In this part of our learn to ski guide we look at insurance policies.

About one-third of all skiers do not purchase insurance, and thereby open themselves up to the risk of owing literally thousands of dollars of medical and/or rescue bills in the event of an accident.

Murphy’s Law would suggest that what can go wrong, will go wrong, and skiing is no exception;  consider issues such as baggage loss, stolen or broken equipment, personal liability in the event of an accident that requires repatriation/restoration, and even things like piste closure that you may not have thought about, all of which can cost you money.

That’s why it is recommended that you invest in some insurance that will cover your skiing trip.  How can you choose, however, from the tremendous range of polices out there?

First, think about the kind of skier you are.  Even the cheapest policies of insurance can cover those folks who are at a beginning or inexperienced level, and who plan to stick to the piste.  Basic policies start in the range of $30, and should be available through your travel agent, insurance broker, and sometimes even in the supermarket.

More advanced skiers who will be doing off-piste, heli-skiing or cat-skiing will need policies that cover those activities.  {Premiums can be significantly more expensive in line with the increased risk or danger and you should expect to have to use a specialist insurance provider to be fully covered.}

You must also consider how much coverage you need.  Within a policy of insurance, there can be different bands of coverage, whether or not your activities change.  A basic policy, for example, can provide you with $250,000 worth of protection, while a premium policy may pay up to $1,000,000 for medical expenses.  Excess payments on any claims made can end up being a considerable amount of money if you go with a less expensive policy, so that is something to which you should pay attention.

No matter what policy or coverage you elect, you must purchase your policy before you travel, or it will not be valid.  Auditors always ask for proof of travel, such as air tickets, to guard against people buying insurance after their accident.

Finally, be very wary of the small print involved in ski holiday insurance policies and know exactly what you‘re covered for.  Read through it thoroughly before signing the contract and ask questions about any aspects of it that you’re unsure about.