HSBC insurance highlights skiing risks

HSBC has today highlighted the dangers facing British skiers.

The bank found that British skiers and snowboarders could end up paying more than £5 million in medical bills over the winter if they do not have enough travel insurance, says HSBC.

The bank points out that while 1.2 million people went on a winter sports holiday last year, 14,000 of these were injured.

The average cost of treating these injuries was £420, although the largest claim HSBC received was for a leg injury and over £7,600.

“With ski insurance it's a real case of getting what you pay for,” says Stephen Young, head of general insurance at HSBC.

“Saving a few pounds on a cheaper insurance policy can quickly look like a false economy if you end up paying thousands for medical treatment abroad. People who generally take more than one holiday a year are far better off taking out a good annual insurance policy with winter sports included.”