With winter in full swing, many people are gearing up for ski holidays. According to a report by holiday provider Club Med, its bookings have already surged by 10% compared to the same period in 2022, with January being the prime month for buying ski trips.
Alongside the thrill of the slopes, it’s important to fully understand your winter sports insurance policy. Keeping certain ‘dos’ in mind could not only secure your insurance but, in some instances, may even lower your premiums. On the flip side, certain ‘don'ts’ could potentially void your insurance.
According to a recent study by GoCompare, the average cost of medical treatment for skiing injuries stands at £894, with a substantial 44% attributed to broken bones. This means that understanding the ins and outs of ski travel insurance is crucial for both your safety and financial security.
Here is our list of ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ that could affect your ski travel insurance cover.
Don't:
1. Ignore local guidelines or government advice
Look up local rules and government advice before hitting the slopes. Neglecting these guidelines not only jeopardises your safety but could also impact your insurance coverage.
BIBA, the British Insurance Brokers' Association, cautions that your policy is unlikely to cover you if you travel against the advice of the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office).
2. Hit the black slopes if you’re a beginner
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skier, it's important to choose slopes that match your skill level. If you’re hitting the slopes for the first time, opt for green ski runs, which are generally considered to be tailored to beginners – although you should still double-check the colour codes at your resort.
Insurers expect skiers to match their abilities with appropriate slopes, so going against this could affect your coverage if you get injured.
The same caution applies to experienced skiers going off-piste. If you venture away from the main runs and have an accident, your insurance is unlikely to cover your medical bills.
3. Go base jumping before checking your policy
Before trying any extreme winter sports, such as heli-skiing or base jumping, check your insurance policy. Insurance company Staysure advises verifying coverage for these activities, as standard winter sports policies may not cover them.
Insurance coverage can vary based on the product and level of cover purchased. If you have any doubts about whether a specific activity is covered, it's best to consult your broker or insurer for clarification.
4. Don’t drink and ski
Enjoying après-ski is part of the experience for many, but mixing winter sports with alcohol or illegal drugs may void your insurance; this can also include skiing hungover from drinking the night before. Injuries under the influence may not be covered.
It's not just injuries on the slopes; if you fall on the ice or while walking during après-ski, your insurer may not pay out. Be careful and enjoy responsibly.
Do:
1. Consider going to Europe over North America
When planning your ski destination, much like other holidays, resorts in Europe will generally see lower insurance premiums than a trip to the US. Staysure suggests this is because medical care costs are generally higher in the US and Canada, contributing to increased premiums.
If you’re on a limited budget, you could consider European destinations such as Andorra or Slovenia.
2. Understand your policy
It’s important to read and understand the details of your policy, especially regarding winter sports coverage. Staysure highlights that you’ll need a policy that provides specific winter sports protection and includes cover for equipment, ski pass, piste closure and avalanches, along with cover for medical emergencies and a cancellation limit that covers the cost of your holiday.
3. Wear the necessary safety equipment
While local laws might not demand it, the BIBA strongly recommends that all travel insurance customers wear the necessary safety equipment. This could include a helmet and ski goggles.
You will also want to keep an eye on your equipment, as not all policies cover lost or stolen belongings if they have been left in plain sight or in public unattended.
4. Consider annual coverage
Think about going for an annual policy rather than separate policies; it could be a more economical decision if you plan on going on several trips.
According to Staysure, most comprehensive and signature annual policies come with standard winter sports coverage. So, if you plan to ski and take other holidays during the year, choosing annual cover could save you money instead of getting separate policies for each trip.
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