The Culture Bank

The skiing season is nearly upon us and bookings at popular ski resorts in Europe and North America are being made at travel agencies and online web sites. Insurance when skiing is essential; now a leading travel insurance company is refusing to offer cover for skiers who do not wear a helmet on the slopes. This is thought to be the first time that a British insurer has adopted tis sort of condition but, Essential Travel said customers who have an accident and are proven to have been skiing without head protection face having their policy invalidated. This is all part of a campaign called “Use Your Head” which was launched in 2010 following the death of Natasha Richardson a year earlier.

Not everyone is happy about wearing a helmet, but the latest figure show that around 77 per cent of British skiers now claim to wear a helmet on the slopes, up from 62 per cent in 2010. Helmets will not stop serious injuries, but they do lower the risk of fatalities and that is thought to be reason enough to impose the compulsory wearing of helmets’. Of course it cannot be proved that a person was wearing a helmet in the case of an accident, but medical records and doctors’ notes could reveal this. The travel industry believes that many other insurers will follow the lead of Essential and it may become a condition of taking out skiing insurance.

After a life of hard work and the trials and tribulations of bringing up a family, many older people take the opportunity of their retirement to go on holiday or embark on a world trek.

An important question that often crosses people’s minds is whether their age and state of health militate against them when trying to get travel insurance.  The short answer is “no” but careful research should be applied.  A quick internet search will reveal that there are many insurance companies that have tapped into this age group and have designed specific insurance schemes that should cover all possibilities.  Research is vital, as terms and conditions do vary from company to company as do premiums.

Essentially, anyone who has a pre-existing medical condition, be it high blood pressure or diabetes, must inform their insurance provider of these conditions; otherwise the travel insurance will not be valid.  A doctor’s letter is always a good idea, as well as a list of medications so if there is an accident or healthcare problems do arise the local medical services will be able to help the traveller.  It is always a good idea to inform travel companions of any health problems as they might be able to liaise for you should the need arise.

For those of a more adventurous nature, Himalayan trekking or rafting in the Amazon being just two examples, there are many travel companies that cater specifically for the more mature traveller and can advise on the appropriate travel insurance.  The 1960s ‘Baby Boomers’ have come of age and quite rightly wish to enjoy their well-earned free time and most of the major travel insurance providers will be able to help them in this aim.

You may never think that something will go wrong while you are abroad because you do not consider insurance for activities when you are at home.  However, if you succumb to an accident or something happens that means you will need medical attention, lose your passport or money, then your holiday may be a nightmare without the peace of mind of adequate travel insurance.

Unlike the UK, health care is not free or is it heavily subsidised in most countries.  Without travel insurance, it could cost about £45,000 to be air lifted to the hospital if you are on holiday in Florida, or if you need a flight with doctor assistance following an accident while backpacking in Australia, it could set you back around £20,000. While these incidents are rare, they were unexpected, and the travellers could have been covered by a travel insurance policy that cost less than £100.

Just because you are a UK citizen does not mean that the High Commission or British Embassy will cover your costs.  Travel insurance is your best form of protection, even if you feel you are a careful person, you do not know when you may need help for a sudden illness or unexpected injury.

Your travel insurance policy will also cover extra things as well as your medical expenses.  Your policy can cover things like legal assistance, loss of your possessions or luggage, help you if your trip is curtailed or cancelled, or cover your return trip if your airline goes into bankruptcy.

Like most insurance, your policy will not cover you should you have an accident due to being under the influence of drugs or alcohol or do something risky.  You also must keep reasonable care of your belongings and use services, like a hotel safe, where they exist to protect important documents like your passport or flight tickets.