Winter Olympic fever - a hazard for Brits abroad

Back

With the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics kicking off this Friday (12 February), Brits may be inspired to try a more adventurous sport whilst on holiday this winter season. However, esure urges budding Olympians to check out their travel insurance policy's 'hazardous sports' section before taking to the slopes, toboggan run or ice rink to make sure they're covered in the event of an accident.

Worryingly, a third (34 per cent) of UK adults surveyed1 by esure travel insurance would try out a more extreme winter sport without checking to see if they were covered by their travel insurance. In fact, 13 per cent would assume that all activities offered at a ski resort were covered as standard - even though there are often exclusions, restrictions or limitations.

Brits trying out lower-risk activities such as ice skating or curling are likely to be covered under a standard travel policy whereas skiers and snowboarders may need to add 'winter sports' onto their travel insurance. Those attempting high-adrenaline activities such as bobsleighing, ice hockey, luging, skeleton, ski acrobatics or ski jumping could end up facing huge medical bills if they have an accident and the activity is excluded. That's why it's so important to check the small print of a policy.

Around one in eight (13 per cent/5.2 million2) holidaymakers polled have been injured whilst taking part in a more adventurous sport or activity on holiday. With a blood-wagon on the slopes likely to set you back approximately £2003 and a helicopter evacuation alone costing around £1500, having ample cover is crucial.

Mike Pickard, Head of Travel Insurance at esure, said: "Interest in the Olympic winter games is likely to spark an increase in the take-up of more extreme winter sports by Brits abroad. If you are tempted to try something new it's crucial to have quality travel insurance and to read the small print to check what you're covered for. If in doubt, call your insurer or consider leaving it to the professionals rather than risk facing a hefty medical bill if you were injured."

esure has some top tips for Brits looking to take part in activities and sports whilst on holiday that feature in the Winter Olympics:

  1. Don't forget to buy travel insurance: For peace of mind and to avoid paying a hefty bill if you are injured, buy good quality travel insurance. Surprisingly, one in eight (12 per cent) skiers and snowboarders questioned won't take out travel insurance before they take to the pistes this winter whilst three per cent will wrongly rely solely on their European Health Insurance Card for cover.
  2. Read the small print carefully: Check out your travel insurance policy's 'hazardous sports' section before you take part in a more adventurous activity. Never assume that you'll be covered.
  3. Contact your insurer with any questions: If you can't find an activity in your policy document or you have any questions about restrictions or exclusions, contact your insurer immediately. Some insurers may charge an additional premium to cover certain sports so it's worth making a call.
  4. Take note of any restrictions or provisos: Some insurers will stipulate that you are only covered if the activity is professionally organised and supervised, if suitable safety equipment is worn, and if the appropriate safety measures are taken. For example, off-piste skiers must be accompanied by a qualified guide or instructor on an esure policy.
  5. Check whether your activity has certain conditions: Cross-country skiing must take place on recognised routes and with a guide. Ski racing is only covered when arranged by an official ski school. If in doubt, check the policy detail.
  6. Take your policy documents away with you: In case you have any questions whilst on holiday or need to make a claim, take phone numbers and documentation with you.

- ends -

esure's press contacts:

Asia Yasir, Public Relations Officer: 01737 641305
Niki Bolton, Corporate Communications Manager: 01737 235070
Emma Lloyd, Assistant Communications Officer: 01737 641309
Adrian Webb, Head of Corporate Communications: 01737 641000
Email: pr@esure.com
Case studies are available on request.

Notes to Editors:

  1. ICM Research interviewed a random sample of 1004 holidaymakers aged 18+ by telephone between 23rd and 25th October 2009. Interviews were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults. ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Further information at www.icmresearch.co.uk.
  2. UK population 44,732,000 aged 18 plus (source: ONS). According to the survey, 90 per cent of UK adults go away on holiday: 40,258,800.
  3. Internal stats - esure travel insurance.

esure travel insurance is arranged and administered by FirstAssist Insurance Services Limited on behalf of the insurer, Great Lakes Reinsurance (UK) PLC.

About esure:

esure was launched in 2001. The company offers car, home, pet and travel insurance over the internet and by phone. esure also offers car insurance cover through the brands Halifax, Sainsbury's, Sheilas' Wheels and more recently home and travel insurance through the Sheilas' Wheels brand.