I've always thought it odd that some of my least athletic friends cough up the cash for an annual trip to the mountains. They allege that they're heading on a skiing trip - but now I have my suspicions.
According to a poll commissioned by moneysupermarket.com a whopping one in six who enjoy 'skiing' holidays actually never step foot on the slopes. It seems that the après ski spirit, and the good times, are motivation alone.
However, whether you're dreaming of hurtling down the mountains or just drinking by them, you must be extremely careful about the level of travel insurance you acquire.
Amazingly, 28% of British snowboarders and skiers are not covered for injuries to themselves or to other people - and many of us are paying more than three times more than we need to for adequate cover.
The travel insurance comparison tool at moneysupermarket.com compares quotes on more than 450 travel insurance policies. By comparing what's available across the market, a couple aged 35 can pick up a policy in the region of £25 covering winter sports in Europe - it can cost treble that amount through a tour operator.
Unfortunately however, most of us simply accept what we're given when booking a winter sports holiday. We find a good deal on accommodation and a flight and are happy to tick the box that adds on travel insurance without realising that is how many operators boost their profits.
It may seem like an additional hassle to shop around for travel insurance - but by using a comparison tool it only takes two minutes. And with savings potentially in the region of £50-£100 it's well worth the effort.
Of course while price is important, it's also vital to make sure you're adequately covered so you should check the small print of any policy before you buy. Look for cover for factors such as ski equipment, ski hire, piste closure, inability to ski due to an accident, sickness or the loss or theft of your ski pass; and avalanche closure.
You should also make sure you're suitably covered for the 'standard' aspects of your trip - i.e. the factors you should always consider regardless of the nature of your holiday.
I recommend you take at least the following level of cover for skiing trips:
- Medical Expenses - £2 million.
- Personal Liability - £1 million.
- Cancellation - £3,000.
- Baggage - £1,500.
- Cash - £250.
For those planning to watch from the sidelines, bear in mind that virtually every travel insurance policy has a clause stating that if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of an incident, any claim may be rendered invalid.
So whatever your draw to the mountains this winter, don't take any risks that could cost a lot more than Van Chaud!
DISCLAIMER: Please note that any rates or deals mentioned in this article applied at the time of writing and may no longer be available/applicable today.
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