[2026 Ski Travel Insurance Comparison] Comprehensive Analysis of Coverage and Exclusions (with Tips on Insurance Purchase and Claims)

Many Hong Kong people will go skiing in winter. Travel insurance defined Skiing activities as a high-risk activity; please carefully read the terms and conditions before purchasing. Kwiksure explains the coverage and exclusions of ski travel insurance, and compares popular insurance plans to help you choose the right one.

Definition of "High-Risk Activities" in Travel Insurance

Most travel insurance policies list certain high-risk sports as "uncoverable items." Although different insurance companies have different definitions of high-risk activities and different coverage, generally speaking, high-risk activities refer to activities that involve highly specialized skills, require a certain level of physical fitness from participants, and are relatively dangerous. Diving, skydiving, horseback riding, and skiing are all considered high-risk activities.

Are "amateur" and "professional" skiers insured?

Not all Travel insurance plans automatically cover skiing accidents, so you must confirm whether the plan covers the sport when purchasing. Even if it is covered, some insurance policies only cover recreational or amateur skiing activities on designated slopes, or must be conducted under the guidance and supervision of a qualified instructor; they do not cover professional sports, paid activities, or competitions such as cross-country skiing, snowboarding, or extreme freestyle skiing.

Regular skiing vs. Side-country skiing vs. backcountry skiing

• Side-country skiing: This refers to areas near ski resorts that are not yet developed or managed. Skiing is typically accessible via ski lifts to the resort's controlled area. Skiers will face undeveloped natural snow-covered mountains and diverse terrain, including forests, steep slopes, and rocky sections.
• Backcountry/off-piste skiing: This refers to areas far from ski resorts and runs where skiers enter undeveloped natural areas and must choose their own routes and hike to reach them. These are typically remote mountain valleys or forests, requiring greater skill and presenting greater risks and challenges.

Ski insurance age and altitude restrictions

Even if an insurance plan covers skiing accidents, most plans will have altitude restrictions (e.g., 3,000 meters above sea level), and coverage will not be provided beyond these limits. Some insurance companies also adjust premiums and coverage based on the insured's age; for example, those aged 55 to 59 require a 100% additional premium, and those over 70 are not covered; children and those under 18 can enjoy a 50% discount on coverage, etc.

3 Key Coverages When Choosing Ski Insurance

Ski equipment support

• Does the coverage include both "own" and "rented" ski equipment?
• Bringing your own equipment will be included in the personal baggage and belongings insurance, and compensation will be provided in accordance with the depreciation of the belongings.
• Some plans clearly state the maximum compensation for accidental theft or damage of rented equipment, or may require additional coverage.
• Please note the maximum compensation amount for "each item".
• Coverage for the cost of renting alternative equipment due to delays in ski equipment rental
• Is there a deductible/out-of-pocket expense?

Accidental injury medical expenses, emergency transportation and compensation

• Skiing is a high-risk sport. Be aware of the maximum compensation limits for skiing accidents involving hospitalization, surgery, emergency repatriation, or follow-up medical treatment in your local area.
• Common accidents include knee, shoulder, wrist, and head injuries.
• Medical costs are typically high in popular ski destinations, so it is recommended to choose a medical insurance plan with coverage of at least HKD 1 million or more.
• Does it provide a 24-hour global emergency support hotline and language assistance?
• We recommend choosing a plan that includes "overseas medical insurance", "personal accident insurance" and "emergency rescue services".

Compensation for travel delays, cancellations, or facility closures

• Compensation for ski passes and/or ski lift passes obtained during the trip due to injury or illness that renders the individual unfit for skiing.
• Compensation for ski resort closures due to lack of snow/excessive snow or severe weather
• Cash allowance or reimbursement for trip delays exceeding a certain number of hours

Important Notes on Purchasing Ski Insurance

1. Add supplementary protections to meet demand.

Since the coverage offered by each insurance company varies, you should carefully read the terms and conditions related to high-risk activities when purchasing insurance, and choose to add additional coverage as needed. For example, some travel insurance plans require the addition of winter sports coverage in order to cover damage and theft of rented ski equipment.

2. Carefully read the claims terms and coverage details.

Policyholders should carefully read the claims terms, check the claims process, time limits and required documents, and pay attention to the plan's medical coverage, sum insured, and even the maximum compensation amount and details for "each piece of luggage". They should not focus solely on the premium.

