Winter sports Travel Insurance

Most of us like to take our holiday in the bright sunshine of summer, but you may be one of the millions who are drawn to snow, mountains and the exhilaration of winter sports – skiing, snowboarding, maybe driving a dog sledge. Amazing scenery, fresh air, bracing temperatures and the thrill of adventure combine to make a winter sports holiday something special.

But these snowy sojourns come complete with a special set of risks that can ruin your holiday. Snow may not arrive; expensive ski equipment can be lost or broken. And of course, there is the risk of injury from an accident. According to the US Insurance Information Institute, over 59,000 Americans alone were injured partaking in winter sports during 2014.

You can do a lot to reduce the likelihood or impact of a serious accident. Wearing a helmet comes pretty much at the top of that list. It is very unusual nowadays to see anyone without one. Restricting your skiing to slopes and speeds that match your skill levels is also sensible. It goes without saying that abstaining from alcohol when on the slopes will improve your safety, as well as those around you.

But if the worst happens, the potential cost of an accident on the mountains can be eye-watering, whether it is the price of being helicoptered off the mountain or the hospital medical bills. One insurer in 2014 paid out over £12,000 to a skier who broke their pelvis, had to be rescued by helicopter and then flown home. Travel insurance with a winter cover extension will help with deal with these costs – though you can get medical treatment with a European Health Insurance Card – as well as covering many other risks, such as the equipment, cancellation or being unable to ski due to poor conditions.

Check your travel insurance policy to ensure it includes winter cover. If not, buy additional cover that includes it – before you hit the slopes.

FYI Source of statistic: http://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/sports-injuries

Broken pelvis claim:

https://www.theguardian.com/money/2014/jan/16/buyers-guide-winter-sports-insurance