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How Travel Insurance Can Rescue a Ski Trip

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Table of Contents

Trip delay or cancellation coverage

Accidental injury, travel inconvenience, lost or damaged equipment, should i insure my ski trip.

Snow in the forecast can send winter sports enthusiasts flocking to the mountains for some fresh powder. But unpredictable weather doesn't always make for the easiest travel. Inherently, ski trips might be one of the riskiest to book since you can spend big bucks on ski lift tickets, lodging, airfare and equipment rentals, only to lose the money if the weather doesn't cooperate or an injury occurs.

These kinds of travel woes could affect more travelers as skiing and snowboarding grow in popularity. According to the National Ski Areas Association, there were more than 60 million visits to U.S. ski slopes during the 2021-2022 season, the highest since the organization started keeping track in 1978.

To reduce the risk of losing money on an interrupted or canceled ski trip due to adverse weather, travel insurance can be an option to consider. Some of the more common travel insurance benefits, such as trip delay or cancellation coverage, can come in handy for vacations in winter destinations. Plus, some travelers might already have those benefits through a travel credit card .

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Standalone travel insurance plans, which can offer more specific coverage tailored to ski trips, are also available. With these policies, travelers can get reimbursed for more particular expenses related to winter sports travel. 

Here are the types of coverage travelers can expect to find when shopping for travel insurance for a ski trip.

Trip delay and cancellation coverage is a standard part of most travel insurance plans and can benefit those heading toward winter weather. For example, if flights are delayed because of a snowstorm, this type of coverage can help travelers get money back for days they might've missed at the resort. This usually includes reimbursements for nonrefundable travel expenses such as prepaid lift tickets, equipment rentals and other similar expenses.

Trip delay and cancellation insurance could also pay for extra meals and lodging that travelers may have incurred as a result of a delay.

One important caveat is that this coverage usually kicks in for covered reasons only. An airline delaying a flight would be covered, but a traveler looking at the weather report and wanting to bail on the trip for fear of getting stuck wouldn't be. 

Skiers and snowboarders who want complete flexibility to cancel as they please should consider Cancel For Any Reason insurance. This coverage is a special add-on that costs more, but travelers typically receive 50% to 75% of their travel costs back if they cancel for any reason.

» Learn more: 10 best ski hotels to book with points

Injury is another big risk for ski trips. Injured skiers and snowboarders would most likely have to cut their trip short. That's when ski travel insurance with trip interruption coverage would help pay for the costs associated with returning home early.

Note that this coverage differs from travel medical insurance and medical evacuation insurance . Injured travelers will typically have to use some combination of their regular health insurance and travel medical insurance from their winter sports insurance policy (regardless if it's provided through a credit card or bought separately). 

"Depending on where you're skiing, your home health insurance might cover you for an accident. But it also might not if you're outside of your home health network, and certainly not if you're traveling internationally," says Stan Sandberg, co-founder of TravelInsurance.com.

Advanced skiers and snowboarders will likely need even more coverage. If adventuring into the backcountry, outside of resort bounds or heli-skiing, consider getting additional insurance coverage for adventure sports. 

» Learn more: How to save on a ski trip

This is a vague name for coverage, but it's a good add-on to a travel insurance policy for winter sports trips. "Travel inconvenience," sometimes called "Lost Skier Days," will reimburse travelers if the resort closes because of too much or too little snow.

This type of coverage is typically available from Dec. 1 to March 31 for resorts in the Northern Hemisphere and can reimburse up to $125 in lost expenses per day.

Many travelers are familiar with baggage loss or delay coverage , but some might not know that expensive ski or snowboarding gear might not be covered entirely. After all, typical travel insurance policies insure up to a certain dollar amount only. So if the airline loses your expensive skis, you might not be reimbursed for the full value.

Getting ski travel insurance with coverage for items like skis and snowboards can help. With this coverage, if your gear is delayed, the ski insurance provider will reimburse you, up to a limit, for equipment rentals.

If you're worried about losing the nonrefundable costs of your winter sports-focused vacation, ski travel insurance can provide some peace of mind. Look for coverage that reimburses you in case of winter weather delays or accidental injuries. In addition, travel inconvenience or sports equipment coverage are add-ons that can help you recoup the costs associated with lift tickets and equipment rentals.

Skiing and snowboarding are always an adventure, but delays and accidents don't have to be so costly.

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 2024 , 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

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

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Home » Travel Insurance » Reviews » Best Travel Insurance For Ski Trips in 2024

Best Travel Insurance for Ski Trips in 2024

Written by Antonio Cala

• Affiliate Disclosure

Table of Contents

Whether you’re a seasoned skier, snowboarder or an enthusiastic adventurer, having the appropriate insurance is crucial. In this article, we will review the best travel insurance for ski trips available today. We will explain what makes ski travel insurance different, what features to look for and our top picks for 2024.

For an in-depth analysis of insurance choices tailored for adventure travelers, don’t forget to check out the  Ultimate Guide to Adventure Travel Insurance .

Quick Recommendations

If you want some quick recommendations, here is our infographic to help you choose the best insurance for your next ski trip. 

Ski Travel Insurance Overview

What is ski travel insurance.

Introducing ski insurance, alternatively known as winter sports insurance—a specialized travel coverage designed to safeguard against mishaps during skiing or snowboarding getaways.

Often offered as an add-on to standard travel insurance, this tailored protection extends coverage to ski and snowboard equipment, medical treatments, and expenses associated with skiing-related injuries—areas typically excluded in standard travel insurance policies.

In this guide, we unveil the top-rated policies recommended by our experts, ensuring you make an informed choice for a worry-free winter sports adventure.

What Does It Cover?

The majority of ski trip insurance policies typically provide coverage for the following four categories:

Medical Expenses

Incurring injuries on the slopes can lead to substantial costs. While treatment expenses may be covered based on your location, additional charges for services like air ambulance rescue and medical repatriation may apply.

Most ski insurance policies provide coverage for emergency medical treatment, often up to millions, but it’s crucial to note that rescue coverage might have a capped limit, potentially lower than the medical treatment coverage.

Equipment Coverage

In the unfortunate event of damage, theft, or loss of your skis, poles, or snowboard, ski insurance typically offers coverage ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. You can file a claim for the cost of repairing or replacing your equipment, including expenses for renting replacement gear.

Trip Cancellation or Interruption

In case you need to cancel or cut short your ski trip due to injury, ski insurance enables you to claim reimbursement for the missed portions. Cancellation limits vary, ranging from $500 to $15,000.

Weather-related Issues 

Avalanche Delay

Specific to winter sports breaks, ski insurance covers delays caused by avalanches affecting your skiing plans.

