seasonal skiing insurance

and dpes the carre neige include rescue costs for off-piste skiing without a guide?

kusanagi wrote:
So I guess I need extra travel insurance.

Well.......

I for one hope you buy sensible cover "just in case" and .....

Then hope you don't need any of it and can get to the end of the season never having the need to contact your insurer!
:D

kusanagi wrote:
The Neige card only covers everything up on the mountain.

It covers a lot more than that.

http://www.carreneige.com

Rescue and evacuation*

From the moment ski patrollers are sent right up to your transfer to the most appropriate medical facility, Carré Neige is by your side. Totally reassuring !
> In the mountains more than anywhere else, rescue services are crucial. Thanks to Carré Neige, the search, rescue and initial transport costs are all covered.
Reimbursement of medical, pharmaceutical and hospitalization costs... !

From the smallest to the more serious injuries, it's totally advantageous
> Because your health is priceless, Carré Neige reimburses the medical costs still incumbent on you after those reimbursed by the national healthcare system and/or your supplementary health insurance up to 3000€ (with a deductible of 46€).
> This 100% coverage applies regardless of the severity of the accident and the amount of costs incurred !

* In France : with no maximum amount; Outside of France: 15,000€ maximum
Repatriation

If you are unable to travel, Carré Neige will take you home, along with the members of your family. Totally practical !
> Mountain holidays are wonderful. But only if you're in shape to enjoy them! So if your condition prevents you from travelling normally, Carré Neige will ensure your repatriation and that of your children under 15, and even bring your vehicle home if necessary.
Ski pass reimbursement

With Carré Neige, your unused ski passes and ski lessons** are reimbursed. Totally magical !
> Imagine the following : you have an accident on the first day of your holiday and have to go home. Relax !
> In all of these situations and many others, Carré Neige reimburses your unused ski passes and ski lessons**.

The repatriation however is only to Europe (there's a long list of countries).

If you get the EHIC as well, there will still be certain things you're not covered for. Like:
1. Cancellation insurance (French people can buy this as part of the Carre Neige).
2. Theft of cash/cards/passport etc. and the costs associated with obtaining another passport.
3. Loss of luggage and costs of buying more in resort (unless this is covered under your household insurance)
4. Theft of skis.

And I expect there are several other things I've forgotten!

I suppose the largest item could potentially be if you're held to be liable for hurting another skier/snowboarder. I'm not sure if this is covered under the Carre Neige. It is with my snowsports travel insurance.

kusanagi wrote:and dpes the carre neige include rescue costs for off-piste skiing without a guide?

Yes it does.

kusanagi wrote:Germany.
I have read through the policy of EHIC, it seems that it only covers 30% of the medical costs in France.

The Neige card only covers everything up on the mountain.

So I guess I need extra travel insurance.

I haven't read EHIC policy & as you are supposed to be treated in same way as a French national this would mean that they have to pay 70% of their medical costs, and doesn't sound right to me.

Having said that something must be going on, info from the DWP I live in Spain & holiday in France & claim from the UK & states you may not get 100% refund as you will be treated the same as nationals & that suggests the French must pay some percentage for healthcare but 70% sounds a lot.

Check out the annual rescue cover offered by the Austrian Alpine Club.

http://www.alpenverein.at/portal/

AllyG wrote:

kusanagi wrote:
The Neige card only covers everything up on the mountain.

Because your health is priceless, Carré Neige reimburses the medical costs still incumbent on you after those reimbursed by the national healthcare system and/or your supplementary health insurance up to 3000€ (with a deductible of 46€).

3000euros is a very small amount regarding big injuries....

kusanagi wrote:

AllyG wrote:

kusanagi wrote:
The Neige card only covers everything up on the mountain.

Because your health is priceless, Carré Neige reimburses the medical costs still incumbent on you after those reimbursed by the national healthcare system and/or your supplementary health insurance up to 3000€ (with a deductible of 46€).

3000euros is a very small amount regarding big injuries....

That's why most people advise you to have travel insurance as well as the Carre Neige.

According to the NHS website below, if you are in hospital you only have to pay 20% of your medical costs under the French healthcare system, and 30% if you are seen by a national health GP or dentist, if you show them your EHIC card. And you can reclaim what you've paid either from Carre Neige or your main travel insurer (I'm covered for £2 million of medical expenses under my policy with PJ Hayman).

http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad/countryguide/Pages/healthcareinFrance.aspx

Before making an appointment with a doctor or dentist make sure that they are registered with the state healthcare provider in France (conventionné ie). 'Conventionné' practitioners can fall into either of the following two categories:

Secteur 1: practitioners who charge the official social security rate or
Secteur 2: practitioners who charge an extra fee on top of the official rate

Doctors

You must pay the doctor directly. The doctor then will fill out a treatment form (feuille de soins) and a prescription if necessary. The treatment form is necessary to claim any refunds. You can claim back around 70% of the standard treatment cost. The standard rate for a consultation with a general practitioner is 21 Euros and 25 Euros for a consultation with a specialist. These charges are non-refundable in France but you may be able to seek reimbursement when you are back in the UK.
Dentists

You must pay the dentists direct who will then fill out a treatment form (feuille de soins) and a prescription if necessary. The form is necessary to claim any refunds. You can claim back around 70% of the standard treatment cost. This is non-refundable in France but you may be able to seek reimbursement when you are back in the UK.
Hospital treatment

If you are admitted to hospital, make sure you present your EHIC or your 'carte vitale' on admission. This will save you from paying any refundable costs up front and ensure you only pay the patient contribution.

Generally, you will only have to pay a 20% co-payment towards your treatment, sometimes it will be free. Inpatients will have to pay a daily hospital charge of 16 Euros. If you are admitted to hospital and receive any major medical treatment, you will be charged a flat-rate contribution of €18 in addition to the daily hospital charge or the 20% co-payment. These charges are non-refundable in France but you may be able to seek reimbursement when you are back in the UK.

If you are admitted to a private hospital or clinic, try to ensure that it is also registered to provide state healthcare.
Prescriptions

You should choose a pharmacy that is working within the French healthcare system. With your prescription, you should receive a treatment form (feuille de soins) – you cannot claim a refund without it.

Prescribed medicines are only reimbursable if they are listed as reimbursable pharmaceutical products. Reimbursement rates vary between 15% and 100 % of the sale price.
This is non-refundable in France but you may be able to seek reimbursement when you are back in the UK.

For more information on which medicines you can claim back contact CLEISS.
Ambulance

In France, a doctor has to confirm that you are really in need of an ambulance service. Alternatively, you could use a light medical vehicle (vehicule sanitaire leger - VSL) to get to hospital.

Ambulance charges are due if you are being admitted or discharged from hospital. This is non-refundable in France but you may be able to seek reimbursement when you are back in the UK.