Ski insurance cover for people over 70 is available from several UK providers, with some offering no upper age limit and others capping single or annual-trip cover between 75 and 85. Policy pricing, level of cover, and acceptance of pre-existing conditions vary considerably between insurers, so it’s essential to compare options and read all policy details carefully.
Providers Offering Ski Cover for Over 70s
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Saga: No upper age limit for winter sports cover when adding the Winter Sports add-on to its travel insurance. This includes benefits like ski equipment, avalanche delay, piste closure, and ski pack protection.
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Staysure: Offers ski insurance with no imposed upper age limit and covers unlimited medical expenses. Pre-existing conditions can be declared and covered, and policies provide for lost equipment, ski pass theft, and more.
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SkiCover.com: Single-trip policies up to age 84 and annual multi-trip up to 75. They request direct phone contact for quotes and to check on pre-existing condition coverage. Examples show an 80-year-old could get a week of European ski coverage for about £111.
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Goodtogoinsurance.com: Single trip up to age 75 and annual multi-trip up to 75, covering most pre-existing conditions. The annual ski cover is limited to a maximum of 24 skiing days per year.
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Columbus Direct: Single-trip cover available up to age 85. Pre-existing medical cover is possible; includes standard ski features like equipment, piste closure, and search and rescue.
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MPI Brokers & Bank-linked Cover: Some specialist brokers (e.g., MPI) and premium bank accounts (e.g., Lloyds Platinum, Nationwide FlexPlus) provide cover for seniors, often bundled with other benefits.
Key Points to Consider
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Medical Screening: Most insurers require full declaration of pre-existing conditions for those over 70. Failure to declare could result in denied claims.
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Pricing: Premiums rise significantly with age and medical history, but shopping around and considering bundled account options can help manage costs.
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Duration & Activities: Annual policies often cap total winter sport days. Some restrict activities like off-piste skiing or heli-skiing unless specified.
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Comparisons: Use aggregators like GoCompare or PayingTooMuch for real-time comparison of ski insurance providers for over 70s.
Practical Recommendations
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Look at specialist insurers—Saga, Staysure, SkiCover.com—that prominently advertise cover for over 70s.
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Disclose all medical conditions; get written confirmation of what is and is not covered.
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Compare bundled bank account insurance products for included winter sports cover if planning frequent trips.
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For challenging health histories or advanced age, contact specialist brokers like MPI, who are known to help older skiers, sometimes even above age 80.
Most importantly, read policy documents closely to ensure the activities, destinations, and conditions needed are fully covered for senior skiers.
Medical Emergencies for Skiers over 70
Senior ski insurance policies typically provide comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, addressing the unique needs and higher risks associated with older travellers. Coverage usually includes emergency medical treatment (including hospital stays), ambulance and physiotherapy costs, search and rescue—often including helicopter rescue if medically necessary—and repatriation to the UK after injury or illness.
What’s Included in Medical Emergency Coverage
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Emergency Medical Expenses: Covers urgent treatment, surgery, hospitalisation, and prescribed medication if injured or ill on the slopes, often up to £10 million per person.
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Ambulance and Mountain Rescue: Includes fees for mountain rescue services (ski patrol, helicopter evacuation, air ambulance), which are crucial in ski areas and can be very costly.
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Repatriation: Pays for emergency transportation back to the UK, either via regular flight or air ambulance, when medically necessary.
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Physiotherapy or Aftercare: Some policies may contribute toward physiotherapy or rehabilitation needed following a ski accident.
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Medical Aids and Medication: Extended cover may include loss or replacement of essential medical aids and prescription medication.
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Cover for Pre-existing Conditions: If declared and accepted, insurers will cover exacerbations of declared conditions as well as new injuries.
Typical Policy Exclusions
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Undeclared Pre-existing Conditions: Claims may be rejected if all medical conditions are not disclosed in advance.
