From adrenaline junkie to apres-ski addict - cover remains crucial

Brits looking for winter sun and adventure this ski season shouldn't assume more expensive insurance will provide better levels of cover, says moneysupermarket.com.

Research from the UK's leading price comparison website reveals that winter sports policies contain caveats and differences in wording that makes small print in insurance documents crucial reading for travellers.

On top of the usual criteria such as cancellation and baggage cover, winter sports polices also include extras such as sports equipment but will vary widely on the maximum benefit you can claim for in the event of theft or damage. The same applies to cover for ski pass or ski pack expenses. Policies also vary on their rules for piste closure, avalanche closure and going off-piste.

For example, Insurewithease offers impressive levels of cover for a couple hitting the slopes in Italy for a week for £15. Delving into the small print however reveals it will only cover for piste closure for holidays starting after 1st January and ending before 1st April. Furthermore most policies will not cover for the adrenaline junkies among us to go off-piste. The handful that do, Primary Insurance and Insurefor.com, for example, charge an extra premium.

Peter Gerrard, head of insurance research at moneysupermarket.com said: "Embarking on a winter sports holiday can be costly, especially when you add on all the necessary extras, but comprehensive cover needn't be expensive. Brits that save their hard earned cash for a snow filled adventure must ensure they are adequately insured; it is important to scour the small print before travelling to avoid any nasty surprises on the slopes. I advise Brits looking to insure their winter sports holidays not to assume more money equals better cover."

Insuring specialist equipment should be high on the agenda as kit for skiing and snowboarding doesn't come cheap. But canny skiers can find policies which provide value for money; OUL Direct will cover equipment for up to £500 on a policy costing only £15, whereas Insurefor.com charges over £25 for a policy that gives just £350 worth of equipment cover.

Peter Gerrard continued: "Getting the most bang for your buck is a top priority for the financially-savvy among us - understanding policy details and levels of cover when it comes to winter sports insurance is crucial.

"Brits also need to be clued up when it comes to indulging in apres-ski activities after a hard day on the slopes. All travel insurance policies have clauses relating to alcohol consumption which will affect the validity of any claim made."