29 November 2010

The average cost of a winter sports claim last winter was 478 pounds

The average cost of a winter sports claim last winter was 478 pounds

The average cost of a winter sports claim last winter was £478 highlighting the importance for travellers to take out travel insurance before skiing if they want to avoid potentially losing out on money.

Analysis by Insurewithease found a winter sports travel insurance policy could be as little as £32.16 for a whole family abroad.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office 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.

"We urge travellers to make sure they take the right precautions and get good winter sports travel insurance as well as a ski pass," said Ian Gilmour, Insurewithease's chief operating officer.

"Those travelling without adequate insurance risk huge medical bills, adding quite a bit onto the cost of their holiday."

France remains the favourite skiing destination for Brits as 47 percent of winter sports claims are made there, research showed. Eastern Europe came just behind Austria and Switzerland who were fifth and sixth in popularity.

While North America came in at second place with 15 percent of winter sports claims deriving from this holiday destination.

55 percent of winter sports claims are for medical reasons - fractures and broken bones are the biggest cause at 15 percent.

Almost 4 percent of claims made last winter were made by people in their 2s compared to only five percent by people over 5 years old.

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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.

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