Ski and travel insurance common pitfalls for skiers and boarders

17th January 2010

A recent survey by Ski Club of GB shows that 3 out of 4 British ski holiday makers don’t check the terms and conditions when purchasing travel insurance and an incredible 56% don't buy any travel / ski insurance at all.

Ski and travel insurance common pitfalls for skiers and boarders

We recommend that EVERYONE take out travel insurance. But not to just take it out, but to take out the right coverage. Off-piste coverage and some activities need to specifically mentioned as part of your coverage.

By not taking out any travel / ski insurance or taking out the wrong sort of coverage can end up with skier and snowboarders footing huge bills for medical expenses, transport from the mountain / returning to the UK.

“Skiers and snowboarders often get caught out when it comes to insurance. Buying a travel insurance policy is often not enough. The Ski Club urges people to check that they are covered for wintersports and that they read the small print to ensure all activities they will be participating in are covered,” said Caroline Stuart Taylor, Chief Executive of the Ski Club of Great Britain.

The Ski Club offers the following top tips:

Firstly, if you think you may be taking part in any extra winter activities such as off-piste skiing or snowboarding, tobogganing, ski touring, glacier skiing, heliskiing or even just hitting the snowpark, make sure your policy covers you for this.

Secondly, check what the provider means by off-piste. Does it cover off piste without a guide?

Thirdly if you, or your children, are taking part in fun races with the ski/ snowboard school ensure this is covered in your policy - many policies do not cover racing, even fun, recreational races.

If you are going on a ski mountaineering, hiking or trekking trip at high altitude check that your policy covers you. Many policies will limit cover to 3000m or less. If you are trekking above this height you will not be covered.

Check that you have legal expenses cover – this will cover your legal costs if someone injures you and you need to take legal action.

Don’t just go for the cheapest travel insurance policy. Cheaper policies, even those specialising in ‘wintersports cover’ may not actually cover the winter activities you’re planning.

All sounds like good advice to us.

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