Ski accidents can result from a combination of factors, often influenced by the skier's experience level, environmental conditions, and adherence to safety guidelines. Some of the most important causes are:
Poor visibility due to fog, snowfall, or low light conditions
Excessive speed or irresponsible behaviour such as off-piste skiing
Variable snow conditions such as icy patches
Negligence of designated ski area rules and etiquette
While all these factors can lead to dangerous collisions, the majority of ski accidents in fact occur without any external influence. In addition, you should also remember that you can not only be a victim but also a causer of a skiing accident, often beyond your control.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Which insurances cover which accident expenses?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"When it comes to protecting yourself against the potential risks and expenses associated with a ski accident, various insurance options are available. Here are some key types of insurance that can provide coverage for different aspects of ski-related incidents:
Hospitalisation insurance: financial coverage for medical expenses incurred during hospital stays, rehabilitation and other related costs following a ski accident. When skiing abroad, it’s advised to always have your European Health Insurance Card to prove that you have taken out Belgian health insurance when you need medical care.
Personal third-party liability insurance: In the unfortunate event that you cause injury to someone else or damage property while skiing, family insurance can offer the necessary protection. Skiing in Italy requires a proof of evidence of the third-party liability that covers you in case of accident. Should you not be able to provide this piece of evidence, you will not be allowed to ski and will be fined.
Legal assistance
Travel insurance: to cover medical expenses, evacuation, and repatriation, but also general travel issues such as delayed or lost luggage, and trip cancellation or interruption Winter sports activities are included in the cover with no extra fee and concerns injuries sustained while skiing or snowboarding, as well as repatriation in case of a ski accident.
A ski accident can have severe physical and financial implications. Therefore, having comprehensive Travel insurance, including ski /snowboarding trips that covers a range of potential risks and expenses is crucial. Some of the key covers to consider are:
Medical expenses: coverage for medical treatment and expenses incurred due to injuries sustained while skiing, including ambulance services, hospital stays, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
Trip cancellation or interruption: Protection against financial loss if your ski trip is cancelled or cut short due to covered reasons, such as illness, injury, or unforeseen emergencies.
Equipment coverage: reimbursement for the repair or replacement of ski equipment and gear in case of loss, theft, or damage due to an accident.
Search and rescue: coverage for expenses related to search and rescue operations in case you get lost or require assistance on the slopes.
Although the emergency number 112 applies throughout all of Europe, it’s even better to immediately call the national alpine emergency numbers in case of a severe ski accident. This way you will reach the closest mountain rescue straight away. The emergency numbers of the main mountain rescue services in the Alps are:
If you do find yourself in an emergency situation, the ING Assist’Line is your first point of contact for initiating the insurance claims process and accessing the necessary support. Our dedicated staff is available 24/7 at +32 2 725 15 00 to provide assistance and guidance in the aftermath of a ski accident.
