Winter trips and travel insurance: Key coverage to consider

Winter travel often brings a different set of challenges compared to other seasons. Weather-related disruptions, higher medical risks in cold climates, and the growing popularity of winter sports have

made travel insurance a relevant consideration for travellers planning trips during this period.

Unlike basic travel cover, winter-focused insurance planning typically looks at risks linked to flight delays, trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and baggage-related issues that are more common during colder months.

Types of travel insurance for winter trips

Travellers have several options depending on their destination, travel frequency, and type of trip. These include domestic and international insurance, single-trip and annual multi-trip plans, family policies, senior citizen plans, and specialised winter or adventure travel covers.

“Winter travellers should not focus only on cost but on the relevance of coverage,” said Pankaj Goneka, Chief Business Officer at InsuranceDekho. Key protections include medical emergencies, hospitalisation, trip cancellation or interruption, lost baggage, and coverage for accidental injuries.

Nochiketa Dixit, MD – Industries at EDME Insurance Broker, adds that trip cancellation and delay cover is particularly important during winter, as harsh weather often leads to flight disruptions and extended stays. He also highlights the value of medical and emergency evacuation coverage, especially in remote or mountainous regions where healthcare access can be limited.

For frequent travellers, annual multi-trip plans may offer broader protection, while adventure or winter sports add-ons are recommended for activities such as skiing or snow trekking.

Weather-related disruptions and coverage

Flight delays and cancellations are among the most common winter travel disruptions. Policies typically provide coverage for additional expenses like accommodation, meals, or rebooking costs if trips are interrupted due to adverse weather.

“Travel insurance plays a critical role when weather-related disruptions are frequent,” Dixit said.

Vivek Chaturvedi, CMO at Digit General Insurance, notes that extreme weather accounts for a large share of winter flight cancellations, making coverage for common carrier delays and operator cancellations increasingly relevant. He also points out that claims processes are now often tech-enabled, with live flight tracking and faster settlement of eligible claims.

Additional features for winter travellers

Medical evacuation or repatriation is a key feature for trips to cold or remote areas. Baggage protection is also recommended, as winter travellers often carry expensive clothing and equipment.

For adventure activities like skiing, snowboarding, or snow trekking, add-ons that explicitly cover recreational sports may be necessary, as standard policies often exclude these by default.

Goneka, Dixit, and Chaturvedi all agree that travellers should carefully review policy terms, coverage limits, exclusions, and claims processes. Matching coverage to the destination’s healthcare costs and anticipated risks ensures adequate protection without surprises.