Don't let ski trips go downhill

Nearly 2.8 million people will be hitting the piste this winter season, according to new figures from insurer Esure. Thousands will be heading to new, and cheaper, destinations in Eastern

Europe in an attempt to save cash in the current uncertain climate. With new figures from provider InsureandGo showing that people can save 40 per cent by heading to Bulgaria’s top resort

rather than the French Alps this winter, it makes good financial sense. But your trip could prove much less of a bargain if you suffer an accident and don’t have adequate cover in place.

Despite the high risk of injury for those blasting down a black run, or even snow-ploughing down a nursery slope, one in eight will not take out travel insurance before taking to the piste,

said Esure. This could be extremely costly given that Esure’s figures show that being carted off the slopes by paramedics could set you back about £200, while a helicopter evacuation would

cost £1,500. Worse, if you are repatriated back to the UK from Europe, it would cost about £4,000, rising to £8,000 from the USA or Canada. “Many will be taking advantage of the significant

savings that can be made by going to a country such as Bulgaria,” says Perry Wilson from InsureandGo. “But we would urge them not to cut back on winter- sports travel insurance, as this is a

false economy if they have an accident or lose some luggage.” Anyone travelling to a resort in the EU should get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) as this entitles you to

state-provided healthcare in the country. However, it will not cover extras such as air ambulance or personal liability and is not a substitute for insurance. Lee Griffin from price-

comparison service Gocompare.com warns: “If you are looking for winter-sports cover, you may need to buy a separate policy, as many standard policies won’t provide the required cover,” he

says. “A winter-sports policy is worth having for the medical cover alone; typically between £5 million and £10 million in medical expenses.” You should ensure the policy offers adequate

cover for personal liability and cancellation, loss, theft and damage to your possessions. Price-comparison service Moneysupermarket.com recommends skiers and snowboarders take out a policy

offering at least £2 million for medical expenses, £1 million for personal liability, £3,000 cancellation, £1,500 baggage and £250 cash. It’s also crucial that you check the small print for

any exclusions. “Policies covering winter sports can vary from provider to provider, with caveats commonplace,” says Maxine Baker from Moneysupermarket.com. “Some policies may include extras

such as cover for sports equipment, ski pass or going off piste, but not all do.” One area to check that you’re covered for is piste closure, says Griffin. “If the snowfall isn’t enough to

keep the piste open, your policy could compensate you in part,” he says. Almost half of all policies pay out up to £200, and a quarter are capped at £300; some go as high as £600 but a few

companies pay nothing at all.