The scenery that comes with snowboarding is like that of no other sport: The snow-covered mountains and the evergreen trees zooming past you as you soar down the slopes are a sight to behold. Snowboarding is an exhilarating and adrenaline-inducing winter sport—with a variety of potential hazards that come along with it. But these risks shouldn’t deter your inner thrill-seeker. If you’re taking a vacation to the mountains and plan to do some snowboarding, you should invest in a quality snowboarding travel insurance plan to ensure medical coverage while you’re abroad.
Travel Insurance for Snowboarding
If you’re taking a ski vacation and decide to try snowboarding as long as you’re there, you’ll probably fall down a time or two. It’s okay. It’s part of the learning process. However, tumbling down a steep mountain slope on hard-packed snow is a heavy price to pay for a first-timer. And the last thing you want is to spend your vacation laid up in a foreign hospital, dreading the final bill.
Ski and snowboard insurance will help cover those hefty medical bills, along with the damage and loss of your snowboarding equipment. Most standard travel insurance plans don’t cover the risks associated with hazardous sports, which is why you’ll need snowboarding insurance to keep you safe and secure.
Snowboarding Basics
There are a myriad of styles associated with snowboarding; the most popular ones include freestyle, freeride, and Alpine (also called freecarving). These styles depend on the type of terrain, equipment, and skill (and personal preference) of the participant. Whichever style you choose, wearing the correct protective gear and following the safety guidelines are essential. While vacationing, it is wise to invest in a travel insurance for snowboarding plan. Even if accidents do occur, knowing that you’ll receive assistance with your medical bills should provide some relief.
Although there is plenty of fun to be had on the slopes, the potential risks and hazards associated with snowboarding are just as real. Still, the thrill and physical benefits make it all worthwhile. Snowboarding is a great way to build core and muscle strength, as well as improve flexibility and balance. These benefits make snowboarding a rewarding activity in more ways than one.
Risks of Snowboarding
Like any hazardous sport, there are plenty of risks associated with snowboarding. Most injuries sustained during snowboarding are usually in the upper body. Wrist, elbow, and shoulder injuries are quite common. Because your feet are locked into the board, when you fall, your outstretched arms take most of the force of the impact. Many falls result in shoulder or elbow dislocation.
To avoid such injuries, it is important to ensure that you are properly equipped. Other than investing in the correct gear and equipment (like boots, wrist guards, tailbone pads, and knee pads), it is also important to have snowboard travel insurance.
What Is Covered with Snowboarding Travel Insurance?
In the face of these potential hiccups and accidents, snowboarding travel insurance is your safety net. Some of the expenses that are usually included in this type of policy include:
- Medical Expenses: From minor sprains to serious injuries, your policy has you covered for doctor visits, hospital stays, and even emergency surgeries.
- Emergency Evacuation: Imagine needing a helicopter ride off a remote mountain—it can get pretty pricey without coverage. Fortunately, your policy may help take care of those sky-high costs.
- Lost or Damaged Gear: Snowboarding equipment isn’t cheap, but insurance can help replace or repair your prized board and boots if they’re lost or damaged.
What Is Not Covered with Snowboarding Travel Insurance?
Before you book that trip, it is good to know what’s not included in your policy. This can help you avoid unpleasant surprises. Things that are typically not included in a travel insurance plan include:
- Risky Moves: Heading into restricted areas or ignoring posted warnings? Injuries from reckless behavior likely won’t be covered.
- Pre-Existing Conditions: Unless your plan specifically offers coverage for it, issues tied to existing health problems might not make the cut either.
- Alcohol-Related Accidents: Let’s be real—hitting the slopes after a few drinks is a bad idea, and your insurance will agree.
- Off-Piste Adventures: Planning to snowboard off-trail? Unless you’ve got a guide and extra coverage, you might be on your own for those risks.
Why Snowboarding Insurance Is a Must-Have
Snowboarding insurance is about making sure nothing holds you back from enjoying every moment. Whether it’s a broken wrist or dislocated shoulder from a tumble, you’ll have the safety net you need to focus on fun, not finances. Knowing you’re covered means you can tackle that black diamond run (or bunny slope) without a second thought.
When it comes to snowboarding on your next trip, preparation isn’t just about having the right boots or board—it’s also about having the right insurance coverage. Don’t let the unexpected throw you off balance; find the perfect snowboarding travel insurance plan and enjoy the slopes worry-free.