The importance of winter sports insurance
Winter sports are a thrilling way to spend your time. And every year, thousands of people flock to various hillslopes worldwide to try skiing, tobogganing, outdoor ice-skating and more.
Unsurprisingly, whether you are experienced or a novice attempting winter sports activities unfortunately at times injuries can occur, and casts and crutches can be common sights at winter resorts. In France alone, there were 45,985 injury victims in ski resorts in recent years.
As well as the pain of a winter sports injury, there can be a financial impact, as you might end up paying for emergency evacuation, early return to your home, shortened holidays, medical treatment, equipment and more.
At Aviva, we strive to offer the best winter sports insurance covering skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing and outdoor ice-skating.
Ski insurance
People have been skiing since the 19th century, and it's easy to see why. Navigating the slopes is fun and exciting, so much so that about 30 million people in Europe alone are skiers.
However, this pastime does come with some risk. So, Aviva covers a range of eventualities in case you need it.
Here’s some of the items covered under our policies:
Ski equipment and gear
Winter sports come with there share of specialist equipment, and travel insurance covers your personal property for up to €1,500 which includes skis, snowboards, boots, helmets, bindings and poles . Whether it's your skis or protective gear, ensuring these items are covered can save you from unexpected expenses if they are lost, damaged, or stolen.
Given the high cost of quality sports equipment, having adequate insurance cover can make a big difference to your trip. By insuring your trip, you can enjoy your winter sports activities with peace of mind, knowing that your investment in quality gear is safeguarded.
Off Piste
Going off-piste offers an exciting experience away from the crowded slopes, allowing skiers to explore untouched areas with fresh powder snow. However, it's essential to recognise that this activity carries additional risks compared to staying on marked trails. To ensure your safety, it's crucial to have not only the correct skills and equipment but also an awareness of avalanche risks and environmental conditions.
We recognise that you may go off piste, but it's important to remember that ski cover is only applicable if skiers are following safety precautions, such as having the right gear and under the instruction of a qualified local guide. Ultimately, while remarkable adventure awaits off-piste, preparation and caution should always be your top priorities.
Accident on the slopes
In the unfortunate event that you find yourself injured while skiing, our comprehensive ski insurance policy is designed to alleviate the stress and financial burden associated with medical emergencies. If skiing activity is included in your policy, we will cover the costs of evacuating you from the slopes, ensuring you receive prompt medical assistance. Our cover also extends to any subsequent medical costs.
Prevented from skiing
There are, unfortunately, a number of ways you might miss out on skiing. If you become ill, have an accident or your ski pass is missing, stolen or unused to name a few. If you experience any of these eventsAviva will pay for the unused portion, covering up to €75 per week, with a maximum of €300 per holiday.
Also, if you are unable to ski for over 12 consecutive hours because of a lack of snow or piste closure in your resort (and there's no alternative skiing available), we'll pay €20 for each full 24 hour period, with a maximum of €200 per holiday.
Snowboarding insurance
Snowboarding has been steadily rising in popularity since the 1990s with the first snowboard park built in 1987.
Here's the lowdown on how snowboarders are covered by Aviva.
Snowboarding equipment and gear
Snowboarding equipment is included in the optional Winter Sports Cover. Winter sports equipment includes ”Skis, snowboards, boots, helmets, bindings and poles” therefore only these items are covered. You can ride the slopes knowing your gear is protected.
Should your equipment be damaged, lost during travel, or stolen, your snowboarding insurance will ensure that you are not left at a loss, giving you the confidence to enjoy every moment on the slopes.
Injury insurance for snowboarders
Snowboard injuries are not uncommon, from minor sprains to broken bones. Thankfully, with Aviva travel insurance, medical bills and the costs of evacuating you from the slopes can be covered.
Winter sports insurance, other cover options
We believe in flexibility, so here are some other cover options available with Aviva Travel insurance and our optional winter sports cover.
Tobogganing insurance
Tobogganing is an increasingly popular winter sport, especially in mountainous parts of Europe, where the breathtaking snowy landscapes provide the perfect backdrop.
As with any winter sport, there is risk of injury. At Aviva, we understand these risks and provide wide-ranging cover that includes protection for personal liability, hospital costs, and any necessary repatriation.
Our winter sports cover also covers issues with tobogganing equipment damage or loss.
Outdoor ice-skating insurance
Ice-skating is a magical hobby, but sliding across the smooth surface can lead to slips, collisions and falls.
Aviva provides cover for outdoor ice-skating for these incidents, ensuring that skaters are protected while enjoying their time on the ice.
Lower premium if you already have health insurance
You can pay a lower premium by choosing the Aviva Holiday Plus Travel Insurance cover option if you have Private Medical Insurance covering Emergency Medical Expenses abroad. Make sure you check what cover you already have in place before you decide on what travel insurance plan meets your needs.
Winter Sports Insurance – FAQs
What winter sports are not covered?
Does travel insurance cover injuries?
Is Winter Sports cover standalone, or an extra area of cover on existing insurance?
Find out more about Annual Multi Trip or Single trip travel insurance and choose the option that best suits your winters sports needs.
Winter Sports cover 14 day cancellation
We offer a 14 days "no quibble" cancellation. This means that, if you are not satisfied with this policy and you have not taken a holiday or made a claim, we will issue you with a full refund up to 14 days after the purchase of this policy.
Winter Sports cover for peace of mind
Whether you want to ski, skate or snowboard, Aviva's Winter Sports cover offers peace of mind before you hit the slopes.
Winter sports travel quote
If you are planning any Winter sport activity, you must choose the optional Winter Sports cover when you get your quote.
Travel Insurance with Aviva
Travel Insurance
At Aviva, we understand that how we travel has changed, but you can still enjoy peace of mind with our travel or holiday insurance - now including Covid-19 medical expenses and cancellation cover.
Backpacker travel insurance
Backpacker travel insurance is available for a single trip for leisure, study and/or incidental work which begins and ends in the Republic of Ireland. It means you'll be covered for emergency medical expenses, cancellation costs, personal property/money losses, and a range of other covers.
Single-trip travel Insurance
Single trip insurance is suited to those who only take one trip out of the country in any given calendar year. With Aviva, you can get instant cover for 31 consecutive days.
Multi-trip travel Insurance
If you travel more than once a year, multi trip or annual multi trip travel insurance is best suited to cover your needs. With this type of insurance, you don’t need to worry about taking out a policy for each trip abroad so long as each trip lasts for no more than 31 days.