Piste Closure

If the ski slope is closed, preventing you from skiing, you can make a claim for compensation. Typically, the closure must exceed a certain duration for eligibility.

What Doesn't Cover?

When contemplating specialized winter travel insurance, it’s essential to grasp the exclusions. These may include:

Venturing off-piste: If you have an accident off the main ski paths, your insurance may not cover medical costs for that situation.

Leaving equipment unattended: Some policies may not provide coverage if belongings are left in public spaces, leading to theft.

Traveling against government advice: If you travel against the recommendations of the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, your policy is unlikely to cover you.

Extreme winter sports: Activities like heli-skiing, glacier climbing, and base jumping may not be covered by standard policies. Verify if your chosen activities require additional coverage or specialist insurance.

Best Ski Travel Insurance Policies in 2024

Our Pick For

International Trips + Remote Locations + Any Nationality

Global Rescue

Nationalities: all nationalities are covered.

Pre-existing conditions: Yes.

Seniors Over 65: People aged 65-75 are included in the Individual Plan. Extended Plan memberships are available to those age 75-84 and include all services but are contingent upon completion of a medical form and a physician’s medical verification.

Trip Duration: Short term policies (7, 14 or 30-days) and long term policies (1 to 5 years) available.

Groups: Individual, family and student plans available.

Situations covered:  It covers civil unrest, natural disasters, government evacuation orders and other security emergencies (when purchasing the Security package).

• Pros & Cons

Reasons To Buy

Remote locations coverage. Coverage available for 65-84. Pre-existing conditions accepted. All nationalities accepted​.

Reasons To Avoid

The price is a bit higher than other insurance policies. However, no other company provides the same coverage as Global Rescue. It doesn’t cover trip cancellations or delays. It doesn’t cover equipment.

Worldwide field rescue (up to $500,000) in remote or dangerous environments. Global Rescue’s deployable teams are standing by to rescue their members from the point of illness or injury for any serious medical emergency.

Medical Evacuation. Global Rescue’s fully deployable medical teams have unparalleled capabilities to transport our members back to their home hospital of choice from anywhere in the world. This includes global COVID-19 transport.

Medical & Security Advisory Services. Global Rescue’s operations centers are staffed by experienced nurses, paramedics and military special operations veterans. Global Rescue also has partnerships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations, Elite Medical Group and Partners HealthCare, the Harvard Medical School affiliate.

Security Membership. Global Rescue’s teams of military special operations veterans are available to provide advisory, consultation and evacuation services for events like natural disasters, terror attacks and civil unrest when you are in danger.

Destination Reports & Event Alerts. Destination reports for 215 countries and principalities worldwide include entry requirements, COVID-19 travel status and restrictions, detailed health and security assessments and required immunizations. Keep up to date on health and security events worldwide.

My Global Rescue Mobile App. Access Global Rescue services in one location. Browse destination reports and alerts, activate emergency assistance, real-time virtual health visits and keep track of the people you care about with GPS tracking and messaging.

Security Package. Physical extraction when you are in danger of bodily harm. It includes civil unrest, natural disasters, government evacuation orders and other security emergencies.

Global Rescue  is the most comprehensive travel protection available worldwide. It has the least restrictions and biggest coverage than any other medical insurance.

It’s a medical-only protection designed for adventure travelers planning to travel internationally for an independent or organized skiing trip. All nationalities are covered and options for people over 75 are available.

Global Rescue   is our preferred option for ski trips out of the US.

Americans + Over 65 + Pre-existing Conditions + Heli-skiing

Nationalities:  Only US citizens and residents are eligible.

Pre-existing conditions:  Pre-existing conditions can be covered for Trip Cancellations and Interruptions, as long as you purchase your plan within 14 days of your initial trip deposit, and are medically able to travel when you purchase your plan.

Seniors Over 65:  There is no maximum age limit.

Trip Duration:  All plans cover trips up to 180 days.

Groups:  Insurance policies for solo travelers, couples and families are available.

The prices are very competitive.

Plans are very customizable with plenty of extras available and the option of removing items you don’t need.

Pre-existing medical conditions accepted.

24/7 chat available with the Faye Mobile App

Only available to American residents.

Emergency Medical Expenses: Up to $250,000. If you experience sudden illness or injury in-trip, including COVID-19. We can cover prescription drugs, hospitalization and physician costs.

Emergency Evacuation: Up to $500,000. Coverage of transportation in the case of illness or injury that is acute, severe or life threatening when adequate medical treatment is not available in the immediate area.

Trip Cancellation: Up to 100%. If you need to cancel your trip for covered reasons, including if you get sick, contract COVID-19, or a travel provider goes bankrupt. We can cover flights, hotel bookings, tickets & activities, and quarantine accommodation.

Trip Interruption: Up to 150%. When you must unexpectedly cut your trip short or extend it for covered reasons, including if you contract COVID-19.

Trip Delay: Up to $4,500. Up to $300/day, for delays of more than 6 hours. When you’re stranded in transit due to reasons outside of your control such as flight delay or theft of passport.

Lost or damaged Belongings: Up to $2,000. Reimbursement for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage, including clothing, personal items and professional equipment like a phone or laptop.

Cancel for Any Reason: Up to 75% of Trip Cost. The ability to nix your trip for reasons other than those covered in your plan’s trip cancellation coverage, including fear of contracting COVID-19, as long as you purchase this coverage within 14 days of your initial trip deposit and cancel at least 48 hours in advance of your scheduled departure date.

Pet Care: Up to $2,500 in veterinary expenses & 
$250 for kenneling. Coverage of veterinary expenses if you take your furry friend along (including pet sickness or injury), or kenneling costs if you arrive back home later than expected.

Adventure & Extreme Sports: Up to $250K (international trips) or $50K (domestic trips) for accidental & sickness expenses. Medical and transportation coverage if you become injured while participating in an adventure or extreme sport, like skydiving, bungee jumping, motocross or free diving.

Faye insurance  provides American residents one of the biggest medical coverages on the market at a very competitive price. 

There’s no age limit and, with the Adventure & Extreme Sports Protection, you can even get coverage for heli-skiing.

We recommend  Faye  for Americans who  want a complete travel protection for their skiing or snowboarding trip, including high medical coverage, trip protection cancellation & interruption, and baggage coverage.

Non Americans + Budget

World Nomads

Nationalities:  Most nationalities can purchase insurance from World Nomads, including residents of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, India, Australia, or New Zealand. However, as of the current writing, most European residents are unable to buy a World Nomads policy.

Pre-existing conditions:  Not covered.

Seniors Over 65:  Travelers aged 70 and over are not covered.

Trip Duration:  All plans cover trips up to 365 days.

The price is competitive.

