Snowmobiling Ski Insurance

Why Need Ski Insurance At All?

It is staggering to learn that many Brits go skiing without taking out special winter sports cover. Many simply rely on their EHIC card and normal travel insurance.

EHIC is the European Health Insurance Card. It used to be called the E111 and is a reciprocal health agreement between European countries including Switzerland. This gives you access to state provided healthcare during a temporary stay in another European economic area. You can apply for EHIC through the EHIC online application form, this is free of charge, so do beware as unofficial websites will try and charge you.

You cannot however rely solely on this for a ski holiday let alone a holiday involving snowmobiling. The reason for this is that EHIC will not cover many of the things you may need should you have an accident on the slopes. So for example mountain rescue is not covered, nor is being flown back to the UK. Lost or stolen property is also not included. So for anyone skiing, EHIC alone may not cover you.

A normal travel insurance policy will also not cover you for a ski holiday. If you are unlucky enough to hurt yourself then those injuries can be quite serious. You may break a bone and need to be airlifted off the slopes which can run into thousands of pounds. Or you could cause a serious accident to another skier or boarder and be liable for their costs. Skiing and boarding are dangerous sports as is snowmobiling, you could endure life threatening injuries, so always make sure you take out specialist ski insurance.

Another consideration, if you are also skiing or boarding, is your equipment. The equipment you use for skiing and boarding is expensive. If someone steals your board or skis then that could set you back thousands of pounds. This may not be covered under most general travel insurance policies.

Snowmobiling

Snowmobiles are also known as snow machines and are vehicles that allow you to travel on open terrain or trails. Those who ride them are sometimes called sledders and the sport has become increasingly popular. In fact there are snowmobile tours and holidays that you can book or you can enjoy dusk snowmobile tours as part of a ski holiday.

You normally have to be 18 or over to take part and many resorts have strict regulations on the times and conditions of snowmobiles. Many resorts that offer snowmobile experiences offer off piste, forest trails, and speed and trial zones.

Risks Associated With Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling is a dangerous activity. It is easy to lose control of the snowmobile on ice which can lead to broken bones and knocked out teeth. In more serious cases then paralysis can occur. It is vital that if you are snowmobiling you are adequately insured as you could require being airlifted off the slopes, a hospital stay and being repatriated home.

There are safety precautions that you should take. These include always going out on a snowmobile in pairs. It is also essential that you wear the right clothes and suitable head protection. Some insurance policies will also state that you must be accompanied by a qualified driver. Never jump off a snowmobile and also avoid distractions. As such do not use your mobile or camera whilst on the snowmobile.

What To Be Aware Of When Looking For Snowmobile Insurance

Personal Liability and Personal Injury

Because people often have no experience of driving  snowmobiles some insurance companies will cover your medical bills if you have an accident, but you may not be covered for personal liability, where you are deemed responsible for someone else’s accident or personal injury, so do check the small print.

Add It To Your Cover

Do not assume that snowmobiling is covered in a general ski or boarding insurance policy. Some companies will not insure you or will but you have to select it as an activity.

Cover Required

Do look for cover that gives you up to £10m for snowmobiling accidents, personal liability up to £1m if you can get it and cancellation cover as if this is your only ski trip you want to get money back if it is cancelled. Also ensure that the value of your equipment is covered should you lose your skis or board.

 A final tip is to really check the small print of any policy. What looks cheap may for example come with a high excess making a claim not cost effective. For example some cheaper policies set excess levels at £200, lose your gloves and the policy isn’t really worth it.