3. Be aware of 24-hour emergency support.

Engaging in high-risk activities requires thorough preparation, and in the unfortunate event of an accident, 24-hour emergency support is crucial. Policyholders should check whether their preferred insurance plan offers 24-hour emergency assistance and its operational details, and after purchasing the insurance, they should also ensure that the emergency support hotline is saved in their mobile phone.

4. Review the exclusions.

In addition to the coverage provided by the insurance plan, policyholders should also pay attention to the exclusions listed in the plan and the circumstances under which the insurance company will not provide compensation, and choose the insurance plan that best suits their needs based on their skiing trip.

Common exclusions from ski insurance

• The activity is a competitive, professional sport.
• The insured is a professional athlete
• The activity deviated from the main ski slope
• Ski resort above designated altitude
• Not performed under the guidance of a coach
• Disobeying the rules
• Skiing under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Comparison of popular ski travel insurance policies

*The default travel destination is Asia.
*The above information is for reference only as of January 7, 2026. All information is subject to the announcements of the relevant insurance companies.

Skiing Accident Claim Insurance Process and Tips

When An accident occurred, it is necessary to call the police immediately and seek medical treatment. If the accident is serious, you should call the insurance company's hotline to report the situation. Afterwards, you need to fill out a claim form and gather all required documents before the claim deadline, and submit the claim application by mail, in person, or online. If no additional documents are required, the insurance company will take approximately 4 to 12 weeks to review the documents and complete the claims process. To ensure a smooth claims process, please refer to the following key points:

Key points for compensation claim 1: Report to the police immediately and receive medical treatment

In the event of an accident, you should immediately call the police and seek medical treatment. Delaying reporting may result in your claim being denied. If emergency rescue is required, you can call the insurance company's 24-hour emergency rescue hotline.

Key point of claim 2: Collect relevant documents

Insurance companies typically require complete documentation before processing a claim. Therefore, it is necessary to collect and preserve various documents to ensure a smooth claims process. These documents include:

• A recognized doctor's diagnosis certificate must include the insured's name, symptoms, date of treatment, and receipt.
• A certificate issued by a doctor proving the severity of the disability.
• Original hospital bill
• Police report
• Equipment rental contract, receipts, and photos of damage (if equipment damage is involved).

Key point for claims 3: Do not submit the same document repeatedly.

If any documents are missing, they can be uploaded or sent to the insurance company within the specified period. However, do not submit the same document repeatedly to avoid being denied compensation.

Key point for claims 4: Pay attention to the claim deadline

Different insurance plans have different requirements. Policyholders typically need to notify the insurance company in writing and provide relevant supporting documents within 21 or 30 days of the incident to process the claim. Some insurance companies offer online claim platforms where applicants can fill out forms and upload relevant documents online to file a claim. If preparing the necessary documents takes longer, applicants can contact the insurance company for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a difference in insurance coverage between snowboarding and skiing?

In principle, there is no difference in travel insurance coverage between snowboarding and skiing. Ski insurance is mainly based on whether the activity is recreational, whether it takes place on the slopes and within the altitude limits, etc. As long as the terms of the plan are met, it can be covered. Policyholders can also purchase additional "Winter Sports Supplementary Coverage" to increase the scope of coverage.

Will you compensate a child who gets injured while learning to ski?

It depends on the insurance company's terms. Generally, travel insurance is available for those aged 30 to 60. As long as you purchase suitable travel insurance that covers skiing activities, the insurance company will cover medical expenses incurred by children due to accidental injuries, such as consultation fees, hospitalization, surgery fees, and emergency medical transportation.

What are some common exclusions from ski insurance?

Common exclusions from ski insurance include: activities that are competitive or professional in nature, the insured being a professional athlete, activities that deviate from the main ski slope, skiing at altitudes exceeding designated levels, skiing without the guidance of an instructor, failure to follow the rules of the ski area, and skiing under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

What are the steps for filing a claim if you are injured while skiing overseas?

If an accident occurred and you are injured, it is necessary to immediately call the police and seek medical treatment. If the accident is serious, you should call the insurance company's hotline to report the situation. Afterwards, you need to fill out a claim form and gather all the required documents before the claim deadline, and submit the claim application by mail, in person, or online. If no additional documents are required, the insurance company will take approximately 4 to 12 weeks to review the documents and complete the claims process.