Prices and coverage vary greatly by the country of residence.

Some European nationalities are not covered.

Pre-existing medical conditions not covered

Max age is 70 years old.

Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical Expense: Up to $100,000. Coverage is for medical expenses for emergency treatment of an accidental injury that occurs during the trip. Emergency treatment must be medically necessary and performed during the trip. Refer to the certificate / policy for complete details.

Emergency dental treatment: Up to $750. Coverage is for emergency dental treatment for accidental injury to sound, natural teeth. The injury and treatment must occur during the trip.

Emergency Evacuation: Up to $500,000. Coverage is for an accidental injury or sickness occurring during the trip that results in your necessary emergency evacuation. An emergency evacuation must be ordered by a physician who certifies that the severity of your accidental injury or sickness warrants your emergency evacuation. Refer to the certificate / policy for complete details.

Trip Cancellation: Up to $10,000. Reimburses for prepaid, non-refundable cancellation charges if you must cancel your trip (after the effective date) due to covered sickness, accidental injury, or death of you, a family member or traveling companion; inclement weather, unforeseen natural disaster at home or at your destination, strike or other covered reasons. Refer to the certificate / policy for complete details.

Trip Interruption: Up to $10,000. Reimburses for prepaid, non-refundable, unused expenses if you must interrupt your trip (after departure) due to a covered sickness, accidental injury, or death of you, a family member or traveling companion; inclement weather, unforeseen natural disaster at home or at your destination, strike, or other covered reasons. Refer to the certificate / policy for complete details.

Trip Delay: Up to $3,000. Coverage is for unused portion of pre-paid accommodation or additional expenses, on a one-time basis, if you are delayed en route to or from the trip for 6 or more hours due to a defined hazard as explained in the certificate / policy.

Baggage & Personal Effects: Up to $3,000. Reimbursement is for loss, theft or damage during the trip to baggage and personal effects (including sporting equipment) owned by you, provided you have taken all reasonable measures to protect, save and recover the property. Per article limit of $500.

Activities covered based on 4 groups. You pay more for higher group. The Explorer plan includes more activities than the Standard Plan. Extreme activities not covered (cave diving, free soloing, etc)

The  World Nomads Explorer Plan is a great option if you’re looking for an affordable travel insurance that covers skiing & snowboarding (on piste, off piste, heli-skiing, heli-boarding).

We recommend  World Nomads Explorers plan  for skiing trips if you are not American or don’t want the full-protection that Faye provides.

Comparison Table

When selecting insurance for your ski trip, a critical consideration is the remoteness of your ski destination.

For those hitting the slopes in less frequented ski areas, the top choice is Global Rescue . Its superior medical evacuation services distinguish it from other insurance options.

If your ski trip is planned for less remote regions and you’re a US resident, an outstanding insurance choice is Faye . It offers comprehensive medical coverage, includes pre-existing conditions, has no age restrictions, and covers winter sports, even at elevations above 9,000 feet.

For non-US residents embarking on ski adventures that aren’t in particularly isolated locations, the  Explorer Plan from World Nomads  is a robust alternative. It provides significant medical coverage and is noted for its cost-effectiveness in the insurance market.

Other Travel Insurance Reviews

If you would like to read more about insurance options for other type of adventure trips, you can check out our other reviews below:

• Travel Insurance for Ski Trips
• Travel Insurance for Hiking Trips
• Travel Insurance for Mountaineering & High Altitude Trekking
• Travel Insurance for Mountain Bike Holidays
• Travel Insurance for Adventure Cruises
• Travel Insurance for Diving Liveaboards
• Travel Insurance for Adventure Motorcycle Trips
• Travel Insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek
• Travel Insurance for Mount Kilimanjaro Climb
• Travel Insurance for Seniors Over 65
• Travel Insurance for People with Pre-existing Conditions

Ski Travel Insurance Reviews Online

When doing your research, you might want to read what other publications have to say about the best ski trip insurances out there.

Here are some of the most popular articles I found interesting. 

Best Ski Insurance 2024 – Which?

Winter Sports Travel Insurance: Our Pick Of The Best – Forbes.com

About the Author

Antonio was born and raised in Southern Spain, and quit his job in 2013 to travel the world full-time with his wife Amanda for 10 years straight. Their passion for adventure took them to visit 150+ countries.

They cycled 25,000km + from California to Patagonia, sailed over 10,000NM around the Caribbean & Sea of Cortez, rode their motorbikes 30,000 kms+ across West Africa (Spain to South Africa) and visited Antarctica, among many other adventure expeditions.  Today, they’re still traveling,  currently around the USA with an RV.

Traveling to so many places, remote destinations and by different means taught them a lot about travel insurance, which policies to hold depending on the area and the type of adventure they were doing. Antonio now publishes regular content to help other travelers choose the best travel insurance for adventure trips.

Together, they also run the travel community Summit , the RV site Hitched Up , the boutique accommodation blog  Unique Places  and the popular newsletter Adventure Fix , where they share their knowledge about the places they’ve visited and the ones still remaining on their list.

Antonio Cala

Co-Founder of Adventure Fix

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We believe everyone should be able to make decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or travel service available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services.

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5 Reasons to Buy Travel Insurance For Your Ski Trip

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Get Ski Travel Insurance

Wander More. Worry Less.

If you're brave enough to take on a black diamond, or maybe vacationing with kids just starting out on the bunny slope, chances are you could use ski insurance. Travel insurance for your ski trip can cover injuries on the slopes and during your vacation and is designed to help with winter travel mishaps like flight delays, cancellations, illness and more.*

What winter sports are covered?

Our travel insurance plans can cover winter sports on your trip, such as skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing/rafting, cross country skiing on marked trails, snow shoeing, sledding, ice skating and more. You can also choose a plan designed to cover your sporting equipment if it gets damaged, lost, stolen or delayed. Just be sure that the purpose of your trip is not to participate in any organized amateur sports, professional athletic competitions or sporting events, as those are not covered by our plans.*

What can wreck a ski trip and how travel insurance can help

• Injury & Illness
• Equipment Issues

Winter Travel Chaos Each year winter storms cause cancellations and delays across the country, wrecking travel plans. If you’re forced to cancel or interrupt your trip, how much of that prepaid trip cost could you get back? Travel insurance can help you recoup losses for 20 different covered events that could cause you to cancel your travel plans. Pre-purchased lift tickets can even be covered.

