Ski Insurance - Is It Worth The Extra Money? Do you get your money's worth from the extra premium to take out Ski Insurance or have Winter Sports Cover added to your Travel Insurance policy? The answer, of course, is a resounding Yes!
You can never know what sort of snow conditions to expect from year to year, what with global warming and the strange weather conditions we have been experiencing across the globe. Just a few years ago the Alps and parts of North America were crying out for snow during ski season, yet during some winters there has been more chance of experiencing a problem related to avalanches. So, you have a ski insurance policy - what should you expect to get for your money? First, and most important, is the possibility of an accident on the slopes. It could result in injuries of all kinds that may require expensive medical attention and even medical repatriation. Check to make sure that your ski insurance policy includes sufficient levels of cover for medical expenses, and also that mountain rescue and medical repatriation are included. Are there other reasons why you should have ski insurance? Yes! How can you be sure there will be snow when you arrive at your ski resort? Basically, you can't. It's not such a problem for those who are flexible and can follow the powder and book a trip at the last minute. But what about those who need to book in advance, or can only get away during school holidays? A lack of snow doesn't mean all is lost as you can always pass the time cross-country skiing, sledding, skating, taking sleigh rides, shopping, or checking out the local bar scene. There may also be lift and/or piste closures during high winds, or due to avalanches. But what if you paid in advance for a costly ski package for the entire family? There is normally a provision to cover a lack of snow or adverse weather conditions at your prebooked ski destination - in the event you are prevented from skiing for a period in excess of 12 hours, or specified period. Compensation is normally paid per 24-hour period. In this regard, carefully check the terms and conditions of the policy as there is often a clause that compensation only applies for a ski resort that is above a certain altitude, such as 1000 metres. If you have to book well in advance it may be wise to play it safe and book at a high-altitude or glacier resort. If your ski package or any part of it is unused because of illness or accident you should be covered up to certain limits for ski hire, tuition fees and ski pass. Again, a report from a medical practitioner to
confirm your illness or accident will be required in order to claim. Avalanches: There is normally a provision in a ski insurance policy to compensate for any additional accommodation or travel expenses incurred if your journey to or from the resort is delayed as a result of an avalanche. Again, your insurer will normally require written confirmation from the resort management. This is just a general guide and it is important to check your particular ski insurance policy for the terms and conditions as they can vary from policy to policy and company to company. Never assume that you are covered for all activities! Be aware that riskier winter sports activities may be excluded from your insurance, such as heliskiing, ski acrobatics, freestyle, ski racing. Off piste skiing may not be covered when in areas which have been designated as unsafe by the management of the ski resort. You should expect to see cover for breakage or loss of your hired or personal ski equipment up to a certain limit. However, the amount that your insurer will pay for your damaged equipment may also be determined by the age of the equipment. The policy will normally also cover the cost of hiring equipment due to a transportation delay causing your ski equipment to arrive late. It is usually required that theft or loss of ski equipment is reported to the police within 24-hours and an official report obtained. You would usually also need to obtain a report from your hotel, airline or other carrier, if applicable. If your airline loses your equipment a Property Irregularity Report, or similar confirmation, is normally required. Remember: Get it in writing before you claim! If you never experience a problem you will wonder if it was worth the extra money for ski insurance, but if you should break a leg or encounter other problems you could also end up breaking the bank! Ordinary Travel Insurance is always a good idea, but if you plan to participate in winter sports activities, it is definitely worth paying the extra to ski or snowboard with peace of mind. weitere Infos