve had a positive diagnosis of Covid-19 and been prescribed medication, received treatment, or had a consultation with a doctor or hospital specialist for any medical condition in the past two years, this needs to be declared on your policy.

If you don’t tell us about your pre-existing conditions or give us incorrect information, your policy may be invalid, and we may refuse all or part of any claim you submit.

For a quote with us, click the green button above.

The MoneyHelper directory

If you require cover for more serious medical conditions, MoneyHelper may be able to help you find specialist travel insurance through their medical directory.

If you wish to get in touch with them you can call them on 0800 138 7777 or find them online . (Monday to Friday 8:00-18:00, closed on Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays.)

Getting the most out of your trip

Going anywhere nice.

Off to one of the destinations below? Take a look at our guides for some hints and tips on what you need to remember.

Travel insurance that suits you

Whether you're travelling solo, with your family, or with a little one on the way, read our guides to make sure our cover is right for you.

Family Travel Insurance

Student travel insurance, travelling while pregnant, travel insurance over 65, travelling with medical conditions, travel insurance upgrades.

Whether you want the adrenaline rush of a skiing holiday, or fancy taking to the seas on a cruise, you'll need to add extra cover to your policy.

Cruise Travel Insurance

Ski travel insurance, gadget travel insurance, single trip insurance, annual trip insurance.

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Winter Sports Travel Insurance

Winter sports should be fun for everyone, even if you have a pre-existing medical condition. If you wish to enjoy sports such a skiing or snowboarding on your trip, it's important that you get specialist winter sports travel insurance. Our individually tailored policies cover cancellations and medical expenses.

Page contents

Why do you need travel insurance that covers winter sports, what is covered by winter sports travel insurance, what activities does winter sports travel insurance cover, age limits for winter sports cover, winter sports insurance with pre-existing medical conditions, why more than 3 million people have chosen allclear.

Winter sports travel insurance covers you should you wish to enjoy adventurous sports such a skiing or snowboarding and still want peace of mind whilst on holiday. This type of insurance covers you for medical emergencies, even those related to Covid, which is vital to prevent unexpected medical bills and give you the support you need if you have any medical problems while you are away.

If you’re planning a winter holiday and want full peace of mind, you’ll need to make sure you have Travel Insurance with ski cover in place. Few things ruin a holiday faster than an injury and a costly trip to the hospital. If you need emergency medical treatment and don’t have insurance, bills could be incredibly expensive.

Here’s what to look for when you’re buying Travel Insurance for your winter sports holiday.

Winter sports and other snow-based activities increase the risk of injury and require a lot of specialised equipment and unique venues compared to standard holidays on the beach. All this needs to be factored into your insurance policy.

ABTA research shows that over 3.5 million Brits who have been on a winter sports holiday have never taken out Travel Insurance. The same research found that ABTA Members had reported more than 200 significant injuries caused by collisions and falls on the slopes amongst British holidaymakers in the 2018 ski season.

Proper, high-quality cover for winter sports will help you avoid costly medical bills if you have an accident during your activity, lose or damage your equipment. Without a valid Travel Insurance policy, you could be left out of pocket.

Some insurance providers will offer cover through a dedicated policy or with a special add-on. When applying for a quote with AllClear, add ‘Winter Sports’ in the ‘Extras’ section after you have selected your preferred policy and your quote will adjust accordingly.

Benefits of AllClear Cover

Winter sports equipment – protects the cost of repairing or replacing your equipment up to £500, if yours were to be stolen, lost or damaged during your holiday. We’ll also help with the costs of hiring replacement equipment up to £10 a day. We take into account the age of your items when working out a claim.

Piste closure – we’ll contribute to the cost if you need to travel to another resort to ski or you can’t ski at all because of piste closures caused by a lack of snow.

Ski pack – cover for up to £400 of unused parts of a ski pack you bought before travelling if you’re unable to take part in winter sports because of illness or injury sustained while travelling. You’ll need to be medically certified as being unfit for your activity by a doctor at the resort.

Delayed ski equipment – up to £150 towards hiring replacement equipment if your own equipment is certified by your carrier to have been misplaced for more than 12 hours on the outward journey of your trip.

As above, the sports or activities covered will vary by your insurer. So, you need to check your policy documents carefully and make sure it’s appropriate for your plans.

With an AllClear add-on, the following activities are included:

Inner tubing (in snow)

Skiing (including, off-piste, mono, heli, dry and cross country)

Snowboarding 

Snowmobiling

Snowshoeing 

Sphereing/Zorbing

Tobogganing

If your activity is not included, call us for free on: 0808 281 0561 as we may be able  to add a specific activity to your policy.

It’s important to remember that there may be limitations or other requirements. For example, if you want to ski off-piste, you’ll need to be accompanied by a qualified instructor or guide. This information will be detailed in your policy documents.

Simple 3 step quote process

1. call us or click a quote button on our site, 2. complete our simple medical screening process, 3. get your quotes.

You’ll be given the option to include Winter Sports on most of our policies. A number of our providers will insure you up to and 65 years of age.

If you’re planning to hit the slopes, you must declare any medical conditions when applying for a quote.

Any injuries caused by an existing condition when participating in an activity could mean you aren’t covered if you haven’t declared it. Plus, if you fall ill while travelling because of an existing condition and you haven’t declared it, you’ll have to pay for your time in hospital. In addition to this, you won’t be covered for anything lost on your ski pack.

We can cover over 1300 different medical conditions, and we’re experts in Medical Travel Insurance since the year 2000. If you declare all your conditions, your insurer agrees to cover them, and the activity is included in your policy, you’ll be covered for the costs of your treatment and other expenses.

We compare cover from up to 61 insurance providers, and 98% of customers have rated us ‘Good’ or better at being helpful and friendly. [1]

“AllClear Gold is simply the best travel cover I have found.”

Even 2 years after having been declared to be in remission from cancer i found many companies would not insure me to go skiing, but with allclear it was a breeze – and best of all it wasn’t expensive. i’ve been using allclear for over 8 years and would never look anywhere else now. when i had a skiing accident 3 years ago they were fantastic and provided me with an excellent service getting me home safely, organising assistance at the airport etc. highly recommend their services ”, sarah harbord – trustpilot, read allclear trustpilot reviews.

We hope you found this information helpful and you enjoy your time on the slopes!

If you’d like to start a quote, click the quote now button below.

[1] From 450 responses.

Written by: Russell Wallace | Travel Insurance Expert Last Updated: 24 November 2023

[1] Based on Trustpilot reviews of all companies in the Travel Insurance Company category that have over 30,000 reviews as of January 2023.

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Travel Insurance Ski

Hitting the slopes? Compare travel insurance offers with ski cover with Savvy today.

Fact checked

Compare Travel Insurance Quotes in 30 Seconds

• 100% free to use. No obligation.

Whether you’re heading to the Swiss Alps or Falls Creek for your next ski holiday, it’s important to have the right insurance to offer you cover for a range of unexpected circumstances which can occur while you’re hitting the slopes. Before you pack away your poles and goggles, you can compare travel insurance options with Savvy.

We're partnered with some of the top travel insurance providers in Australia to enable you to compare a range of high-quality offers before you buy your policy. Get the process started with us today by completing a free, no-obligation quote.

What is ski travel insurance and how does it work?

Ski travel insurance is designed for those wanting to partake in a range of winter sports while on a domestic or international snow holiday. Because this type of recreational activity comes with a greater risk of injury, many insurers will require you to buy extra coverage instead of already having it rolled into your basic or comprehensive coverage.

