Britons planning to visit snow-covered slopes for skiing holidays without insurance have been warned that they are exposing themselves to huge medical bills. Statistics show that one in four Britons going on a winter sports holiday is not insured.

The world’s ski slopes represent one of the top five locations where many people are injured during their holidays according to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). According to FCO, at least one in ten British skiers will suffer an injury.  The dangers that could arise during a skiing holiday include broken bones as a result of taking a nasty tumble.

Britons using European Health Insurance Card can be guaranteed free, or cut-price, basic medical treatment on the same terms as all nationals in EU states although the protection is limited. The card however, is not a substitute for full winter sports travel insurance and will not cover extras such as an air ambulance, personal liability, trip cancellation or loss of baggage.

Snowboarding can be costly

According to Norwich Union, a winter sport is a high-risk activity and consumers need adequate health insurance policy that covers all eventualities particularly expensive medical costs, which can soar rapidly. The insurer says that a broken leg is likely to attract medical bill of between £3,500 and £7,000. In America however, this would be £13,000 to £16,000.

Reports also suggest that medical fees vary from one country to another and in Europe, for example, a helicopter mountain rescue service costs on average £1,500, while repatriation would normally attract some £4,000.

It is even more expensive to pay for repatriation in the US with the average service charged at £35,000. Insurers further warn that British skiers and snow boarders seeking to venture off piste in search of more snow at a time when Europe is experiencing poor snow falls risk invalidating their insurance.

Erik Nelson at insurer Norwich Union said: “Off-piste skiing and snowboarding are covered on the condition that the person insured is with a qualified guide in areas that the ski resort's management consider to be safe.”

Adequate cover means less worry

Taking the right insurance cover means that Britons going for Pistes will worry less about the effects of bad weather, including poor snow falls and blizzard conditions that lead to slope closure. Consumers are advised to search the market for insurance policies which will pay if the slopes are closed.

Compensation from such insurers is thought to be as high as £200 for each lost day. Many insurance companies however, require that policyholders produce a letter from the resort confirming the closure and will often insist that the slopes are out of use for a minimum of 12 or 24 hours before making any payment.

Although it might be difficult for consumers to choose the right insurance product, market experts recommend that consumers consider taking at least £2m for medical expenses, £1m for personal liability, £3,000 cancellation or enough to cover the cost of the holiday, £1,500 for baggage and £250 for cash.