Does Ski Insurance Cover No Snow?
Planning a winter sports getaway? Given that skiing and snowboarding are weather-dependent activities, there's a chance you'll be faced with no snow (or too little snow) when you get to your resort - which causes the piste to be closed. Piste closures might also be caused by things like high winds, avalanche risk, or too much snow.
A piste closure is a disheartening thought - both because it means you may be rattling around your hotel all day, and because you'll have spent all that money for not-much-in-return.
No snow travel insurance
But that's where travel insurance can help. With Start Travel's Winter Sport Cover you can claim for £20 for every day the piste is closed (up to £300) with 3-Star cover. This rises to £40 per day (up to £600) for 5-Star cover.
You can then transit to another, open piste, or spend money on alternative activities, knowing you can make a claim for the above. If you’re seeking no snow travel insurance, look no further than Start Travel.
What if you can’t reach your destination due to snow?
What if you‘re looking for too-much-snow insurance as well as no snow insurance?
You may face the ironic situation whereby you can’t reach your resort due to heavy snow (or other covered event) here in the UK.
Airport closures can and do happen due to adverse weather, meaning you may find yourself stranded at the airport.
But with Start Travel, you're covered up to £50 per 12 hours delay at the airport, up to a maximum of £500 (depending on the policy selected).
What if you decide to abandon your trip altogether?
It's no fun if, after 12 hours, you're still sitting in the airport with only a limp airline sandwich for consolation. Hardly the same as ripping down a red run at 40mph or sipping cocktails in an Alpine wine bar, is it?
While the airline is only obliged to put you on a later flight or offer a refund, they are not responsible for any of your other out-of-pocket expenses.
Thankfully, with Start Travel, if you decide to abandon your trip after 12 hours at the airport, you'll be able to claim for abandonment up to £5,000 (depending on policy selected). Provided you checked in on time, and you obtain written confirmation from the airline regarding the nature and length of the delay, you'll be able to claim.
That means you'll be able to put the cash towards your next trip - or spend it on whatever you wish.
What if you're delayed reaching the airport?
But snow doesn’t just impede airplanes. It can also cause havoc on the road and rail system, which may mean you can't reach the airport in time for your flight.
This is when, as a Start Travel policy holder, you can make a Missed Departure claim if the public transport you're travelling in is delayed by adverse weather (as long as it wasn’t forecast before taking out the policy).
You can also claim for Missed Departure if you can't reach the airport because there's an accident you're involved in or the vehicle you're travelling in suffers a mechanical breakdown en route. You'll be able to claim up to £5,000 with 5-Star cover, £2,500 with 4-Star and £1,000 with 3-Star.
What if snow delays your return journey?
With a Start Travel policy, you won't need to worry about extending cover - you'll be protected until you reach the UK.
What if you can’t reach your resort after arrival at your destination country?
Unfortunately, avalanches and landslides can occasionally occur near resorts, making it difficult to reach those snow-covered pistes you so desire.
If this happens to you while you're covered by Start Travel, you'll be able to claim for Travel Disruption up to £600, depending on the cover level you choose.
What if I get injured while on my winter sports break?
Let's face it, a ski holiday can be more risky than sitting on a beach with a cocktail in your hand. Snow and ice increases the risk of slipping, tripping and falling - whether you're on-piste or moving between apres-ski entertainment venues (while taking reasonable care, as per your policy).
Luckily, with a Start Travel policy under your belt, you'll have access to 24/7 emergency assistance and you'll be covered for any out-of-pocket medical and/or repatriation expenses. Our Emergency medical and repatriation expenses cover you up to £10,000,000 with 3-Star and 4-Star coverage, and up to £15,000,000 for 5-Star.
You must make use of any reciprocal health agreements between the UK and your destination country.
What if I’m injured on snow or ice before I leave the UK?
Ice and snow can be treacherous here in the UK, too. If you’re unlucky enough to have a serious slip or fall due to winter weather and need to cancel your trip, you can rest assured you’ll be covered against Cancellations if you have a Start Travel policy. And of course, you can make a Cancellation claim if you suffer another injury or illness (as defined in the Policy Wording - Annual & Single Trip). Our Cancellation benefits are up to £1,000 (3-Star), £2,500 (4-Star) and £5,000 (5-Star), covering the costs of things like travel and accommodation expenses.
What if I'm affected by Covid-19?
It has not been definitively proven how lower temperatures of winter affect the ease with which people contract Covid-19, but with a standard Start Travel policy, you'll be protected if you (or your relative, a member of your household or travelling companion or a friend with whom you had arranged to stay) contract coronavirus before or during your ski break. Covid-related Cancellation benefits range from £2,000 (3-Star and 4-Star cover) to £5,000 (5-Star), while Emergency medical and repatriation expenses benefit limits range from £10,000,000 (3-Star and 4-Star cover) to £15,000,000 (5-Star).
Curtailment benefits are the same, although what is covered and the circumstances under which costs are reimbursed differ. See Policy Wording (Annual & Single Trip).
Being affected by flu
Flu rates do rise during winter months, which is why it's important to take out travel insurance in case you're forced to cancel your trip. This might be due to the death, bodily injury or illness, as certified by a medical practitioner, of you, your relative, colleague or travelling companion or of a friend with whom you had arranged to stay. Benefit limits for Cancellations due to non-Covid-19 medical reasons stand at £1,000 (3-Star), £2,500 (4-Star) and £5,000 (5-Star). The same limits apply if you’re affected by flu while overseas and need to curtail your trip.
Naturally, the same Cancellation and Curtailment benefits apply as regards death, injury or illness caused by other medical issues, as defined by the Policy Wording (Annual & Single Trip).
What if I lose my winter sports equipment?
Skis, snowboard, boots and jackets can all be expensive, which is why Start Travel's Winter Sports Cover includes cover for the loss, theft or damage of winter sports equipment. You may be able to claim for replacement or repair up to £1,000 (5-Star policy) and for hire of replacement equipment up to £40 per day up to £600 maximum (also 5-Star). It’s all the snow sports travel insurance you’ll need.
If you’re seeking no snow insurance for your next winter sports trip, learn more about Start Travel insurance, or get a quote now.