The benefit of these policies is that they’re specifically designed for winter thrill seekers. Some of the areas in which these policies may be able to offer cover (subject to the terms and conditions of your policy and any other qualification criteria in place with your insurer) include:

• Loss of or damage to your ski equipment
• Injuries sustained on the slopes (international insurance only)
• Travel disruptions and unexpected cancellations for reasons such as a family emergency or another medical reason
• Damage to your rental car due to bad weather
• The hire of replacement ski equipment if yours is stolen
• Piste closure due to bad weather
• Theft of valuable items, such as mobile phone or camera

Some providers can offer ski and snowboarding travel insurance to travellers up to the age of 69. What’s covered will differ from policy to policy and will depend on your insurer's terms and conditions, but a wide range of winter sports activities can be included, such as:

• Off-piste skiing with an instructor
• Back-country skiing in a remote location
• Heliskiing or snowboarding
• Sledding, tobogganing and snowmobile riding
• Ice skating or non-competitive ice hockey
• Snowshoeing

However, it's important to know what won't be covered under a skiing or winter sports insurance policy. Some of the activities which may be excluded include:

• Partaking in professional skiing or snow sports
• Snowboard acrobatics, freestyle skiing or racing, including training
• Cat, glacier, backcountry or heli-skiing without an instructor
• Skiing outside of the designated routes
• Bobsleighing or parascending
• Skiing outside the regular snow seasons

How do I compare ski travel insurance policies?

Before you settle on a ski policy for your next winter holiday, it’s always handy to compare travel insurance products. Some of the factors you should be assessing when comparing with Savvy include:

Inclusions and exclusions

Aside from the bonus extras attached to your ski travel insurance policy, it’s worth comparing offers to help you weigh up which provider offers you the most coverage at the best price. As such, it's important to find out and compare the terms and conditions outlined by your insurer and in their PDS so you can have a better idea of what is and isn't covered under your policy.

Basic or comprehensive

Travel insurance comes with two primary options: basic and comprehensive. Weigh up your needs as a traveller to help you determine which type of cover is better suited to your upcoming ski trip. Basic travel insurance is generally cheaper and typically only offers coverage for medical expenses and personal liability. Comprehensive insurance can be pricier but typically includes a greater number of benefits and higher claim limits.

Features of your policy

Outside of the standard policy features, insurers may offer bonus extras such as round-the-clock assistance and the ability to extend your insurance policy. For instance, some providers will allow you to contact them 24/7 if you suffer a medical emergency overseas. They may also allow you to extend your policy if you’re stuck overseas due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness or a natural disaster, though whether cover is granted will be at the discretion of your insurer and subject to the event meeting their criteria.

Consider the limits

Insurance companies agree to cover costs up to a certain amount in circumstances which are deemed claimable. Comparing different policies can help you determine which offers provide you with the most suitable claim limits. For example, basic coverage may only cover you up to $7,500 for lost luggage or valuables, while comprehensive coverage may allow you to claim up to $15,000 should the circumstances be covered by your lender.

Winter activities covered

If you’re travelling to Japan to indulge in some snow sports around the mountainous Niseko, ensure you have the right coverage for the activities you want to partake in. If you have a particular snow sport you want covered, it may be important for you to find a policy which can cover you where required.

What factors can impact the cost of my ski travel insurance?

Insurers charge a premium when you take out your policy, which is dependent on several factors. Some of the common factors that can impact the cost of your insurance premium include:

The older you are, the more your travel insurance is likely to cost. Insurers see it as an important variable when assessing the price of your policy because the likelihood of injury and death increases with age. As such, those over the age of 60 tend to pay considerably more in their insurance premiums. Although you can be covered up to the age of 69 by some insurers, whether your policy is 

Your destination

Where you choose to spend your holiday can impact the price of your insurance premium. If you’re travelling to a country with expensive health care, you could be paying more upfront for your policy. For example, travelling to the United States to hit the slopes would likely incur a higher premium because the cost of healthcare is exorbitant compared to our system.

How long you’re abroad

Simply put, the longer your trip, the more you’ll pay for your insurance policy. Taking out travel insurance over a longer period means there’s a greater space of time where things can go awry, such as losing your belongings or having an accident.

Your excess

Any time you have to make a claim, you’ll need to pay an excess. Opting to pay a greater gap will drop the price of your premium simply because you’re offering to stump up more of your own money if you have to claim against your insurance.

Any pre-existing conditions

Some insurers have a list of pre-existing conditions which they can cover in either their basic or comprehensive policies (subject to meeting other qualification criteria). For example, some of these companies may offer cover for conditions such as asthma, graves’ disease, sleep apnoea or glaucoma automatically in certain situations. However, there are other, more serious conditions which may be excluded, such as cancer or heart conditions, so it's important to compare offers thoroughly if it's important to find one which offers cover where you need it.

Your level of cover

Consider the type of trip you’re taking and the coverage you’ll need on it, as this will help you narrow down the type of insurance best suited to your needs. Basic coverage is generally cheaper than comprehensive insurance, but typically offers fewer benefits and lower claim limits. 

How many people are being insured

Some travel insurance companies may allow you to include up to 25 travellers on the same policy (provided they meet the terms and conditions set by your insurer). As such, it may be cheaper in some cases to take out a group policy than purchasing individual insurance for each member of your group. However, it's important to determine what is and isn't covered under your policy before you buy.

Types of travel insurance

International.

International travel insurance can offer cover for a range of events, including medical expenses, lost luggage or items, cancellation fees and more when you're overseas and a long way from home.

If you're journeying within Australia, domestic policies are designed to offer many of the same protections as international travel insurance (with the exception of medical expenses).

Single trip

The most standard and common type of travel insurance, this policy can cover you for one trip starting and ending in Australia (and is available for both international and domestic travel).

Annual multi-trip

As the name suggests, this type of travel insurance covers multiple trips over a 12-month period. Depending on your insurer, you may be able to take an unlimited number of trips up to 90 days each.

You don't have to have a return ticket booked to take out cover while you're overseas. One-way travel insurance enables you to access cover without a set end date, such as if you're moving temporarily.

You may need to take out specialist coverage if you're setting sail on a cruise. Fortunately, cruise insurance can cover emergency evacuation, cabin confinement and more.

Just because you're older doesn't mean travel insurance isn't still important. If you qualify for cover, seniors' travel insurance can offer greater peace of mind for included events while you're travelling.

Adding winter sports or ski cover to your policy can add protection against damage to your equipment, piste closure due to bad weather and activities such as back-country skiing, heliskiing and more.

Adventure sports

Looking to enjoy some adventure sports on holiday? An adventure sports pack can grant you cover for a range of activities, such as hiking, scuba diving and motorcycle or scooter riding.

Jetsetting with the whole clan in tow? Some insurers offer family travel insurance, which enables you to include yourself, your partner and your dependent children under one policy to help you save.

If you're travelling interstate or overseas with your partner (or simply another friend or family member), you may be able to access a discount by taking out a joint or duo travel insurance policy.

Why compare travel insurance with Savvy?

Reputable insurance partners, fast and convenient online process.

You can complete the quote, comparison and purchase process online through Savvy quickly and easily.

Competitive quote costs

Regardless of the type of insurance you’re looking for, we can help you compare between competitive quotes.

Your step-by-step guide to purchasing ski travel insurance

Fill out a quick quote with savvy.

You can start by completing our quick, no-obligation quote form, which includes:

• Your destination/s (such as if you're travelling to India )
• Whether you're purchasing a single-trip or annual-trip policy
• The start and end date of your trip
• Whether you're buying for yourself, as a duo or family
• The ages of all the travellers
• Whether you need additional cover for skiing or a cruise

Compare travel insurance policies with Savvy

Once you've filled our this form, you'll be taken to a list of available quotes provided by our partners. This will enable you to compare different offers based on their price, coverage, inclusions and more.

