What ski insurance covers

Medical expenses and mountain rescue

The biggest risk on a ski trip. A GHIC gives state healthcare in the EEA, but the NHS says it does not pay for ski or mountain rescue, private treatment or a flight home.

• A UK GHIC gives necessary state healthcare in the EEA and some other countries. It does not cover ski or mountain rescue, being flown back to the UK, or treatment in a private medical facility. (NHS, Apply for a free UK GHIC)
• Emergency transport is often charged separately to other medical expenses, and emergency travel home on medical grounds can be very expensive. (GOV.UK, Foreign travel insurance)
• In Switzerland a UK GHIC can be used only by some groups of people (for example some UK residents covered by the Withdrawal Agreement); the NHS page lists who. (NHS, Apply for a free UK GHIC)

• Explorer: Up to £10 million medical expenses

Ski equipment, owned or hired

Skis, boards and boots are lost, stolen or broken on most trips somewhere. Check that hired kit is covered, not only your own.

• Explorer: Protection for your equipment
• Cedar Tree: Accidental loss, theft or damage of owned or hired ski equipment, plus replacement hire (including bags lost in transit over 24 hours)
• Outbacker: Winter sports equipment and equipment hire

Ski pack and lift pass

If an injury or illness stops you skiing, this refunds the unused part of your lift pass, ski school and hire.

• Cedar Tree: Unused ski pack (ski school, lift pass, hired equipment) after accident, injury or illness
• Outbacker: Lift pass and ski pack

Piste closure

Pays out if the skiing in your resort closes during its published season, usually for lack of snow; some policies add too much snow or avalanches.

• Explorer: Compensation if the piste is closed due to lack of snow
• Cedar Tree: Resort skiing closed by lack of snow, too much snow or an avalanche (outside the UK, in the published season; not cross-country)
• Outbacker: Piste closure

Avalanche delay

Covers extra costs if an avalanche (or landslide) delays your arrival at or departure from the resort.

• Cedar Tree: Extra accommodation (room only) and transport if delayed 24 hours or more by an avalanche or landslide
• Outbacker: If an avalanche delays your arrival at or departure from your resort

Off-piste

Often covered only with a guide or instructor. See the off-piste guide for the detail.

• Explorer: Included when accompanied by a guide or instructor
• Cedar Tree: Off-piste skiing and snowboarding with a guide (its activities list); a piste is a marked run within the resort boundaries

Frequently asked questions