Travel Delays Your flight is delayed for who knows how long in a winter blizzard. You need to decide whether to get a hotel, what necessities you'll need to buy, where to get dinner... Don't worry—Travel Delay coverage is included with every Generali travel insurance plan, so you can be reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, such as hotel accommodations, meals and transportation if you are delayed during your trip.*

Emergency Medical Accidents happen. Even to the most experienced skiers. Our travel insurance plans can help you with a wide range of medical needs while you’re traveling. Whether it’s a case of utilizing our emergency assistance services to see a local doctor for a prescription refill, filing a Medical and Dental claim after a visit to the emergency room because you slipped on ice during your trip, or the rare need to use the Emergency Assistance and Transportation coverage for medical evacuation by air ambulance, we’re there for you 24/7/365. 

Flu Season Last winter was one of the most severe flu seasons in recent memory. If your trip is canceled or interrupted for certain medical reasons, trip insurance can help you get reimbursed for non-refundable, pre-paid trip costs that weren't used and additional transportation costs to return home or rejoin your group on the slopes.

Medical Evacuation Get up to $1 Million in Emergency Assistance and Transportation coverage — crucial for the slopes. More than 220,000 people a year are treated for winter sports injuries in the U.S. 1  Medical evacuation from a ski resort or even from the mountain could require a helicopter, which is not cheap.*

Lost, Damaged or Delayed Sporting Equipment Flying with skis, a snowboard or other equipment? Travel insurance is one of the best ways to help protect your gear. Our  Preferred and Premium plans  include coverages especially helpful if your equipment is damaged, lost, stolen or delayed on your trip. And, you can get reimbursed for your rentals while your equipment is lost. INFO: Airlines worldwide lose or misplace more than 22 million bags a year. The property that was returned took an average of 1.76 days to get back to their owners.² How long could you go without your gear on a ski trip?

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Frequently asked questions.

If you lose your job and cancel your trip as a result, you could be reimbursed for your prepaid, nonrefundable, trip costs. Some requirements must be met.

Our plans don't include Trip Cancellation coverage for work obligations that cause you to cancel your trip, except in the case of unexpected active military duty due to a natural disaster or military leave being revoked. If you want travel insurance that can cover for this reason, consider purchasing our Premium plan and adding Trip Cancellation for Any Reason coverage . This coverage reimburses you up to 60% of the penalty amount when you cancel your trip for any reason ( requirements apply ).

If you become critically sick or injured during your trip and no suitable local care is available, all of our plans provide coverage for emergency medical evacuation and coverage to reimburse your medical and dental costs. In addition, Trip Interruption coverage can reimburse you for lost trip costs while you're in hospital, including prepaid lift tickets.

This can be extremely helpful if, for example, you have a ski accident on the slopes — it could even require medical transportation by helicopter, which could cost a lot.

Our plans also include 24-hour emergency assistance services that can provide immediate assistance if a traveler becomes seriously ill or injured on their trip.

Our travel insurance plans can cover skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing/rafting, cross country skiing on marked trails, snow shoeing, sledding, ice skating and more.

The Premium and Preferred plans include Sporting Equipment and Sporting Equipment Delay coverages that can cover winter sports equipment you might bring on a trip, except motorized equipment, dental wear and eyewear.

If your sporting equipment is damaged, lost or stolen during your trip, Sporting Equipment coverage can reimburse the costs to repair or replace your sporting equipment. The Premium plan covers up to $2,000 and the Preferred plan covers up to $1,500.

Sporting Equipment Delay can reimburse you for the cost of locating your delayed Sporting Equipment and having it returned to you, and the cost of renting equipment in the meantime, up to the coverage limit.

The fine print says: "We will not pay for damage to or loss of boats, motors, motorcycles, motor vehicles, aircraft, and other conveyances or equipment, or parts for such conveyances." See the DOC/Policy for more details.

Bad weather is always a risk when traveling during the winter. If a winter storm hits, flight cancellations and delays are bound to happen and you may take on some unplanned costs. If this happens, the Trip Interruption coverage included with travel insurance can cover for additional expenses to help get you to your destination and onto the slopes or back home, in addition to reimbursing you for lost trip costs. Travel Delay coverage is also included for certain out-of-pocket costs, such as meals, local transportation or even additional lodging or parking charges.

If a weather event, like a blizzard is foreseeable prior to you purchasing the insurance plan, then travel insurance may not cover it. If the plan is purchased after a storm is named, coverage is not provided for losses resulting from that named storm.

Read more about how travel insurance can help when you travel during the winter

• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
• SITA Baggage Report 2018

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Travel Insurance for Skiing and Snowboarding Trips

Planning a snowsports vacation? Find the best skiing insurance to cover your trip and yourself.

Molly Corry is an English literature graduate, travel writer and PR professional specializing in travel advice. Based in Leeds, England, when she is not writing, she enjoys attending dance classes and exploring new travel destinations to get inspired for her next piece of content.

Tori Addison is an editor who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over five years. Her experience includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.

Whether you’re a skiing or snowboarding newbie or a slalom expert, there’s nothing like the thrill of hitting the slopes. But amidst the excitement, it’s important to remember these winter sporting vacations come with certain health risks and dangers.

The last thing you want to experience during your vacation is an injury that puts you in line for travel medical care . Travel insurance for skiing or snowboarding trips is an important way to protect your vacation investment and your health on your trip.

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The Risks of Skiing and Snowboarding

The main risks associated with skiing and snowboarding, especially when traveling internationally, are the following:

• Injury: These sports both involve speed and navigating down steep, snowy slopes. This creates inherent injury risks. Common injuries include fractures, torn ligaments, dislocated shoulders, concussions, etc. Risk may be higher when skiing/riding at unfamiliar resorts with unknown terrain.
• Remote areas: Many resorts are located in very remote mountainous regions, miles from advanced medical care. This can be concerning if injured or in a serious accident when abroad, as access to good hospitals may be limited. Evacuations can also be complex.
• Extreme weather: Mountain weather can change rapidly, leading to low visibility, high winds, frigid temperatures, etc. This is especially dangerous if unprepared gear- or experience-wise.
• Altitude sickness: Most resorts are at high elevations of several thousand feet or more. This can trigger headaches, nausea, fatigue and other altitude illness symptoms in some people, especially when arriving from lower elevations. Staying properly hydrated and allowing time to acclimate is key.
• Costs of medical care: Any injury or illness requiring medical treatment will likely be very expensive if overseas without ample travel insurance. Skiing and medical transport from the slopes can rapidly escalate into thousands or tens of thousands in costs without insurance.

The risks can be managed with proper lessons, smart terrain choices, measured pace of advancement, use of protective gear, staying apprised of conditions, traveling with a companion, and securing travel insurance for the trip dates and locations. But the risk profile is inherently a bit higher than most other types of vacations. Careful preparation is a must to minimize this.

