Winter is probably not the most popular season but it does have one redeeming feature – winter sports! There is something about skiing and snowboarding which can turn even the most docile person into a speed demon which might explain why one in seven skiers need medical care. Yet a quarter of Britons still travel without winter sports insurance on their ski holiday.
Winter sports insurance covers many things that standard travel insurance and the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) do not. That said, the EHIC should still be an essential item in your packing. It entitles you to reduced-cost, sometimes free, medical treatment that becomes necessary while you have a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland. But the EHIC gives you access to state-provided medical treatment only. This might not cover all the things you would expect to get totally free from the NHS in the united kingdom. You may have to make a contribution to the cost of your care and it will not cover personal repatriation. It is definitely no substitute for comprehensive winter sports insurance.
The main reason why Winter sports insurance is so important would be that the costs of emergency medical expenses can be horribly expensive. An uninsured Briton repatriated back to London from Vancouver, and that doesn't include the costs of your rescue from the slopes and initial medical treatment. And after all; the likelihood of needing medical treatment are rather higher on a winter sports holiday than on other types of trip.
It's also worth checking that your winter sports insurance policy covers you for all types of mountain rescue. After an accident it is some relief if you're able to be airlifted off the mountain to hospital rather than having to be dragged back down on the blood wagon – and in some cases you might not have a choice in the matter, but may still need to pay up if your insurance won't cover it. Also check your winter sports insurance policy for any conditions relating to going off-piste (or skiing against local recommendations or where avalanche warnings have been given) to be sure you don't invalidate your cover.
Many winter sports insurance policies will cover for a lack of snow, but worth keeping should also cover for too much snow (as in avalanche). Winter sports insurance should cover you for transportation costs to take you to an alternative skiing area in the event that ALL skiing facilities in your pre-booked resort are closed due to lack of snow or avalanche.
The winter sports industry is very ingenious and nowadays you can do so much more than just ordinary skiing and snowboarding on your holiday. Many resorts offer snowmobiling, ice diving, parapenting and much more adventurous activities. If you are thinking of taking part in activities such as these it is crucial to check with your winter sports insurance provider before you go that you are covered for your daring exploits.
A lesser known - but vitally important - reason to get winter sports insurance is to cover you for personal liability. Collisions involving skiers and snowboarders can result in costly and distressing court cases which could leave you heavily up front.
It is easier than ever to compare winter sports insurance premiums and get a good deal thanks to comparison sites such as Moneysupermarket. But be sure you check that the cover levels are sufficient to your requirements, especially the cancellation limits as winter sports holidays are often more expensive than summer holidays.
Winter sports insurance covers many things that standard travel insurance and the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) do not. That said, the EHIC should still be an essential item in your packing. It entitles you to reduced-cost, sometimes free, medical treatment that becomes necessary while you have a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland. But the EHIC gives you access to state-provided medical treatment only. This might not cover all the things you would expect to get totally free from the NHS in the united kingdom. You may have to make a contribution to the cost of your care and it will not cover personal repatriation. It is definitely no substitute for comprehensive winter sports insurance.
The main reason why Winter sports insurance is so important would be that the costs of emergency medical expenses can be horribly expensive. An uninsured Briton repatriated back to London from Vancouver, and that doesn't include the costs of your rescue from the slopes and initial medical treatment. And after all; the likelihood of needing medical treatment are rather higher on a winter sports holiday than on other types of trip.
It's also worth checking that your winter sports insurance policy covers you for all types of mountain rescue. After an accident it is some relief if you're able to be airlifted off the mountain to hospital rather than having to be dragged back down on the blood wagon – and in some cases you might not have a choice in the matter, but may still need to pay up if your insurance won't cover it. Also check your winter sports insurance policy for any conditions relating to going off-piste (or skiing against local recommendations or where avalanche warnings have been given) to be sure you don't invalidate your cover.
Many winter sports insurance policies will cover for a lack of snow, but worth keeping should also cover for too much snow (as in avalanche). Winter sports insurance should cover you for transportation costs to take you to an alternative skiing area in the event that ALL skiing facilities in your pre-booked resort are closed due to lack of snow or avalanche.
The winter sports industry is very ingenious and nowadays you can do so much more than just ordinary skiing and snowboarding on your holiday. Many resorts offer snowmobiling, ice diving, parapenting and much more adventurous activities. If you are thinking of taking part in activities such as these it is crucial to check with your winter sports insurance provider before you go that you are covered for your daring exploits.
A lesser known - but vitally important - reason to get winter sports insurance is to cover you for personal liability. Collisions involving skiers and snowboarders can result in costly and distressing court cases which could leave you heavily up front.
It is easier than ever to compare winter sports insurance premiums and get a good deal thanks to comparison sites such as Moneysupermarket. But be sure you check that the cover levels are sufficient to your requirements, especially the cancellation limits as winter sports holidays are often more expensive than summer holidays.
