The average cost of a winter sports claim last winter was £2,200

The average cost of a winter sports claim last winter was £2,200 highlighting the importance for travellers to take out travel insurance before skiing if they want to avoid potentially losing out on money.

Whilst travel insurance policies covering a 40 year old for a weeks skiing break in France can be purchased for little more than £22 through the MoneyMaxim Travel Insurance comparison service the concern is that many fly off to the slopes without taking any cover at all.

Kelly Whittington, Director of Travel claims at Aviva urges those planning a trip to think long and hard before travelling without cover.

"Whilst we all hope the worst won’t happen, accidents or illnesses occur and medical expenses can be very costly, especially in some countries. If you’re unlucky enough to need hospital treatment or need to be flown home early, medical expenses can even run into the tens or hundreds of thousands." she says.

The Aviva research shows that a broken leg costs £7,500 on average, with The United States, Canada and Andorra being the top three most expensive countries for treatment during winter season.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office also warns holidaymakers if they are skiing they should take precautionary measures such as checking their ski equipment thoroughly, not skiing off-piste, and to wear goggles and sunscreen.

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If you are preparing to set off for a winter holiday abroad before or after Christmas make sure you remember to take travel insurance so you are not faced with an unaffordable bill.

Many insurance providers will offer a good deal to cover a whole family as they take to the slopes as the article shows, but make sure they cover you for medical bills and the excess they charge is not too high.