When winter is on its way, the first reservations begin in ski resorts for the winter sports season. Major sector of tourism in France, heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, winter sports often represent a significant budget, which can explode in the event of an accident. It is therefore necessary, before leaving, to take stock of your insurance and what it covers, to avoid unpleasant surprises at the bottom of the slopes.
What should winter sports insurance cover?
Winter sports make it possible both to rest on vacation and to fill up on adrenaline, but they are also a source of various dangers, not always all anticipated by tourists. Good insurance coverage should therefore not only take into account the costs of various treatments, in the event of injury on the ski slopes for example. To leave with complete peace of mind, you must be protected by comprehensive personal insurance, covering in particular the costs of search, rescue and medical transport, which are not covered by Social Security or by your mutual. You must also be insured at the level of civil liability if you cause injury to one or more third parties by an accident, as well as at the level of your legal coverage. The latter will allow you to obtain financial support in the event of legal proceedings after an accident. Finally, do not forget to check the clauses of your insurance contract to prepare yourself for the worst cases, namely serious accident, disability or even death, so that your loved ones can access compensation.
Different solutions for different covers
For most minor winter sports accidents, most home insurance will cover the costs incurred, but these are not always suitable for winter sports stays. Ski resorts also generally offer their customers the option of taking out a personal insurance package which can also cover the reimbursement of certain advanced costs in the event of cancellation during the stay. Named among others Carré Neige or Assur’Gliss, they amount to around three euros per day and twenty euros per week. But if you want to be reassured by more complete protection, you can take out specific insurance with your insurer, which can be adjusted according to your wishes. Finally, some premium bank cards (Gold Mastercard, Visa Premier, etc.) have their own insurance service which, in addition to personal insurance and reimbursement of costs, includes civil liability. If you choose to use it, it will be activated as soon as you pay for your stay on your arrival, as long as you pay with the bank card in question.
In what situations are you not covered?
However, insurance cannot cover all situations, particularly those in which your liability is incurred. Insurance generally does not cover accidents caused during off-piste practice, for example. In general, you will not be compensated by your insurer if it can be proven that you have broken the law or a prefectural decree relating to the practice of winter sports in the area you frequent. Finally, be aware that in the event of an accident on a ski area, you will be asked to pay the rescue costs yourself.
(By the drafting of the hREF agency
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