🎿 Skiing, Slopes and Safety: Why Winter Travel Insurance Matters More Than You Think
Skiing holidays are a highlight of the winter season — fresh air, stunning views, and the thrill of the slopes. But when things go wrong, the costs can quickly turn from exhilarating to eye-watering. Every year, British travellers find themselves facing unexpected hospital bills, repatriation costs, and invalid insurance policies after an accident on the piste.
At MET Medical, we’ve seen first-hand what happens when someone needs to be rescued, treated abroad, and brought safely home. Here’s what you need to know before you travel.
🏔️ Mountain Rescue Isn’t Free
If you’re injured on the slopes, being rescued off a mountain isn’t like calling an ambulance in the UK — it can cost thousands.
In the French Alps, for example:
Ski patrol or helicopter rescue can cost between €500 and €5,000, depending on location and severity.
Emergency medical treatment at a local hospital can range from €1,000 to €10,000+, particularly if surgery is required.
If you need to be transferred back to the UK, the cost depends on your condition and the transport required.
✈️ Repatriation: Ground vs Air Ambulance
Repatriation — getting you safely home for ongoing care — can be one of the most expensive parts of an incident abroad.
For non-critical injuries such as a broken leg, ground ambulance repatriation from the French Alps typically costs £7,000 or more, depending on distance, clinical support, and any overnight stops required.
For serious or complex conditions, an air ambulance or medical escort flight may be needed. These can cost anywhere from £10,000 to £25,000, depending on the aircraft type, medical team, and level of care required.
At MET Medical, our international repatriation team regularly supports families bringing loved ones home safely by road or air ambulance, with UK-based clinical crews experienced in both urgent and long-distance care.
🩺 Pre-Existing Medical Conditions — and Why You Must Declare Them
Many travellers assume they’re covered because they’ve bought travel insurance — but if you’ve seen your GP for anything, it may count as a pre-existing medical condition.
That includes:
Chronic illnesses (like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease)
Mental health conditions
Recent surgery or hospital stays
Any investigations, scans, or referrals — even if you’re waiting for results
Insurers can and do access your medical records when assessing claims. If you didn’t declare something, even unintentionally, your policy could be invalidated, leaving you responsible for the full cost of treatment and repatriation.
🍷 Alcohol and Insurance: A Costly Cocktail
It’s common to enjoy après-ski drinks, but alcohol and injuries don’t mix — especially when it comes to insurance.
When you arrive at a hospital after an accident, blood tests are routinely taken. If alcohol is found in your system, your insurer may refuse to pay out, regardless of how little you’ve consumed.
Even a small amount of alcohol could put your claim at risk — and that might mean footing the entire bill for rescue, hospital treatment, and your journey home.
🧣 Check for Winter Sports Cover
Standard travel insurance doesn’t automatically include skiing or snowboarding. Make sure your policy specifically includes “winter sports” cover, which typically provides protection for:
Mountain rescue and helicopter evacuation
Piste closure compensation
Equipment cover for loss or damage
Off-piste skiing (check your policy restrictions carefully)
🩹 Common Skiing Injuries
While skiing is great fun and fantastic exercise, it also puts strain on your body — especially your knees. Common injuries include:
Minor: Sprains, strains, and bruising
Moderate: Fractured wrists, dislocated shoulders, or knee ligament injuries
Major: Broken femurs, spinal injuries, or head trauma requiring evacuation and surgery
Even minor injuries can become complicated abroad, especially if swelling or infection delays your ability to fly home safely.
🧭 A Final Thought
Skiing holidays are meant to be memorable for the right reasons. By choosing the right insurance — declaring all pre-existing conditions, avoiding alcohol on the slopes, and ensuring you have winter sports cover — you can protect yourself, your family, and your finances.
If you or a loved one ever need help getting home from abroad, MET Medical’s specialist repatriation service is here to support you. From road transfers to dedicated air ambulances, our experienced medical teams ensure safe, compassionate journeys — from the Alps to your doorstep.
📞 Need Help with Repatriation?
If you or someone you know requires repatriation from Europe or beyond, contact MET Medical for advice or a quotation.
👉 Visit www.met-medical.co.uk or call 0203 627 9042 to speak to our team.