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High-Risk or Off-Piste Activities: Some policies exclude coverage for off-piste skiing without a qualified guide or for activities like freestyle or terrain park skiing unless specifically added.
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Incidents Under the Influence: Accidents that occur under the influence of alcohol or drugs are not covered.
Senior ski policies are designed to offer peace of mind for older travellers, but policy terms, upper age limits, and maximum cover amounts vary, so careful comparison and full medical disclosure are essential.
Common exclusions in Senior Ski Insurance Plans
Common exclusions in senior ski insurance plans include pre-existing medical conditions not declared, accidents from high-risk or off-piste activities, claims related to alcohol or drug use, and unattended belongings. Insurers may also exclude cover for injuries while skiing outside resort boundaries, or participation in competitions and some high-risk winter sports unless specifically added.
Typical Ski Insurance Exclusions
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Pre-existing Medical Conditions: Most policies exclude claims related to conditions not declared or not explicitly covered by the policy.
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High-Risk or Off-Piste Activities: Skiing outside marked runs, heli-skiing, snowparks, and certain winter sports (e.g., bobsleigh, ski acrobatics) are commonly excluded unless cover is extended by paying extra.
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Alcohol or Drug Use: Injuries or accidents occurring under the influence of alcohol or drugs are nearly always excluded.
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Unattended Possessions: Loss or theft of belongings left unsupervised (e.g., skis left outside a restaurant) are typically not covered.
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Trip Length or Age Limitations: Trips exceeding the maximum stated policy length or undertaken by applicants older than the stated age limit are not covered.
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Travel to Prohibited Destinations: Travel to regions under government advisory, or countries experiencing war or civil unrest, is excluded.
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Failure to Wear Required Equipment: Some policies require wearing helmets while skiing; failure to do so can void claims.
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General Losses: Exclusion for some types of loss such as passports, cash, or general travel losses unless due care is proven.
Reviewing policy documents and disclosing all relevant details—medical, itinerary, activities—is vital to avoid falling foul of exclusions in senior-oriented ski insurance.
Which Ski Insurance providers offer comprehensive ski coverage for pre-existing conditions?
Leading Providers
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AllClear: Specialist for pre-existing conditions, no upper age limit, offers ski/winter sports add-ons, and covers emergency treatment, cancellations, and repatriation related to declared conditions.
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Staysure: Comprehensive medical cover with winter sports options; will consider most declared conditions for coverage.
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Avanti: Covers all medical conditions considered, offers winter sports as an upgrade, unlimited emergency medical cover with top-tier policies.
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Good to Go Travel Insurance: Focuses on severe, ongoing, and terminal conditions, and provides winter sports cover for single and annual trips.
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Columbus Direct: Offers medical screening with a wide range of conditions covered and has winter sports options.
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InsureandGo: No upper age limit, allows simple medical screening, and provides winter sports as a policy extension.
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Travel Insurance 4 Medical: Covers thousands of pre-existing conditions with both short and long-term options, winter sports optional.
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JustTravelCover.com: A broker-style comparison with medical screening, offering policy suggestions for all severities and helping find the best fit for complex health histories.
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Sportscoverdirect/Snowcard/BMC: These specialist providers also consider pre-existing conditions and offer tailored policies for winter sports.
Comparison and Screening
Many providers partner with specialist brokers or comparison sites like MedicalTravelCompared or MoneyMaxim, which allow for easy medical screening and quotes across multiple insurers with one application. Full disclosure of all medical details is required, and failure to do so can lead to claims being denied.
For seniors and those with complex medical backgrounds, these providers and brokers are the most reliable route to obtaining comprehensive ski and winter sports insurance without gaps in cover.
Key Points on Ski Insurance for Over 70s
- Research suggests that ski insurance is widely available for individuals over 70, with many providers offering coverage up to age 75-85 or even no upper limit, though premiums may increase with age and options could be limited for annual plans.
- Coverage for beginners typically includes on-piste skiing and snowboarding as standard in winter sports add-ons, but off-piste or competitive activities often require extra premiums or qualified guides.
