Ski Insurance Policy Exclusions

Ensuring you are properly insured when you go on your skiing holiday is essential. But as important as this is making sure that your insurance covers you properly. An example of this is off piste skiing, some insurance policies will not cover you for this, so be prepared!

Why not find out about key policy exclusions that regularly cause problems for ski cover wherever you buy it. It pays to be prepared sometimes! When purchasing any ski insurance cover policy, either separately, or as an extension of your normal travel insurance, these are some of the policy exclusions you may find or want to look out for on your next ski insurance policy.

Length of Trip

This applies whether you have annual or single trip cover. Single trips could be a week or more, whilst maximum trip lengths could be around 90 days.

Age Limits

This will mainly apply to older people, with maximum ages ranging from 65 to 75, and there may be higher premiums or other exclusions. This item can also include children, and the age up to which they can be included on a family/parent policy.

Off Piste Skiing

Some policies will not cover you for this type of skiing and will only pay out if you are on marked runs within the resorts. Also worth bearing in mind is that mountain rescues will only take place if you can be easily located.

Piste Closure

Piste closure could happen for several reasons, such as extreme weather conditions, an avalanche threat, or even not enough snow for skiing. Some terms and conditions will state this applies to a certain number of days, other policies may pay out after 24 hours. Similar limits and exclusions will apply to lift closures.

Medical Cover

Exclusions may apply to medical cover for pre-existing medical conditions either not declared, or affecting any cancellation or curtailment of a trip. As ski resorts often have private medical facilities, your EHIC may be of little use should a medical emergency occur.

General Losses/Stolen Property

Some very basic levels of cover may not payout for general travel losses such as passports/money/luggage etc. With regard to stolen property, payout may be limited to certain situations and where due care and attention is given to protect against stealing.

Sports Covered

Most winter sports policies will cover skiing and some other winter sports like snowboarding, but others such as cross country skiing and glacier experience may not be covered.

Carte Neige

This is an insurance policy available for skiers in France, but should only run alongside other travel and health insurance. Although cheap it will basically only cover transportation off the mountain to a medical centre, and any costs the NHS or Private Health Insurance won't pay. Check out the finer details and also common pitfalls before you travel.

Reckless Behaviour

Insurers expect every skier to do their upmost to insure their own safety, and those of other skiers. Making a claim when you have acted irresponsibly may not reap any payout.

Finally

One final item to be aware of, is when you should make a claim. In some situations you are required to inform the insurer within 7/14 days of an incident occurring, or before you spend more than a given amount of money on the situation.

All the points mentioned above could be in the small print on your policy, and this list is by no means extensive. Make sure the terms and conditions cover everything you need for your trip. This can either be done at the time of purchase, or during the 'cooling off' period allowed by most insurers. It's within your rights to ask for a refund during this time if you find any problems.