Some Confusion Over What is, or IS NOT, Covered on Travel Insurance

This research by Saga suggests that many consumers assume that standard travel insurance covers some winter sports activities. It often does not. Here’s the word;

As many Brits prepare for winter sports holidays, and with the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics opening in February 2026, a growing number of Brits are planning ski breaks, snowboarding trips and other cold-weather activities bucket-list activities. 

Recent insights from the Savills Ski Report (2025/26)  show continued growth in skier numbers and rising demand for Alpine holidays, signalling that winter-sports travel is already gaining momentum ahead of the Games.

But, Saga Travel Insurance  is reminding travellers that not all activities are covered as standard, and that some require a Winter Sports extension to stay fully protected, as new survey data reveals many travellers are still unknowingly putting themselves at financial risk.

Michelle Cooper, Director of Travel Insurance at Saga warns:

“Winter sports without the right protection could leave holidaymakers footing hefty bills, even for activities that seem relatively low-risk. A single mountain rescue can cost thousands, so checking your cover before you travel is essential.”

Olympics fever: Why winter sports interest is about to surge

34% say the 2026 Winter Olympics has increased their interest in winter sports, according to a recent Saga Travel Insurance survey.

With the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics just months away, experts expect a sharp spike in UK participation in recreational cold-weather activities. Previous Olympic cycles have led to increased sign-ups for lessons, alpine holidays and “try-it-yourself” snow experiences.

Airlines are already preparing for a busy season – Jet2 launched a major ski programme  for Winter 2025/26, offering around 300,000 ski seats across multiple weekly flights, signalling strong and growing appetite for cold-weather travel.

Winter travel adventures are spiking online

A new UK google search analysis conducted by Saga Travel Insurance shows significant interest in winter sports:

• “how long does it take to learn to ski” (Breakout – over 5,000%)

• “snowboarding lessons” (Breakout – over 5,000%)

• “best beginner ski resorts Europe” (Breakout – over 5,000%)

• “dog sledding Tromso” (Breakout – over 5,000%)

Survey findings: The UK’s winter sports confusion snowballs

Saga surveyed 1,000 UK adults to explore winter-sports habits, exposing significant misunderstandings about what standard insurance includes and risky behaviour.

Misunderstood activities:

• 32% wrongly believe skiing is covered under standard travel insurance

• 27% believe the same for snowboarding

• 21% think tobogganing is included

• 13% think snowmobiling is included

All of these require a Winter Sports extension.

Key knowledge gaps:

• 38% have never considered whether winter sports require additional cover

• Only 27% proactively add a Winter Sports extension when needed

• 19% skip it because they feel it’s too expensive

This highlights a crucial issue: large numbers of Brits are taking part in winter activities abroad without the cover they think they have.

The most-desired winter activities:

• Visiting natural geysers – 44% (covered as standard)

• Snowmobiling as a passenger – 43% (Winter Sports extension required)

• Ice skating – 39% (covered as standard)

• Cross-country skiing – 19% (Winter Sports extension + guide needed)

• Dog sledding – 19% (covered as standard)

What’s actually covered? Winter sports insurance explained

Saga Travel Insurance has categorised the most common and trending winter activities into three clear groups, so travellers understand what’s included, what requires a Winter Sports extension, and what is completely excluded.

Activities often covered by standard policies (no winter sports extension needed)

These are usually classed as low-risk non-sport winter activities.

Activities often covered ONLY with a ‘winter sports extension’

These activities involve higher risk, equipment or speed, and are not often covered under a standard policy, even if they seem tame.

Activities NOT typically covered under any travel policy

These are considered high-risk, competitive or extreme winter sports.

Michelle Cooper explains:

“As winter sports holidays become more popular, we want travellers to enjoy themselves safely, and that starts with understanding what their policy does and doesn’t cover.

“Even activities that seem gentle, like tobogganing or sledging, usually require a winter sports extension. More extreme activities, such as heli-skiing, mountaineering, and ice-hockey, typically aren’t covered at all.”

Three tips to avoid a winter holiday disaster:

1. Add Winter Sports cover if you’ll ski, snowboard or sledge: Standard insurance won’t protect you on the slopes.

2. Only book activities with licensed operators: Using an unregulated snowmobile or sledding provider could invalidate a claim.

3. Check exclusions before trying something new: If it’s competitive, extreme or Olympic-level, it won’t be covered.