- Policies generally cover Europe, including the Alps, with essential protections like emergency medical evacuation, but local requirements (e.g., liability insurance in Italy) should be checked.
- Pre-existing medical conditions can often be covered if declared during quoting, though some providers may apply exclusions or higher premiums based on severity; evidence leans toward specialist insurers being more accommodating.
- Snowboarding is commonly included alongside skiing in winter sports packages, with similar protections for equipment and injuries.
- Family plans may allow including over 70s alongside younger members, but age limits and separate travel options vary; it’s advisable to compare for inclusive coverage.
- Alternatives like Austrian Alpine Club membership provide rescue-focused insurance without strict age caps, potentially supplementing standard policies.
Availability and General Coverage
Ski insurance for over 70s is offered by multiple providers, focusing on emergency medical expenses (often up to £10 million), equipment protection, and piste closures. Single-trip policies tend to have higher age limits than annual ones, and coverage extends to Europe and worldwide destinations. Beginners benefit from standard on-piste inclusions, while snowboarding is typically covered under the same winter sports extension.
Ski Insurance for Over 70s : Handling Medical Conditions
Pre-existing conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes, can be insured by declaring them upfront; specialist providers may cover even severe or terminal cases. However, undeclared conditions could void claims, and some policies exclude ongoing treatments without additional screening.
Family and Group Options
Some policies allow families to include over 70s, with options for separate travel under annual plans. Group discounts may apply, but confirm age compatibility.
Alternatives and Tips
Consider memberships like the Austrian Alpine Club for worldwide rescue coverage, which has been used effectively by those over 70. Always compare quotes and read policy wordings for exclusions.
Ski insurance for individuals over 70 remains accessible through a variety of providers, addressing needs from basic on-piste coverage to comprehensive protections for medical emergencies and equipment. While age can influence premiums and availability—often making single-trip policies more feasible than annual ones—options exist without upper limits in some cases, ensuring seniors can enjoy winter sports like skiing and snowboarding in destinations such as the European Alps.
Coverage typically includes emergency medical assistance, repatriation, lost or damaged equipment, and compensation for piste closures, but requires careful declaration of pre-existing conditions to avoid claim denials. Beginners are generally accommodated under standard policies, as long as activities stay on designated pistes, while snowboarding is often bundled in. Family plans can incorporate over 70s, though specifics vary by insurer. Alternatives like alpine club memberships provide targeted rescue insurance, supplementing traditional policies for cost-effective protection.
Providers like SkiCover offer single-trip policies up to age 84 and annual multi-trip up to 75, with example premiums starting at £52 for an 8-day Europe trip for a 65-year-old (rising to £111 for an 80-year-old), covering skiing in Europe but requiring a call for pre-existing conditions.
Columbus Direct extends single-trip coverage to age 85 and annual to 74, including snowboarding and family options, with protections for medical helicopter rescue, equipment up to hired kit limits, and piste closures, but excludes undeclared conditions and off-piste without a guide. Able2Travel provides no age limit for single trips in most areas (up to 79 for worldwide including USA), with winter sports add-ons covering up to 21 days for equipment and missed activities, and strong emphasis on pre-existing conditions like chronic illnesses, offering up to £10 million in emergency medical cover.
Goodtogoinsurance limits to age 75 for both single and annual ski cover (24 days skiing max annually), specializing in pre-existing conditions including cancer and mental health, with £10 million medical expenses and £500 equipment cover, but no specific family or beginner details.
Saga stands out with no upper age limit, allowing over 70s to add winter sports for on-piste/off-piste (with guide) skiing and snowboarding, covering equipment up to £750, piste closure up to £400, and family additions of any age, though some pre-existing conditions may restrict annual policies. Auras covers up to age 100 worldwide, including Europe/Alps, with medical evacuation up to $500,000 and extended options for snowboarding/third-party damages, noting higher risks for over 65s but including exacerbation of chronic conditions.
