Don’t slip up before taking to the slopes

Travel experts are tipping Japan and Chile as the skiing hotspots for this ski season.

However, winter sports enthusiasts tempted to travel further afield than Europe, should remember they are not covered by the European Heath Insurance Card (EHIC).

Consequently, in the event of injury they could be facing significant medical and repatriation costs advises American Express Insurance Services.

Ski slopes are one of the top five locations where injuries take place on holiday – indeed, on average, 15% of skiers lose three days holiday after injury.

Joanne Field, Marketing Manager, American Express Travel Insurance: “Winter sports injuries are all too common in skiers of all levels so it is always wise to ensure you have adequate travel insurance before hitting the slopes.

“Medical and repatriation costs outside Europe can be very high - literally tens of thousands of pounds –air ambulance repatriation from Japan can cost 40% more than the USA.”

Even skiers and snowboarders in Europe should not be lulled into a false sense of security that they are covered by the European Health Insurance Card especially those traveling to Andorra, Bulgaria and Romania – winter sports destinations that are excluded from the scheme. Even in the European countries it operates, the EHIC only provides cover for some medical treatment and it will not cover the costs of an air ambulance or repatriation, which can cost as much as 3000 Euros.”

Yet against this backdrop, 20% of all those who ski or snowboard this year will do so without insurance.

Field continues: “It is worrying that so many people expose themselves to such high levels of financial risk by travelling without insurance. A year's insurance including winter sports cover starts from just £72 –less than the cost of hiring skis and boots for just six days in France.

American Express winter sports insurance cover includes off-piste skiing and snowboarding and can be bought for single trips or as an add-on to an annual policy. Customers of American Express' Annual Classic Cover (its most popular product) can add the winter sports option on to their policies for just £10 each or £25 for a family.

For further details of American Express Insurance Services and its policies, visit americanexpress.co.uk.