Uncovered on the slopes
One in three people (33 per cent) planning to take a winter sports holiday this year do not intend to take out winter sports insurance, according to new findings
One in four (27 per cent) respondents to the Sainsbury’s Travel Insurance survey said they planned to take out a general travel insurance policy for their winter holiday, and six per cent said that they do not intend to take out any insurance whatsoever. And this is despite the fact that the research revealed that damaged knees are the most common injury amongst winter sports enthusiasts, with nine per cent of those planning to go away this winter having previously suffered from a knee strain. Some seven per cent have suffered a broken leg or a facial injury respectively, and six per cent have suffered from ankle sprains or a dislocated shoulder. Of those planning to take out a winter sports insurance policy, less than one in three (29 per cent) said they will take out off-piste cover.
The findings also show that France and Austria will be the most popular ski destinations this winter for travellers from the UK, with 22 per cent of those planning a winter sports trip heading to one of these countries. This is followed by Switzerland (12 per cent), the US (10 per cent) and Italy (seven per cent). With three of the top five most popular skiing destinations being in the European Union, Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Insurance is also reminding winter sports enthusiasts to obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before they go.
The Bank is highlighting however, that anyone relying on their EHIC for full medical cover should be aware that the card only entitles them to the same state-provided medical treatment as the host country’s residents, which may not be free.
Scott Gorman, Sainsbury's Travel Insurance, said: “Whilst most ski and snowboard trips go without incident, winter sports carry risks that can end up being very costly, which is why getting good quality winter sports cover as part of a travel insurance policy is just as essential as your skis and boots.”