Skiers warned to check insurance

Skiers are being urged to take out and check their travel insurance before hitting the slopes. Over one million people from the UK will be slipping on their skis this season, according to Ski Club of Great Britain. But nearly half will not take out travel cover. And of those who do, only 25% will bother to read the terms and conditions of their insurance, according to a survey by the club. Cheaper deals may not cover all winter sports or may only cover you if you are with a qualified guide. Those who are thinking of tobogganing, glacier skiing or off-piste skiing should also check the small print. An before stepping on that snowboard, read your legal expenses cover, which will cover your costs if someone injures you and you need to take legal action or if you are in a collision and someone wants to sue you. Caroline Stuart Taylor, chief executive at the Ski Club, which offers information, advice and discounts to members, says buying a travel policy is often not enough. She said: "People need to check they are fully covered for all the winter sports they intend to do, whether it is skiing, snowboarding, ice-skating or sledging. "We are urging skiers to read the policy small print. Too often, people get caught out because the insurance they bought was unsuitable or inadequate."