Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 08:30 - 19:00 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
Or call 0345 90 80 161
10 December 2015 09:28
Appropriate insurance is vital for skiers and snowboarders
One in three British skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts are failing to check they have suitable winter sports travel insurance before heading off to foreign slopes, the results of new research suggest.
And it seems older skiers are much likelier to hit the slopes without the right cover than their younger counterparts.
The research has been carried out by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and ABTA, who questioned 600 holidaymakers.
It suggests 31% of winter holiday fans are going abroad without checking they have an appropriate insurance policy.
But among holidaymakers aged 65 and above, the proportion who fail to do so is 55%. That is more than double the 24% of 25 to 34 year-olds who are failing to check they are covered for activities such as skiing or snowboarding.
According to the FCO, 45 British holidaymakers have died while on skiing or snowboarding holidays since 2012. Thousands more have sustained injuries either on designated ski and snowboarding slopes, or off-piste.
The FCO's head of consular communications, Michael Vibert, says with millions of Britons expected to visit the ski resorts of Europe and North America over the next few months, it wants to make sure they all enjoy their holidays.
He stresses that it is vital for skiers and snowboarders to follow the advice being issued by ABTA and the FCO, and check their travel insurance policies before going abroad.
ABTA's chief executive, Mark Tanzer, says people going on a winter sports holiday should be aware of the potential risks.
Appropriate insurance, he says, is vital as the cover may have to be used to foot the bill for expensive medical treatment and the cost of getting someone back home in the event of injury.
Having suitable cover, Mr Tanzer adds, will enable people to enjoy their skiing or snowboarding without having to worry about whether they are adequately insured.
07 June 2019
Get hitched without a hitch! Here are our top tips on how to choose your perfect wedding location abroad, covering everything from food to legalities.
[more...]
03 June 2019
Want to get into surfing but not sure where to go? Here's where you should be heading to get the best beginner waves around the world.
Heading to the showpiece event of women's football in France this summer? Here's everything you need to know about England's venues for France 2019.
Get more out of your smartphone when you go travelling by downloading these travel apps and make your trip easier at the touch of a button.
24 May 2019
Heading to the football in Baku but don't know what else to do? Explore the hip and trendy crossroad of Europe and the Middle East and experience the fast-growing phenomenon, Azerbaijan.
Two of London's top football teams head east in search of silverware on May 29. If you're heading to Baku for the final, here's our guide on what you need to know before you go...
17 May 2019
There's more to Monaco than the Grand Prix. Discover the magic of the Mediterranean principality with our guide to what you must see in Monaco.
15 May 2019
Are you heading to one of Europe's best music festivals this summer? Then make sure you read our top ten tips before you leave...
What makes the Monaco Grand Prix so special? From a royal guestlist to a challenging circuit, we take a look at why the Monte Carlo Formula 1 race is so prestigious...
Get inspired for a summer of music, travel and adventure with our guide to some of the best music festivals around Europe.
07 May 2019
Thinking of visiting Spain? There are some excellent reasons to explore the country this spring and summer, from football finals to eating snails - so don't miss out!
Want to learn a new language without the hassle of going to classes? Check out our guide to the best free apps on the market and get yourself holiday-ready in no time.