Insurance warning for winter sports enthusiasts

Skiers and snowboarders are being warned of the financial dangers of not taking out travel insurance.

Bradford & Bingley and Churchill point out that skiing accidents can cost thousands of pounds to those without insurance.

For example, in the US a broken leg resulting from a skiing accident can cost up to £600 for mountain rescue, £20,000 for treatment and £4,000 for airfares home.

Yet one in seven of the 1.2 million Britons who headed to the slopes last year did not take out travel insurance, according to the insurers.

Even within the European Union skiing accidents can burn a hole in the pocket, with a broken leg in France likely to set you back more than £5,000 without insurance.

And Churchill warns snowboarders that they are twice as likely to sustain a serious injury as skiers.

Mike Ketteringham, head of Churchill Travel Insurance, noted: "With snowboarding becoming increasingly mainstream but no less dangerous, it?s important for boarders to make sure they take winter sports cover in addition to their travel insurance. If not, they may have to deal with some unpleasant surprises while on holiday when they really should be busy enjoying themselves."

Bradford & Bingley's Mr Foyle advises: "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."

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