Ski Accidents: Everything You Need to Know to Stay Well-Insured While Skiing

With the winter break approaching, many people are planning a trip to the mountains to hit the slopes. But before you strap on your skis, there’s a question to consider: Is the insurance included with your credit card sufficient in the event of an accident? Or is it better to purchase a specific insurance policy? 
 

Skiing is an exhilarating sport, but it comes with its share of risks. This is evident from the number of injuries each season. In fact, in the 2021–2022 season alone, mountain doctors recorded more than 122,200 injuries, some of which required hospitalization. Given these risks, it is essential to have adequate insurance to cover medical expenses, rescue costs, and other expenses in the event of an accident.
 

In fact, the classic question that marks the start of a ski vacation is: Should you get special insurance? Before purchasing a specific insurance policy to cover the risks associated with a mountain vacation, check first to see if you’re already covered by other insurance policies. 
 

If you have comprehensive home insurance, you already have liability coverage. This insurance covers you if you cause an accident. Your insurer will cover the damages you cause to others, but not necessarily the damages you yourself sustain. Be sure to check your policy to see what it says about this. In addition, comprehensive home insurance typically includes vacation rental coverage, which insures the accommodations you rent for your vacations.
 

If you have individual accident insurance or personal accident coverage, you may already be covered for injuries sustained in a skiing accident. You should check your policy to see if skiing is excluded from the covered risks. 
If you have supplemental health insurance, it may cover hospitalization and medical expenses if you have an accident. You should check your policy’s coverage details, as well as who is covered.
 

Some credit cards include insurance coverage that may protect you in the event of an accident. To take advantage of this coverage during a trip to the mountains, you must have used the card to pay for your ski rental or lift ticket.
 

Some insurance policies may even cover your repatriation, for example, in the event of an accident abroad. Check the coverage details in your credit card agreement. If your existing insurance policies do not cover you for a trip to the mountains—or if they do not provide sufficient coverage—you can purchase snow insurance from your insurer. This type of insurance ensures that, in the event of an accident, you’ll be reimbursed not only for medical expenses but also for other costs: ski lift passes, unused ski lessons, and equipment rentals. The cost of snow insurance is generally calculated per person per week. In some cases, this insurance can be purchased for a single day.
 

Two types of coverage are considered essential: civil liability for sports and leisure activities, which covers damage caused to others, and rescue and search costs. Other types of coverage may also be useful, such as protection against theft or accidental damage to equipment, or reimbursement for canceled ski passes or lessons.
 

Is High-End Credit Card Coverage Enough?
 

If you have a premium credit card, such as a Gold Mastercard, Visa Premier, or Visa Infinite, you generally have “Snow and Mountain” insurance. This insurance typically covers risks associated with skiing for you, your spouse, and your children. However, coverage and compensation limits may vary from bank to bank, so it’s important to review the details of your policy.
 

On the other hand, if you only have a standard credit card, it’s crucial to check whether you’re properly covered in the event of an accident. Some comprehensive home insurance policies include liability coverage, but this may have exclusions related to certain sports, including skiing. In this case, taking out a specific sports and leisure insurance policy may be necessary to ensure full coverage.
 

Snow Insurance
 

Whether or not you have a premium credit card, it’s essential to make sure you have adequate coverage before heading out to ski. Take the time to review the details of your insurance policy or contact your insurer to clarify what’s covered. If necessary, don’t hesitate to purchase specific winter sports insurance for complete peace of mind on the slopes.