Otherwise you risk fines
Anyone who skis in Italy needs this policy
02/16/2026 – 2:11 p.mReading time: 3 minutes
A fall on the slopes can be not only painful, but also expensive. Anyone who is incorrectly insured during their winter vacation quickly risks high costs.
According to the Allensbach Market and Advertising Media Analysis (AWA), around 13 million Germans go on a skiing or winter holiday every winter – around one in six to seven people. The longing for snow-covered slopes is great. But even professionals are not immune to serious falls: US downhill skier Lindsey Vonn recently suffered a complex shin fracture at the Olympic Games in Cortina d’Ampezzo, which required several operations.
It can also be expensive for recreational athletes. According to the independent money guide “Finanztip”, a torn cruciate ligament or a rib fracture in Austria can quickly cost around 11,000 euros for treatment and hospital stay. Who pays for that? And which policies do you really need to ensure that your winter dream doesn’t turn into a financial nightmare?
A rescue by helicopter, hospital stays, a return transport to Germany or a premature termination of the trip quickly result in high bills. “Without appropriate insurance coverage, an accident can be cost-prohibitive,” warns Nathanael Häfner, insurance expert at “Finanztip.” On average, a skiing accident costs around 8,000 euros, according to figures from the German Insurance Association (GDV). If you don’t take precautions, you could end up with a large portion of the costs.
Your statutory health insurance often only covers limited services abroad. This can be a problem, especially with winter sports. International travel health insurance protects you from high treatment costs. Make sure that it covers outpatient and inpatient treatment as well as rescue and rescue costs – for example by helicopter.
Medically sensible transport back to Germany is also important. This means: The insurance will pay for transport home when it makes medical sense – not only when it becomes absolutely necessary. “For what it offers, international travel health insurance is a real bargain,” says Häfner. Good policies for singles start at around ten euros a year, while families pay around 30 euros.
Anyone who skis in Italy must provide proof of private liability insurance since January 1, 2022. Providers require proof when purchasing the ski pass or directly at the ski area. Anyone traveling without insurance risks a fine of between 100 and 150 euros.
Private liability insurance kicks in if you cause damage to others – for example in a collision on the slopes. It covers costs for personal injury or property damage, even if you act with gross negligence. Singles get good rates starting at around 30 euros a year, families pay around 50 euros. Take the insurance confirmation with you on vacation.
