Money: Don't fall down on ski cover

The travel industry has been severely affected by the events of 11 September and the subsequent war on terrorism. However, while sales of holidays have fallen generally, an increasing number of us are planning to go skiing this winter: bookings are up by about 36 per cent on last year.

Ski resorts in the United States have taken a bit of a battering, losing out to European pistes. "People who go skiing tend to be seasoned travellers who go every year, and [sales indicate] that they aren't overconcerned about security in the Alps," says Frances Tuke, spokes- woman for the Association of British Travel Agents.

As well as taking winter sports holidays rather than jetting off to the sun, we also seem to be shying away from long-haul flights. Helen Dwyer, director at insurer Primary Direct, says that the only real demand the company is getting for travel insurance is from people either going skiing or going on short breaks in Europe.

While travel insurance is essential for any holiday, it is particularly important if you're going skiing or snowboarding. According to AA Insurance, 8,000 British holiday makers will be seriously injured on the ski slopes this winter - and inadequate travel insurance can prove very costly should you end up in hospital.

Actual claims received by Primary Direct as a result of skiing or snowboarding accidents include pounds 2,924 for a smashed knee in Switzerland and pounds 2,850 for a broken ankle in Germany. As well as checking that you have adequate cover for medical expenses, you should ensure that you are covered for personal liability as you could find yourself being sued should you crash into somebody else. A Mori survey for Direct Line found that 51 per cent of those injured while skiing or snowboarding collided with other skiers, while 23 per cent collided with snowboarders.

Don't rely on an E111, the form entitling you to free emergency medical treatment in the European Union. An American Express survey revealed that 14 million Britons believe an E111 provides adequate cover when travelling in Europe; it doesn't. An E111 is not travel insurance. It will cover medical costs only in those countries where Britain has a reciprocal agreement - and Switzerland, for example, is not one of them.

Even in those countries where it does apply, it does not cover treatment in private clinics, or repatriation costs, or mountain rescue.

You also have to be careful if you get your insurance "free" with your holiday, as the level of cover could well be poor. "On some free policies, you'll find that you won't have cover for things such as ski equipment," warns Ms Dwyer. "And it can be very expensive if you have your skis stolen or are injured at the beginning of your holiday but can't claim for the cost of the ski pass."

Direct Travel Insurance recommends that you should also check whether you are covered for search and mountain rescue costs, off- piste skiing, the cost of ski lessons if you are injured or taken ill, the theft of unattended equipment and piste closure or avalanches.

Anyone taking two or more holidays a year is likely to be able to save a considerable amount on their travel insurance by opting for an annual multi-trip policy. Yet Direct Line's research found that even though 68 per cent of people surveyed fell into this category, 45 per cent still take out single-trip insurance each time they travel.

Don't let skiing cost you an arm and a leg

Cheapest annual European multi-trip policies (including winter sports)

Insurer Family of four Single person Contact

Travel Plan Direct pounds 49.00 pounds 29.00 0800 018 8747

James Hampden pounds 50.00 pounds 30.00 0845 345 5708

Journeywise* pounds 51.00 pounds 29.95 0870 845 5555

Flexicover Direct* pounds 69.00 pounds 39.00 0800 783 8338

Travsure pounds 69.60 (pounds 54.40)** 01635 860505

Primary Direct* (pounds 82.95)** pounds 39.74 0870 444 3434

*Provides up to pounds 10m of medical expenses; **not in top five for that category.

Source: www.moneysupermarket.com

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