Winter Sports Cover Travel Insurance
Stay protected on the slopes with cover for skiing, snowboarding, and winter sports gear.
Search and compare cheap quotes from up to 15 UK travel insurance providers
Find tailored travel insurance at the right price by comparing deals from the UK’s leading insurance providers.
Compare Cheap Winter Sports Insurance
Save time
We only need a few details about you and your trip to show you quotes from leading UK providers, saving you the time of getting quotes from individual insurers
Save money
We make it easy to compare lots of deals in one place so you can quickly find insurers offering the best value for your budget and save money on your premiums
We come highly rated
Our reviews are from genuine customers who have compared and bought travel insurance through Quays.
What is winter sports insurance?
It’s a type of travel insurance for anyone going on a winter holiday and taking part in activities such as skiing, snowboarding, dog sledging or mountain hiking. You can buy winter sports insurance as a single trip policy if it’s your only holiday in a 12-month period. If you’re planning on a summer holiday too, though, then annual multi-trip insurance may offer you better value for money.
Do I need winter sports travel insurance?
Travel insurance is not a legal requirement, but if you’re planning a winter sports holiday then winter sports insurance is certainly recommended. Not only can it help insure you against a range of standard risks, such as cancelled flights and stolen luggage, but it can also cover you for winter sports activities like skiing or snowboarding. By contrast, a standard holiday insurance policy can be taken out whether you’re planning a summer or a winter vacation, but that type of standard policy is unlikely to cover some of those sports activities you might be planning to do during a winter break.
What does the best winter sports insurance include?
Winter sports cover should include all the standard insurance features, including:
- Medical expenses – to cover the cost of any treatment you need.
- Repatriation – pays to bring you back home in a medical emergency.
- Cancellation or curtailment – compensates you if you have to cancel or cut short your holiday because of circumstances outside of your control.
- Lost or damaged luggage – pays to replace any accidently lost, stolen or damaged luggage.
- Personal liability – covers legal fees and compensation costs if you have an accident and someone blames you for injury or damage to their property.
Your winter sports policy should also cover you for events unique to your holiday, for example:
- A range of winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding, sledging.
- Mountain rescue if you need urgent medical help.
- Compensation for piste closure.
- Accidental loss or damage to equipment like skis, poles, goggles and helmets, this usually includes cover for both your own and hired equipment.
It’s worth remembering that not all winter sports policies have the same features and exclusions, so it’s important that you check the terms and conditions of your own policy.
For instance, some policies may not cover you for skiing off-piste, while others may cover off-piste adventures but might stipulate that you must have a guide.
Do I need winter sport insurance if I have an EHIC?
A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) means you can get the same level of medical care as locals. In some cases this could mean you receive treatment at a reduced cost or for free, but an EHIC is no replacement for good winter sports cover.
Your EHIC doesn’t cover events like mountain rescue, for example, so if you need airlifting to a hospital and don’t have winter sports insurance you’d have to pay for this yourself. Needless to say this could potentially cost tens of thousands.
Plus, subsidised or free medical care is only provided by state-funded hospitals but if you’re somewhere remote, chances are the only care available will be private (and expensive).
Your EHIC is also only valid in EU countries that have opted into the agreement. So, if you’re skiing outside of Europe winter sports cover is even more vital.
If you are travelling further afield, it’s worth bearing in mind that worldwide cover is usually split into two categories:
- Worldwide including the USA and Canada
- Worldwide excluding the USA and Canada
So if you’re heading to Aspen, Vail, Whistler or any other fantastic resorts in the US or Canada you should check that your policy covers those countries.
How much is travel insurance for winter sports?
Winter holiday insurance is tailored to you and your holiday, so your insurer will take into account where you’re going, how long for and the type of activities you’ll be doing. With that in mind, it’s crucial to be honest with your insurer so they can accurately work out the cost of your premium. If you forget to tell them something, you run the risk of invalidating your policy which means they won’t pay out if you make a claim.
Can I buy winter sports insurance if I have a pre-existing medical condition?
Yes, if you have a pre-existing medical condition (diabetes, high cholesterol or depression, for example) you should still be able to take out winter sports insurance. However, depending on the seriousness of your condition, you could find that your premium might be unaffected, it might rise to reflect the increased insurance risk the condition poses to the insurer, or the insurer might add a clause stating that any costs relating to that medical condition are specifically excluded from coverage.
Still, as tempting as it might be to not mention a pre-existing condition, it’s vital that you do. If you don’t declare it to your insurer your entire policy could be invalidated.
Tips & Advice
Frequently Asked Question
What kind of pets will I be caring for?
It varies! Most sits involve dogs or cats, but you may also find birds, rabbits, or other small animals. Each listing includes details about the pets, their routines, and what kind of care they need.
Can I choose where I want to sit?
Absolutely. You can filter opportunities by location, dates, and type of pet. Whether you want a countryside retreat or a city break, there’s something for every lifestyle.
How does Quays make sure sits are safe and genuine?
Every homeowner and sitter goes through ID verification and profile screening. You can also read transparent reviews from past stays, so you know exactly who you’re connecting with.
What support does Quays provide during a sit?
Our friendly UK-based support team is available 24/7. Whether you have a question, need help verifying a listing, or face an emergency, we’re always just a message away.
Can I bring a partner or friend with me on a sit?
In most cases, yes, as long as the homeowner agrees. You’ll see whether extra guests are allowed on each listing, and you can discuss it before confirming the sit.
Are Quays sitters verified?
Yes. Every sitter on Quays completes an identity verification process and is encouraged to build transparent profiles with photos, references, and reviews from past stays.
How do I know my pets and home will be safe?
Safety is at the heart of Quays. All sitters are reviewed and vetted, and you can arrange a meet-and-greet or video call before confirming your booking. You’ll also have 24/7 support throughout the stay.
Do I have to pay my sitter?
No. Sitters stay in your home for free in exchange for caring for your pets. It’s a meaningful, mutual exchange, you save on expensive boarding or kennels, and they enjoy a comfortable stay.
What kind of pets can I list on Quays?
You can list any pets, from dogs and cats to smaller animals or even farm pets. Just be sure to include details about their routines, personality, and any special care needs.
Can I choose who stays in my home?
You can list any pets, from dogs and cats to smaller animals or even farm pets. Just be sure to include details about their routines, personality, and any special care needs.