Analysis of Aviva’s travel insurance claims data reveals the potential costly medical bills travellers could face in the event of an accident or injury abroad during winter season.
Despite being popular pastimes, winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling carry a higher risk of injury than more sedate ‘fly and flop’ holidays. This year, Aviva data reveals that a broken leg is the most common injury on the slopes, overtaking dislocations which were most common in 2023.
The top five most common winter sports injuries in 2024 are:
| Most common injury | Average cost of medical treatment | |
| 1 | Broken leg | £6,165 |
| 2 | Rib fractures | £7,827 |
| 3 | Dislocation | £3,259 |
| 4 | Fractured clavicle | £3,789 |
| 5 | Broken wrist | £2,422 |
Although a broken leg might be the most common injury, a rib fracture – often caused by hard impacts from falls – is now the most expensive of the top five injuries experienced during winter season at £7,827. This is more than double the average cost for 2023 (£3,150), almost twice that of other common winter sports injuries – a fractured clavicle, dislocation or a broken wrist – and can be more complicated to treat due to the impact on internal organs such as lungs.
Suzzane Caine, Travel Claims Expert at Aviva, commented: “Winter sports holidays and the après-ski scene can be quite the trip, but they often come with more risks compared to your typical beach getaway.
“This is why it’s crucial to review your policy documents and ensure you have the appropriate cover for your destination and planned activities. In many cases, you might need to opt for ‘winter sports cover,’ which offers extra protection for things like theft or damage of ski equipment, piste closures, and avalanche delays, in addition to medical treatment which can be extremely costly in many countries – particularly the United States or Canada.
“If you need hospital treatment or an early flight home, costs can soar into the tens or even hundreds of thousands. By securing travel insurance as soon as you book your holiday, you safeguard yourself and your belongings, providing peace of mind as your trip approaches.”
Treatment costs also vary significantly across countries. Canada has surpassed the United States as the most expensive country for treating winter sports injuries, at an average cost of £7,267. In fact, the average cost of a claim in Canada has risen by 25% or £1,288 over the last year.
The top 10 most expensive winter sports medical claims ranked by country during winter sports season in 2024 are:
| Most expensive countries | Average cost of medical treatment | |
| 1 | Canada | £7,267 |
| 2 | The United States of America | £6,523 |
| 3 | Austria | £3,340 |
| 4 | Italy | £2,085 |
| 5 | Switzerland | £2,067 |
| 6 | France | £1,636 |
| 7 | Andorra | £1,360 |
| 8 | Finland | £1,340 |
| 9 | Bulgaria | £804 |
| 10 | Sweden | £355 |
Although the average claim during the winter sports season is £2,190, Aviva research shows that one in 11 (9%) never purchase travel insurance.
Aviva’s top tips for protecting yourself and your finances during winter sports season include:
- Choose the right gear: Ensuring your skis and boots are properly matched to your height and weight significantly reduces the risk of falls and injuries. While it might be tempting to borrow equipment from friends or family, it’s best to rent gear that fits you perfectly and always wear a helmet while on the slopes.
- Know your limits: Whether you’re on a beginner slope or tackling an advanced black run, always stick to the trails that are recognised and that you can safely navigate. It’s also wise to check your insurance policy to ensure you’re covered for all the activities you have planned, particularly if you plan to go off-piste.
- Stay connected: Ensure that at least one person in your group (preferably everyone) carries a fully charged mobile phone. This way, if your group gets separated or someone encounters trouble, you can easily call for help.
- Take it easy with après-ski: Ski resorts are fantastic for relaxing with friends and family, and après-ski bars are a big part of the fun. However, it’s important to avoid unnecessary risks so if you plan to continue skiing, take it easy on the drinks and save the mulled wine for when you’re safely off the slopes. Not only is skiing under the influence dangerous – with some resorts even having alcohol limits – you may not be able to make a claim in the event you have an accident.
- Check your insurance policy: While many standard travel insurance policies cover a variety of activities, they often don’t include winter sports unless you add optional winter sports coverage. This additional coverage protects you for activities like snowboarding and skiing, and also covers issues such as equipment damage, piste closures, or being unable to participate due to illness. It’s also worth bearing in mind that in some countries such as Italy, it’s mandatory for all skiers to have third-party liability insurance.