Review the terms and conditions

Brush up on the PDS documents provided by different insurers to give you a greater understanding of what is and isn't covered under the policy. It's important to do this before you purchase your policy, as it's always better to have a clear understanding of the terms of your agreement.

Purchase your policy

If you’re happy with your quote and have settled on one to purchase, you can select your chosen policy and complete the purchase online via your insurer's site. After you've bought your plan, you'll receive confirmation of your agreement soon after and your coverage will generally kick in within a few days (depending on your insurer).

Common ski travel insurance questions

Some insurers exclude expenses relating to epidemics or pandemics as part of their policies, but many today are offering travel insurance which covers certain COVID-19-related expenses . However, your coverage will depend on the terms and conditions of your agreement. While circumstances such as cancellation or medical expenses due to contracting the virus may be covered, not all events will be. For instance, some insurers will implement a period of 72 hours after your policy is purchased where any claimable events won't be covered. It's important to compare a range of offers to determine what you can be covered for before you purchase your policy.

There are some travel insurance companies which won’t cover you for a ski trip taken during the off-season of your intended destination. However, it's important to compare different policies to find out when and where you can be covered for skiing.

You can generally add your child to your family policy for free, as long as they are under the age of 20 and aren’t working full-time (though these criteria may differ between insurers). Adding a snowsports pack to your family policy will generally mean the coverage can apply to all the individuals listed, but you should check with your insurer if you're unsure.

You can be covered in the event you have a serious medical or family emergency and have to cancel your holiday at the last minute (which will also be subject to your insurer's other qualification criteria). Depending on the level of travel insurance you’ve purchased, you may be able to get a refund on the deposits you’ve paid.

If you’re planning on taking part in other activities such as riding mopeds, scooters or motorcycles, you’ll typically need to take out additional coverage. Winter sports coverage generally only addresses snow-related activities, while other packs (such as adventure packs) are designed to cover other risky activities such as motorcycle riding, rock climbing or abseiling.

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Disclaimer: We do not compare all travel insurance brands currently operating in the market. Any advice presented above or on other pages is general in nature and does not consider your personal or business objectives, needs or finances. It’s always important to consider whether advice is suitable for you before purchasing an insurance policy.

Savvy earns a commission from our partners each time a customer buys a travel insurance policy via our website. We don’t arrange for products to be purchased from these brands directly, as all purchases are conducted via their websites.

Before purchasing your policy, we recommend you refer to the provider’s PDS for any further information on the terms, inclusions and exclusions.

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Ski and snow travel insurance

Skiing and snowboarding overseas can be great fun. But when you're speeding down a mountain on a piece or two of wood, the chance of an accident might be higher than if you're just wandering the pavement of a historic city. That's why Medibank Travel Insurance allows you to add additional ski and snow cover to your policy.

Get ski and snow travel insurance with Medibank

$unlimited overseas medical expenses.

Cover for hospital treatment costs and in the event of a medical evacuation¹

Protect your valuables

Cover up to $15k of lost, stolen or damaged luggage & items²

15% off for Medibank health members

If you're a Medibank health member, you receive 15% off travel insurance, all year round.

Multi-award winning travel insurance

We're proud to be winners of Mozo's Experts Choice awards in 2022 & 2023 and Canstar's 2023 Most Satisfied Customer - Travel Insurance award.

Simply add winter sports cover to any of our products

Whether you travel once a year or you’re a frequent flyer, you've got cover with single and annual multi-trip options for when you ready to hit the slopes.

International Comprehensive

Cover in the event of cancellation, amendment and delays, plus up to $6,000 towards any rental car insurance excess for car damage or theft. Simply add snow cover during your quote.

International Medical

Cover for medical and dental emergencies while you’re overseas. Including 24-hour emergency assistance and a choice in policy excess levels. Simply add snow cover during your quote.

Annual Multi Trip 

Comprehensive cover for the duration of your policy for: 

• International and domestic trips that are over 250km from home. 3
• Trips less than 250km, that include at least one nights paid accommodation. 3

What you get with ski and snow travel insurance

For an additional premium you can add cover for snow skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling. The benefits included will depend on the travel insurance plan you select. Benefits may include: 

Overseas medical costs

Overseas medical costs associated with injury sustained by included activities. 1

Equipment hire costs

If you've hired equipment but can't ski, snowboard or snowmobile due to illness or injury (for 24 hours or more), then cancellation and amendment cover can apply for hire equipment. 4

Other pre-paid costs

Cancellation and amendment cover applies for other pre-paid costs, such as lift passes and lessons if you're unable to participate for more than 24 hours due to illness or injury. 4

What's included under snow sports cover

• Recreational skiing/snowboarding on a marked trail or slope prepared for the purpose of skiing or snowboarding within the boundary of the ski field or ski resort.
• Snowmobiling provided by the piste authority, for transport to and from designated recreational skiing areas within resort boundaries, or on a guided tour with a licensed operator.

What’s not included

• Any off-piste skiing/snowboarding.
• Training for, or participating in, a ski race competition; or sports activities in a professional capacity.

COVID-19 Travel Insurance Benefits and inclusions

Whether you're planning a trip within Australia, or heading overseas, our COVID-19 travel insurance benefits can help you relax and enjoy your much needed break. 

Ski & snow sports travel insurance FAQs

What does medibank travel insurance for ski and snow sports include.

If you will be participating in snow-skiing, snowboarding or snowmobiling during your trip, you will need to add and pay for additional cover to ensure you are covered by your Medibank Travel Insurance policy for these activities in times of claim. Note that our additional cover for ski and snow sports will only cover if:

• You are skiing or snowboarding on-piste;
• You are not racing; and 
• You are not participating in a professional capacity.

Please read the combined  PDS/FSG  for further information on coverage and exclusions.

Can I apply ski and snow sports cover to Medibank's Travel Insurance Policy for only a portion of my trip?

Medibank's ski and snow cover is based on the entirety of your trip. The plus side of this is that you have the flexibility on when to hit the slopes!

Things you should know

1   Medical cover will not exceed 12 months from the onset of the illness or injury. Medical evacuation cover subject to claim approval.

2   Item limits and conditions apply. See the  Combined FSG/PDS  for more information.

3  Cover is limited to a maximum duration of up to 30, 45 or 60 days for international trips or 15 or 30 days on domestic trips depending on the duration choice you make.

4  Conditions apply to cancellation cover. Only applies to the International Comprehensive and Domestic policies. Sub-limits apply. 

Limits, sub-limits, exclusions and conditions apply. This is general advice only. Medibank Private Limited, ABN 47 080 890 259, an Authorised Representative, AR 286089, of Travel Insurance Partners Pty Limited, ABN 73 144 049 230 AFSL 360138 arranges the insurance on behalf of the insurer. The insurer is Zurich Australian Insurance Limited ABN 13 000 296 640, AFSL 232507. Please consider your own needs and the  Combined FSG/PDS  to decide if this product is right for you. For information on the Target Market and  Target Market Determinations , visit  medibank.com.au/travel-insurance/help/

Request a call back

Leave your details and a Medibank expert will be in touch to take you through your options. In providing your telephone number, you consent to Medibank contacting you about health insurance.

We'll have someone call you soon to help with any questions you have.

COVID-19 Health Assist - Expression of interest

Complete this form to express your interest in one of our programs. If you're eligible, a member of our team will call you within 2-3 business days.

What program are you interested in?

Sorry, only members with current Hospital cover are eligible to participate in these programs

Eligible Medibank members with Extras cover are able to access a range of telehealth services included on their cover - you can find out more here . Alternatively, if you would like to talk to one of our team about your cover, we're here on 132 331 .

Your membership details

Please provide your details so we can know how to contact you.