Snow or Winter Storm Interruptions

Choosing specialized travel insurance for skiing and snowboarding vacations will supply you with a backstop if you miss a curve and can’t control your skis or snowboard. These policies are tailored to cover the unique risks associated with these activities.

With insurance in place, you can enjoy your vacation knowing you’re protected against an array of potential mishaps and emergencies. Medical expenses for injuries on the slopes can be expensive, particularly in cases that require emergency evacuation, such as air ambulance rescue from the mountains or medical repatriation. Costs only go up if you have an injury that requires immediate surgery.

Beyond medical coverage, your insurance can also pay for trip interruptions and cancellations. You can claim reimbursement for the remaining costs if an unexpected injury forces you to cancel or cut your trip short.

You also may be eligible for compensation if an avalanche causes delays or piste closures. Your insurance might also protect against the loss, theft or damage of sports equipment — a valuable benefit given the high cost of such equipment and rentals.

Specialized insurance tailored for adventure sports vacations ensures that you’re protected against potential financial setbacks, allowing you to enjoy your adventure without unnecessary worries.

Skiing and Snowboarding Equipment Coverage

Equipment coverage is often considered essential for people who embark on skiing or snowboarding trips. Here are the typical available coverage options.

Equipment Theft Coverage

Equipment theft coverage supplies financial reimbursement if your gear gets stolen during your trip. However, you must review the policy’s fine print to decide the specific circumstances in which you are protected. For instance, confirm whether you are covered for theft at the ski resort, in your accommodation or during transit.

Equipment Damage Coverage

Equipment damage coverage protects you if your equipment sustains damage. Whether it occurs on the slopes or during transportation, this coverage ensures you’re covered for repairs or replacement.

Equipment Loss Coverage

It is always worth checking to see if your policy includes coverage for lost equipment. Losing your gear can be a frustrating and costly experience, so it’s best to have the appropriate protection in place should anything go missing.

Rental Equipment Coverage

Rental equipment coverage is an invaluable feature for people renting their skiing or snowboarding gear on their winter sports holiday. This coverage protects you if your rented equipment gets damaged or stolen or goes missing.

Choosing the Right Ski Travel Insurance Policy

When choosing a travel insurance policy for your snowboarding or ski trip, it’s important to prioritize protection for potential medical emergencies, trip cancellations and interruptions.

The right coverage will allow you to enjoy your time on the slopes without worrying about unforeseen circumstances. Finding the most suitable travel insurance plans involves researching insurance companies, comparing prices and coverages and looking at claims performance. Price comparison websites can be useful when trying to find cheap skiing or snowboarding vacation options.

You’ll first want to check the limit on how much coverage you can buy from various plans. You should also pay attention to age restrictions. Some policies may not cover senior travelers or those above 65, while others don’t have any age limit.

If you have pre-existing medical conditions , obtaining travel insurance coverage is possible but it usually costs more. Check whether your conditions are covered under the policy.

You’ll also want to verify that the cost of lost, damaged and stolen equipment is covered because snowboards and skis are expensive. Lastly, review the exclusions to know exactly what the policy’s limitations are.

By weighing these factors and looking at your trip cost, you can make an informed decision about picking the best travel insurance for your skiing or snowboarding vacation.

Benefits of Winter Sports Travel Insurance

Obtaining health insurance specific to winter sports vacations like ski trips offers multiple benefits. You get coverage for a range of situations, including healthcare expenses, trip interruptions and cancellations, medical evacuation and equipment loss, theft or damage.

You can also expect coverage for piste closures and delays caused by avalanches. And if you can’t use lift tickets you bought because of unforeseen circumstances, you may be eligible for reimbursement for those, too.

Securing the proper insurance coverage will allow you to relax and enjoy your trip, knowing that you are protected against all of the most common issues that could arise.

Tips for a Safe Skiing and Snowboarding Trip

Here are some tips for keeping safe on your snowboard or ski vacation.

Wear Appropriate Safety Gear

One of the most effective ways to stay safe on the slopes is to wear the right safety gear. Wear a well-fitted helmet to protect against potential head injuries , invest in goggles or sunglasses to shield your eyes from the sun, and consider using wrist guards for added protection.

Know and Follow the Mountain Rules

Take time to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of the mountain before hitting the slopes. Pay attention to speed limits, warning signs and any specific guidelines the ski resort provides. Adhering to these rules will help maintain a safe environment for all skiers and snowboarders.

Learn Trail Difficulty Levels

Know your skill level and choose slopes that align with your capabilities. Don’t overestimate your abilities and venture onto trails that may be too challenging. Selecting appropriate routes will reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.

Practice Responsible Skiing and Snowboarding

Practice responsible skiing and snowboarding by being mindful of others on the slopes. Stay on marked trails, keep a safe distance from fellow skiers and snowboarders when passing or merging, and avoid attempting maneuvers or slopes beyond your skill level. Respecting mountain etiquette ensures a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone.

Is Ski Insurance Worth it?

Opting for specialized travel insurance for skiing and snowboarding vacations is the best way to ensure financial protection if unforeseen circumstances alter your trip. These policies are specifically designed to cover the risks associated with adventure vacations: medical emergencies, equipment issues and trip interruptions.

Choosing specialized sports coverage will leave you confident that you’re ready for challenges that may arise during your adventure on the slopes.

When choosing insurance for skiing and snowboarding vacations, carefully review the policy and understand its exclusions. This ensures that you have the coverage you need to enjoy your trip to the fullest.

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Insurance for Winter Sports

What is travel insurance.

Travel insurance is financial protection for travelers in case some event alters the trip in a major way. It offers a range of benefits that can safeguard against various risks and unexpected events that may arise before or during a trip.

Are skiing accidents covered by insurance?

Should you get into an accident while skiing, your travel insurance will pay some expenses, depending on the policy. Your policy can cover you for injuries and emergency help. However, you must review the specific terms and conditions of your policy to understand the extent to which you’re covered.

Do I need travel insurance for skiing in France?

Whether you’re skiing in France or any other winter sports destination, we highly recommend getting travel insurance. Engaging in adventure sports always involves an element of risk, and having the right coverage in place is the best way to ensure that you’re protected against circumstances that negatively affect your trip.

What is the difference between travel insurance and trip cancellation insurance?

Travel insurance provides comprehensive coverage across different parts of your vacation, such as medical and trip interruption coverage. Trip cancellation insurance is more limited. It specifically focuses on protecting you if you need to cancel your trip or cut it short because of unforeseen circumstances.

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Winter Sports

Travel Insurance for Winter Sports

Search for policies that cover sports like snowboarding, skiing, ice skating and more, winter sports travel insurance from skiing to heli skiing.

