If you already have an annual travel insurance policy, it might include cover for winter sports. If it’s not covered as standard, you can normally add winter sports for a fee.

If you’re aged over 65, you might need to buy a separate winter sports policy as some insurers won’t add on winter sports cover for travellers of this age.

If you have travel insurance as a perk on a packaged bank account, check if winter sports are covered. Again, you could pay for it to be added-on.

If you need to buy a standalone winter sports policy, make sure you shop around as costs can vary wildly between insurers. Check the cover carefully on the cheapest policies – many will just cover skiing and snowboarding and have low claim limits for lost equipment or possessions.

You can choose from single person cover, or policies that cover couples or your whole family. Note that family policies might only cover under-18s if they are on holiday with their parents – not with their friends or on a school ski trip.

Whatever type of winter sports policy you want to buy, it’s wise to do so as soon as you book your holiday. This ensures you’ll be covered for cancellation at any point. As always, check for Covid cover and how comprehensive this is.