Huge increase in winter sport travel insurance claims

Sainsbury's Travel Insurance is urging winter holidaymakers to make sure that before they hit the slopes, they have their European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) and comprehensive travel insurance.

The Bank's analysis of medical expenses paid on winter sports related insurance claims reveals that they increased by 25% between 2006 and 2007 and by 11% between 2007 and 2008.

In 2008, the average value of a winter sports injury related claim from America and Canada was £2,991, the highest received, compared to £604 in Bulgaria, for example.

Country - Average value of travel insurance claim linked to winter sports injuries 2008

USA/Canada £2,991
Germany £1,211
Austria £1,023
Switzerland £919
France £760
Italy £679
Bulgaria £604

Sam Marrs, Sainsbury's Travel Insurance Manager said: "When travelling abroad in Europe, you need to make sure you have both your EHIC and travel insurance. However, your EHIC will only provide you with access to the same state-provided healthcare as a resident of the country you are visiting so it should not be solely relied upon. You need travel insurance to pay for any private medical treatment or for example to be airlifted from the slopes or repatriated back home. An air ambulance alone can cost up to £20,000 in Europe and as much as £60,000 in The USA and Canada."

Sainsbury's Travel Insurance research reveals that the most common travel insurance claim related to winter sport activity is knee ligament injuries (30%) followed by fractured legs (12%) and shoulder injuries (10%).

Top five most common winter sports related travel insurance claims - Percentage of winter sports related Sainsbury's travel insurance claims

Knee ligament injuries 30%
Fractured leg 12%
Shoulder injuries 10%
Broken or sprained wrist 5%
General bruising and contusions 4%

To obtain a Sainsbury's Travel Insurance quote, visit sainsburysbank.co.uk