- Breaking a leg is the most expensive injury, costing more than £6,000 to treat
One in 10 winter holidaymakers goes overseas without insurance – despite the average sports injury costing £2,190 in medical care.
Insurer Aviva has analysed its claims data and found that a broken leg is the most common injury on the slopes, with an average medical cost of £6,165 to treat.
Broken legs overtook dislocations, which were the most common overseas injury in 2023.
The second most-common injury is fractured ribs (£7,827), then dislocations (£3,259), broken collarbones (£3,789) and broken wrists (£2,422).
Treatment costs also vary significantly across countries.
Canada has surpassed the US as the most expensive country for treating winter sports injuries, at an average cost of £7,267.
Aviva travel claims expert Suzzane Caine said: ‘Winter sports holidays and the après-ski scene can be quite the trip, but they often come with more risks compared to your typical beach getaway.
‘This is why it’s crucial to review your policy documents and ensure you have the appropriate cover for your destination and planned activities.’
One in 11 (9 per cent) of holidaymakers never take out travel insurance, according to a Censuswide survey commissioned by Aviva.
Getting the right winter travel insurance
If your winter holiday will include activities such as skiing, you will need insurance which specifically covers winter sports.
Many standard travel insurance deals specifically exclude this.
Winter sports cover will give an extra layer of protection for things like theft or damage of ski equipment, piste closures, and avalanche delays, in addition to medical treatment.
Even then, insurance policies can have tough exclusions. For example, some policies include off-piste skiing, but only with a qualified guide, while others specify skiing only on established trails.
Even if you are opting for the correct cover, it is important to tell your insurer about any pre-existing medical conditions when you take out the insurance, otherwise it could be invalid.
An annual multi-trip travel insurance policy will be better value for money than single trip cover.
Caine added: ‘If you need hospital treatment or an early flight home, costs can soar into the tens or even hundreds of thousands.
‘By securing travel insurance as soon as you book your holiday, you safeguard yourself and your belongings, providing peace of mind as your trip approaches.’