Your contact details

By clicking Submit, I understand that Medibank or its subsidiaries may contact me to discuss my eligibility for the Covid-19 Heath Assist program(s), and will disclose my personal information within the Medibank Group of companies and to third party service providers. Please see Medibank’s privacy policy for further information about how Medibank will handle my personal information, and how to contact Medibank: https://www.medibank.com.au/privacy/

Thank you for expressing your interest in one of our COVID-19 Health Assist programs.

If you are eligible, one of our health professionals will call you in 2-3 business days to discuss your situation and help to enrol you in the relevant program.

There is no cost to participate, however some referred services may incur an out of pocket cost.

• Travel Insurance Compare Our Plans Popular Benefits COVID-19 Benefits International Plans Domestic Plans Comprehensive Insurance Annual Multi-Trip Inbound Plan Cruise Ski & Snowboard Motorcycle & Moped Adventure Activities Seniors Medical Conditions
• Emergency Assistance
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• travel_explore Not sure? See region list.

Where are you going?

Enter the destination(s) you plan to visit or select them from the list of countries and regions in the dropdown.

Planning a stopover? If you’re in a country for less than 72 hours, you do not need to list it as a destination.

Don’t currently know all the countries you’ll be visiting? You can select a region to obtain cover for all countries within that region, or you can select “Anywhere in the world”. Important: If selecting “Anywhere in the world”, your policy will not provide cover for claims arising in countries that are subject to sanctions. Your safety is paramount, so please read and familiarise yourself with the “ Standing Travel Alert for High Risk and Sanctioned Countries ” when undertaking worldwide travel – and before making any side trips to neighbouring countries – to ensure you have adequate cover.

Going on a cruise? If your cruise is in inland Australia (e.g. on the Murray River) or in Australian coastal water (e.g. the Kimberley), enter or select “Australia”. If your cruise embarks and disembarks from Australia ports only without any stopover at a port outside of Australia (e.g. a “Sampler Cruise” or cruise from Sydney to Brisbane), enter or select “Domestic Cruise”. If your cruise is overseas (e.g. a European river cruise, a Caribbean cruise, or a cruise from Sydney to Hong Kong), enter or select the country or region you will spend the most time in during your trip.

Want to come to Australia on our Inbound Plan? Select “Australia Inbound”.

When do you depart?

Enter the date you will leave your home to start your trip.

When do you return?

Enter the date you will arrive home based on AEST (considering any time differences/zones and travel times).

Duration of each trip?

Select the maximum trip duration that best suits your needs.

The maximum trip duration you select will apply to each separate trip you take during the 12-month period of your policy.

For cover to apply, you cannot take trips that exceed this maximum duration. If you make a claim related to a trip that exceeds this maximum duration, it may be declined.

The maximum trip duration you select will be shown on your Certificate of Insurance.

Age of each traveller?

Enter the age (as of today) of each adult and child to be included on the policy.

Travel Insurance for Skiing and Snow Sports  

Source: Getty

Protect your snow trip with ski travel insurance cover

It doesn’t matter if you’re a snowboarder or a skier, you’ll know nothing compares to the feeling of conquering the slopes. But crashing out on the mountain and injuring yourself? That’s enough to ruin the joy of a perfect run – even more so when the mishap comes with a tremendous medical bill.

At Cover-More, we offer snow travel insurance cover to help protect your winter holiday. Our Snow Sports Cover can be added to any of our travel insurance plans for an additional premium to help keep you safe on the mountains should the unexpected occur.

Want more information on snow activities and trips? Check out our Winter Sports FAQs , as well as our essential guide for ski holidays and the best ski destinations for Aussies .

Or, if you’re ready to buy, you can get a quote online now.

Skip to read:

What is ski insurance?

• Why should I buy ski insurance cover to protect my trip?

What does Cover-More's snow travel insurance cover include?

• Does Cover-More offer varying levels of snow sports cover?

Does Cover-More travel insurance cover snow injuries?

• Does Cover-More travel insurance protect my ski and snowboard equipment?

Why should I consider Cover-More travel insurance to protect my snow trip?

Whether you’re planning a ski trip to Japan, a snowboarding adventure in New Zealand, or some snowmobiling fun in Canada, snow travel insurance cover helps provide you with coverage for winter sports activities you want to undertake on your snow trip.

Because being at the snow and participating in winter sports activities often increases the risk of injuries or incidents, you’ll need to ensure you upgrade or amend your travel insurance policy to include snow activities like skiing and snowboarding for cover to be provided for those activities.

Depending on the travel insurance company, it might be called ski insurance, ski travel insurance, or travel insurance for snow sports – but no matter what the name, you should consider insurance to help protect you against unforeseen costs should you have a mishap on the slopes and need medical assistance.

Why should I buy ski insurance cover for my trip?

When you’re on the slopes overseas, even a minor accident can completely ruin your holiday and leave you with high medical costs. Thanks to the rugged terrain and often isolated locations of ski fields around the world, it's an extremely costly exercise to airlift someone off the slopes and take them to the nearest hospital for medical assistance.

So, if you’re not prepared to pay outrageous sums of money for any unexpected medical assistance cost, we highly recommend you consider ski travel insurance cover for your upcoming snow trip.

Snow-related injuries don’t just happen to beginners, either. All skill levels should consider our ski insurance cover – called Snow Sports Cover – before they hit the slopes.

Our Cover-More customer Clara discovered the importance of insurance when her son was snowboarding on Mammoth Mountain in eastern California. He fell and broke his wrist, resulting in costly American medical expenses.

Clara’s total claim for her son’s broken wrist was more than $2,590, but because she protected her family with ski travel insurance cover, we paid the bill and her family wasn’t left out of pocket.

“Cover-More was efficient and prompt in paying the bills (which are notoriously high in the USA!). I will choose Cover-More again for travel insurance!” - Clara, Cover-More customer

Travel insurance cover for snow sports is important to consider having whether you’re skiing in Chile, taking advantage of a ski package at a resort in Switzerland, or headed to Queenstown for a long weekend break. Get a quote online now.

If you’re a snow sports enthusiast, you’ll be delighted to know we have a number of ski insurance cover options, whether you’re enrolling in your first ever ski school, dusting off your trusted snowboard, or heading off-piste with a guide.

To get snow travel insurance cover with us, simply choose the travel insurance plan that suits you, and then add our Snow Sports Cover to your policy before you purchase. The types of plans we offer include:

• International: perfect for an overseas ski holiday. Choose from a Comprehensive+, Comprehensive or Basic plan, depending on the level of coverage you want for your entire overseas trip.
• Domestic: great for protecting your winter escape to Australian ski resorts. Choose from a Comprehensive+, Comprehensive or Basic plan, depending on the level of coverage you want and your budget.
• Inbound Plan: only available to non-Australian residents travelling to Australia who need snow travel insurance cover because they’re visiting a snow field on their trip Down Under.

For more details on each plan, you can compare our travel insurance plans here .

To obtain cover for snow skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling while travelling, we have two options available for you to include in your policy:

• Snow Sports
• Snow Sports+

You must pay an additional premium for either level of snow travel insurance cover when including it in any of our Cover-More plans.

Please note: if you do not have Snow Sports Cover included in your policy, any claims for expenses arising from injuries or accidents that happen when participating in snow sports are not covered.

Want more details on the two levels of Snow Sports Cover we offer? Read on to find out.

Does Cover-More travel insurance offer varying levels of snow sports cover?

Yes, we offer two types of snow travel insurance cover so you can choose the cover that suits you best.

