Which Insurance Covers Skiing & Snowboarding?

By Sarah Miller · September 7, 2047

Several insurance companies offer coverage for skiing and snowboarding, including World Nomads, Allianz, Travel Guard, IMG, and Seven Corners. These providers typically include winter sports coverage as either a standard benefit or an optional upgrade in their travel insurance plans.

Top Insurance Providers Covering Skiing and Snowboarding

If you're planning a ski or snowboard trip, it's essential to choose an insurance provider that explicitly covers winter sports. Many standard travel insurance policies exclude high-risk activities, but the following companies specialize in or accommodate such adventures.

Key Features to Look For

Emergency medical coverage on the slopes
Evacuation and rescue benefits (e.g., helicopter evacuation)
Coverage for rental equipment and lift tickets
Accommodation and trip interruption protection due to weather or injury
Pre-existing condition waivers

Comparison of Winter Sports Insurance Plans

Provider	Winter Sports Coverage	Medical Coverage Limit	Evacuation Coverage	Equipment Coverage	Price (7-day trip)
World Nomads	Standard	$300,000	$500,000	Up to $1,500	$98
Allianz Travel Insurance	Optional Upgrade	$1,000,000	$1,000,000	Up to $1,000	$142
Travel Guard by AIG	Optional Upgrade	$500,000	$500,000	Up to $750	$118
IMG (Preliminary Sport Protector)	Standard	$250,000	$250,000	Up to $1,000	$85
Seven Corners	Standard (Select Plans)	$500,000	$500,000	Up to $1,500	$105

Table data source:1, 2, 3, 4, 5

The data shows that World Nomads and Seven Corners offer the highest equipment coverage limits at $1,500, making them ideal for travelers with expensive gear. Allianz provides the highest medical and evacuation limits, which is critical for remote mountain locations where emergency services are costly. Premium plans like Allianz tend to be more expensive but offer broader protection.

How to Choose the Right Ski and Snowboard Insurance

Selecting the best policy depends on your destination, skill level, and equipment value. Consider these factors:

Destination and Resort Accessibility

Remote resorts in the Alps or backcountry areas in Canada may require higher evacuation coverage due to limited access to medical facilities.

Skill Level and Risk Tolerance

Advanced skiers and snowboarders attempting off-piste or freestyle terrain should prioritize plans with robust injury and rescue benefits.

Trip Duration and Frequency

Frequent winter sports travelers might benefit from annual multi-trip policies, which often provide better value than single-trip plans.

Common Questions About Ski and Snowboard Insurance

Does travel insurance cover skiing and snowboarding?

Yes, but only if the policy explicitly includes winter sports coverage. Standard plans often exclude these activities, so you must select a provider that offers it as a standard feature or optional add-on.

Is helicopter evacuation covered in ski insurance?

Most specialized winter sports policies include helicopter evacuation, especially providers like Allianz and World Nomads. Coverage limits vary, with some offering up to $1 million for emergency transport.

Can I get insurance for extreme skiing or backcountry snowboarding?

Yes, but it may require a specialized adventure sports policy. Companies like World Nomads and IMG cover backcountry activities, though premiums may be higher due to increased risk.

Does ski insurance cover broken or stolen equipment?

Many plans include coverage for lost, damaged, or stolen equipment, typically up to $1,000–$1,500. Always check the sub-limits and whether rental gear is included.

What happens if a ski resort closes due to lack of snow?

Some comprehensive policies offer trip interruption or “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) upgrades that may reimburse losses due to resort closures, though standard “weather” cancellations are often excluded.

In summary, always verify that your travel insurance plan explicitly covers skiing and snowboarding. Opt for providers like World Nomads or Allianz that offer strong medical, evacuation, and equipment protection tailored to winter sports enthusiasts.