Top 10 tips for ski holiday insurance

If you are confused on what you should be looking out for, or paying, for your ski holiday insurance, the Ski Club of Great Britain is offering its top ten tips.

Top of the list is thinking about all the activities you are planning to do, and making sure the policy covers them.

"Many policies will not cover activities such as snow shoeing, dog sledding, parapenting [hang-gliding with skis] or tobogganing," the Ski Club warned.

Off-piste skiing may be a buzz-word when it comes to intrepid skiing away from the crowds, but insurers are not always so keen, and it may mean different things to different insurance providers.

"Check what the provider means by off-piste. All Ski Club insurance policies cover off-piste skiing/boarding without a guide at no additional cost, something that would usually be classed as 'specialist' cover by other providers," the Ski Club explained.

It also warns skiers they may end up skiing off-piste unintentionally, for example by falling off a lift, or traversing an area away from the piste.

Delays are another problem skiers may face, thanks to avalanches or adverse snow conditions blocking roads, so it is important make sure this type of delay is covered by the policy, along with accidents or breakdowns.

Skiers going to work in a resort are recommended to get a seasonal policy as most annual policies do not provide cover for over 31 days at a time.

The Ski Club added: "Ensure that the seasonal policy has cancellation or curtailment up to the level you need, ie if you are going on a snowsports instructor course that costs £5,000 make sure you would get this back if you had to cancel."

You may find yourself caught out if you have an accident during an impromptu race, or even if family take part in a fun race.

"Many policies do not cover racing, even fun races," the Ski Club warned.

The maximum altitude your policy covers you for is another key area to watch out for.

"If you are going on a ski mountaineering, hiking or trekking trip at high altitude check that your policy covers you. Many policies will limit cover to 3,000m or less," said the Ski Club.

Medical expenses cover is recommended to be at least £2 million, as is personal liability cover.

Baggage and personal possessions cover is recommended to be at least £1,000.

Finally, ensure legal expenses cover is in your policy.

Not sure how much you should be paying? Here are some examples of what it costs with the Ski Club:

Single trip ski holiday insurance: Europe £24.14 / Worldwide £53.10 (standard cover, up to ten days)

Annual multi-trip ski holiday insurance: Individuals - Europe £47.43 / Worldwide £60.14; family – Europe £72.70 / Worldwide = £112.05 (standard cover)

Five months seasonal – Europe £186.39 / Worldwide £365.56 (standard cover)