Ski Insurance
Do you need family ski insurance?
Are you reading this now thinking something along the lines of "We
are all experienced on the slopes. I am sure as experienced skiers and
boarders, we can all go and spend a week skiing and boarding and we've
never had any injuries in previous years!
The statistics say it's
highly likely that you will be injury-free when you look at the number
of skiers and boarders Vs accidents. However, read our article and
you'll see why paying for ski insurance, at what is a very small
percentage of the total cost of your family holiday, is probably the
best money you'll spend!
Whether you are a novice or experienced skier, going away as a family or on your own, specialist ski insurance
is a must. Many standard travel insurance policies will not cover you
for any mishaps on or off the slopes. We have listed below a few reasons
why ski insurance is essential:
- Medical emergency and repatriation cover.
Accidents can easily happen on the slopes and you need the reassurance
of knowing that hospital bills will be paid and that you will get home
safely. It is important to note that serious ski accidents do tend to
involve costly medical treatment.
- Accident and injury compensation. If you do
have an accident on your skiing or snowboarding holiday and cannot
continue with any activities you may well be out of pocket for pre
booked lessons, ski passes and equipment hire. Many specialist ski
insurance policies will offer you compensation if this happens.
- Ski equipment. Ski and boarding equipment is
expensive and can go missing or get damaged. Insurance can cover this
and the cost of any missing ski passes.
- On and off piste ski cover. Some insurance
policies will not cover you should you have an accident off piste so if
you enjoy chasing the powder it is worth checking that your insurance
covers you for this.
- Lost stolen or damaged possessions. On top of
the equipment itself, skiing requires a serious amount of kit from
salopettes, to boots and goggles. So it is vital to ensure that you are
covered for all such losses.
- Cancellation, curtailment and trip cancellation.
Not something you really want to think about but it can and does
happen. Ensure that you are covered and you will have complete peace of
mind.
- Weather issues. Too little or too much snow can
cause problems on ski holidays. Some specialist ski insurance policies
will offer compensation to allow you to transfer to a different resort
should the weather be a problem.
So, if you are thinking of not insuring yourself properly for that family ski trip because it seems to be too much money to 'waste', consider the following : there are significantly higher risks on a ski holiday than on a beach holiday or city break and the medical costs are high. For example in Europe a broken leg could incur £3,500 to £7,000 in medical costs but in the US or Canada the same injury could easily cost you between £13,000 and £16,000 plus repatriation costs.
Many Brits also think they can turn to their European Health Insurance cards (EHIC's) for cover. The EHIC entitles holders to free or discounted medical treatment on the same terms as all nationals in EU states - but it excludes air ambulances, which are often vital if you are injured high on the slopes, and private hospitals (which many seem to be, close to the slopes!). No insurance means a personal bill anywhere from £3000 upwards.
The main thing is to check that your policy is right for you. For example, you may be a beginner with a policy that insures you for skiing off piste but does not insure you for tobogganing, so ensure that you shape it to your needs.
So if you're looking for ski travel insurance, why not compare a few policies from leading brands like Columbus Direct, Essential Travel, Marks & Spencer or even American Express through the website SkiCover.co.uk and make sure you don't have to worry about any little falls or tumbles when you're on the slopes.