Tis the season: worry free winter skiing with travel insurance

Overseas travel continues to make a strong comeback in Hong Kong this year. As winter and the Christmas holidays approach, many are looking for opportunities to experience the festive atmosphere abroad or engage in winter sports, such as skiing.

Before the pandemic, official statistics published by the government showed that nearly 190,000 people departed from the airport in December 2019 alone, indicating a high demand for winter trips among Hong Kong people. When planning a trip overseas, it is recommended that you make firm plans about the types of activities you will partake in well ahead of your departure. Additionally, you should strongly consider acquiring appropriate travel insurance to ensure a safe, enjoyable journey.

For those interested in participating in exhilarating winter sports, such as skiing, snowboarding or sledging, it is crucial that they obtain travel insurance coverage which includes protection for these high-risk activities. This coverage provides compensation for personal accidents and medical expenses resulting from injuries or accidents that can occur.

Moreover, if an unfortunate accident leads to hospitalisation overseas, which often results in an extended stay beyond the original itinerary, travel insurance will cover the additional transportation expenses incurred. The coverage also includes follow-up services after returning to Hong Kong, including fees for registered Chinese medicine practitioners. Notably, many insurance companies offer 24-hour global travel support services, providing round-the-clock assistance in case of emergencies, such as medical evacuation or requiring treatment abroad.

By securing suitable travel insurance, you can embark on your journey with peace of mind, fully immersing yourself in your adventure but safe in the knowledge that you have a contingency plan in place to address any unforeseen situations.

Travel insurance typically covers the accidental damage to, or loss of, your personal belongings, including mobile phones, wallets and valuables, and provides appropriate compensation. Some insurance companies also include coverage for damage to sports equipment and will provide compensation in these circumstances.

A few years ago, Tokyo experienced a heavy snowstorm which resulted in the closure of two runways at Narita Airport and the cancellation of over 300 flights at Haneda Airport. Consequently, approximately 10,000 passengers were stranded at the airports. Many shared their experiences online, mentioning how they had to endure long waits for food due to these unexpected circumstances. In extreme situations like this, or during violent storms or earthquakes, it is important to consider the advantages of travel insurance. Also, you should ask yourself this: “Will travel insurance provide me with necessary protection in such circumstances?”

The answer is yes. As the insured, you will be eligible for compensation if you choose to cancel your trip due to severe weather, natural disasters, suspension of public transport services, industrial action, riots or airport closures. The compensation will cover non-refundable travel and accommodation expenses. Furthermore, if your itinerary changes or you are delayed for these reasons, your insurance will also provide compensation for your travel and accommodation expenses, whether or not these have already been paid or if payment is pending. Some insurance companies even offer automatic extensions of the protection period to their travel insurance customers, free of charge, if an accident delays them on their return journey to Hong Kong.

Additionally, if your luggage is delayed beyond a specified time on the outbound portion of your trip, compensation is often provided so you can buy emergency clothing and toiletries.

Winter travel and exploring different countries can be incredibly exhilarating, especially when engaging in thrilling sports activities. However, securing travel insurance beforehand ensures comprehensive protection against interruptions to your journey, loss of property and accidental injuries, ensuring a smooth, safe travel experience.

This Chinese version of this article was published in the Hong Kong Economic Journal.

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