Travel insurance for winter sports can cover a wide array of activities with varying levels of danger. However, policies for adventurous travelers may still have a list of excluded activities. Coverage for skiing , for example, is included within many policies. On the other hand, coverage for extreme sports or adventure activities, such as heli skiing or ice climbing, can be included but is much less common.

Winter Sports Coverage

What Does Winter Sports Travel Insurance Cover?

Travel insurance for winter sports is primarily designed to provide cancellation and medical coverage. For travelers planning to participate in winter activities during their trip, but are forced to cancel, the Trip Cancellation benefit can refund their prepaid and non-refundable trip costs, including airfare, hotel accommodations, and expenses related to the activity, such as lift tickets or equipment rentals. In the event of an injury during the trip, travel insurance can reimburse the cost of treating the injury and the cost of a medical evacuation, if necessary.

What to look for when buying travel insurance for winter sports and activities:

Travel insurance for winter sports and activities can vary significantly from policy to policy. Activities that can be covered by one policy, may be specifically excluded from the next. For this reason, for travelers who plan to partake in specific winter sports or activities, it’s important to check a policy’s certificate for a list of excluded activities before purchasing. When buying travel insurance for winter sports, Squaremouth recommends at least $50,000 in Emergency Medical coverage, and $100,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage.

How to search for travel insurance for winter sports and activities:

The Sports & Activities benefit of travel insurance is designed to cover travelers who are participating in sports or adventurous activities. Using Squaremouth’s activity selection matrix below, travelers can enter the specific winter sports and activities they plan to participate in during their trip to only show available policies with the coverage they need.

Search for policies with coverage for winter sports using our selection matrix.

Search Winter Sports Travel Insurance Policies

Search for winter sports and activities you will be participating in during your trip, then select "Continue to Trip Information" to complete your quote.

• Winter dog sledding, glacier walking, skiing, snowboarding and more. Airboarding Bobsleighing Cross-Country Skiing/Langlauf Dog Sledding (Racing) Dog Sledding (Recreational) Glacier Walking Husky Dog Sledding Ice Climbing Ice Holing Ice Skating Ice Speedway Ice Windsurfing Luge Marathon (Arctic) Mountain Biking (Mega Avalanche or Similar) Skiing (Back country with a guide) Skiing (Back country without a guide) Skiing (Backcountry in resort) Skiing (Cat Skiing/Boarding) Skiing (Cross Country) Skiing (Free-Style) Skiing (Heli Skiing) Skiing (Moguls) Skiing (Mono) Skiing (Nordic) Skiing (Para) Skiing (Ski Biking) Skiing (Ski Blading) Skiing (Ski Boarding) Skiing (Ski Cross/Snowboard Cross) Skiing (Ski Dooing) Skiing (Ski Flying) Skiing (Ski Jumping) Skiing (Ski Mountaineering) Skiing (Ski Racing (ski school races etc)) Skiing (Ski Racing) Skiing (Ski Randonee) Skiing (Ski Stunting) Skiing (Ski Touring) Skiing (Slopestyle (no inverted aerials)) Skiing (Snowcat) Sledding/Tobogganing Sleigh Riding Sleigh Riding (Reindeer/Horse) Snow Biking Snow Blading Snow Bobbing Snow Go-Carting Snow Mobiling Snow Parascending Snow Scooting Snow Shoeing Snow Skiing (Recreational Downhill) Snow Tubing Snowboarding Snowboarding (Back-country without a Guide) Snowboarding (Backcountry in resort) Snowboarding (Freestyle/Terrain Park (inverted aerials)) Snowboarding (Freestyle/Terrain Park (no inverted aerials)) Snowboarding (Heli-boarding) Snowboarding (Recreational) Snowboarding (Slopestyle) Snowboarding (Snowboard Cross) Snowcat Driving Snowmobling Speed Flying/Riding Speed Skating Telemarking Tubing

Please select if you will be participating in amateur or professional events or competitions:

Your quote results will show policies that include coverage for the activities you have chosen, however, we cannot guarantee adequate coverage for your particular trip.

Please either call us or review your policy certificate for coverage limitations and exclusions that may apply to your trip and activities.

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Best Travel Insurance for Winter, Adventure, and Extreme Sports

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Why Get Adventure Sports Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance often excludes high-risk sports, credit card travel insurance often excludes high-risk activities, travel insurance for high-risk sports, how to get travel insurance for high-risk sports, what sports travel insurance costs, how to choose travel insurance for high-risk sports, the best sports travel insurance plans, final thoughts.

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Planning an adventurous trip? Your travel insurance might not cover everything you want to do — particularly if you plan on adventure activities or winter or extreme sports. 

Whether diving the ocean’s depths or ziplining through a forest, sports travel insurance can help you go confidently on adventures knowing you’re covered if anything goes wrong. Whether you need emergency assistance and evacuation or a reimbursement for a trip cut short by injury, travel insurance with sports coverage can help.

While standard travel insurance typically offers medical coverage, most policies exclude certain activities, particularly risky sports. But you can purchase a travel insurance policy that provides coverage for all your adventures , either as a stand-alone policy or an add-on to a comprehensive travel insurance package.

Let’s explore everything you need to know about travel insurance for sports and adventure activities and how to get that coverage for any high-risk activities you may plan for your travels.

Adventure sports travel insurance covers activities such as mountain climbing or deep-sea scuba diving (i.e. any activity that has a higher risk level than a “regular” travel activity).

While accidents can happen anywhere, you’re particularly vulnerable when away from home. Medical expenses and evacuation can be costly , especially if traveling to remote areas or a foreign country where you’re unsure about quality medical care. Sports travel insurance covers emergency medical expenses, ambulance services, and evacuation.

Some travel insurance companies offer emergency assistance services , which can help you get the medical care you need in a remote location or challenging environment. The travel insurance company can provide access to medical professionals, coordinate your care, and arrange an emergency evacuation if needed.

For example, if you’re climbing a mountain and break a leg, adventure sports travel insurance can help get you off the mountain and connected with medical care.

Adventure sports travel insurance can also help if a sports-related injury requires you to cancel or interrupt your trip or if you experience equipment loss or damage. That can save you money on non-refundable expenses and help you replace sports equipment.

While getting travel insurance is wise, you should understand that standard travel insurance policies may not include coverage for certain sports activities . Some travel insurance plans offer coverage for sports-related injuries and accidents, but others may have exclusions or limitations for high-risk or extreme sports.

When you purchase a travel insurance policy, review the terms and conditions to know which sports and activities are covered and any exclusions or limitations you may need to work with. Usually, travel insurance medical coverage encompasses unexpected accidents or injuries, which can include some sports like hiking or snorkeling, for example. But extreme or high-risk sports such as white water rafting or skydiving may not be included.

