Most common winter sports injuries on holiday - and how much they cost
A broken leg is the most prevalent injury to cause a winter sports insurance claim, costing £6,165 on average, figures from insurers Aviva show.
Overall, the average claim to Aviva for a winter sports injury in the 2023/24 season was £2,190.
Despite this, one in 11 holidaymakers never buy travel insurance for their trips, the provider found.
In the 2022/23 season, dislocations were the most common injury on the slopes, but this dropped to third in 2023/24 behind rib fractures.
Rib fractures were the most expensive to treat out of the five most regular injuries in 2024, costing an average £7,827 in claims - more than double the average cost for 2023 (£3,150).
Rib fractures, often caused by hard impacts due to a fall, can be more complicated to treat due to the impact on internal organs.
The vast differences in price year on year could be due to the holiday destination, with the most expensive medical claims across the board coming from trips to Canada and the United States, while Bulgaria and Sweden were much cheaper, Aviva found.
Did you know? In some countries, such as Italy, it's mandatory for all skiers to have third-party liability insurance.
Dislocations cost £3,259 on average, while a broken clavicle caused claims of £3,789. A broken wrist set people back £2,422.
Erin Yurday, CEO and co-founder of NimbleFins, said: "Travel insurance is like having a safety net for the unexpected so you can focus on making unforgettable memories.
"Although you may first think about the risk of injury, travel insurance also protects your valuables and equipment, as well as trip cancellation, delays due to avalanches and even evacuation if you need to be rescued due to an injury.
"If you already have annual travel insurance, it's worth checking winter sports cover is included as you may need to opt in."
Suzzane Caine, travel claims expert at Aviva, 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.”
Canada became the most expensive destination for travel insurance claims for winter sports in 2023/24, with the average Aviva claim costing £7,267, way ahead of the United States' £6,523 bill.
Austria followed at £3,340, ahead of Italy (£2,085), Switzerland (£2,067), France (£1,636) and Andorra (£1,360).
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