According to Alphatravelinsurance.co.uk, 82% of customers are likely to adopt headgear following Michael Schumacher’s injury on French slopes.
With just under two-thirds (60%) of novice skiers opting for extra safety equipment, the fears of serious skiing injuries appear to be on the rise. Another 12% of those that responded to the survey admit they would not choose to wear safety gear, despite being concerned about winter sport hazards.
The majority of self-proclaimed ‘pros’ are not deterred by the recent safety surge, with 40% of advanced skiers stating they do not wear all the safety equipment available to them. This percentage matches the amount of injuries conceded by ‘pros’, accounting for 40% of skiers involved in incidents.
The cost of dealing with a piste skiing accident ranges from £1000 to £3000, whilst off-piste injuries can cost up to £15,000 as a result of helicopter assistance and, in depending on the extremity of the case, repatriation from Europe.
Over one tenth of respondents (11%) stated that, when taking out travel insurance, price is a greater deciding factor than cover. This can result in unwelcome surprises when claimants discover they are not covered for certain circumstantial incidents.
Chantelle Dadd, brand manager of Alphatravelinsurance.co.uk, said: “We recommend that all people taking part in winter sports this season make sure that they take out a ski-specific product which will cover emergency assistance as well as the costs of any lost, damaged or stolen equipment.“