Exclusions depend on the insurance policy, but here are some examples of sports and activities that your standard travel insurance policy may not cover:

• Base jumping
• Bungee jumping
• Martial arts and combat sports
• Motor racing and motorsports
• Mountaineering and rock climbing
• Off-piste skiing and snowboarding
• Paragliding and hang gliding
• Scuba diving and deep-sea diving

If you find your travel policy lacking in coverage for the activities you’ve planned, you should consider getting additional coverage, such as a specialized sports travel insurance policy or add-on coverage.

Don’t expect your credit card travel insurance to cover extreme sports. 

While you should read the terms and conditions of the policy, most credit card travel insurance policies exclude risky activities , which extends to sports considered extreme. 

Credit card travel insurance often covers basic medical expenses, trip cancellation or interruption, lost baggage, and travel accidents. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve ® has premium travel insurance, offering up to $1 million in travel accident insurance, along with emergency evacuation and transportation insurance, emergency medical and dental benefits, and other travel insurance benefits.

If you plan to do high-risk activities and use credit card travel insurance, check your coverage and consider upgrading your travel insurance to include your desired activities.

Credit card travel insurance is helpful but sometimes limited, especially compared to adventure sports travel insurance policies. You may need to pay for travel insurance if you’re planning extreme sports or activities.

As you plan an adventurous trip, consider which travel insurance coverage may be most appropriate for your plans. Some travel insurance policies are comprehensive and cover multiple types of high-risk sports, while others are more specialized. 

Because there’s a wide variety of what’s covered (or not) on each policy, using a travel insurance comparison service such as Squaremouth can be helpful. You can search for travel insurance policies that cover the activities you’re looking for and compare costs and coverage.

Consider these types of adventure travel insurance policies or add-ons:

• Adventure Sports: On an adventure sports travel insurance policy, look for covered activities such as hiking, mountaineering, or rafting. The policy may encompass injuries, medical expenses, trip cancellations or interruptions, and equipment loss or damage.
• Extreme Sports: Travel insurance for extreme sports typically covers skydiving, bungee jumping, or rock climbing, providing coverage for accidents, injuries, medical expenses, and emergency evacuation.
• Sports Equipment: Some travel insurance offers coverage for sports equipment, which can reimburse you for loss, theft, or damage to your gear.
• Team Sports: A travel insurance policy may cover team-related expenses, such as tournament cancellations or travel delays if you travel for competitive events.
• Water Sports: Water sports travel insurance policies may cover surfing, diving, snorkeling, or water skiing. For diving coverage, you should verify that the policy covers the depths you’re planning and whether you need certifications for coverage.
• Winter Sports: Winter sports travel insurance policies are designed for winter sports enthusiasts, offering coverage for skiing or snowboarding-related injuries and emergency medical expenses or equipment loss or damage. Some also cover ski resort closures.

While you can get travel insurance for sports, including high-risk sports, most travel insurance companies have personal liability requirements . Generally, you’re required to act responsibly to use your coverage. That includes not going against local authority warnings, like entering restricted spaces, working close to dangerous animals, or not using proper safety equipment.

Do some pre-trip planning on your chosen activities to learn about the risks and requirements for everything you want to do. You may need to complete certifications or training to participate safely.

Generally, if you want travel insurance for adventurous activities, you should get quotes for a comprehensive travel insurance plan and add a hazardous sports rider. Or specialized insurance providers may offer comprehensive plans for high-risk sports and activities.

Looking for insurance companies specializing in adventure sports is often a good idea to get comprehensive coverage for all your planned activities. 

With any travel insurance policy, you should review the terms and conditions to verify your planned activities are covered. Read your policy documents for exclusions, limitations, or requirements for your chosen activities. You should also verify your coverage limits. 

If you have a health or life insurance policy, check with your insurance carrier about coverage for high-risk sports during travel. While these are likely not covered, you may be able to add a special endorsement to your policy.

Travel insurance that can evacuate you off a mountain sounds like it would be costly, but it might be more affordable than you’d think. It’s certainly less expensive than calling for your own rescue helicopter.

You should expect to pay around 5% to 10% of your total trip cost for sports travel insurance. Your actual adventure sports travel insurance costs will vary depending on your age, trip cost and duration, location, planned activities, and other factors. 

To give you an idea of what you should expect, we got a quote from IMG for an iTravelInsured Travel Sport policy. For a 29-year-old traveler on a $1,500 5-day skiing trip in the U.S., coverage costs $119.65 . 

This policy includes $1 million in medical evacuation coverage and $50,000 in search and rescue coverage. You’re covered for up to $50,000 for medical expenses due to adventure or organized sports, though hazardous and extreme sports are limited to $5,000.

Consider these factors as you compare high-risk sports travel insurance coverage:

• Claims Process and Customer Support: Get the details on what happens if you need emergency assistance or want to file a claim. For example, find out how to get medical attention if injured in a remote area and whether you’re expected to pay upfront and file for reimbursement.
• Cost: Expect adventure travel insurance to cost more than standard travel insurance. Cheaper policies tend to offer less comprehensive coverage, so consider your needs as you balance cost and coverage.
• Duration: Some sports travel insurance policies limit the length of coverage for certain activities, so make sure you have coverage for your whole trip.
• Emergency Assistance and Evacuation: You may engage in high-risk activities in remote locations or challenging environments where medical attention is unavailable immediately. A travel insurance policy can offer emergency assistance or evacuation for medical care.
• Exclusions, Limitations, and Deductibles: Every policy has limits — even extreme policies. Find out what’s excluded, the limits of what you can claim, and if you’re expected to pay a deductible before getting reimbursed. Also, understand the terms and conditions, such as duration and geographical coverage.
• Medical Coverage: With a greater risk of injuries from extreme sports, you should ensure that the insurance policy has adequate coverage for medical emergencies, including hospitalization, ambulance services, and, if needed, medical evacuation.
• Requirements: You may need to meet age limits and disclose any preexisting medical conditions to get appropriate sports travel insurance coverage.
• Reviews: Consider customer reviews and ratings, which can give insight into a travel insurance provider’s coverage quality, customer service, and claims handling.
• Sports Coverage: Find out which sports and activities are covered so you can verify yours are covered.
• Sports Equipment Coverage: If you’re traveling with costly sports equipment such as scuba gear or snowboarding equipment, compare coverage for loss, theft, or damage to your equipment.
• Trip Cancellation and Interruption: A travel insurance policy should cover trip cancellation or interruption due to sports-related injuries.

Your high-risk sports travel insurance may require you to participate responsibly. For example, terms of coverage may require you to choose reputable operators, obtain proper training or certifications, follow local regulations, and use appropriate safety gear.

