16 December 2015

Are Winter Sports included in your travel insurance? Don't avoid this critical cover

Don't take the risk. Find winter sports insurance for your skiing holiday.

At the beginning of this month ABTA, alongside the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, released the results of research into winter sports insurance. The results were shocking. About a third of travellers take a skiing or other winter sports holiday without making sure they have the correct insurance. Not all travel insurance policies will automatically cover you if you want to take to the slopes. At MoneyMaxim we can offer a variety of quotes for winter sports insurance.

The results of ABTA's survey of 600 travellers showed that the age group 25-34 were the most likely to have the correct cover but surprisingly a staggering 55% of over 65s will not have ensured they are covered for everything they need. Whilst millions of us enjoy time in the mountains it is a fact that skiing and winter sports are amongst the most dangerous common holiday activities. Since 2012 there have been 45 deaths of British citizens reported to ABTA from skiing or snowboarding activities. In addition there have been thousands of injuries.

Being uninsured can leave winter sports enthusiasts heavily out of pocket. The average claim on a ski policy is in the region of £600 but more serious injuries can cost more than £10,000. Many people think that the EHIC card is enough cover but that will only provide you with the same level of state medical care as a local, it is not private medical cover. It is still important to have one however. The EHIC card will not cover you for rescue off a mountain nor will it cover repatriation fees which can easily amount to about £11,500.

Those heading for the US and Canada face even bigger bills as medical costs across the Atlantic tend to be higher still.

The most important factor when considering insurance is making sure it suits all your demands and needs. If you are a confident skier and are planning to go off-piste take a look at what each policy will cover. There are several that cover off-piste but they insist you ski with a guide and stay within a resort boundary. Will the policy insist you wear a helmet? If so make sure you wear one as if you have an accident and you are not wearing one, it could void your insurance. There are often other clauses in policies regarding such issues as skiing whilst under the influence of alcohol and needing to lock up skis.

One policy that appeals to our more enthustiastic skier and boarder users is that offered by MPI Brokers. Designed for serious participants it offers some really great features, such as:

• Comprehensive Off Piste cover dependent on you being sensible rather than on where you are on the mountain or who you are with.

• Covers skis left outside mountain restaurants and drinking spots as long as you separate your skis.

• Very reasonable cover limits for ski related losses.

If you are keen on your winter sports have a look at the full policy details at MPI Brokers. It's certainly worth looking at alongside any other policies you review.

Just be sure that whichever policy you choose, you are aware of all the rules so you do not find yourself in trouble. So if you are an experienced skier, an adventurous snowboarder or a complete novice, or indeed if you have a pre-existing medical condition and are looking for winter sports insurance to suit you, we are here to help.

Image courtesy of: Pixabay