Brits off piste without travel insurance

Hundreds of Britons are taking to Europe's ski-slopes every year without travel insurance, new figures have revealed.

According to figures from insurance firm esure, some 27 per cent are leaving themselves open to ruinous injuries while skiing, mistakenly believing either that they are covered by European Health Insurance Card - or that standard travel insurance covers them for skiing mishaps.

Should they then suffer an injury while skiing, they could be left facing huge repatriation bills running into thousands of pounds.

Jacky Brown, Head of Travel Insurance at esure, said: "Any winter sports holiday comes with a certain element of risk. Whether on a nursery slope or a black run, accidents do happen and it's crucial to have medical cover to avoid footing a hefty bill.

"With the rise in high-adrenaline, adventure sports - such as heli-skiing and ice-lake diving - it's also important to check the insurance small print before booking and be mindful of any exclusions. Call your insurer if you're unsure whether or not you'll be covered."

Esure's survey also revealed that 20 per cent of respondents would chance their arm at an adventure sport such as snowboarding, even if they knew that their travel insurance policy would not cover them in the event of an injury sustained during the activity.

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