Skiers should buy
online travel insurance rather than relying on their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), as many slopes have private medical centres.
The EHIC allows card holders access to medical treatment while travelling in the European Economic Area (EEA) and in Switzerland. However, the card will not buy treatment in private medical centres, and most ski slope medical facilities fit this description. As a result, skiers suffering from accidents who are not covered by
online travel insurance may have to pay substantial fees for treatment.
Graeme Trudgill, technical and corporate affairs executive for the British Insurance Brokers' Association (Biba), said: "You won't be able to claim it on your European Health Insurance Card so that's going to be expensive as well. You're going to have to pay a private bill."
Being a good skier offers little respite, as travellers could find themselves liable for medical expenses even if an injury is caused through a collision that was somebody else's fault.
Online travel insurance is recommended to be safe.
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