Are
you really covered?
The short answer is obviously 'yes if you have the right policy'. However winter
sports holidays incur risks that many other types of holiday do not and so you
must make sure that you do have the right insurance and, more importantly, that
you have adequate cover for everything you intend to do.
Most holidaymakers undertaking ski or other winter sports are well aware of
the need for specialist cover. However, it does not stop others from making the
mistake of relying on travel insurance policies that are not designed to cover
winter sports.
If you are travelling to European Economic Area (EEA) countries remember your
E111, which entitles you to reciprocal care arrangements.
Check activities covered by your insurance policy
Another word of caution is to ensure that you do not presume ski insurance covers
you for all of your activities. Many policies will not cover you for such things
as ski jumping, ski flying, ski bob racing and off-piste skiing in areas designated
as unsafe. Of course other policies will cover you so ask about and shop around.
How well covered is your equipment?
Also worth checking in your policy is whether your travel insurance company will
underwrite cover for equipment for loss or damage - and at what rate. If you are
covered, firstly, make sure that you report thefts to the local police authority
and, secondly, expect reimbursement to be subject to depreciation. Typically,
your equipment depreciates in value by about 20% per year.
The message here is to take what you need, especially since some policies will
cover you for the cost of hire if it is a result of damage or loss of your own
equipment. Again, this is travel insurance cover that you should check before
you leave the UK.
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