ABTA, FCO campaigns for ski insurance awareness
The Association of British Travel Agents has launched its winter sports holiday awareness campaign with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to stop people going on ski trips without the correct insurance.
It says 29% of ski or snowboarding holidaymakers will travel without being properly covered this year, putting themselves at risk of high medical bills.
The under 35s, the group most likely to take a winter sports holiday, are also the least likely to take out winter sports insurance with a third (32%) travelling without a policy.
This age group is the least likely to take out insurance for any type of holiday and ABTA research shows that one in five (19%) of 16-24 year olds and almost a quarter (23%) of 25-34 year olds think travel insurance is unnecessary, assuming the UK Government will pay for their treatment if they fall ill overseas.
In addition, a quarter (25%) of 16-24 year olds and 23% 25-34 year olds wrongly believe they don’t need insurance in Europe when they have a European Health Insurance Card.
Although useful to have, EHIC cards have their limitations and will not, for example, cover assistance on the slopes.
ABTA research shows that 18% of people planning a winter holiday this year are considering a winter sports break, an increase from 10% in 2012.
A number of lapsed skiers are also expected to return to the slopes this year.
This group is urged to check that their insurance is up to date and that it includes winter sports cover.
ABTA also urged holidaymakers taking ‘winter wonderland’ breaks to Lapland to also be careful about what their insurance will cover.
Reindeer sleigh rides, snowmobiling and ice fishing may not be covered by a standard travel insurance policy.
Martin Redmond, from the Foreign Office’s Know Before You Go Team, said: "The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) provides support for British nationals that get into difficulties overseas.
"However, we cannot pay medical bills if you are hospitalised and we can’t arrange to fly you home. So do your research, get covered and read the small print to help ensure your winter sports break is one to remember for the right reasons."
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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