Should you fall ill during your ski holidays, you may benefit from an online teleconsultation with a doctor located in Belgium for medical advice or e-prescription, 24h/24, 7d/7
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"For further information"},{"componentType":"cards","cards":[{"componentType":"articleCard","cardType":"article","cardSize":"medium","title":"What to pack for a ski trip?","body":"Going on a skip trip soon but not sure what to pack? Or perhaps you simply don’t want to forget anything important. Warm clothing might be obvious, but there are other essentials too that you should take with you on your ski holiday.","image":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/7926bb99-41e4-48a0-8185-b52bf764920c/Three-people-are-sitting-in-a-ski-lift-to-ride-up-a-snowy-ski-hill","type":"image","width":5500,"altTextFR":"Trois personnes sont assises dans un téléski pour remonter une piste de ski enneigée.","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/32c53881a760d84b/original/Three-people-are-sitting-in-a-ski-lift-to-ride-up-a-snowy-ski-hill.jpg","extension":"jpg"},"date":"2023-12-20","link":{"url":"/en/individuals/insurance/what-to-pack-for-a-ski-trip"}},{"componentType":"articleCard","cardType":"article","cardSize":"medium","title":"Travel with total peace of mind","body":"How to cover your risks","image":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/5033530a-0c29-4b07-84a4-dba331f49c8b/go-abroad-risks-1920","type":"image","width":1920,"original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/847b64335c2eeb/original/go-abroad-risks-1920.jpg","extension":"jpg"},"date":"2022-12-20","link":{"url":"/en/individuals/my-life/leisure-and-travel/5-travel-precautions"}},{"componentType":"articleCard","cardType":"article","cardSize":"medium","title":"Remote medical consultation","body":"What does an online consultation involve? How do I book a remote medical appointment? Is it possible to receive a medical prescription after an online consultation?","image":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/5beba3f6-d825-491e-8010-22483fdbddad/A-man-wearing-headphones-works-on-his-computer-from-a-rooftop-tent-installed-on-top-of-his-car","type":"image","width":3000,"original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/2622e3140fcd155d/original/A-man-wearing-headphones-works-on-his-computer-from-a-rooftop-tent-installed-on-top-of-his-car.jpg","extension":"jpg"},"date":"2024-01-31","link":{"url":"/en/individuals/insurance/remote-medical-consultation"}},{"componentType":"articleCard","cardType":"article","cardSize":"medium","title":"Repatriation while on holiday: what to know","body":"A good repatriation insurance allows for a smooth and safe return in case of emergency. Find out everything you need to know about repatriation on holiday.","image":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/83ae0d16-f72a-4cb2-9bc3-7541ad5b9ff9/Low-angle-shot-of-an-airplane-s-nose-against-a-cloudy-blue-sky","type":"image","width":6720,"altTextEN":"Low angle shot of an airplane's nose against a cloudy blue sky","altTextNL":"Low angle-opname van de neus van een vliegtuig tegen een blauwe wolkenlucht","altTextFR":"Prise de vue en contre-plongée du nez d'un avion dans un ciel bleu nuageux.","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/24130724c71f62bd/original/Low-angle-shot-of-an-airplane-s-nose-against-a-cloudy-blue-sky.jpg","extension":"jpg"},"date":"2024-03-05","link":{"url":"/en/individuals/insurance/repatriation-from-holiday"}}]}]},"complementaryZone":{"flexComponents":[{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"We support you!"},{"componentType":"cards","cards":[{"componentType":"articleCard","cardType":"article","cardSize":"medium","title":"Skiing assistance","body":"Make the most of your winter sports holiday and hit the slopes with peace of mind, thanks to the skiing assistance coverage which is systematically included in your travel insurance.","image":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/d303906e-3a98-4e2b-8b4a-415c466340a5/Empty-road-amidst-trees-during-winter","type":"image","width":5197,"original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/756c2fa35d0e1470/original/Empty-road-amidst-trees-during-winter.jpg","extension":"jpg"},"date":"2023-12-14","link":{"url":"/en/individuals/insurance/skiing-assistance"}},{"componentType":"productCard","cardType":"product","cardSize":"small","title":"Family Insurance","intro":"Insurer: NN Non-Life","image":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/c3c5fc87-881c-44e5-813c-3ae1688fffb1/A-mother-and-her-young-todler-push-wheelbarrows-crop","type":"image","width":5700,"original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/26cc2806d91185c4/original/A-mother-and-her-young-todler-push-wheelbarrows-crop.jpeg","extension":"jpeg"},"link":{"url":"/en/individuals/insurance/family-insurance"},"promoText":"Maître achat by Testachats"},{"componentType":"productCard","cardType":"product","cardSize":"small","title":"Yearly Travel Insurance","intro":"ING Yearly Travel Insurance, insured by Inter Partner Assistance NV.","image":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/5033530a-0c29-4b07-84a4-dba331f49c8b/go-abroad-risks-1920","type":"image","width":1920,"original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/847b64335c2eeb/original/go-abroad-risks-1920.jpg","extension":"jpg"},"link":{"url":"/en/individuals/insurance/travel-insurance"}}]}]}}}