Skiing is dangerous, which makes travel insurance vital, but holidaymakers with pre-existing medical conditions are not taking cover as it can be impossible to find affordable policies.

World First, who specialise in medical travel insurance, offer affordable family cover from just £75 which can easily be extended to cover over 1,000 different medical conditions and elderly relatives who may be on the holiday, but not skiing.

Martin Rothwell, Managing Partner World First Travel Insurance, was staggered by recent figures showing that over 2 million people don’t feel they need any travel insurance.

He says “Winter breaks have a higher risk of accidental injury than any other type of holiday, so comprehensive ski travel insurance is vital, particularly as the European Health Insurance Card does not cover ski-specific emergencies such as mountain rescue.  For those skiers or snowboarders suffering from pre-existing medical conditions, the cost of travel insurance and levels of cover available can make the difference between going or staying at home.

“Many families do not realise that should the worst happen and a medical emergency arise due to a pre-existing medical condition, the implications can extend across the entire family unless they are all covered under one policy. With the appropriate cover, family members can stay together should someone end up in hospital, for example, and cover will be valid should the trip be totally cancelled due to a medical problem before departure.”

World First’s winter sports travel insurance offers full cover for most winter sports activities, from skiing and snowboarding off piste to tobogganing and cross country skiing, easing peace of mind for travellers wanting the best cover at no extra cost. It is available for skiers aged up to 79 and the benefits include £5 million medical expenses, loss or damage of skis and snowboards as well as the cost of ski passes if anyone is unable to take to the slopes during the holiday, either from ill health or an accident.