Travel Insurance Austria

Travel Insurance for ski and winter sports, climbing, walking holidays and trips.

Austria, at the core of Europe has a spectacular array of holiday destinations and activities on offer.

Ski Holiday Insurance

Online Quotes underwritten by Solid Insurance, 10% discount using Know-Insurance.

We all know skiing can be hazardous, and equipment can be expensive, so insurance is not really optional, especially for families with children and the elderly.

Many policies have a "winter sports cover" option that usually covers ski equipment, or hired ski equipment, ski equipment hire costs and ski packs.

Ski Equipment Cover

Ski equipment otherwise is often excluded from "baggage" clauses. Ski Insurance though generally provides fair cover for the major risks of a winter activity holiday in Austria.

Definition

Ski equipment tends to be defined as skis and snowboards (inc. bindings), ski boots and ski poles.

Value Depreciation

The value of equipment is based on provision of proof of ownership, original cost (so keep receipts) and age with a sliding scale for depreciation down to zero for wear and tear over so many years e.g. 5.

In Transit

If your equipment is damaged in transit then it is usual to have to get a report from the Airline and to file a claim with the airline showing receipts etc and to copy these for your insurer.

If in the care of another carrier then you must get written confirmation from them.

Unattended Equipment

Usually you must have kept your own or any hired equipment in a secure baggage area if unattended.

As a rule of thumb, don't leave equipment unattended while you enjoy your schnitzel or strudel, if you do then expect to lose it and any opportunity to make a claim, harsh but that's the real possibility.

General exclusion clauses may say that policies do not cover the loss, theft of or damage to ski equipment contained in, or stolen from an unattended vehicle unless it is locked and out of sight in a secure baggage area and you can also provide evidence that forcible and violent means have been used to gain entry (Police report).

Winter Sports Covered

Paying the additional premium for "winter sports" cover if you travel further afield than Vienna will generally extend your policy to include winter sports activities such as: (where *indicated there may be personal liability exclusions)

Skating

• Blade skating, ice skating

Alpine Skiing

• Skiing on piste and off piste but within the resort boundaries (piste is defined as the marked ski run within the resort boundaries), alpine, mono, big foot, cross country/Nordic, dry slope, glacier

Powered

• Sleigh riding as a passenger (pulled by horse or reindeer)*, husky dog sledding (organised, non-competitive with local driver), Snow mobiling (skidoo)*, ice windsurfing*, ice go karting (within organisers guidelines)*

Boarding

• Snow boarding on piste / off piste but within the resort boundaries, airboarding

Sledging/tobogganing

• Kick sledging, sledging, tobogganing

Walking

• Glacier, snow shoe walking, winter walking (using crampons and ice picks only)
• Snow tubing

Training

• Training/racing (ski school)

Skiing & Snowboarding Holidays

A largely mountainous country located within the Alps, Austria provides terrific opportunities for winter ski holidays and family getaways. You can learning how to ski at a broad range of snowey destinations such as Solden, Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Sankt Anton am Arlberg, Ischgl, and Obertauern. Take your EHIC Card but though don't forget that only travel insurance will provide the type of cover that includes medical emergency & repatriation, cancellation & personal baggage cover.

• Cross-Country Skiing
• Ice Sailing, Ice Surfing
• Inline-skates
• Snowboarding
• Ice Skating
• Ice Golf
• Tobogganing
• Ice Climbing / Waterfall Climbing

Water

• Bathing Lakes
• Adventure Theme Pools
• Sailing & Windsurfing
• Kitesurfing
• Diving
• Rafting / White water canoeing / Canoeing

Mountains & Hiking

• Trekking
• Horseback Riding
• National Parks
• Mountaineering Tips
• Whole family activities - Walking

Children and Kids

• Youth Camps
• Attractions for Parents and Children
• Game Parks and Zoos
• Caves and Mines
• Walking Fun for Young & Old

Cycling & Mountainbiking

• Cycling Tours
• Mountain Bike Tours
• Mountainbike Adventure

Specialist Holidays

• Golf
• Wellness
• Summer Sled Tracks
• Beach Volleyball
• Hanggliding / Paragliding
• Canyoning
• Rock Climbing
• Skating / Rollerblading
• Polo
• Balloon Rides
• Bungee-Jumping

EHIC Medical Cover

UK NHS has reciprocal healthcare and medical arrangements with Austria, the EHIC replaced the E111 form, and the medical card enable you to access state provided healthcare at a reduced cost or sometimes free. EHIC covers treatment of pre-existing medical conditions and for routine maternity care.

Doctors

Treatment is free of charge if the doctor is with one of Austrians regional health insurance offices (Gebietskrankenkasse). Otherwise, you'll be charged. You can claim back some of the treatment costs (maximum 80%) from the 'Gebietskrankenkasse'. The other 20% is non-refundable but you may get a refund when you are back in the UK.

Dentists

Only a limited range of dental treatment is available under state healthcare. The dentist needs a contract with the 'Gebietskrankenkasse' so you will not be charged. The 80/20 rule as above applies.

Hospital treatment

Outpatient treatment is free if treated in a 'Gebietskrankenkasse' hospital. If an inpatient, there is a daily charge for the first 28 days in hospital. You need a doctor's referral. If you are treated by a private hospital will be charged. The 80/20 rule as above applies.

Prescriptions

You can get prescribed medicines from any pharmacy, which will be charged at a standard prescription rate.

Ambulance

Necessary ambulance travel is covered.

NHS Choices guide