If you’re planning a getaway to the fresh, snow packed mountains this year, make sure you have warm gear, install your liners, and tighten your power straps. It would probably be a good idea to check your health insurance policy too.
It’s that time of the year; hoards of people ready for vacation, and heading to the snow for a little skiing and snowboarding. Although both sports have an excellent safety record, accidents can still happen. Over the last 10 years, fatalities have averaged about 40 people each year. Serious and critical injuries average around 43 each year. This includes head injury, paralysis and other severe injuries.
A 2008 report showed approximately 6.5 million people ski and 5.9 million people snowboard. True, they are not all on the same mountain at once, but all it takes is one person coming down a slope at a high rate of speed and out of control. Accidents from collisions rate at 6.5 percent.
A simple broken leg, with no surgery required, can cost up to $2,500 dollars. If the broken leg does need surgery, that can cost between 17 thousand and 35 thousand dollars. If the accident causes a broken back, or neck, or severe head injury, the dollar amount can be devastating to someone’s finances. Remember, if other people are hurt, and you are deemed at fault, you could be liable for their medical bills also.
Talk to an agent regarding any existing policies that offer supplemental insurance benefits for accidents, or consider travel insurance; then hit the slopes with peace of mind.