• Snow Sports: this provides cover for on-piste snow skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. This cover option is most suitable for travellers spending their time at ski resorts, as off-piste or backcountry skiing is not covered.
• Snow Sports+: this upgrade provides cover for the above activities as well as off-piste snow skiing/boarding and guided heli-skiing/boarding tours. This is suitable for more advanced skiers or those planning more adventurous activities.

It’s important to understand that even if you pay the additional premium for our Snow Sports Cover or Snow Sports+ Cover, you will only have cover provided if you meet the conditions outlined in the PDS . For example, you must not be participating in a professional capacity, must not be racing, must always follow local advice and warnings and more.

Please also make sure you’re familiar with your ski resort’s guidelines and only take on ski runs that are within your ability.

Ready to buy? Get a quote online now.

We always want to ease the pain in your neck – not cause it.

All our International Plans include $unlimited~ overseas medical expenses. If you include our Snow Sports Cover in your international travel insurance policy, we will provide cover for winter sports-related injuries sustained on the snow fields (provided you were complying with the conditions set out in our PDS at the time of the incident).

Our Domestic plans do not include cover for medical, hospital, ambulance or dental expenses, as while you’re in Australia this is covered by Medicare and your private health insurance. However, if you added Snow Sports Cover or Snow Sports+ Cover to your policy and sustained an injury while participating in a covered winter sporting activity, on domestic plans, there is still cover for other expenses such as additional transport and accommodation expenses.

Not sure if you need overseas medical coverage? One Cover-More customer needed our help when they suffered a fracture whilst snowboarding in Japan. This person required surgery, and once they were fit to fly, we organised a business class upgrade and non-medical escort to return to Australia. Their claim estimate came to $25,000, which makes it a perfect example of why you should consider your winter sports holiday is protected.

However, in some ways this customer came out somewhat unscathed. We have also had to cover costly emergency evacuation, ambulance, and hospital expenses for other customers and their travel companions, which have cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

See our dedicated FAQs for winter sports travel insurance cover to learn more.

Does Cover-More travel insurance protect my ski and snowboarding equipment?

We understand how valuable snow sports equipment can be, which is why our luggage and travel documents insurance benefit includes cover for these items, with the option to increase the limit for individual items for an additional premium.

The level of cover depends on the travel insurance plan you purchase – you can compare plans here .

Please refer to the PDS for full policy conditions to understand what we can and can’t cover. For example, we cannot cover gear that is stolen while left unattended, or sporting equipment whilst it’s in use.

Our luggage and travel documents cover only applies to personal gear or equipment owned by you. It does not cover ski or snowboard equipment that you have hired.

Thinking about buying our travel insurance with Snow Sports Cover for your next trip to the snow? It’s worth noting we also provide additional benefits, including:

• 24/7 emergency medical and travel assistance
• Access to an Australian-based doctor via our Travel GP service# while you’re away overseas
• Fair and efficient handling of all your claims
• A global team of travel experts who put your safety and wellbeing first

If you’d like to speak to our team about these benefits and many more, call us on 1300 72 88 22.

Ready to hit the slopes?

Find out how affordable our travel insurance with Snow Sports Cover can be.

~ Cover will not exceed 12 months from onset of the illness, condition, or injury.   #TravelGP services do not form part of your travel insurance policy. It is offered to customers at Cover-More’s cost and at our sole discretion. Your circumstances including age, location, medical condition or issue, proximity to appropriate medical care and medical history will be considered.

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• Winter Sports Travel Insurance

Ski and winter sports travel insurance

Whether you’re a regular skier or a complete beginner, accidents can happen on the piste.

Make sure you’re covered by adding mandatory winter sport protection to your travel insurance package. For an extra premium, you’ll be insured for injury, and lost, stolen or damaged equipment. It may even cover you for personal liability or personal accident. Terms and conditions apply.

Protection for skiing and snowboarding, on and off piste

Our winter sports cover gives you extra protection. We'll cover you for a variety of things, including:

• Off-piste skiing and snowboarding (within resort boundaries and in recognised areas)
• Lost, damaged or stolen ski equipment
• Piste closures

So before you hit the slopes, be sure to have all your cover in place. And then you can enjoy the thrill of the downhill.

What’s covered?

Add the winter sports cover option to any Post Office Travel Insurance policy for this extra protection. The cover will cost you an additional premium.

Skiing, snowboarding, airboarding and more

It’s not just skiing and snowboarding. Whether it’s ski-blading, airboarding, skidooing, tobogganing or even snowmobiling, there are plenty of winter sports we can cover you for (1), off piste as well as on (2)

Emergency medical support and evacuation

Your policy includes access to an emergency medical helpline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You're also covered for repatriation to your home country

Lost, damaged or stolen equipment 

Whether you’ve your own equipment or you’ve hired some, we can cover loss, theft or damage. Terms and conditions apply. Check out our policy wording for details

Piste closure

It can be fun to go up the mountain when the weather’s heavy, but when there’s no snow at all, there’s no point. If the piste is closed because there’s no snow, you could make a claim

All medical conditions considered

Living with a medical condition shouldn’t stop you seeing the world. And, with the right travel insurance in place, you can enjoy peace of mind on your adventures – just in case something unfortunate happens.

At Post Office, we cover most pre-existing conditions. Contact us for a quote to see if we can cover you. It’s important to declare upfront all your medical conditions and any medication you're taking.

If we can't help and yours is a serious pre-existing medical condition, check the  Money and Pensions Scheme (MaPS) directory. It lists companies that may be able to help you. Or call 0800 138 7777 .

Choose a travel insurance cover level

The table shows the maximum cover limits available with ski and winter sports cover for each of our cover levels. You can add ski and winter sports cover for an additional premium.

Policy wording

Ready to get a quote?

Let’s find the protection that’s right for your travels. Get a quote for Post Office Travel Insurance

An award-winning provider

Best travel insurance provider.

Post Office won a ‘Best Travel Insurance Provider’ award at the Your Money Awards in 2021, 2022 and 2023

Post Office won a “Best Travel Insurance Provider” award at the British Travel Awards in 2023

Defaqto 5-star rated cover

Our travel insurance policies with premier level cover are Defaqto 5-star rated

Common questions

What is winter sports travel insurance.

Taking part in winter sports can carry much higher risks than those you'll face on other types of holiday. It’s important to make sure that, as well as taking part in winter sports safely and responsibly, you have cover in case something goes wrong. This cover also provides protection for things that can happen to your equipment, such as loss, theft or damage.

Why add winter sports cover?

Whether you have your own equipment or you’re hiring it, replacements can be expensive if they have to come out of your pocket. If you're going on a trip involving winter sports, then adding this cover is mandatory.  It's not just your equipment that needs to be covered but you as well. We can help you if you’re taken ill while on the mountain or get injured, and if the weather decides to dry up and there’s no snow on the piste, we can help restore the balance. 

Isn’t my Ghic or Ehic card enough protection?

UK citizens travelling in EU countries can access some state-provided healthcare there for free or at a reduced cost. You'll need a UK Global Health Insurance Card (Ghic) or, if it’s still in date, a European Health Insurance Card (Ehic).

Remember, neither card covers any additional cost to return you to the UK or for a relative to stay or fly out to be with you. In a medical emergency you may have no control over the hospital you are taken to or the closest hospital may be private. But medical travel insurance may be able to cover some of the cost for you.

Also, Ehic no longer provides access to healthcare services in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland for UK nationals in most cases.

• Read more travel insurance FAQs

Need some help?

Travel insurance help and support.

For emergency medical assistance, to make a claim, find answers to common questions about our cover or get in touch:

Visit our travel insurance support page

Travel insurance policy types

Single-trip cover.

