By David Field -


Ski and winter sports fans are being warned to make sure that they have adequate insurance cover before heading for the slopes this winter.

Injuries as a result of accidents on the piste can cost thousands of pounds and not all ordinary insurance policies provide cover for winter sports.

A study for Post Office Travel Services found that a third of travel insurance claims submitted by winter sports fans to cover medical bills, with the costs potentially running into several thousand pounds.

The report warns that evacuation from slopes via helicopter can cost up to £2,000, simple outpatient costs can vary between £500 in Europe and £5,000 in the USA and Canada, skiers can face an £,8,000 bill for repatriation and inpatient treatment with surgery can cost as much as £50,000.

Kevin McAdam, Post Office head of travel and leisure, commented: "Although a winter sports holiday is great fun, it does carry more risk than a regular beach holiday and accidents are more likely to happen… We advise winter sports fans to ensure that they have adequate cover for their activities before they travel, to avoid any painful and costly surprises this ski season."

Comprehensive insurance cover specifically designed for winter sports is the recommended way of ensuring that any accidents that occur during a winter sports holiday do not come with a high financial cost as well as a physical one.

With winter sports enthusiasts spending up to six hours a day on the slopes, it is a surprise to find that only around a quarter of them have arranged winter sports cover before setting off.

Skiers and winter sports fans are also advised to steer clear of drink or drugs while indulging in sport on holiday, as it can invalidate their policy.

The best way to ensure a financially hassle-free holiday, no matter what happens, is to shop around for the best cover available and read the small print to make sure it covers all activities you might possibly indulge in on holiday.

Insurancewide.com expert James Harrison recommends that consumers examine their policy carefully before buying to make sure they are fully covered.

Those failing to check small print carefully could face the prospect of claims worth thousands of pounds being rejected by their insurer, leaving them facing a lean Christmas as their ski holiday becomes a nightmare.

"Cheap travel insurance is not hard to find but consumers need to understand where to look and what they’re looking for," Mr Harrison said. "Too many holidaymakers are buying travel insurance as a last minute thought without knowing what cover they actually need and without paying attention to what's excluded from the policy."

Specific winter sports travel insurance will often cover a range of extra costs such as piste closure, sports-related accidents and mountain rescue. As a guide, it should provide a minimum of £2 million for medical expenses and £1 million for personal liability.

Peter Gerrard, researcher at moneysupermarket.com, commented: "Winter sports insurance has become more refined as skiers become more adventurous and need cover for more varied and hazardous pursuits. However, it's always best to check what's covered, as many of the no-frills travel insurance policies will not cover you for these activities as standard."

Those who find themselves injured and having to submit a claim on a winter sports break should contact their insurer immediately, retain any receipts they are given and comply with any requirements laid out in the policy.