New research from Defaqto shows that 13% of single trip travel insurance policies do not cover winter sports. As a result, those planning a sports-based holiday this winter need to look closely at the features and benefits provided by different travel insurance policies to ensure they arrange suitable cover.
Defaqto’s analysis of the 342 single trip policies on the market that insure winter sports has found significant variation in the cover they offer in a number of key areas:
– Winter sports equipment – 80% of policies provide cover of less than £1,000 for the loss or theft of winter sports equipment, while only 2% provide cover of £2,000 or more; 2% of policies do not provide any cover for equipment
– Hired equipment – while 6% of policies provide no cover for the loss or theft of hired winter sports equipment, 55% provide less than £500 of cover and only 9% of policies offer cover of £750 or more in this area
– Cover for loss of a ski pass – if someone were to lose their ski pass, 31% of policies would provide cover of £200 or less (including 12% that would offer no cover at all), while 24% would offer £500 or more to cover the cost of a replacement pass
– Piste closure – 8% of policies provide cover of £50 or more per day to compensate people where a piste has to be closed, due to adverse weather conditions for example; 56% provide cover of £20 or less per day for this, while 5% offer no cover at all. In terms of total cover limits offered by policies in this area, 18% apply a limit of £400 or over, while 43% of policies have a limit of £200 or less
– Avalanche delay – 16% of policies provide cover of £500 or more to cover the costs of holidaymakers needing to find alternative accommodation, for example, if they are unable to return to their resort due to an avalanche, while 34% offer cover of £200 or less for this; 20% of policies do not offer avalanche delay cover at all
Mike Powell, Defaqto’s Insight Analyst for General Insurance, said:
“At this time of year people may be thinking about booking a skiing holiday, or indeed may be looking forward to a break they have already arranged. Given the expense often involved, it is important for holidaymakers to arrange suitable travel insurance once their booking is made to safeguard the money they have spent. When looking at cover for a winter sports break, there are a number of areas in particular where people will need to ensure their cover meets their needs, for example when it comes to protecting their skiing equipment. However, we have found wide-ranging variation across single trip travel insurance policies in terms of the winter sports-related cover they offer.
“To ensure they get the right type and level of cover for their trip, people need to focus first and foremost on pinpointing the features they need from a travel insurance policy and identifying the options that provide that cover. Although important, price should not be the primary basis for comparison – after all, buying the cheapest cover available could end up being the most expensive option if it doesn’t provide adequate cover for someone’s holiday or their possessions.”
Source : Defaqto
