An insurance provider has revealed the top five insurance claims made on skiing holidays totalling up to an estimation of £66 million.

The travel insurance provider, InsureandGo found that over two thirds-or 89,000 of the claims, were down to medical problems such as injuries or illnesses, while compensation for “ski packs” accounted for more than 30,000 claims.

Gary Lockett of InsureandGo said: “Medical problems are by far the biggest risk when it comes to skiing holidays. Many of these are due to injuries caused on the slopes which can be very expensive to put right, especially if you are unable to take yourself off the mountain.”

Stolen or lost luggage, cancellation of flights, lost money and delays were also amongst the top five.

Founder of the firm, Perry Wilson said: “The average lost luggage claim cost has risen quite substantially, which suggests that either people are packing more expensive luggage, or they have started exaggerating the value of it.”

He added that travel insurance is vital especially during the economic downturn.

“Unfortunately the average claim value seems to be rocketing, which highlights just how important it is for people to have adequate travel insurance, particularly when times are tough.”