Why insurers won’t pay if you drink and ski

HOLIDAYMAKERS heading off on a winter ski break should read the small print of their travel cover carefully before having a glass of wine — some insurers may refuse to pay any claim if you were under the influence.

For example, in the small print of Jet2’s travel insurance, it says: ‘We will not pay anything directly or indirectly caused by . . . being under the influence of drink or drugs (unless prescribed by a doctor), alcoholism or other alcohol-related illnesses.’

Meanwhile, Debenhams Travel Insurance even specifies a blood alcohol reading you must abide by.

It says it will not pay any claim where you are under the influence of alcohol (including but not exclusively having a blood alcohol reading of more than 150mg per 100ml). This is around double the legal alcohol limit for driving.

Virgin Money says: ‘We do not expect you to avoid alcohol consumption on trips or holidays, but we will not cover any claims arising because you have drunk so much alcohol your judgment is seriously affected and you need to make a claim as a result . . . (for example, in the opinion of the treating doctor, your excessive alcohol consumption has caused or actively contributed to your injury or illness).’

Fiona Macrae, from Travel Insurance Explained, says: ‘Some policies will not cover you if your blood alcohol level exceeds 0.19 pc — approximately four pints or four standard glasses of wine.’