Most of us know that if we plan on travelling, we ought to have a good and comprehensive travel insurance policy on hand. However, for those who may be more adventurous and plan on hitting the slopes this winter, then winter sports coverage should be near the top of their list of items to have prior to setting off on their next great holiday.
An Expense worth Paying For
Many travel experts say that if you cannot afford to pay for the travel insurance you need for your trip, then you cannot afford to travel. This is particularly true when it comes to winter sports travel insurance. Without this type of insurance, those who will be skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, or partaking in any other winter sports activities may be left footing an expensive bill at the end of their trip.
A wintry holiday is already quite the expense. Travellers should purchase winter sports insurance when travelling to ensure that they do not end up with a hefty medical bill by the end of it.
Choosing the Right Coverage Amount
When shopping around for winter sports coverage, the first consideration will be the coverage amount. Most travel industry professionals recommend that individuals opt for:
- £2 million in medical expenses
- £1 million in personal liability
Personal liability will protect you should you cause injury to someone else while you are up on the mountain. Your medical expenses portion will cover any medical expenses you may incur, including being rescued from the mountainside and being repatriated back to the UK.
Check Out the Extras
Depending on what you are looking for or what you may be willing to sacrifice, try to include other useful extra travel coverages, including:
- Trip cancellation coverage
- Baggage coverage
- Lost/stolen ski passes
- Unused ski passes
- “Avalanche” coverage
Ask about “Extreme” Activities
If your plan is to hit the well-plotted courses on the mountain, then you likely do not need to ask about coverage for what may be considered “extreme” or “off-piste” activities. If you do plan on trying activities such as heli-skiing, ice skating, or tobogganing in a non-designated area, then you may need to request additional coverage. Not all insurance companies will provide coverage for these activities, but it is certainly worth asking about.
Transparency Is a Must
Policyholders must be honest about their age and health condition prior to purchasing winter sports insurance. For example, if you have a pre-existing medical condition, you should share this with the insurance company. Having a pre-existing medical condition may result in a higher insurance premium or overall cost. However, not disclosing this information can completely negate you being covered for any injury, even if the injury is unrelated to your health issue.
Read the Small Print
Never assume that one policy “should” and, therefore, will provide you with a certain type of coverage. Regardless of the insurance policy you choose, read the small print and make sure that you fully understand what you are and are not entitled. If you have any questions, you should be able to speak to a knowledgeable insurance agent who will lay out when you are covered and for how much and in which circumstances.