Tremblant.
It’s that time of year when people are hitting the slopes. Record-breaking snowfall in several regions is making this a banner year. And skiers and snowboarders can find good deals on ski trips and packages.
Unlike beach or cruise vacations where wading to the swim-up bar is about as strenuous as it gets, ski vacations are inherently risky. Especially if you only make it up the mountain a couple of times a year.
To protect yourself and your investment, you may want to consider winter sports travel insurance. Designed specifically to cover things that regular travel insurance excludes, winter sports insurance can provide an extra measure of security and peace of mind. And the cost is usually very affordable.
While most traditional travel insurance policies don’t cover activities that are dangerous – which most winter sports are considered to be – winter sports insurance can ensure that if you are hurt, the medical care you need will be covered. This is especially important if you’re traveling outside the network of your regular insurance provider. And if injury keeps you from using lift passes or taking lessons that you’ve already paid for, you can recoup that loss.
Many policies include medical evacuation if you can’t be properly cared for where you are — by helicopter, if necessary — and transportation to get you back home, which could cost thousands of dollars if you’re abroad. Your equipment, or rental equipment is covered for loss, theft, or damage. And depending on your plans, coverage is available for back-country activities too.
Winter sports travel insurance also includes trip cancellation, interruption and delay, as well as baggage delay. Some policies will let you cancel your trip any time before departure for any reason. And you can buy coverage for a single trip or for the whole ski season.
Snowboarding.
If the ski runs are closed due to lack of snow, avalanche, or bad weather, some policies will give you a refund for that. And if you’re traveling with a group of family or friends, group coverage is often less expensive. Children under 12 are often covered for free.
Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes is available, but usually at a much higher cost.
Though no one wants to think about getting hurt on vacation, purchasing winter sports travel insurance is a smart idea. If anything unfortunate does happen, you’ll regret not having it.
Tremblant Image Flickr: Joe Shlabotnik
Snowboarding Image Flickr: cristiano esclapon
