There has been a good dusting of snow this year, and now is a perfect time to catch the last of the winter skiing season before spring hits. However, amongst the excitement of planning your trip, remember to check your travel insurance policy. Are you sufficiently covered?
Are you covered for winter sports?
What many holidaymakers don’t realise is that just 7% of single trip insurance policies actually include winter sport as standard (Defaqto research). And while you may have it included in your policy, you should look at the small print to check for cover for things like losing a ski pass or piste closures.
Abta research suggests that 1.75 million Brits go skiing or snowboarding each year, but a third of those people do not check their travel policy for winter sports cover before travelling.
As winter sports holidays carry a high risk of injury and peril, there is a real chance of needing support from your insurer when away, but not being able to get it.
Do you really need travel insurance?
Between 2012 and 2016, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) had reports of 118 hospitalisations and 58 deaths of Britons on skiing and snowboarding holidays. That is without counting the thousands of minor injuries received both on and off the slopes.
The medical bills, lost time on holiday and delays to returning home are all added costs, as well as worry, that you don’t need when on holiday.
It seems that the older we get the less prepared we are, with the Abta report highlighting that over 55s being more likely to not check their insurance policy before going on holiday, despite the increase in numbers choosing more extreme holiday experiences.
Top tips for winter sports holidays
Whatever your age or level of experience in your chosen winter sport holiday, it pays to be careful. Here are some tips to help you prepare for a safe and fun trip – and not one to be remembered for all the wrong reasons.
- Check your insurance policy includes winter sports, such as skiing and snowboarding.
- Check what additional cover you have – your policy may not cover you for accidents when skiing off-piste or require you to have a mountain guide. You should also check for added benefits, such as lost ski passes.
- If you’re off on holiday in Europe, take a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). While it won’t cover all costs associated with medical care or private treatment, you will be able to receive state care at the same cost as if you were a citizen.
- Know your limits on the slopes – know your own abilities and choose the pistes with the right difficulty level for you.
- Wear a helmet – your insurance policy might have this as a requirement, but it is also a good idea to consider this additional safety feature, especially if you are new to skiing/snowboarding or are attempting difficult runs.
- Know the weather conditions – read avalanche reports before heading out skiing for the day and don’t take risks if it is not safe to do so.