Single-trip Travel Insurance

• Cover for a one-off trip in the UK or abroad
• Perfect for one-off trips or longer holidays of up to 365 days (3)
• No age limit 

Annual multi-trip cover

• Cover for multiple-trips for a 12-month period 
• 31-day trip limit, with extensions available up to 45 and 60 days
• Available for everyone aged up to 75 years 

Backpacker cover

• Cover for a one-off trip up to 18 months 
• Option to return home for up to 7 days on 3 occasions. 
• For people aged 18 – 60 wanting to travel the world for a gap year or career break 

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About our travel insurance

Post Office® Travel Insurance is arranged by Post Office Limited and Post Office Management Services Limited.

Post Office Limited is an appointed representative of Post Office Management Services Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FRN 630318. Post Office Limited and Post Office Management Services Limited are registered in England and Wales. Registered numbers 2154540 and 08459718 respectively. Registered Office: 100 Wood Street, London, EC2V 7ER. Post Office and the Post Office logo are registered trademarks of Post Office Limited.

These details can be checked on the Financial Services Register by visiting the Financial Conduct Authority website and searching by Firm Reference Number (FRN).

(1) Limitations may apply.

(2) Within recognised resorts and boundaries.

(3) For economy, standard and premier policies, the single-trip policy will cover you for one trip up to:

365 days for those aged up to and including 70 years

90 days for those aged between 71 and 75

31 days for those aged 76 years and above

Understanding What Travel Insurance Covers

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The offers and details on this page may have updated or changed since the time of publication. See our article on Business Insider for current information.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: Chase Freedom Flex℠. The details for these products have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.

• Travel insurance is intended to cover risks and financial losses associated with traveling.
• Coverage can include trip cancellation, baggage protection, medical care, and emergency evacuation.
• When filing a claim, be specific and comprehensive in your documentation to ease the process.

Whether it's a trip across the world or a trip across the state, having travel insurance provides major relief if things go awry. Flight delays, lost baggage, illness, injuries, and other unforeseen events can disrupt even the best-laid plans. With a major disruption comes the potential for unanticipated expenses.

Travel insurance and the coverage it offers can help keep you protected and save you money in the long run.

Overview of Travel Insurance Coverage

Travel insurance policies protect travelers from financial losses should something go wrong during their trip. You can customize which coverages you want to include, and there are several to choose from.

"Common types of coverage include trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage protection, coverage for medical care if you get sick or hurt during your trip, and emergency medical evacuation," says Angela Borden, a travel insurance expert and product strategist for travel insurance company Seven Corners.

Travel insurance plans offer nonrefundable payments and other trip-related expenses. While monetary compensation is a primary benefit, there is another valuable perk of travel insurance. It can provide peace of mind.

What does travel insurance cover?

Your specific travel insurance plan (and its terms and conditions) will determine the minutia and specifics of what is covered. As with most other forms of insurance, a general rule of thumb is the more you spend, the better your coverage.

"Travel insurance can be confusing, so it's best to research a reputable company that specializes in travel insurance and has a long history of successfully helping travelers all over the world," says Borden.

Trip cancellation and interruptions

A travel insurance policy can reimburse you for a prepaid, nonrefundable trip if it is canceled for a covered event, such as a natural disaster or a global pandemic.

Trip interruption insurance covers you if you're already on your trip and you get sick, there's a natural disaster, or something else happens. Make sure to check with your travel insurance providers to discuss any inclusions, coverage, and more.

Travel delays and missed connections

Travel delay insurance coverage provides reimbursement for any expenses you incur when you experience a delay in transit over a minimum time. Reimbursements can include hotels, airfare, food, and other related expenses.

Medical emergencies and evacuations

Typically, US healthcare plans are not accepted in other countries. So travel insurance with medical coverage can be particularly beneficial when you are abroad. Medical coverage can also help with locating doctors and healthcare facilities.

Medical transportation coverage will also pay for emergency evacuation expenses such as airlifts and medically-equipped flights back to the US. Out of pocket, these expenses can easily amount to tens of thousands of dollars. Certain plans may even transport you to a hospital of choice for care.

Travel insurance generally does not include coverage for pre-existing conditions. That said, you can obtain a pre-existing condition waiver, which we will talk about later.  

Baggage and personal belongings

Most airlines will reimburse travelers for lost or destroyed baggage, but be prepared for limitations. Travel insurance plans will typically cover stolen items, such as those stolen out of a hotel room. This may not include expensive jewelry, antiques, or heirloom items. Typically, airlines have a few days to recover your bag.

In the meantime, you can make a claim to pay for items like certain toiletries and other items you need to pick up. If your bag is truly lost or you don't get it for an extended period, you can file a true lost baggage claim.

What does credit card travel insurance cover?

A major perk on several travel credit cards is embedded credit card travel insurance . Typically, you will need to use the specific card for the transaction (at least with partial payment) for travel coverage to kick in.

Each card has specific rules on what exactly is covered. But one of the industry leaders is the $550-per-year Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card. Here's a snapshot of what is covered with this specific card:

• Baggage delay: up to $100 reimbursed per day for up to five days if a passenger carrier delays your baggage by more than six hours.
• Lost and damaged baggage: up to $3,000 per passenger per trip, but only up to $500 per passenger for jewelry and watches and up to $500 per passenger for cameras and other electronic equipment.
• Trip delay reimbursement: up to $500 per ticket if you're delayed more than six hours or require an overnight stay.
• Trip cancellation and interruption protection: up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses.
• Medical evacuation benefit: up to $100,000 for necessary emergency evacuation and transportation when on a trip of five to 60 days and traveling more than 100 miles from home.
• Travel accident insurance: accidental death or dismemberment coverage of up to $100,000 (up to $1,000,000 for common carrier travel).
• Emergency medical and dental benefits: up to $2,500 for medical expenses (subject to a $50 deductible) when on a trip arranged by a travel agency and traveling more than 100 miles from home.
• Rental car coverage: primary coverage for damages caused by theft or collision up to $75,000 on rentals of 31 days or fewer

More protections are included with cards with an annual fee, but there are exceptions. The no-annual-fee Chase Freedom Flex , for instance, includes up to $1,500 per person (and up to $6,000 per trip) in trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage.

However, there are some differences between credit card travel coverage and obtaining coverage from a third party.

"Credit card coverage does not typically provide travel medical benefits," Borden says. "For protection if you get sick or hurt while traveling, you'll want a travel insurance plan with medical coverage."

Whether you get your travel insurance in a standalone policy or through a credit card, it's important to review your plan details carefully. In either case, there may be exclusions and other requirements such as deadlines when filing a claim, Borden notes.

What travel insurance coverage do you need to pay more for?

Knowing what travel insurance doesn't cover is as important as knowing what it does cover.

"Travelers should understand that travel insurance benefits come into play only if a covered reason occurs," Borden says. Most standard travel insurance plans won't reimburse you for the following:

Cancel for any reason (CFAR)

Cancel-for-any-reason travel insurance covers a trip cancellation for any reason, not just a covered event. your standard benefits won't kick in unless it's a covered event. For instance, you'll be reimbursed simply for changing your mind about taking a trip.

That said, CFAR travel insurance is not without its downsides. For one, it's more expensive than traditional insurance, and most CFAR policies will only reimburse you for a percentage of your travel expenses. Additionally, CFAR policies aren't available for annual travel insurance . 

You can find our guide on the best CFAR travel insurance here.

Foreseen weather events

Sudden storms or unforeseen weather events are typically covered by standard travel insurance plans. There are exceptions to be aware of. For example, an anticipated and named hurricane will not be covered.

Medical tourism

If you're going to travel internationally for a medical procedure or doctor's visit, your travel insurance plan will not cover the procedure itself. Most medical travel plans also won't cover you if something goes wrong with your procedure.

