Ski Season Insurance

If you enjoy winter sports and are thinking of working a season at a ski resort you need to realise the importance of being properly insured. A travel insurance policy covering winter sports is essential. When you consider that one-in-ten skiers require some form of medical treatment (usually for knee ligament damage or broken limbs) your first priority should be to make sure that you are covered for all medical eventualities.

For most, the consequence of travelling without adequate insurance could turn out to be merely a careless oversight, but winter sports can be dangerous and medical costs high. Air ambulances can cost about £15 per minute if you have to be flown back to the United Kingdom and the cost of being air-lifted off a mountain in Switzerland can set you back nearly £1000. Even minor injuries can be costly, treatment for a sprained ankle could cost £500 and breaking a leg in the United States would be up to £25,000. You can be out of pocket even before you see a doctor, a ride on a rescue sled can cost £300.

It is not only medical cover that Essential Travel can provide. The policy would also cover you for Personal Public Liability, as it could be very costly if you injure someone else on the slopes. You must also check what is meant by winter sports on the cover. Some policies will cover off-piste skiing within the resort, but if you ski outside the resort they will only cover you if you are with a guide who is qualified by the resort. These points are worth noting as it could save you thousands in medical bills and helicopter costs. If you wish to take part in other winter sports, you also need to ensure that the cover extends to these activities. Our policy can cover you for cross country skiing on recognised paths, heli skiing (excluding cancellation cover) mono skiing, sledging and snow boarding.

It is also important to make sure that your ski equipment is fully covered for loss, damage or theft. You must be aware, though, that leaving your skis outside a restaurant and having them damaged or stolen is known as unattended equipment and would not be covered. So you must exercise reasonable care for the safety and supervision of equipment. They will also cover you for the hire of ski equipment if yours is lost or stolen. Also, if the piste is closed it will cover any costs incurred to transfer to another resort or additional expenses that need to be paid if your transfer to the resort should be delayed due to an avalanche.