Total Travel Protection caps at 75, covering snowboarding and on-piste activities with £10 million medical/repatriation and £500 equipment, accommodating most pre-existing conditions without family specifics. AllClear offers no upper age limit for over 70s with pre-existing conditions, adding winter sports for unlimited medical expenses in premium plans and up to £25,000 cancellation, requiring full declaration. SportsCover Direct covers up to 74, with family/group options for 1-2 adults plus children, snowboarding included, Europe/Alps focus, and pre-existing declarations potentially adding terms, with quotes from £37 (Bronze) for a 4-day trip.
For beginners, policies emphasize on-piste safety, with no explicit exclusions but recommendations for easier routes like green/blue pistes; snowboarding follows similar rules, often requiring leisure-only intent to avoid competitive exclusions. In Europe and the Alps, coverage aligns with popular resorts (e.g., France, Switzerland), including avalanche delays and mandatory Italian liability, but users should carry EHIC/GHIC for supplementary health access, as it doesn’t cover rescues or equipment.
Pre-existing conditions are handled through screening—e.g., Goodtogo covers terminal prognoses, while others like Able2Travel include waiting-list treatments—but failure to declare can lead to exclusions. Family plans are flexible in providers like Columbus and Saga, allowing mixed ages and separate travel, but may require “group” selection for all-adult families.
The Austrian Alpine Club (ÖAV) membership offers a viable alternative, providing worldwide rescue insurance for accidents, including skiing, with no apparent age limit (used by those over 70-76), covering rescues, liability, and legal protection for about €70 annually, though it focuses on emergencies rather than comprehensive travel aspects like cancellation. Family memberships include free coverage for children under parents’ plans. Forums highlight its use for backcountry or off-piste, combined with EHIC for medical treatment, but limits exist (e.g., not unlimited).
Common exclusions across providers include undeclared conditions, off-piste without guides, intoxication-related incidents, and starting policies post-trip. Premiums vary by age, duration, and conditions—e.g., higher for over 70s due to risks—but shopping around via quotes is key. COVID-19 cover is often standard, including cancellations.
| Provider | Max Age | Pre-Existing Conditions Covered? | Snowboarding Included? | Family/Group Options? | Europe/Alps Coverage? | Example Price (Single Trip, Europe) |
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| SkiCover | 84 (single), 75 (annual) | Yes, with call for screening | Not specified | Not mentioned | Yes | £52 (65yo, 8 days); £111 (80yo, 8 days) |
| Columbus Direct | 85 (single), 74 (annual) | Yes, with declaration and possible premium | Yes | Yes, family add-on | Yes, incl. Alps | Not specified |
| Able2Travel | No limit (single, areas 1-4); 79 (annual) | Yes, thousands of conditions | Not specified | Yes, separate travel possible | Yes | Not specified |
| Goodtogo | 75 | Yes, incl. severe/terminal | Not specified | Companions on same policy | Implied international | Not specified |
| Saga | No upper limit | Yes, most conditions | Yes | Yes, any age add-ons | Yes | Not specified |
| Auras | 100 | Yes, exacerbation of chronic | Yes, extended option | Implied family-friendly | Yes, worldwide incl. Alps | ~$1.50/day base (ski higher) |
| Total Travel | 75 | Yes, most | Yes | Not mentioned | Implied | Not specified |
| AllClear | No upper limit | Yes, specialist | Add-on available | Not specified | Yes | Not specified |
| SportsCover Direct | 74 | Yes, with declaration | Yes | Yes, family/group | Yes, Europe focus | £37+ (Bronze, 4 days) |
| Austrian Alpine Club | No limit mentioned | Not primary focus (rescue-oriented) | Implied in activities | Yes, free for children | Yes, worldwide | ~€70/year membership |
This table compares key features based on available data; always verify with current quotes as terms can change. For thorough planning, consult providers directly and consider combining policies for full protection.