Travel insurance claims may be no-go for no snow

Anxious skiers checking the weather forecast as they head off to Europe in search of snow also need to double-check their insurance policy.

Many resorts have finally had a decent covering this week, but with one of the warmest and most unpredictable winters on record, the prospect of having to make a claim for no snow may still loom large. But the Post Office warns the small print in some travel insurance policies could leave holidaymakers high and dry.

Many travel insurance policies specify that all pistes have to be shut for a period of at least 12, if not 24 hours, before a customer can make a claim. Most insurers will then cover the cost of transport to another resort but the amount varies from provider to provider.

And most insurers insist policyholders get written confirmation from an appropriate authority in the resort that the piste was closed for the specified period of time.

With winter weather predicted to get even milder over the next few years, the Post Office is warning skiers to carefully read their policy before they go to make sure they fully understand what level of protection they have.

Kevin McAdam, Head of Travel at the Post Office, said: “So far, this ski season has been among the worst on record in Europe with some areas having little or no snowfall. This can mean limited time on the slopes, plus an increased risk of injury or damage to equipment due to poor conditions.

“This may leave people without the holiday they would have wanted and looking for some form of compensation. Our advice is to make sure you know exactly what your cover offers before you go and, importantly, what evidence you need to have before you come home.”

Post Office Ski and Winter Sports Travel Insurance will pay compensation up to a maximum of £300 (£20 per day), with no excess, to cover transport costs and ski lift passes if a customer has to travel to another resort because of the weather. This covers piste closures due to lack of snow, too much snow or ‘white out’ conditions, when lack of visibility makes it too dangerous to ski. Written confirmation that the piste was closed and all transport receipts must be submitted with the claim.

Post Office Ski and Winter Sports policies are available for trips in the UK, Europe or worldwide (including or excluding the USA) and also provide cover for injury and damaged or stolen equipment, whether skiing, snowboarding, Nordic skiing or skiing off-piste (with a qualified guide or instructor). For more information, visit postoffice.co.uk.