Pre-existing conditions and pregnancy

Those with specific pre-existing conditions, such as someone with diabetes and needing more insulin, will not be covered by most plans. In addition, pregnancy-related expenses will likely not be covered under most plans.

That said, you can obtain a pre-existing condition waiver for stable conditions. In order to obtain a wavier, you will need to purchase travel insurance within a certain time frame from when you booked your trip, usually two to three weeks, depending on your policy.

Extreme sports and activities

Accidents occurring while participating in extreme sports like skydiving and paragliding will typically not be covered under most plans. However, many plans offer the ability to upgrade to a higher-priced version with extended coverage.

Navigating claims and assistance

When a trip goes awry, the first thing you should do is document everything and be as specific as possible with documentation. This will make the claims process easier, as you can substantiate and quantify your financial losses due to the delay.

For example, your flight home has been delayed long enough to be covered under your policy, you'll want to keep any receipts from purchases made while waiting. For instances where your luggage is lost, you will need to file a report with local authorities and document all the items you packed.

Cancellation protection also requires meticulous attention to detail. If you're too sick to fly, you may need to see a doctor to prove your eligibility. If an airline cancels a flight, you'll also need to document any refunds you received as travel insurance isn't going to reimburse you for money you've already gotten back. 

Part of the benefit of CFAR insurance is the reduced paperwork necessary to file a claim. You'll still need to document your nonrefundable losses, but you won't have to substantiate why you're canceling a trip.

Choosing the right travel insurance

Each plan should be personalized to meet the insured party's needs. Some travelers prefer to stick to the bare minimum (flight cancellation benefits through the airline). Others want a comprehensive plan with every coverage possible. Before you buy anything, set your destination. Are there any travel restrictions or changes pending? Does your destination country require emergency or other medical coverage?

If the destination airport is known for lost or delayed luggage, travelers should keep important items in carry-ons. Lost or delayed luggage coverage protects insured parties in the event of a significant delay or total loss.

Second, check current credit card travel benefits to avoid redundancies. Savvy travelers don't need to pay for the same coverage twice.

Finally, consider your individual needs. Do you have a chronic medical condition, or do you feel safe with emergency-only medical coverage? Keep in mind, this does not include coverage for cosmetic surgery or other medical tourism. Do you have a budget limit for travel insurance? Asking and answering these important questions will help every traveler find the right product.

Most travel insurance plans are simple, and Business Insider's guide to the best travel insurance companies outlines our top picks. Remember, read your policy and its specifics closely to ensure it includes the items you need coverage for.

No one likes to dwell on how a trip might not go as planned before even leaving. However, at its core, travel insurance provides peace of mind as you go about your trip. While the upfront cost may seem significant, when you compare it to the potential expenses of a canceled flight, emergency evacuation, or a hefty medical bill, it's a small price to pay in the grand scheme of things.

Get Travel Insurance Quotes Online

Protect your trip with the best travel insurance . Compare travel insurance quotes from multiple providers with Squaremouth.

What does travel insurance cover frequently asked questions

Does travel insurance cover trip cancellations due to a pandemic like covid-19.

Coverage for pandemics vary from policy to policy. Some travel insurance companies have specific provisions for pandemic-related cancellations, while others may exclude them entirely.

Are sports injuries covered under travel insurance?

Sports injuries are often covered under travel insurance, but high-risk or adventure sports might require additional coverage or a special policy.

Can travel insurance provide coverage for travel advisories or warnings?

Travel advisories have different effects on your travel insurance depending on your policy. Traveling to a country already under travel advisory may invalidate your coverage, but if you're already traveling when a travel advisory is announced, you may be covered.

How does travel insurance handle emergency medical evacuations?

Travel insurance usually covers the cost of emergency medical evacuations to the nearest suitable medical facility, and sometimes back to your home country, if necessary.

Are lost or stolen passports covered by travel insurance?

Many travel insurance policies provide coverage for the cost of replacing lost or stolen passports during a trip.

If you enjoyed this story, be sure to follow Business Insider on Microsoft Start.

6 Things to Know About Travel Insurance for Extreme Sports and Outdoor Adventure Coverage (2023)

We all know friends who are adrenaline junkies. Those who get kicks out of taking crazy risks and going on wild adventures all around the world. Heck, maybe you’re thinking: That’s me.

We all know how important travel insurance  is, but if you’re planning a ski trip, scuba diving trip or something even crazier than that, then you need to know which travel insurance cover extreme sports and outdoor adventure .

Here are 6 things you need to pay attention to when buying any sort of adventure sports travel insurance.

• Best travel insurance for outdoor sports
• What are the common outdoor adventure exclusions for travel insurance?
• What are the common personal accident and personal liability exclusions?
• Which outdoor activities are usually excluded?
• How much do extreme sports riders cost?
• Do you need sports equipment coverage?
• Do you have sufficient emergency medical evacuation coverage?

1. Best travel insurance for outdoor sports

Planning your long-awaited trip overseas with your pals for scuba diving, rock climbing, skiing or snowboarding?

Remember to get travel insurance that covers your winter sports, water sports, or mountaineering and rock climbing (usually considered more dangerous).

When browsing travel insurance plans, you’ll realise that sports and adventure are usually split into 3 broad categories:

• Leisure and recreational outdoor activities : Hot air balloon, scuba diving (up to 30m/40m, guided by licensed instructors, with PADI certification), skiing and snowboarding in resorts, hiking or trekking (up to 3,000m), jet ski, white water rafting, skydiving, paragliding, hang gliding, parachuting etc
• Other more extreme sports : Bungee jumping, mountaineering, rock climbing (any climbing that involves ropes and equipment)
• Competitions (not covered across all insurance companies except for Direct Asia) : Marathons, ultra-marathons, biathlons, triathlons

This table is a general comparison. Click in to each travel insurance review to see the specific outdoor activities they cover:

Back to top

2.  What are the common  outdoor adventure exclusions for travel insurance?

Even if your travel insurance plan claims that it covers outdoor adventure and extreme sports, there will still be exclusions – aka activities that your insurance company is not willing to cover. Here are a few major examples:

• Any professional competitions or sports in which you get paid, sponsored or receive any kind of financial reward
• Any leisurely contact sport or MMA classes such as Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ)
• Mountaineering or rock climbing that involves ropes and climbing equipment, especially if it’s done unharnessed and outdoors on a wall that is not man-made
• Expeditions to inaccessible, remote or previously unexplored places
• Being the pilot or a crew member of an aircraft (except for your commercial flights eg. SQ)

You’ll be surprised that most marathons are not covered by travel insurance since there’s a grand prize you technically can win.

Now, you might say that you’re probably not going to do any of these sports. But between insurance companies, there are different standards as to what’s allowed, so always check your terms and conditions before you buy your travel insurance.

Lazy? Scroll up and you can read through our travel insurance reviews instead. We’ve scoured through policy wordings and terms and conditions for their outdoor adventure and extreme sports coverage.

3. What are the common personal accident and personal liability exclusions?

While some travel insurance seems to have a comprehensive coverage, you have to make sure that the activity that you are doing is covered under Personal Accident or Personal Liability.

For instance, if you got the Singlife travel insurance and decided to buy the Adventurous Water Sports rider as well, you will be covered for all the usual scuba diving (up to 40m), white water rafting, kayaking, yachting, wakeboarding etc.

You’ll have to scroll to the end of your policy wording to check out the terms and conditions. Singlife travel insurance states that it covers you for:

• accidental death and permanent disablement
• emergency medical cover
• personal liability

In other words, if you get seriously injured during any of these activities, your Singlife travel insurance will cover emergency medical costs, your death, and any damage you caused to the properties in that accident.

