Given the sheer volume of discounted holidays on offer from ski firms at present, it is unsurprising that cash-strapped holidaymakers are looking to the slopes for a break, and many of these will be taking the opportunity to try out one of the many different winter sports. For even more of these travellers considering their cheap travel insurance (http://www.postoffice.co.uk/portal/po/jump1catId=63300708's38;mediaId=19300208) options will be the last thing on their minds - and this could pose a considerable risk.
According to Post Office Travel Insurance (http://www.postoffice.co.uk/portal/po/jump1catId=63300708's38;mediaId=19300208), typically medical
expenses can make up an estimated 72 per cent of ski holiday insurance claim costs, and yet almost a quarter of the UK'ss holidaymakers would consider going on holiday this year without
travel insurance (http://www.postoffice.co.uk/portal/po/jump1catId=63300708's38;mediaId=19300208) in a bid to save
money. At present this represents an even riskier strategy than usual as medical costs in popular eurozone ski destinations such as France, Italy and Austria could be around 18 per cent
higher than this time last year, and those departing for Aspen or Vail in the USA could face a 29 per cent increase in medical costs. Gung ho holidaymakers taking to the slopes without
insurance could face air ambulance fees of up to 's163;12,000 (from Italy) or up to 's163;50,000 to be returned from the USA if they are injured.
Post Office head of travel insurance Rachel Croft comments:
The weaker pound means that the relative cost of hospital treatment abroad can be potentially much higher than usual. In addition to travel insurance, it'ss essential that people carry a
valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which offers free or reduced cost medical treatment in EU countries. However, the EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance - it won'st
cover costs such as mountain rescue, repatriation or lost baggage - so we urge people to ensure they are fully covered against all eventualities.