Travel Insurance for Snowboarders — What to Actually Look For

Snowboarding is classified as a "hazardous activity" by most generic travel insurance policies. Standard policies often exclude it entirely — read your policy or have a sprained-wrist surprise at the hospital.

The Five Coverage Items That Matter

1. Medical evacuation — Helicopter rescue off-mountain costs €5,000–15,000. Policy must explicitly cover snowboard injury rescue.
2. Off-piste coverage — Even if you don't plan to go off-piste, accidental wrong turns happen. Confirm the policy covers off-piste without a guide.
3. Equipment cover — Cracked board, lost goggles, stolen jacket. Cover up to €1,500.
4. Trip cancellation — If you injure yourself in the week before the trip and can't travel. Covers flights and accommodation.
5. Liability — If you crash into someone else (it happens). Up to €1 million liability coverage.

The Specialist Insurers

Generic travel insurance often excludes or limits snow sports. Look at specialists: World Nomads, SnowCard, Dogtag, or ski-specific add-ons from your usual insurer. Annual multi-trip policies start at €60.

What Doesn't Count

• Riding under the influence — Drunk crashes void the policy.
• Off-piste with no guide if the policy requires one.
• Pre-existing conditions — declare them or claims get rejected.

Print the policy details, save them to your phone, and know the emergency claim number before you leave.