Don't Cut Corners on Ski Insurance

There are very real risks of injuries when you're on the slopes. From broken bones to torn ligaments or head injuries. And that's just for starters.

Did you know there are about 10,000 British skiers and snowboarders each year that have to visit hospitals in the UK on their return from their winter sport holidays? (* Source - ROSPA)

So the true number of injuries will be quite a bit higher than this as a lot of injuries are dealt with in the hospitals and medical centres abroad.

We thought it would be good to take a quick look at some of the more sobering facts and information to show what a mistake not taking out a 10 minute bit of research online would cost.

Treatment Costs for Ski Injuries

The AA have recently disclosed just how much ski injuries can cost you.

• If you injure yourself on the slopes then a 20 minute ride in a helicopter in Europe could cost up to £1,000, up to £2,500 in the USA
   
• Treating a dislocated shoulder could cost up to £2,000 in Europe, and £10,000 in the USA.
   
• It could cost £10,000 to fly you home from Europe with a fractured hip and double that from the USA.
   

Skiing injuries are sadly often not simple affairs so hospital and medical costs can quickly rise. Not to mention if you need further treatment or drugs.

Why is Specialist Ski Insurance Required?

Many skiers and boarders don’t bother with winter sports insurance as they wrongly assume they are covered already. For example, if you took out annual travel insurance for your summer holiday to Spain this will almost certainly not cover your skis if they are stolen, but more importantly it will certainly not pay out to airlift you off the slopes.

Do not assume that all insurance policies are the same.

Likewise, many skiers simply depend on their European health Insurance card (EHIC). Whilst this will cover you for some costs, generally in Europe it will not cover you for issues arising from a ski holiday. For example, it does not cover you for the costs of getting you off the mountain (check out the very cheap insurance that is Carte Neige),  nor will it cover the costs of your hospital stay for most ski injuries.

A lot of good skiers or boarders also assume that because they are good they don’t need insurance. That argument relies on the assumption that everyone around you knows what they are doing as well. Your accident may be caused by a sheer fluke or by another skier or boarder who is being reckless. Never assume it will not happen to you.

So if you want to make sure that you are adequately covered for any injuries you sustain skiing or boarding but you don’t want to pay out a fortune what are the options?

Cheap Ski Insurance, Check the Detail!

Before you jump at the first ski insurance policy you can find (and there are lots out there) do check the small print. Your quote could be less than £10 for an individual single trip to a European resort, but there may be a high excess and almost nothing for baggage loss.

Cheap may not always mean a great bargain. Ski clothes and equipment are expensive to replace and injuries incurred during skiing and snowboarding are, as we have previously mentioned, often not small ‘plaster’ affairs. So do check the small print and policy details before you sign up.

The recommendation is to aim for at least £2m for medical expenses, £1m personal liability (this will cover you if you cause someone an accident on the slopes and they decide to sue you), £3,000 cancellation of your holiday and £1,500 baggage.

In addition to this check out what you get if your flight/holiday is delayed by bad weather. The ash cloud incidents over the past two years have made this problem very real. Some policies will pay out £20 an hour for the first 12 hours. But the overall message is try and get a good deal on your ski insurance but don’t assume that cheap is always best. It may be worth paying a bit more for peace of mind and above all to ensure that, should the worse happen, you can pay all the bills.

Our tips for Safe Skiing and Boarding

As well as keeping your arms and legs intact, you'll also ensure you don't have the hassle and grief of contacting and communicating with your insurers claims department.

1. Always follow piste and snowboarding park rules and regulations. Some insurers will not pay out if they discover that you were not abiding by these rules
    
2. Always take your ski insurance paperwork on holiday with you and keep it safe. Also take your EHIC details and any other emergency information
    
3. Buy a lock for your skis and snowboard. A good one will only set you back £20 but it could be enough to deter someone from stealing them. If you are unlucky and they are stolen do report it to the local police, some insurers will need a police number for your claim
    
4. We would recommend that you always wear a helmet, it could save your life. But in addition insurers are starting to state this in their policies. Essential Travel currently is the only insurer where it is mandatory but it won’t be long before the others follow suit
    
5. A lot of ski resorts allow alcohol on the slopes via the restaurants and bars but do be aware that if the medical team believe you are ‘under the influence’ your insurer will not pay out. So maybe save the drink for the après ski
    
6. If you are an independent skier then do check that your insurance cover is comprehensive enough to cover you for delays and accommodation if you are stuck in resort, much of this comes as standard with package holidays
    
7. When booking an annual policy check how many days a year you are covered for your winter sports. Some only allow you 17 days a year so do check the small print
    

In Summary

It won't cost a fortune to ensure you cover yourself adequately for just about every eventuality on the slopes. Please don't leave anything to chance and make sure you compare a couple of different providers as the policies differ from company to company.

Check out our single trip or multi trip insurance providers using the tabs above and in a little over 10 minutes you can be covered for your ski holiday.