Skiers Need Travel Insurance For Winter Sports

By Alison Steed

SKIERS are being urged to get their winter travel insurance in place before they head off to the slopes for some skiing or snowboarding, just in case their traverse down the piste does not go quite to plan.

Millions of Britons will be heading off to the slopes to ski and snowboard, and many think that a European Health Insurance Certificate (EHIC) is sufficient to cover them. But a fall in the mountains is extremely costly without travel insurance, especially if you need a helicopter to take you to hospital, and you do not want to be left with the bill.

Matt Pernet, head of travel at More Than, said: "Taking a ski or snowboarding trip is great fun, travellers need to make sure that they stay safe though. It is important to get your travel insurance in place, as accidents can and do happen on the slopes. However, if you ski safely, on runs suited to your ability, you can help lower the risk of injury ruining your holiday."

Winter travel tips to help travellers stay safe and covered when heading for the mountains:

Don't ski or board off-piste unless you are with a qualified guide as many travel policies won't cover you for this.

If you are a new skier, take professional lessons - don't rely on friends or family to teach you. Don't try runs that you are not ready for.

If you are planning a ski trip, bring your fitness levels up before hand so that your body is prepared for the physical endurance required - accidents often happen because people are physically exhausted.

Any claims that involve medical or hospital treatment should immediately be reported to your insurer.

Medical expenses that occur as a result of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs are often excluded from your travel insurance cover. So don't drink and ski.

Take a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you, as well as adequate travel insurance. This will give you reduced cost or sometimes free medical treatment in 28 European countries. Get an EHIC on-line at www.dh.gov.uk/travellers, apply by phone on 0845 606 2030* or get an application form from the Post Office

Source: More Than