Ski season dramatically affects the travel insurance market

In recent years, since 2021, it has been a recurring phenomenon during the winter travel season that interest in travel insurance surges in December in line with the holidays and end-of-year vacations, and then the ski season maintains demand in January and February. According to recent data from K&H, the timing of this year’s winter season has shifted compared to last year: the wave of insurance contracts was stronger in December, while the number of contracts decreases in January and February. In practice, this means that many people are already arranging insurance in advance for winter vacations and later trips, along with year-end trips – according to the K&H compilation.

In the winter months, a significant portion of travel insurance is typically taken out by Hungarians visiting ski resorts in Austria, Italy, France and Slovakia. In addition to quick accessibility, track quality and family-friendly services, it is increasingly important for these trips to ensure that the insurance truly fits the planned program, especially if skiing is also part of the trip.

How many days, how many forints?

According to K&H’s 2025 data, customers typically take out travel insurance for a period of almost a week in the winter months, while the average premium varies from month to month. In January, the average premium exceeded 7,500 forints, and the insurance was taken out for an average of 7 days, in February the average premium was almost 7,000 forints and the coverage was for an average of 6 days, and in December the average premium was over 8,000 forints, also with an average duration of 6 days.

Why is adequate coverage critical during the ski season?

During the winter months, it is not only the number of people who take out insurance that matters, but also the amount of expense that a single claim can entail. According to K&H’s 2025 data, the average claim amount per travel insurance claim reached HUF 80,000 in January, rose to over HUF 120,000 in February, and amounted to HUF 70,000 in December.

The largest claims payments specifically related to skiing typically arise when several items are added together: ski slope or mountain rescue, emergency diagnostics (such as X-rays or other imaging tests), hospital care, surgical intervention in justified cases, or organized repatriation if further travel is impossible. Ski injuries are common, including lower limb injuries and fractures, which can quickly become costly, especially abroad, where medical costs and logistics can be significant. This all supports the fact that when traveling in the winter, it is worth consciously choosing a travel insurance package that provides adequate protection for skiing-related risks, and not just a general, basic coverage solution.