GIVEN the heavy snowfalls this year across much of Europe – including Scotland – and the United States, many people are planning a late-season ski trip. But one thing last-minute holidaymakers should not neglect is adequate winter sports insurance.
An astonishing 28 per cent admitted they were not insured for injury to themselves or other people on a skiing holiday, according to research from Moneysupermarket.com, a price comparison site. A worrying 23 per cent could not remember if they had ta
ken insurance.
Peter Gerrard, head of insurance research at Moneysupermarket.com, said: "The millions of people who ski and snowboard cannot afford to skimp on their travel insurance. While some people may not realise they need extra cover for winter sports, it seems many are prepared to take a huge financial risk, both to themselves and potentially to other skiers."
There are many exclusions to watch out for even if you have bought additional winter sports and skiing cover with your normal travel insurance. Some common exclusions are tobogganing, off-piste skiing and snowboarding, ski-jumping, heli-skiing and luging.
Something many people are unaware of is that virtually every travel insurance policy has a clause stating if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of an incident, any claim may be rendered invalid.
Allan Burns, head of Tesco Travel Insurance, explained: "People need to be careful over their drinking. And everyone should also be aware that resorts in the United States have traditionally taken a tougher approach to skiing under the influence of alcohol.
In America, teams of "piste police", known as "yellow jackets", patrol the slopes targeting out-of-control skiers or snowboarders, sometimes breathalysing and prosecuting them for causing injury. In Colorado, the fine for being caught drunk is up to $1,000. European resorts are starting to catch up with this approach – and don't forget about the morning after.
Being careful on the slopes, and being insured, is especially important given the cost of treatment, Tesco has warned. A rescue from the French slopes by helicopter to hospital can cost around £2,000.
People should always check the small print on their travel insurance for any other exclusions which might not be that obvious.
As Steven Williams, travel insurance expert at Confused.com, said: "There are a number of unusual things to be aware of.
"High winds and gusty weather can close ski-lifts, for example, but remember acts of god are not necessarily covered by insurance policies. It's important to address any such issues before going on holiday."
And he continued: "Unlike car insurance, travel insurance is not a 'grudge' purchase, so people should spend some time thinking about what activities they will want to take part in before going away.
"If you're taking your own ski boots and equipment, ensure you have adequate cover. While on the slope, remember not to leave your skis outside and unattended when you go for a comfort break as you won't be insured. If your equipment is now more than five years old you can't claim if you damage it. And if you have an annual travel insurance policy, you probably won't be covered for winter sports holidays lasting more than 17 days."
Competitive types are also advised to avoid pushing themselves beyond their capabilities on the slope because of "piste envy".
InsureandGo found 25 per cent of UK adults have bitten off more than they can chew because they have been jealous of others' ability. Perhaps not surprisingly, men are the worst sufferers, with 43 per cent owning up to this condition.
Perry Wilson, managing director of InsureandGo, said: "Skiing and snowboarding can be dangerous sports if not treated with respect, and we urge people to consider their own safety and the safety of others before going out of their way to impress people on the slopes."
The biggest sufferers of piste envy were males in the 35 to 44 age range, suggesting that an impending mid-life crisis might be pushing people to prove their manhood.
Wilson added: "It's commonly accepted that men suffer from a need to prove themselves when it comes to sports and our research backs that up. What we would stress to these people is that if you push yourself beyond your ability, you'll often end up looking foolish, and you certainly won't look cool if you or somebody else is being taken down the mountain on a 'blood-wagon'."
Despite such warnings it seems many British people are heading for the slopes unprepared. One in four goes without travel insurance, 27 per cent mistakenly believe that all annual travel policies cover ski holidays as standard and a fifth would try out adventure sports, such as ice-lake diving and tobogganing, that were excluded from their policy.
Jacky Brown, head of travel insurance at esure, said: "Any winter sports holiday comes with a certain element of risk. Whether on a nursery slope or a black run, accidents do happen and it's crucial to have medical cover to avoid footing a hefty bill."
Be prepared, and if you have any doubt about what you are covered for, contact your insurer before you leave.
Being the fall guy proved worth of proper coverDESPITE being an experienced skier, Alice Shaw, 27, from Edinburgh, had a serious accident while working as a chalet maid in France in 2005 that made her realise the importance of having appropriate travel insurance in place.
Shaw, now working as a florist in Edinburgh, said: "I was working as a chalet maid and had a collision with a child while out skiing. I broke my nose and thumb and ended up with black eyes. I had to go to hospital and was taken off the mountain by helicopter. I also had to be interviewed by the French police, although the collision wasn't my fault.
"The bill for treatment came to about 400, plus another 80 for a chemist. My travel insurance was supplied through my employer and the policy was with a company called Claims International.
"But despite filling in all the paperwork and returning it, the company later said they had no record of my claim. Letters went back and forward and, finally, last September, I received the final correspondence about the matter."
Shaw's mother also had an accident while skiing and had a similar experience with her claim.
Shaw added: "I haven't been put off skiing by this; in fact I'm planning to go in the next few weeks. But I will wear a helmet and get travel insurance from a brand name which I know."
TIPS FOR THE SLOPES• Don't forget to buy travel insurance. Make sure it includes winter sports cover – never assume it comes as standard – and don't rely on the limited cover provided by a free European health insurance card.
• Check what's covered Before booking any activity at a ski resort – such as glacier-walking, ski mobiling or cross-country skiing – check your insurance to make sure the activity isn't excluded.
• Read the small print Make sure you're clued up before you're on the slopes. There are often restrictions for pursuits such as off-piste skiing, and some insurers may only offer cover within a certain number of metres of a run or authorised areas.
• Take your insurance documents with you Having telephone numbers and policy particulars at hand is crucial before booking higher-risk activities at a resort or in the event of an injury.
• Covered for no snow? Last year's winter season started late and many early-birds were faced with grassy slopes, so checking compensation limits for a snow-free ski holiday may be worthwhile.
Source: esure
