Ski Insurance

I have previously used Direct-Travel for our ski insurance as my hubby is able to ski off-piste and they seem to have pretty decent cover. However I've just looked at their policy and they have new underwriters - someone called Chartis. Does anyone have any experience with this company, or can anyone recommend any other insurance policies which aren't too costly to cover a family?

Nitty

We are insured with the post office, which is very cheap, but we've never had to claim (so far!) so I don't know how difficult it is to get money off them.

Ally

Might be worth checking your bank account, and whether it offers any travel insurance. My account (Bank of Scotland Ultimate Reward Account) gives worldwide travel insurance, including winter sports.

Other than that, i remember getting cheap travel insurance from something like EHIC? - the same people, or a company linked to the European Health Insurance Card - might be worth a google search to see what you can find. Sorry I cant be more helpful...wish i could remember the name!!

nitty, Direct Travel has recently been discussed on here, and over on Snowheads. It seems the co. is under new ownership, with a new boss, underwriters etc. I've been asking them ski related questions by email, and so have a few other folks on the forums. Their skier policy looks broadly the same, but as always, the devil is in the detail, and my experience was that they lack sufficient knowledge of the risk (skiing) they are offering cover on.
If you never go off piste, study the list of covered activities carefully and always ski in a resort, I think it may suit quite a few skiers.

Always carry an EHIC with you.

I have claimed from them some years ago, and they paid up eventually, but only after I bypassed them (the broker) and went direct to the Insurance co. with a formal complaint. Pretty normal fare.

I use Dog tag and have just tried to claim for my stolen skis so ill let you know how i get on.
Only time I have claimed was through the ski club of great britain insurance (dont need to be a member) and they were brilliant paid for Helecoptor, 2 weeks in Barcelona Hospital, Operation and repatriation without a quible.

A friend used to work for a company that dealt with insurance claims and repatriation. She said that without doubt the best people for insurance are Marks & Spencer Travel Insurance. This was a unanimous feeling amongst the entire office.
It won't be the cheapest on the market but in terms of extent of cover, flexibility and lack of loop-holes they were second to none.
I should say here that I am no way connected to the company so this isn't a sales pitch!

Robin

We have pet insurance with M&S they've shelled out many £1,000s for us without a quibble. I would recommend them in a heartbeat. Their customer service is great. Hence we used them for ski insurance last year. They use AXA as do Smile. We're already covered for Winter Sports with my Smilemore Account so I think we'll be using that this year. Studying the policies, there isn't enough of a difference to pay again.

I have insure&go. can't comment on what they're like if you claim, but the policy seems to cover what I think is relevant (eg £500 for hire equipment (just about covers the loss I guess), off-piste with guide/instructor)..this came in at under £100 for worldwide, annual, family with wiinter sports. I've no connection with them and to be honest I hope it's a complete waste of money.