Injury advice when in Andorra! Oops...

Hi,

I'm in Andorra for the week, and yesterday had a particularly nasty crash in which I accidentally went off a 3/4m cliff at quite some speed, landing on the flat piste below. My left ski hit the ground first and twisted my leg before unbinding.

I initially thought I had broken my leg (not unlikely given the circumstances), but after a minute I was able to stand on it without too much discomfort. We skiid to the bottom and went back up the lift. I felt too shaky and weak to ski much, so I made it cautiously down to the bottom, where I sat in a cafe waiting for my skiing partner.

I haven't seen a doctor as EHIC doesn't work in Andorra, and I also doubt my HSBC insurance will cover me for a skiing injury.

My question is this- assuming I have torn my ACL, will I be okay to wait for 1 week before getting back home and having it looked at there?

I am in mild discomfort and moving is very difficult.

p.s. the snow here is terrible.

clong wrote:EHIC doesn't work in Andorra

I hadn't realised that - worth noting!

clong wrote:I also doubt my HSBC insurance will cover me for a skiing injury.

Well the first thing you should do is check that...

clong wrote:I am in mild discomfort and moving is very difficult.

...and the second thing you should do is see a doctor, even if it eats into your beer money... 8)

Seriously, do get it looked at by a professional - hopefully (fingers crossed for you) it's just a strain but if you have damaged yourself then you need to know.

Look after yourself; you'll have plenty more ski trips.

My bank covers me for holidays but i always take out ski insurance....just incase!

I do hope your leg is going to be ok, but like admin said look after yourself there are lots more holidays :)

According to the HSBC web site you should be covered for skiing ...I know my RBS annual one does and if you have affected the acl the best bet is to get a decent knee support ...it worked for me

Thanks for the replies people.

Where would I get a knee support? What kind of shops sell these?

There's a really nice spa place just up the road, I might go and soak in the jacuzzi for a while...

I tried to go to the doctors but they're not in this town till tomorrow afternoon and my skiing buddy has the car today.

A Google search says that some HSBC accounts include 21 days of winter sports insurance. I'd give them a ring before you visit the hospital.

My other half was treated in Andorra's main hospital. They won't touch you without payment upfront or confirmation of insurance.

The medical staff were wonderful. All other staff were a nightmare. Rude and unhelpful. Stand your ground with them.

I hope your leg is ok... but what on earth are you doing ski-ing without having checked first if you had proper insurance?

It would cost many thousands (perhaps into six figures) if you'd needed to be airlifted off the mountain.

Your partner needs to check whether they're covered too - especially if the snow cover is bad, making accidents more likely.

I wholeheartedly agree with Skifun.

Ski insurance is not an option; it's essential.