Take cover when heading for the slopes this winter
Personal insurance
4th December 2009
Skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts are reminded by Giles Insurance Brokers Ltd of the key role that winter sports insurance can play in ensuring that their break does not cost them more than they intended.
With a higher number of people expected to head for the piste this season, the company advises travellers to check that they have adequate cover for the activities they are planning to participate in while they are overseas.
Recent data from esure indicated that almost 2.8 million people from the UK will travel to ski slopes this winter, 50 per cent more than during the same period of last year, placing more Britons at risk of injury without insurance. A total of 12 per cent of snowboarders polled by the company said that did not plan to take out a policy before travelling, despite the statistics suggesting that seven per cent of skiers have previously suffered an injury while on such a trip.
Carl Christopher of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents recently advised skiers and snowboarders to plan carefully, try out the sport and wear helmets in order to prevent "unnecessary injuries" during their trips. And, according to a survey by Confused.com, one in four respondents claimed to having been affected by drunken skiers, with 24 per cent admitting to having hit the slopes after consuming more than four units of alcohol.
Susan Young, group personal lines director of Giles Insurance, explained: "Many British skiers and snowboarders of all abilities injure themselves on the piste each year and the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) often does not provide cover if they have to travel in an air ambulance or fly home to the UK for treatment.
"Failure to take out adequate travel policies before setting off on a winter sports break can result in bills running into thousands or even tens of thousands of pounds if injuries occur, both inside and outside the European Union."
In addition to medical assistance, holiday insurance can also provide protection against cancellation, lost baggage and, in some cases, ski passes, sports gear or going off-piste, with a range of deals on offer from providers to suit all requirements. Additionally, a trend for more extreme winter sports is also emerging, including ice diving, travelling off-piste and bobsleighing, making full cover all the more important.
Meanwhile, Ms Young also has advice for those currently battling the winter gloom by booking breaks in the sun.
"Holidaymakers are advised that not all activities will be covered by travel insurance policies and if they are planning a particularly adventurous break with sports such as jet skiing, swimming with sharks or white water rafting, it is advisable to purchase additional cover," she added.
Giles Insurance is one of the UK's leading independent insurance brokers, with access to a range of the country's largest insurers, providing customers with access to an array of winter sports and travel cover.