Not all travel insurance providers offer sports travel insurance, but you have options. Compare these leading travel insurance policies for sports:

• battleface : battleface’s adventure sports coverage includes cycling, mountain climbing, scuba diving, canoeing, snowboarding, and more, but it has limitations, including how deep you can dive or how high you can climb.
• Cat 70 : Cat 70’s Travel Plan covers some adventure sports, including snowboarding, but excludes bodily contact sports, skydiving, scuba diving, and more.
• HTH Worldwide : The HTH Worldwide Trip Protector Preferred plan offers coverage for adventure sports, including certified divers up to 60 feet and water rafting grades 1 to 3.
• IMG : IMG’s iTravelInsured Travel Sport plan has a wide range of covered activities, including adventure, extreme, hazardous, and organized sports. However, there are exclusions for races, endurance competitions, and piloting or learning to pilot.
• John Hancock : You’re covered for some — but not all — adventure sports with a John Hancock Gold travel insurance plan. Some exclusions include diving deeper than 100 feet, participating in sports competitions, or contact sports.
• Nationwide : With a Prime plan, you can get covered for adventure sports such as cycling, fishing, rafting, and zip lining, but exclusions apply, such as extreme sports, mountaineering, and organized sports.
• Travelex : The Travelex Adventure Sports upgrade covers professional athletic events, mountain climbing, skydiving, and more. Travelex’s Travel Basic and Travel Select plans provide basic coverage for some activities, including skiing, snorkeling, and scuba diving up to 60 feet.
• World Nomads : With the World Nomads Explorer plan, you can get covered for more than 200 activities, including scuba diving, bungee jumping, and mountain biking.

The right travel insurance coverage is essential when embarking on an adventurous trip with high-risk sports or activities. Adventure sports travel insurance can coordinate medical care, offer evacuation, and save you thousands if you’re injured on a trip. Whether bungee jumping or scuba diving, sports travel insurance can provide peace of mind while you’re chasing thrills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are adventure sports covered by travel insurance.

Adventure sports can be covered by travel insurance, but extreme sports are usually excluded from standard travel insurance coverage. Review your policy’s terms and conditions to determine whether your desired activities are covered. If not, you may want to purchase additional coverage appropriate for the activities you’re planning for your travel.

Does travel insurance cover water sports?

Travel insurance coverage for water sports varies depending on the policy and provider. For example, your standard policy may cover snorkeling, shallow diving, and surfing but could exclude deep-sea diving or white water rafting.

Does travel insurance cover sports injuries?

Travel insurance often covers sports injuries, but it depends on the sport. If you’re injured doing a sport not covered by your policy — such as ziplining or skydiving — medical care for your sports injury will not be covered. 

What travel insurance includes cover for sports equipment?

Sports travel insurance typically offers coverage for sports equipment, which can reimburse you for loss, theft, or damage of your sports equipment while traveling.

What travel insurance company covers me for extreme sports?

Several travel insurance companies cover extreme sports, including battleface, Cat 70, HTH Worldwide, IMG, John Hancock, Nationwide , Travelex, and World Nomads.

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About Jessica Merritt

A long-time points and miles student, Jessica is the former Personal Finance Managing Editor at U.S. News and World Report and is passionate about helping consumers fund their travels for as little cash as possible.

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• The average travel insurance premium this week is $284.68, about the same compared to last week.
• For travel in the United States, the average premium is $92 to $400.
• Travel insurance protects against delayed baggage, trip cancellation, and more.

The average cost of travel insurance fluctuates throughout the year, based on demand and whether or not school's in session. Also keep in mind that where you're traveling and how many people are taking the trip will affect your exact premium.

The average travel insurance premium this week is about the same compared to last week.

Travel insurance rates this week:

• Average premium: $284.68
• Average trip cost: $6,819.26
• Average trip length: 16 Days

Understanding Travel Insurance

Travel insurance plans can cover both domestic and international travel. It could protect against something as familiar as delayed baggage (experts estimate 85% of lost luggage is returned to its owner within 48 hours) or as complicated as trip cancellation.

The benefits and limitations of travel insurance vary based on the company and plan. Above all else, this insurance coverage offers peace of mind.

Some credit cards offer a limited amount of travel insurance annually. If you need clarification on what your credit card offers, contact your provider to verify. These plans are great for cancellations and interruptions but may not cover more costly losses associated with unexpected medical expenses or emergency evacuations.

Individual travel insurance plans include this and much more. Travel insurance protects travelers from the unexpected when away from home.

Average Cost of Travel Insurance by Destination

Some countries are naturally more expensive travel destinations due to higher flight and lodging costs, which could increase travel insurance costs. Travel insurance will generally cost 5% to 10% of your total trip price, according to SquareMouth.

Here's how the prices stack up:

Source: SquareMouth

How Far in Advance to Purchase Travel Insurance

According to an AAA travel survey , 88% of travelers say that reimbursement after a trip cancellation is the most valuable benefit of trip insurance.

According to data gathered by SquareMouth in the last six months, travelers tend to purchase trip cancellation travel insurance 53 days before their trip. Meanwhile, travelers without trip cancellation insurance will buy a policy approximately 16 days before their trip. Regardless of when you buy, cancellation protection can kick in to protect you against the unexpected.

Average Cost of Travel Insurance by Age

A traveler's age is a significant factor in determining the cost of travel insurance. The older a traveler is, the higher travel insurance premiums are. For instance, a senior traveler may need more insurance for health-related emergencies than a millennial.

When calculating your travel insurance premium, travel insurance providers consider the likelihood of a medical emergency.

Get your free travel insurance quote with SquareMouth »

Travel Insurance Rate Tips

How much does travel insurance typically cost.

Travel insurance rates through most providers fall between 4% and 8% of the total trip cost. Like the cost of flights, cruises, etc., rates may vary substantially based on the season, your original location, your destination, and other factors. This week, the average cost of a policy was close to $300.

How can I save money on travel insurance?

To save money on travel insurance, tailor your policy to your specific needs and avoid unnecessary extras. You should also shop around to compare quotes from multiple insurers. Opting for an annual plan if you're a frequent traveler, checking existing coverages from other insurance policies or credit card benefits, and choosing a policy with a higher deductible can significantly lower your premiums. Always read the fine print to understand your coverage fully, ensuring you don't pay for redundant or irrelevant features.

Where are the cheapest places to buy travel insurance?

To find affordable travel insurance, consider using online comparison websites like SquareMouth or InsureMyTrip to see rates from various providers. Other ways to save include purchasing directly from insurance companies, exploring package deals from travel agencies or airlines, utilizing included coverage from credit card benefits, and checking for discounts through membership organizations such as AAA or AARP.

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