Last updated: October 2026
Winter sports cover is an optional extension to travel insurance designed for eligible skiing, snowboarding and other winter activities. Depending on the policy and cover selected, it can provide protection for risks such as emergency medical treatment, winter sports equipment, replacement equipment hire, unused ski passes and eligible piste closure.
Standard travel insurance does not automatically cover every winter sport or activity. The activity you plan to take part in, the Sports and Activities level selected and any applicable conditions or exclusions can affect the cover available.
This guide explains what winter sports travel insurance can cover, which skiing and snowboarding activities may be eligible, and some of the important conditions to check before travelling.
Winter Sports Cover at a Glance
Skiing, snowboarding and other winter activities must fall within the appropriate Sports and Activities level.
Eligible emergency medical expenses may be covered if you become ill or are injured during your trip.
Cover can include eligible equipment, replacement hire, winter sports pack and piste closure benefits.
Your selected cover should be shown on your Certificate of Insurance. Policy terms and exclusions apply.
What Is Winter Sports Cover?
Winter sports cover extends eligible travel insurance for specified skiing, snowboarding and other winter activities. It can also provide additional winter-sports-specific benefits that standard travel insurance may not include, such as cover for eligible winter sports equipment, replacement equipment hire, an unused winter sports pack and piste closure.
With Covered2Go, Winter Sports Cover must be selected with the appropriate Sports and Activities level for the activities you plan to undertake. The required cover must be paid for and shown on your Certificate of Insurance. Terms, conditions, exclusions and benefit limits apply.
What Does Winter Sports Travel Insurance Cover?
When Winter Sports Cover and the appropriate Sports and Activities level are shown on your Certificate of Insurance, your policy can provide additional benefits for eligible winter sports trips. The cover available depends on your chosen policy, activity level and the terms and conditions of the Policy Wording.
Emergency Medical Expenses & Repatriation
- Cover may be available for eligible emergency medical expenses if you become ill or are injured during your trip.
- Emergency assistance may include necessary rescue and transport arrangements, subject to the policy terms.
- Eligible treatment can include injuries sustained while taking part in a covered winter sports activity.
Winter Sports Equipment
- Cover may be available if owned or hired winter sports equipment is accidentally lost, stolen or damaged.
- Applicable benefit limits, item limits, conditions and deductions apply.
- Replacement equipment hire may also be covered in eligible circumstances if your equipment is temporarily unavailable.
Piste Closure
If adverse weather or a lack of snow results in the closure of skiing facilities at your booked resort, a benefit may be payable or eligible transport costs may be covered so you can travel to an alternative ski area, subject to the Policy Wording.
Unused Winter Sports Pack
If illness or injury prevents you from taking part in your planned winter sports activities, cover may be available for the unused portion of eligible pre-paid costs such as lift passes, equipment hire and ski-school fees.
Cancellation & Curtailment
Your main travel insurance policy may provide cancellation or curtailment cover if you have to cancel or cut short your trip for an insured reason. The amount available depends on your selected level of cover and policy terms.
Personal Liability
Your policy may provide personal liability cover if you become legally liable for accidental injury to another person or accidental damage to their property, subject to the policy terms and exclusions.
Delayed or Missed Departure
Your main travel insurance policy may provide benefits for eligible travel delay or missed departure events. Covered circumstances, qualifying periods and benefit limits depend on your selected policy.
Avalanche & Landslide
Cover may be available for reasonable additional accommodation or transport expenses if an avalanche or landslide delays your arrival at your booked resort, subject to the applicable terms and benefit limits.
What Winter Sports Activities Are Covered?
Winter sports travel insurance does not mean that every activity on snow or ice is automatically covered. The activity must fall within the Sports and Activities level you have selected, and you must comply with any conditions that apply to that activity.
Skiing & Snowboarding
Conventional skiing and snowboarding can be covered when the appropriate Sports and Activities level and Winter Sports Cover have been selected, subject to the conditions of the policy.
Off-Piste Skiing
Off-piste skiing and snowboarding are subject to additional conditions. Under the current Covered2Go terms, cover may apply where you remain within the ski-area boundaries of a recognised ski resort and follow the applicable guidelines and recommendations of the local ski patrol.
Other Winter Activities
Different Sports and Activities levels apply to different activities. Some activities may have specific conditions, restrictions or exclusions.
What Should You Check Before Buying Winter Sports Cover?
Before buying travel insurance for a skiing, snowboarding or winter sports holiday, check the following:
Make sure the skiing, snowboarding or other winter activities you intend to undertake fall within the appropriate Sports and Activities level.
Check that the required extension has been selected, paid for and is shown on your Certificate of Insurance.
Consider whether you’re taking your own skis or snowboard or hiring equipment at your resort, and check the applicable limits and conditions.
Check your emergency medical benefits and make sure any relevant pre-existing medical conditions have been declared and dealt with in accordance with the policy requirements.
Choose a level of cover appropriate for your eligible pre-paid trip costs.
Make sure your destination falls within the geographical area shown on your policy.
Read the conditions applying to winter sports and individual activities before travelling.
Do I Need Winter Sports Cover for a Skiing Holiday?
If you plan to ski, snowboard or take part in another winter sport, check whether the activity is covered by your standard travel insurance or requires additional winter sports cover. Many standard travel insurance policies do not automatically include skiing and snowboarding.
With Covered2Go, you need the appropriate Sports and Activities level for the activities you plan to undertake together with Winter Sports Cover where required. Your Certificate of Insurance should show the cover you have purchased.
Winter Sports Cover and Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
Winter Sports Cover does not remove the normal medical requirements of your travel insurance policy. Some specified medical conditions may be covered without additional screening under the current Policy Wording. Other relevant pre-existing medical conditions must be declared in accordance with the medical screening requirements that apply when you obtain your quote or update your policy. An additional premium or special terms may apply where cover is available.
Read about travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions →
Winter Sports Travel Advice
Before travelling, check the latest information for your destination, including entry requirements, local conditions and official travel advice. You should also familiarise yourself with the rules of your resort and follow local ski-patrol guidance while skiing or snowboarding.
See the UK Government Foreign Travel Advice service for current destination-specific information.
Planning a Winter Sports Trip?
Explore Covered2Go Winter Sports Travel Insurance to find out more about available cover, Sports and Activities levels and the options available for eligible skiing, snowboarding and winter sports trips.
Cover limits, excesses, terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Always check the current Policy Wording and your Certificate of Insurance to confirm the cover applicable to your policy and planned activities.
