We were looking at the cost
of Christmas dinner for last week's Finance Fridays. With winter
officially here and the holiday season upon us this week we are
talking about the cover you need if you go on a winter sports
holiday.
For many of us Christmas and
New Year is about staying at home or visiting friends and family.
However this is also the time of year that winter sports fans like to
jet off in order to find the best snow for their annual skiing trip.
Everyone knows the risks involved in such pursuits but how many
people really fly out with right cover in place?
EHIC – The European
Health Insurance Card (EHIC) replaced the old E111 in 2006. It
essentially covers the same things. Many people think this card will
be sufficient if you travel in Europe whether you are skiing or on
your summer holidays. Think again. Unlike the good old British NHS
many clinics in Europe and indeed skiing resorts are actually private
the EHIC covers only care provided by state hospitals. Also many
European countries aren't as generous as Britain in what they provide
for free so you could still be liable for payment. Check before you
go that the European country you are visiting is in the European
Economic Area (EEA) and they do participate in the scheme.
It is still handy to carry
one as you could get immediate attention in a state hospital or
clinic far quicker than awaiting confirmation from your insurance
company. You can apply for one for free from the official NHS
site – don't be fooled by companies asking you to pay for one.
Get adequate cover –
If you're off on a winter sports trip make sure your travel insurance
includes this element of cover. Many standard travel policies do not
provide for this. Not only will you need cover for medical attention
but also possible repatriation back to the UK. If you're travelling
to the US this could run into the hundreds of thousands of pounds
especially if a nurse or doctor is required to travel with you.
Specialist cover –
You might be happy going down the beginner slopes but for the more
experienced and adventurous skiers this might not be enough. If you
are thinking of going off-piste, on red routes or other snow sports
like snowboarding get the higher cover that includes these specialist
activities.
Wear the gear –
Many resorts it is now law that you to wear helmets. You many not
like wearing them or think you are too good enough skier to wear one
but if it is legally required and you haven't worn one your insurance
may be invalidated.
Third-party cover -
“I didn't see them!” or “I couldn't stop it time!” may be
your defence for causing an injury to someone else but accidents cost
money. The US is known for its litigation claims that run into the
millions but you could be sued in Europe as well.
No snow – You've
saved up your money to and waited all year to go but what happens
when you get to your resort and find there's no snow to ski on? Some
policies are now insuring against this so you can claim between
£20-50 for each day you can't ski due to lack of snow. It might not
make up for the lack of skiing but at least you'll have some funds to
hit the shops with.
Have you ever been on a
winter sports holiday? Did you check your cover before you went?
Finance Fridays will be
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January 2017. If
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