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Winter Sport Insurance Blog
The Winter Sport Insurance Blog is a collection of diary entries, news, gossip and other Winter Sport Insurance related information.
Bradford and Bingley winter sports warning
Bradford and Bingley have issued a press release that warns winter sports enthusiasts about the dangers of winter sports holidays.
The press release reads :
Over 1.2million Britons¹ packed up their salopettes and goggles and headed off to the slopes last year, but 14%² of travellers did so recklessly, by failing to take out comprehensive travel insurance. As the ski season approaches, Bradford & Bingley advises adrenaline junkies to protect themselves on the piste this winter with specialist travel insurance or they may end up breaking the bank if they break a leg.
As winter pursuits become even more adventurous, accidents and injuries have become a very real part of a winter sports holiday. Indeed 30%³ of medical assistance claims made during the 2004/05 ski season were for broken legs or damaged knee ligaments. However, holidaymakers may not be aware that different countries can charge very different prices for treating the same injuries.
Dave Foyle, head of general insurance at Bradford & Bingley, said: “Winter sports holidays are becoming increasingly popular and new destinations are joining the established names as the search for ‘fresh snow’ grows. The Alps remain a firm favourite with travellers, alongside the USA and up and coming parts of Eastern Europe. Despite the attractive exchange rate with the American dollar though, costs for medical assistance in the USA are amongst the highest. Should the worst happen and you’re not covered by a winter sports travel insurance policy, a hefty medical bill could swallow up any savings you make and leave you seriously out of pocket.”
Bradford & Bingley has joined forces with First Assist Insurance Services Limited to offer one of the most competitive policies available on the high street
Before leaving home, holidaymakers should check their travel insurance policy to ensure it covers them for all winter sports. Clarify what activities are covered under the policy - some will not compensate if you go off-piste without a qualified guide or if you try other sports such as paraskiing. If you are travelling in Europe it is also prudent to get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which replaces the E111 form, and is available from post offices. This entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as the nationals in all European member countries and can help you make substantial savings on any medical costs should you suffer an injury.
Foyle concludes: “Travel policies vary considerably so everyone should carefully check their policy to ensure it gives them the right cover for all the activities they want to pursue. With the right insurance cover in place holidaymakers will be able to enjoy their winter sports safe in the knowledge that should anything happen they will be properly taken care of.”
Travellers can get a competitive insurance quote by calling Bradford & Bingley free on 0800 169 4078 or by visiting the website, www.bradfordandbingley.co.uk
Key features of Bradford & Bingley's Winter Sports travel insurance service include:
Ski equipment hire cover at £15 a day, up to £300.
Up to £500 for loss of your own ski equipment.
£30 a day for loss of skiing due to piste closure or £30 a day for travel to alternative resort, up to £300
£150 a week in lieu of pre-booked ski passes, equipment and ski-school, up to £300.
£300 for avalanche closure.
Source
¹ Ski Club of Great Britain
² Mintel data Feb 2005
³ FirstAssist claims data
Posted
: 23/01/2006 16:28:30
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