For the estimated 1.8 million skiers and snowboarders in the UK, it looks like conditions for this year’s winter sports season continue to be set fair.
In Europe, the persistence of the La Niña weather phenomenon has encouraged cold air to be drawn down from the Arctic, contributing to healthy levels of snowfall across the region’s pistes. Meanwhile, resorts in North America have been topped up with fresh powder after one of the best starts to the season in recent years.
Looking at beautiful images of snow-dusted mountains under azure-blue skies, it’s easy to see why so many people feel the pull of the slopes. Indeed, after a decline enforced by Covid, the number of travellers indulging their passion for winter sports has almost returned to pre-pandemic levels.
But there is no escaping the fact that activities such as skiing and snowboarding come with risks. Despite more widespread use of protective equipment and awareness-raising public safety campaigns, even talented skiers remain prone to accident and injury.
Underestimating risks
Perhaps surprisingly, statistics suggest that this risk is greatest not among thrill-seeking younger populations but among those in middle age who can be guilty of underestimating risks while overestimating their own skills and physical abilities.
Even more surprising still is the fact that more than one in ten (11%) winter holidaymakers do not take out appropriate travel insurance to cover themselves against these risks. This comes despite the cost of medical bills quickly escalating into the thousands.
Precise costs will vary from destination to destination. Analysis of claims data from Aviva places the United States and Canada at the top of the list, with an average cost of medical treatment for winter sports injuries of £6,877 and £5,797 respectively.
Costs are also dependent on the type of injury, with the five most common winter sports – dislocation, rib fractures, fractured clavicle, broken leg and broken wrist – varying in average cost of medical treatment from £3,150 to £7,500.
And if the injured person needs to be airlifted from the slopes or repatriated then the bill can rise significantly, particularly when it comes to more far-flung destinations.
Protection against financial impact
While it can’t provide a salve for the physical pain or prevent the associated disruption, travel insurance can provide valuable protection against the unexpected financial impact of such events. More specifically, it is highly recommended that slope-bound travellers take out a relevant winter sports policy to cover themselves against the particular risks presented by skiing and snowboarding.
These risks are not necessarily included within standard travel insurance policies and they are also not covered by the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) that superseded the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) following Brexit.
Indeed, such is the importance of winter sports insurance that countries such as Italy have made it mandatory for all skiers by law. Here, those without cover in place stand to receive a fine of €100-€150 as well as having their lift pass cancelled.
Covering eventualities
As well as covering the costs of medical treatment, winter sports insurance can also protect against travel plans being disrupted prior to the trip. Policies can also include provisions for loss or damage to equipment as well as piste closures and delays caused by avalanches.
As with all insurance, it is important to understand any conditions and exclusions when it comes to winter sports cover. For example, policies might require that you wear a helmet and they might not cover you for off-piste skiing. Drinking alcohol, while not only potentially impairing your judgement, could also mean your cover is invalidated.
And if an accident results in injury to another person, then third party liability is necessary to provide crucial protection against any claims that might be brought.
Peace of mind on piste
In this context, sourcing the appropriate travel insurance cover should form an essential part of any skiing or snowboarding holiday. Individuals should check the details of the policy to ensure they precisely understand the nature and duration of the cover.
Using a specialist health insurance broker can help by ensuring the cover you receive is reflective of the specific level of risk to which you are exposed. By scanning offers across the entire insurance market, they can also ensure premiums are properly evaluated in terms of market competitiveness.
Admittedly, you won’t be able to eradicate all of the inherent risks or get the guarantee of perfect powder days, but you will have peace of mind that when you do hit the slopes, you’re fully protected.
The information contained within this communication does not constitute financial advice and is provided for general information purposes only. No warranty, whether express or implied is given in relation to such information. Vintage Health or any of its associated representatives shall not be liable for any technical, editorial, typographical or other errors or omissions within the content of this communication.
