A survey carried out by Abta found that 38% of those over 55 did not check their insurance policies to ensure they were covered for winter sports activities – this was above the overall average of 29% with younger generations more likely to ensure they had appropriate cover.
Those aged 18-24 are mostly likely to check their insurance cover with only 14% saying they did not check their policies for winter sports coverage.
UK Foreign Office figures revealed that 58 Britons died from skiing and snowboarding accidents between 2012 and 2016.
Abta has teamed up with the FCO and Ski Club to offer advice about how to prepare for a winter sports holiday through its Ski Safe campaign.
Nikki White, Abta’s director of destinations and sustainability, said: “Many holidaymakers wrongly assume they’re automatically covered for winter sports as part of their travel insurance – but it is often not the case, meaning thousands of people could be heading to the slopes without any cover.
“It is a costly business if you have an accident on the slopes and don’t have the right insurance to cover your medical bills.”
Philippa Makepeace, head of consular assistance at the FCO, added:“ Abta’s research suggests that British nationals don’t always check they’ve taken the right insurance before they travel.
“We’d encourage everyone who is travelling to take just a few minutes to check that they are covered for all the activities they have planned and any medical conditions have been declared.”
TTG is the media partner to Abta’s The Over 50s Market in Travel event, taking place on November 30 in London.
Among other speakers are Graeme McKenzie from Let’s Talk Ageing and G Adventures’ John Warner. Sessions will cover topics including marketing to the over-50s, how to tailor product, adventure travel and legal issues.
