Taking out ski insurance can help you avoid bills worth tens of thousands of pounds

Skiers looking to make a getaway for some winter excitement should make sure they have adequate insurance in place, otherwise they risk being hit with bills worth tens of thousands of pounds if they have an accident.

But it’s not simply a case of picking a one-size-fits-all policy off the shelf. Instead, winter-sports enthusiasts should check the smallprint to ensure any policy is suitable.

For example, people who go skiing frequently should be aware that some policies cover only a set number of days each year, or a maximum number of trips.

But a little bit of research should help you find a reasonably-priced and suitable policy.

“Making sure you have appropriate travel cover for your ski holiday shouldn’t break the bank – there are competitive deals out there for jetsetters prepared to shop around online for the best deals,” said Bob Atkinson, of Moneysupermarket.

“Snow lovers should check that on top of the usual standard criteria such as cancellation, baggage cover and medical expenses, their policies include winter sports protection such as cover for sports equipment, ski pass or going off-piste.”

A serious injury that requires extensive treatment and repatriation to the UK by air ambulance can prove very expensive, and this is probably the most important thing to get cover for.

But it might also be worth seeing if you can find a policy that insures you against piste closure or avalanche closure.

“Families who travel more than once in a year may find annual travel insurance is a more cost-effective option, but check the maximum number of days of skiing allowed under the policy,” said Mr Atkinson.

“It is vital to check the smallprint on these policies to so you know exactly what you are covered for while away.”

Meanwhile, more than half of skiers do not wear helmets when they are on the slopes, despite evidence helmets can help prevent head injuries.

Sarah Munro, head of travel insurance at the Post Office, said: “Although we don’t insist our customers wear a helmet on the slopes, it is something that we strongly recommend.

“Whilst wearing a helmet doesn’t make you immune to injury, it does add another layer of protection.”

The Post Office said seasoned skiers were the least likely to don helmets. Its research found that virtually no one who has been on at least five skiing holidays over the past five years wore them.