SKIING? - CHECK YOU COVER

01/05

A survey carried out by the Post Office has revealed that over 40% of ski holidaymakers have inadequate insurance, and less than 50% knew whether they were adequately covered or not.

1,000 people took part showed the average cost for treatment ranged from £700 to £150,000.

According to the Ski Club of Great Britain, out of 1.2 million winter sports holidaymakers, 500,000 took a winter sports holiday in France, and 14,000 suffered injuries. France is the cheapest place for treatment for winter sports injuries, with evacuation to hospital costs on average £2,500 and repatriation costs £6,000. In the USA the costs are much higher, for example, treatment for a broken leg costs £6,000 alone.

The Foreign Office says that ski slopes are among the 5 sites where travel related injuries are most likely to occur, so it is vital that you contact PHA to ensure you have adequate cover.

In an article in the Telegraph, it is suggested that you buy insurance from a specialist to get a better deal than from the tour operator.

Consider the following:

• Price: Often an annual plan works out better value than separate trip policies.
• Medical & Personal Liability: These should be at least £2 million cover if skiing or boarding in the USA, and should also include mountain rescue and helicopter lift.
• Cancellation or Curtailment: Check that this covers the cost of your holiday.
• Piste Closure: There can be a lot of conditions applied to this compensation.
• Off-piste: Even with a comprehensive policy, you are unlikely to be covered for skiing beyond resort boundaries in North America. Conditions apply.
• Ski Pack: This covers having to cancel things like unused pre-paid lessons, lift passes and equipment hire due to illness or injury.
Lost or Damaged Hired Equipment: Watch out for the exclusions. Also, check if this is covered on your policy before taking out the hirer’s insurance.
• Exclusions: Check your policy if you are planning on taking part in other adventurous activities or races.

Caroline Theobald suffered 3 skiing accidents and now knows the importance of the correct insurance.