Get the right insurance to avoid winter holiday going downhill
WINTER SPORTS can make for a great holiday but all too often insurance protection is either overlooked or left to the last minute just as the passports are being located.
With the high cost of getting an injured person off the slopes and repatriated, it is only the reckless who do not take out full cover. Too many rely on the still free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) but in neither of these scenarios will the card be of help. It simply gives medical assistance in state hospitals in Europe.
If taking a holiday more than once in the year, an annual multitrip policy is likely to work out cheaper than several single-use travel ones. However, check the maximum number of winter sports days allowed within a year on an annual policy.
There may be a restriction or additional cost on age, particularly with banks and building societies which offer travel insurance as part of a package current account. Nationwide, which uses Leedsbased UK Insurance, both increased its premium (from £50 to £65) and lowered its upper age (from 75 to 70 years) last week.
“We always prompt customers to declare any pre-existing medical conditions or ongoing tests and investigations,” says Jason Harris, Aviva’s senior claims manager, adding:
“It makes sure cover is not invalidated should they need to make a claim.”
Their winter sports cover is an optional add-on to the standard travel policy and includes medical treatment up to £10m.
“Skiing without adequate insurance is a slippery slope,” says Ross Garner of NFU Mutual. He reveals the average medical bill for a winter sports injury was £1,300 last year but more complicated accidents and injuries can run into “tens of thousands of pounds”.
Direct Line say a helicopter rescue off a slope can cost £2,000 and an air ambulance from the Alps to the UK over £10,000.
Apart from covering health treatment and repatriation, travel cover helps in many other ways. It should be in place from the moment a booking is made so that, in the event you have to cancel, there is protection.
Families should look for a comprehensive policy that includes all those likely to holiday. However, check on the terms as there may be restrictions based on who is living in the same household, youngsters who are no longer in full-time education and who would be covered in the event of a relative’s serious illness or death which can cause a holiday to be cancelled or curtailed.
Insurers are moving away from global cover following disproportionate expenses incurred and sometimes a lack of medical honesty by local staff. Nepal, for instance, is unlikely to be available through standard insurance. Therefore, check on the countries to be visited which should include those passed to the winter sports destination.
Do not place much credibility on published star ratings unless the analysis includes the percentage of claims met and an insurer’s customer service. Most are based just on the terms with few taking even the premiums and value for money into account.
Luggage should be considered in two respects. If lost or damaged, it may be better to claim under your home contents cover and seek a policy discount at the outset but watch for the excess limits. If delayed, which could mean several days of sport are not possible unless equipment is hired and clothing purchased, only travel insurance will protect.
Defaqto ratings specialist recommends using home insurance for expensive ski equipment or accessories like GPS devices and Go-Pro cameras.
When taking valuables, such as a camera and jewellery, take proof of purchase or a valuation so that officials cannot claim articles are new and tax them.
If a claim has to be made, inform the insurer immediately. For medical treatment, it may be necessary to gain their approval in advance. For an accident or theft, contact the local police and obtain a report number.
The major reasons for claiming – covering all travel – according to Aviva are medical emergency (33 per cent), cancellation for specific circumstances (28 per cent), lost or stolen items (13 per cent) and travel delay (six per cent).
An experienced insurance broker can be invaluable in covering a winter sports minefield. Not only should adequate medical expenses cover be in place and sufficient protection for personal liability but such a professional will know how underwriters interpret and accept different winter sports.
The risk element is the key factor. Adventurous activities are to be expected but whilst sledging would be included as standard, tobogganing would certainly be excluded which is not surprising if you have seen the Cresta Run in eastern Switzerland.
Similarly, the relatively recent sport of cluster-ballooning using helium gas would need a specialist policy. If you are likely to be tempted to join a group on the slopes for such fun, make sure your policy covers the activity.
Heli-skiing and dog sledding to paragliding and snowmobiling are just a few of the winter sports now on offer. Unless specified, check before departing which are covered by the insurer. Campbell Irvine, offered by Trailfinders, has annual multi-trip cover from 41p a day and includes a wide range of adventurous sports at no additional charge. It applies no excess on loss of deposit cancellation claims.
Saga, whose policy is underwritten by Collinsons, includes ski racing arranged by ski schools for their pupils, as well as snow shoeing and on and off-piste skiing (including on dry slopes). It excludes bobsleighing, heli-skiing, ski jumping and luging. If the trip is more than a holiday and you are training or competing, seek specialist cover.
Read the policy print to see if helmet-wearing is expected. Some resorts may make it mandatory, notably in ski-school and for children.
Cover for skiing off-piste varies with some insurers offering it only when accompanied by a local guide. The scheme available to brokers through the British Insurance Brokers’ Association provides protection without a guide provided the skiing is in areas considered safe by local ski schools or resort management.
Sian Fisher, from the Chartered Insurance Institute, recommends to check which hospitals are covered. “Should an accident happen, emergency respondents may automatically transfer you to the nearest hospital but some policies only cover public hospitals.”
Look for helpful extras in a policy. Direct Line gives several examples: unused, lost or stolen ski passes and payment to travel to another resort should your planned destination be closed.
Finally, watch the alcohol intake as this reduces reaction times, puts the skier in physical danger and can invalidate any claim.
■ Conal Gregory is AIC Regional Journalist of the Year.