By David Field -


A quarter of skiers this winter will have no insurance for winter sports and one in eight will have no insurance at all, new research has found.

A poll by Moneysupermarket came up with the frightening results that many people are putting themselves in financial peril by not having cover. A total 28 per cent of skiers will have no winter sports cover, 12 per cent will have no insurance at all and half of skiers will have no idea what they are and are not covered for.

Many skiers believe that the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will provide them with enough cover, but it will not help with the expenses or flying you back to the UK if your injuries are severe.

An EHIC, of course, will not cover any luggage or equipment lost, damaged and stolen or cancelled holidays, all of which can leave uninsured travellers severely out of pocket.

Skiers are also being warned that over indulging in the apres ski is another way to lead into trouble, with more than a hangover at stake.

Some insurance companies may consider that being intoxicated makes insurance invalid.

Peter Gerrard, moneysupermarket researcher, said: "It is a little known fact, but virtually every travel insurance policy on the market includes a clause that says if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time an incident occurred, you may not be able to make a claim as your policy may be rendered invalid.

"Of course, there will be plenty of people taking advantage of the apres ski on offer but it is extremely important that people try to be sensible about alcohol consumption – particularly when returning to the ski slopes after a drink or two."

He recommends that when choosing insurance skiers should aim to have cover of £2 million for medical expenses, £1 million for personal liability, £3,000 for cancellation, £1,500 for baggage and £250 for cash.

Skiers are also being advised to make sure they know exactly what they are covered for before heading onto the slopes, especially first-timer skiers.

Paul Birkhead, underwriting manager for Halifax Travel Insurance, explained: "If it is the first time someone is going on a skiing holiday they may not be aware of the need for specific winter sports or skiing cover."

He added: "It is vital that skiers check their cover before setting off on holiday as most insurers won't cover skiing, or other dangerous winter sports, as standard. It is also important to check the details of your cover as some policies exclude things such as off piste skiing and winter sports such as snowboarding or skidooing."

With winter drawing in and the call of the pistes growing strong, skiers of all abilities should make sure they stay in control on the slopes and stay covered with insurance.

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