Posted on 25 November 2018
As resorts around the world enjoy the skiing season, ABTA has released their annual warning about ski travel insurance.
An article on their website says 2.5 million Brits that go skiing aren’t aware that the terms and conditions of their insurance do not cover them on the slopes.
Extreme Sports Travel Insurance
This is not just a winter ski holiday problem. Many people who enjoy summer holiday activities like quad biking or jet skiing often find their insurance does not cover them for accidents that happen when you take part in extreme sports.
ABTA said the number of ski incidents over the past year amounted to 197, with two fatalities. However, they think numbers are higher because these are just the reported incidents.
Accidents often result in higher medical costs if emergency services must airlift you, and they urge skiers to check coverage, and if it is inadequate, upgrade, no matter what the price is.
Their stats say over 55s are the worst for not checking coverage but 6 out of 7, 18 to 24-year-old skiers do.
Along with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Great Britain Ski Club, ABTA also released other tips and advice for keeping safe while skiing. If not followed, they can also affect your insurance eligibility claims should you have an accident.
Suggestions include wearing a helmet whether one is needed and refraining from alcohol, which can lead insurance companies to say it impaired your judgement. They also re-emphasised the importance of making sure you are fit.
Director of Destinations and Sustainability Nikki White said….
“Thousands of people are hitting the slopes each year without the right travel insurance. Many assume they are covered for winter sports as part of their travel insurance, putting them at risk of costly medical bills if they have an accident.
As we head into the winter sports season, we recommend holidaymakers check their insurance cover before travelling. It’s also essential for holidaymakers to get themselves ski-fit to be safe on the slopes.”
Meanwhile, Susan Crown who works for the FCO said….
“As the ski season gets underway, we recommend anybody heading for the slopes ensures they are well prepared, so they have a safe and enjoyable holiday.
It’s important to know the FCO cannot pay medical bills if you are hospitalised abroad nor can we fly you home, and unexpected medical costs or returning to the UK can be very expensive.
That’s why it’s worth taking a few minutes to be sure all planned activities are covered, and any medical conditions declared.
This small step can help ensure that you get the support you need should anything go wrong. We want to encourage British nationals to #SkiSafe this winter.”
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