Slippery slopes: experts warn skiers to check their insurance before hitting the snow

With ski season upon us, the travel insurance experts at Go.Compare travel insurance are warning holidaymakers to check their travel policies before hitting the slopes.

The comparison site's experts have analysed 933 annual travel policies*, and have found that only 12% include winter sports as standard, with 76% providing it as an optional extra.

When it comes to single-trip travel insurance policies the figures are even lower, with only 5% of 930 policies* offering winter sports cover as standard, and 82% offering it as an added extra.

Further analysis shows that while the majority of policies do provide some financial cover for piste closures, the amount that would be paid out for a claim varies significantly. Out of the 826 annual travel insurance policies that cover winter sports as standard or as an optional extra:

• 14 don’t offer cover for piste closures
• 31 offer cover of less than £200
• 221 offer cover of between £200 and £299
• 181 offer cover of between £300 and £399
• And 379 offer cover of £400 or more

And, out of the 813 single-trip travel insurance policies which include cover for winter sports as standard or an optional extra:

• 19 don't offer cover for piste closure
• 32 offer cover of less than £200
• 219 offer cover of between £200 and £299
• 178 offer cover of between £300 and £399
• And 365 offer cover of £400 or more.

Rhys Jones, spokesperson for Go.Compare travel commented: “The excitement of heading off to the slopes for your annual ski or snowboard, could mean that you forget to check the fine print of your travel insurance policy, but our recent research shows that it’s really important to check you are properly covered for your winter sports.

“With only 12% of annual travel insurance policies and 5% of single trip travel insurance policies providing cover for winter sport as standard, it could mean that skiers and snowboarders are left out of pocket should they need to make a claim.”

Rhys continued: “Before you head off, and if you already have an annual travel insurance policy in place, check the details to see if you are covered for winter sports. If you aren’t, get in touch with your insurer and add that to your policy, ensuring that the levels of cover are adequate for the cost of your trip, your equipment and hotels.

“And, if you need to buy a policy to cover your trip, using a comparison website is a great way to make sure you are purchasing a policy that provides you with the cover you need at the right price.”

“With such unpredictable weather, it’s also a good idea to check that your policy provides you with cover for days when the piste might have to close due to a lack of snow. As our analysis shows, the cover amounts vary widely between policies, so it’s crucial that holidaymakers spend a little time now to check their policy, to save stress later on,” Rhys added.

To learn more about winter sports insurance, and to find an insurance policy, visit here: https://www.gocompare.com/travel-insurance/winter-sports-insurance/