Winter Sports Insurance

Winter might not be the most popular season but it does have one redeeming feature – winter sports! There is something about skiing and snowboarding which can turn even the most docile person into a speed demon which might explain why one in seven skiers need medical care*. Yet a quarter of Britons still travel without winter sports insurance on their ski holiday*.

Winter sports insurance covers many things that standard travel insurance and the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) do not. That said, the EHIC should still be an essential item in your packing. It entitles you to reduced-cost, sometimes free, medical treatment that becomes necessary while you are in a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland. But the EHIC gives you access to state-provided medical treatment only. This might not cover all the things you would expect to get free of charge from the NHS in the UK. You may have to make a contribution to the cost of your care and it will not cover personal repatriation. It is definitely no substitute for comprehensive winter sports insurance.

The main reason why Winter sports insurance is so important is that the costs of emergency medical expenses can be horribly expensive. An uninsured Briton repatriated back to London from Vancouver can expect a bill of £6,000*, and that doesn't include the costs of your rescue from the slopes and initial medical treatment. And let's face it; the chances of needing medical treatment are rather higher on a winter sports holiday than on other types of trip.

It's also worth checking that your winter sports insurance policy covers you for all types of mountain rescue. After an accident it is some relief if you can be airlifted off the mountain to hospital rather than having to be dragged back down on the blood wagon – and in some cases you might not have a choice in the matter, but may still have to pay up if your insurance won't cover it. Also check your winter sports insurance policy for any conditions relating to going off-piste (or skiing against local recommendations or where avalanche warnings have been given) to make sure you don't invalidate your cover.

Many winter sports insurance policies will cover for a lack of snow, but a good one should also cover for too much snow (as in avalanche). Winter sports insurance should cover you for transportation costs to take you to an alternative skiing area in the event that ALL skiing facilities in your pre-booked resort are closed due to lack of snow or avalanche.

The winter sports industry is very ingenious and nowadays you can do so much more than just ordinary skiing and snowboarding on your holiday. Many resorts offer snowmobiling, ice diving, parapenting and many more adventurous activities. If you are thinking of taking part in activities such as these it is very important to check with your winter sports insurance provider before you go that you are covered for your daring exploits.

A lesser known - but vitally important - reason to take out winter sports insurance is to cover you for personal liability. Collisions involving skiers and snowboarders can lead to costly and distressing court cases which could leave you heavily out of pocket.

It is easier than ever to compare winter sports insurance premiums and get a good deal thanks to comparison sites such as Moneysupermarket. But make sure you check that the cover levels are sufficient for your needs, especially the cancellation limits as winter sports holidays are often more expensive than summer holidays.

24/7 travel insurance offers winter sports insurance from just £8.76** for a single-trip policy, or from £37.21* for an annual multi-trip policy so you can hit the slopes and have plenty of change for some hot chocolates!

*Source: Telegraph.co.uk, 2nd November 2007

** Premium £8.76 includes Insurance Premium Tax; based on an individual traveller aged under 55 taking out a 'standard' Single Trip policy for 3 days in Europe including winter sports, excluding personal possessions cover and purchased within 14 days of departure date.

Premium £37.21 includes Insurance Premium Tax; based on an individual traveler aged under 55 taking out a 'standard' annual multi-trip policy for European travel including winter sports and excluding personal possessions cover.