Swinton Insurance Highlights a Ski season mistake which could cost you thousands of pounds

As the ski season kicks off, winter thrill seekers are being warned of the one mistake that could cost them thousands of pounds - not having the right travel insurance in place. 

• Ski season is approaching, and in high demand with the Winter Olympics taking place next year
• Many holidaymakers unaware that they need a dedicated add on to their travel insurance to ensure they're protected on the slopes
• Without cover, costs could amount up to £150,000 in severe cases. 

Experts at travel insurance broker, Swinton Travel Insurance, are encouraging Brits to understand the possible financial implications of not having the right cover while they’re on the slopes, as many winter holidaymakers may be unaware of what they need. 

"Some travellers assume that an EHIC card or standard insurance will suffice, but it doesn’t always,” states Sean Doolan at Swinton Travel Insurance. "Standard travel insurance policies usually exclude winter sports, so you'll need a dedicated policy to stay protected."

And this mistake could be costing Brits thousands of pounds.

How much could it cost?

Without the right cover, even a minor accident can become a major financial headache. Mountain rescues, medical treatment, hospital stays, transport, and even legal or medical repatriation costs in severe cases are all your financial responsibility if you don’t have the right insurance.

According to popular French ski resort Val d’Isere, a rescue on the slopes can cost up to €669 (£589), and off-piste up to €1,247 (£1,098). That’s without the cost of medical bills, accommodation and transport, or legal fees if someone else has been injured as a result.

In more serious cases, medical repatriation may be necessary to transport injured holidaymakers. This could involve a ground ambulance, a medical escort or stretcher on a commercial flight, or an air ambulance if a regular flight cannot be used safely.

While repatriation costs vary, repatriation service Sky Care UK warns this could cost anywhere from £8,000 from France, to £150,000 from Canada or the United States – popular winter sports destinations for many Brits.

And without insurance, these expenses are your responsibility.

"Without cover, you’ll also have to arrange the complexities of repatriation yourself,” explains Sean. “With cover, your provider usually handles it, working with doctors, booking transport, and handling paperwork."

What activities are covered?

Most providers will require a winter sports add on as these type of specialist activities are not covered under a standard policy.

This includes skiing, snowboarding, sledging, snow biking, and glacier skiing and walking. 

And many travellers will be unaware that these activities are not covered under a standard policy, or they may skip taking out a policy altogether.

This follows research from ABTA that shows a quarter of people who went on a holiday abroad in the past 12 months did so without travel insurance, with young holidaymakers aged 25-34 the worst culprits, and historic research from the company showing that 2.5 million Brits never checked whether they had taken out appropriate insurance for winter activities. 

"Make sure your policy includes all planned activities you're looking to enjoy, as cover for activities can vary by insurer," summarises Sean. 

For more information, please visit: https://www.swinton.co.uk/spotlight/lifestyle/what-to-know-about-winter-holidays-and-travel-insurance

Swinton Travel Insurance is a travel insurance provider offering single and multi-trip policies with flexible cover limits and multiple benefits included as standard. Swinton Travel Insurance is part of the Markerstudy Group.

Established in 2001, Markerstudy Group is one of the leading insurance service providers in the UK, protecting in excess of eight million customers with a comprehensive range of insurance products and services. To find out more, please visit: https://www.swinton.co.uk/travel-insurance.