However, if you were to look at Etiqa travel insurance , you’ll see that the plan covers you for personal accidental death. When it comes to personal liability, some outdoor activities are excluded, such as:

• motorcycles, motor cars

These are exactly the kind of activities where you’re more likely to suffer an accident. So don’t forget to check the fine print!

Total Premium

[MoneySmart Exclusive]    • Enjoy 40% off your Single Trip policy premium and 60% off Covid-19 add-on for Annual Plans. T&Cs apply • Additionally, receive 2,400 My Millennium Points (worth S$16) with every policy purchased. T&Cs apply.    [Etiqa's 10th Year 2024 Grand Draw] Stand a chance to win S$10,000 cash or a Singapore Mint Lunar Dragon 1 gram 999.9 fine gold medallion (worth S$173) with eligible Etiqa/Tiq by Etiqa plans purchased. T&Cs apply.

Key Features

Comprehensive COVID-19 add-on, protecting you before, during and after your trip

Covers Cruise to Nowhere

Get paid upon a 3-hour flight delay, even without submitting a claim

Instant claims encashment via PayNow

24-hour worldwide emergency travel support

4. Which outdoor activities are usually excluded?

Some activities will be covered by your travel insurance, but only if it’s within a specific circumstance. Again, this is not being unrealistic. But it does mean you have to be careful that your activities don’t exceed the boundaries set by your travel insurance. These are examples of some activities which aren’t covered by your insurance:

• Canoeing or white water rafting without a qualified guide or Grade 4 and above (of the International Scale of River Difficulty).
• Off-piste skiing, or going off trail and skiing outside the officially approved boundaries of a ski resort.
• Mountaineering beyond the height of 3,000 metres above sea level.
• Underwater activities involving artificial breathing apparatus for diving deeper than 30 metres.

So while some of these activities are covered by certain travel insurance policies, they do have limits to their coverage. Be careful to stay within the stipulated boundaries.

5. How much do extreme sports riders cost?

Some travel insurance companies require that you upgrade your travel insurance plan to include winter sports rider or outdoor adventurous activities riders. Although it might seem unfair to incur a steep increase in the premium price, do note that most of the time, this increases your coverage for other categories within the same plan as well.

How much do these winter sports and sports riders cost?

Currently, there are 2 travel insurance plans that require you to buy sports riders:  Direct Asia travel insurance  and  Singlife travel insurance . The latter costs $8.89 per week for Adventurous Water Sports rider  or $8.63 per week for Winter Sports rider

DirectAsia DA200

[ Win a Rolex, Dream Vacation & More!   | MoneySmart Exclusive]   • Enjoy 40% off your policy premium and 2,400 My Millennium Points (worth S$16) with every policy purchased. • Additionally, receive up to S$20  via PayNow with eligible premiums spent.  T&Cs apply.   BONUS:  For a limited time only, stand a chance to score over S$10,000 worth of prizes in our Grand Draw . • Rolex Oyster Perpetual - 124200 34mm Silver (worth S$9,000) • All Expenses Paid Trip • 2D1N Staycation at any Millennium Hotels and Resorts and 15,000 My Millennium Points (worth up to S$550)   Increase your chances of winning when you refer friends  today. T&Cs apply.

Kids go free – up to four kids travel for free with a Family policy only (2 adults)

Matching kids limits – children enjoy the same coverage limits as adults

Optional coverage for Sports Equipment & Extreme Sports are only available for Annual Policies

Optional coverage for Single Trip Travel Insurance: Maid and COVID-19.

Emergency Dental – Accidental Dental treatment can be costly, so it is covered under the main medical expenses coverage which is higher than a separate dental benefit

6. Do you need sports equipment coverage?

If you’re a hardcore skier or diver, then this section should not be news for you. If you have your own sporting equipment that you intend to bring on the trip, you have to be aware how much your travel insurance is covering you. When your gear can cost a few hundred dollars, you’ll definitely want to invest in a plan that will insure you don’t lose out if your gear is stolen or damaged.

7. Do you have sufficient emergency medical evacuation coverage?

This is especially important if you’re planning to go scuba diving, hiking or skydiving. Since you’re most likely not going to be near any decent medical facilities should anything happen, you may need to get emergency medical evacuation.

Check to make sure your travel insurance policy covers you sufficiently for such an occasion. Where possible, choose policies that can give you at least $500,000 cover for medical evacuation, even if you end up paying a little more. Here are some that offer $500,000 or more:

Bubblegum Travel Insurance

[Receive your cash as fast as 30 days*]   •  Enjoy 10% off  your policy premium and 2,400 My Millennium Points (worth S$16) with every policy purchased. •  Additionally, receive up to S$25 via PayNow with eligible premiums spent.  T&Cs apply.

Bubblegum offers just 1 affordable plan to suit all your travel needs to maximise your savings

Overseas medical expenses up to $150,000 SGD (Covid-19 sub-limit of $65,000 included)

24-Hour global Emergency Assistance services including Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation

Covid-19 trip related cancellation/curtailment up to $600 SGD included

Adventurous activities like scuba diving and hot air ballooning are covered with no limit on depth or height.

MSIG TravelEasy Standard

[ Win a Rolex, Dream Vacation & More!   | MoneySmart Exclusive]   • Enjoy up to   40% off your policy premium and 2,400 My Millennium Points (worth S$16) with every policy purchased. • Additionally, receive up to S$45 via PayNow OR 1 x Apple AirTag (worth S$45.40) with eligible premiums spent.  T&Cs apply.   BONUS:  For a limited time only, stand a chance to score over S$10,000 worth of prizes in our Grand Draw . • Rolex Oyster Perpetual - 124200 34mm Silver (worth S$9,000) • All Expenses Paid Trip • 2D1N Staycation at any Millennium Hotels and Resorts and 15,000 My Millennium Points (worth up to S$550)   Increase your chances of winning when you refer friends  today. T&Cs apply.

COVID-19 coverage of up to $150,000 medical cover and up to $1,500 travel inconvenience benefit for your trip protection.

Packaged tour coverage for insolvency of licensed travel agencies registered with the Singapore Tourism Board (includes NATAS registered travel agencies).

Get covered across all TravelEasy Plan types with a high limit of S$1,000,000 for emergency medical evacuation & repatriation

MSIG provides cover for insolvency of licensed travel agencies registered with the Singapore Tourism Board (includes NATAS registered travel agencies)

AIG Travel Guard® Direct - Enhanced

[Receive your cash as fast as 30 days*]     • Receive 2,400 My Millennium Points (worth S$16) with every policy purchased. • Additionally, receive up to S$50 via PayNow with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply.

Voted TripZilla's Best Travel Insurance (Single Trip).

Up to S$250,000 in overseas COVID-19 related medical coverage if you are diagnosed with COVID-19 overseas.

Overseas quarantine allowance of up to S$100 per day per person for up to 14 days if you test positive for COVID-19 overseas and are unexpectedly placed into mandatory quarantine.

Up to S$1,500 if you are diagnosed with COVID-19 and have to postpone your trip.

Up to S$7,500 in curtailment costs if you are diagnosed with COVID-19 while travelling and need to return to Singapore earlier than planned.

This policy is protected under the Policy Owners’ Protection Scheme which is administered by the Singapore Deposit Insurance Corporation (SDIC). Coverage for your policy is automatic and no further action is required from you. For more information on the types of benefits that are covered under the scheme as well as the limits of coverage, where applicable, please contact AIG Asia Pacific Insurance Pte. Ltd. or visit the AIG, GIA or SDIC websites (www.AIG.sg or www.gia.org.sg or www.sdic.org.sg).

Purchase your travel insurance with confidence and enjoy unlimited flexibility with AIG's Travel Guard® Direct

Do you have any other suggestions for getting the best travel insurance for sports lovers? Share them with us.

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