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Skiers expected to be more safety-conscious after Schumacher accident

Skiers this winter are expected to be more safety-conscious following Michael Schumacher’s high profile accident last season.

Research by adventure and backpacking travel insurance specialist Alphatravelinsurance.co.uk found that 82% of its customers more likely to wear helmets.

However, more experienced people on the slopes appear to be more complacent, with one in five respondents saying they are not concerned by accidents and do not wear all safety gear.

Almost 40% of the most experienced admit that they do not wear all safety equipment, against less than 20% of beginners.

But the survey data shows that of the people that had suffered an accident on the slopes, 40% of them were by people who consider themselves ‘pros’.

While 85% of respondents always take out travel insurance, 11% said that they would choose a policy based on the price of the premium over what is actually covered, potentially putting themselves at risk of not being adequately covered and only finding out when they need to make a claim.

Accidents on the slopes can be extremely costly, with piste rescue costing between £1,000 and £3,000, while remote areas may require a helicopter which can charge up to £15,000.

Repatriation from Europe can cost up to £10,000, depending on what is required.

Chantelle Dadd, brand manager of Alphatravelinsurance.co.uk, said: “The results of our recent survey have highlighted the changes in attitude to winter holidays, with high-profile celebrity accidents on the slopes clearly having an impact on people’s attitudes towards safety.

“Whatever level of experience you may have, an accident is always possible. Travel insurance is always important, and becomes even more essential when taking part in winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding.

“We recommend that all people taking part in winter sports this season make sure that they take out a ski-specific product which will cover emergency assistance as well as the costs of any lost, damaged or stolen equipment.“

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