Skiers taking big financial risks this winter

Huge numbers of Brits head for ski holidays with inadequate insurance.

Travel Insurance News - 20/12/2010

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Thousands of UK skiers heading off on ski holidays are taking major financial and health risks by failing to ensure they have adequate insurance. Even relatively minor injuries could result in mammoth medical bills.

The warning comes from industry body the Association of British Insurers (ABI). The ABI is reminding skiers that they need to make sure they have appropriate travel insurance to cover any accidents on the slopes.

Treatment for a ruptured ligament – not unusual for a skiing injury – can often involve expensive repatriation. The bill for such treatment and care for a Brit on holiday in France can easily top £6,000. It costs £5,000 to get treatment for a broken leg and a nurse-escorted trip back to the UK from Austria.

A recent government survey found that 31 per cent of people said they did not take out any insurance for winter sports holidays. Many travellers mistakenly believe think the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will cover them if they need medical treatment.

Unfortunately, the EHIC does not cover the cost of private medical treatment, mountain rescues or bills for medical repatriation to Britain. The cost for such emergency treatment can quickly dwarf the price of a holiday.

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