Snow in the forecast could send winter sports enthusiasts to the mountains in search of fresh snow. But unpredictable weather doesn't make travel easy. By its very nature, ski trips can be the most dangerous if the weather isn't favorable or you get hurt, as you can spend a lot of money on cable car tickets, accommodation, flights and equipment rental. Heavy rain and damage.
As the popularity of skiing and snowboarding increases, these travel issues can affect many travelers. According to the National Ski Resort Association, more than 60 million visitors skied in the United States during the 2021-2022 season, the highest number since the organization began tracking it in 1978.
To reduce the risk of losing money during President's Day celebrations or during spring break due to inclement weather, you may want to consider the option of travel insurance. Some popular travel insurance benefits, such as trip delay or trip cancellation, can be beneficial for winter destinations. Also, some travelers can get these benefits with a travel credit card.
Independent travel insurance plans are also available that provide more specific coverage for ski trips. Travelers may be reimbursed for additional special expenses related to winter sports travel under this rule.
This is the type of coverage that travelers can get when buying travel insurance for a ski trip.
Flight delay or cancellation coverage
Trip delay and cancellation coverage is an important part of most travel insurance plans and can benefit travelers in winter weather. For example, if a flight is delayed due to a snowstorm, this type of coverage can help travelers get compensation for missed days at a resort. This usually includes reimbursement for non-reimbursable travel expenses such as prepaid lift tickets, equipment rental and other similar expenses.
Cancellation and trip delay insurance can cover additional meals and lodging that travelers may incur as a result of the delay.
An important note is that this coverage usually starts with the only covered causes. The airline that delayed the flight would be insured, but a passenger looking at the weather report would not be able to cancel the flight for fear of being stranded.
Snowboarders and snowboarders who want complete freedom to cancel at any time should consider canceling their insurance for any reason. This coverage is a special add-on that costs more, but travelers typically get 50% to 75% of the cost of the trip if they cancel for any reason.
Accidental injury
Injuries are another big risk of skiing. Injured skiers and snowboarders may have to postpone their trips. This is when ski insurance can help pay for the costs associated with returning home early, as well as trip interruption coverage.
Please note that this coverage is separate from Medical Travel Insurance and Medical Evacuation Insurance. Injured travelers usually need standard health insurance and travel health insurance from a winter sports insurance policy (whether offered on a credit card or purchased separately).
“Depending on the ski resort, home health insurance may cover you in case of an emergency. But that may not be the case if you're outside your home medical network and, of course, if you're traveling abroad," says Stan Sandberg, co-founder of TravelInsurance.com.
Experienced skiers and snowboarders may want more coverage. If you're going backcountry, off-resort, or heli-skiing, consider getting additional adventure sports insurance.
travel problems
It's a loose name for coverage, but it's a good addition to a winter sports travel insurance policy. "Travel disadvantage", sometimes called "lost ski days", compensates travelers if the resort has too much or too little snow.
This type of coverage is generally available for Northern Hemisphere resorts from December 1st to March 31st and can cover up to $125 per day.
Lost or damaged equipment
Many travelers are aware of lost luggage or delayed coverage, but few realize that expensive ski or snowboard equipment may not be fully covered. After all, typical travel insurance policies only guarantee a certain dollar amount. So if an airline loses your expensive skis, they may not charge you full price.
Getting ski insurance, which covers things like skis and snowboards, can help. With this coverage, if your equipment is delayed, your ski supplier will pay you up to a maximum amount for equipment rental.
Do I need to confirm my ski trip?
Ski insurance can give you peace of mind if you fear missing out on the high cost of your winter sports vacation. Get coverage that compensates for delays caused by winter weather or accidental damage. Additionally, travel or sports equipment breakdown coverage is optional to help offset costs related to lift tickets and equipment rental.
Skiing and snowboarding is always an adventure, but delays and accidents don't have to be so costly.
Storms and Accidents: How Travel Insurance Can Save a Ski Trip appeared first on NerdWallet.
