Ski insurance: Small print not for your eyes only
Off-piste skiers left uncovered by small print
Tuesday, 19 Feb 2008 15:05
Skiers heading off-piste may have no travel insurance cover, winter sports enthusiasts are being warned.
This ski season is seeing a higher avalanche risk, warns Post Office Travel Services, so those heading off-piste need to check their travel insurance first for exclusions in the small print, lest the worst should happen.
Helen Warburton, Post Office head of travel services, said: "Many people enjoy the challenge of skiing or boarding off-piste but it carries more risk so most travel insurance policies, including our own, require the policyholder to be accompanied by a qualified guide or instructor when going off-piste.
"Many holidaymakers don't realise this is a requirement, so we are urging people to check the small print before venturing into unmarked terrain."
She went on to explain the high costs of medical treatment at ski resorts and mean an accident on the pistes could hit finances hard.
"Our message is be fully prepared for every eventuality on your mountain adventure," Ms Warburton added.
Winter sports enthusiasts should also look out for ski travel insurance that covers them for piste closures.
Figures from Defaqto show early 80 per cent of policies pay some level of compensation for closed pistes, with one in five paying £200.
While some policies can offer compensation of up to £600, others offer no cover if pistes are closed.
Mike Powell, at Defaqto, said: "When selecting a travel policy to cover winter sports, remember that while personal liability, medical expenses and ski equipment cover are obviously important, in this time of disturbed weather patterns, it's worth checking you have realistic cover for piste closure and travel to an alternative location."