Uninsured skiers face mountainous medical bills

Credit crunch squeezed skiers and snowboarders who plan to skip travel insurance to cut costs could be leaving themselves open to colossal hospital bills if they have an accident on the slopes this year, with overseas medical expenses rocketing as a result of sterling’s slump in value.

According to Post Office Travel Insurance data, medical expenses make up an estimated 72 per cent Post Office claims data, supplied by Fortis Insurance Limited (underwriter of the Post Office Travel Insurance Policy) of ski holiday insurance claim costs. Yet almost a quarter of people (23 per cent YouGov omnibus poll of 2,000 adults conducted during February 2009 ) are considering going on holiday this year without travel insurance in order to save money.

Post Office Travel Services, a partner of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) ‘Know Before You Go’ campaign, is urging people to minimise risk by preparing properly for their skiing trip.

Post Office head of travel insurance Rachel Croft said: “Paying out for medical costs with no insurance has never been cheap, but the weaker pound means that the relative cost of hospital treatment abroad can be potentially much higher. Medical costs in popular eurozone ski destinations such as France, Italy and Austria could be around 18 per cent higher than this time last year. And skiiers going to Aspen or Vail in US are looking at a massive 29 per cent hike. Based on Post Office euro and USD exchange rates on 17 February 2009 and 16 February 2008”

Steve Jewitt-Fleet of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s ‘Know Before You Go’ campaign, said: “The risks involved in winter sports holidays mean it is essential that slope-lovers are properly prepared before travelling. The most important thing is to take out fully comprehensive travel insurance and to read the small print of your policy, so you know what you’re covered for. If you’re not properly insured and have a serious accident, you or your family could be left picking up a huge medical bill.”

Rachel Croft continued: “In addition to travel insurance, it’s essential that people carry a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which offers free or reduced cost medical treatment in EU countries. However, the EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance – it won’t cover costs such as mountain rescue, repatriation or lost baggage – so we urge people to ensure they are fully covered against all eventualities.”

Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice to help you plan your skiing holiday:

It’s essential to take out travel insurance for any trip abroad, no matter how short your trip. If you’re going to be skiing or snowboarding, make sure your insurance policy covers these activities (before you head off on your holiday read the small print of your policy to check)

Remember, alcohol can affect you more quickly at high altitudes and most insurers won’t pay out if you injure yourself or others if you’ve been drinking alcohol

Make sure you use good quality equipment and protect yourself against injury. Know your own ability – it might not be a good idea to attempt a black run after two days on the beginner slopes!

Make photocopies of important documents (e.g. passport, insurance details, credit card number and cancellation details) and keep them separate from the originals – this makes getting replacements or finding contact numbers easier

If travelling in Europe, get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This card entitles you to reduced cost or free emergency healthcare in most European countries. If you’ve already got an EHIC, check it’s still valid. Remember though, the EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance – for example it will not cover the costs of you being rescued from the slopes - you must have both to be fully covered. You can apply for an EHIC at the Post Office, online at dh.gov.uk/travellers or by phone on 0845 606 2030. (Be aware that the EHIC isn’t valid in Andorra, northern Cyprus, Monaco or The Vatican City)

Remember to take the contact details for your insurance company with you in order that you can contact them in the event of a medical emergency.

Post Office Travel Insurance offers Winter Sports Cover as an optional extra on its range of annual and single trip policies, providing protection for costs of injury, damaged or stolen winter sports equipment and piste closure. It also covers off-piste skiing (with a qualified instructor only). Prices start from just £14 for 1-3 days (with ski and winter sports cover) in Europe. Policies can be bought over the counter at more than 10,000 Post Office branches or online at postoffice.co.uk/travel

Post Office Travel Insurance is underwritten by Fortis Insurance Limited.