Travellers warned over long-haul medical costs

Skiers intending to head further afield for their wintersports kicks have been urged to ensure they have adequate travel insurance.

A number of experts have tipped countries such as Japan and Chile as the skiing hotspots for this season, said American Express Insurance Services.

However, the insurer warned that ski slopes are among the dangerous places for injuries, with 15 per cent of skiers losing about three days of their break due to injury.

It also said that holidaymakers should be wary of the traditionally high costs of medical treatment outside of Europe.

"Winter sports injuries are all too common in skiers of all levels so it is always wise to ensure you have adequate travel insurance before hitting the slopes," commented Joanne Field, marketing manager for American Express Travel Insurance.

"Medical and repatriation costs outside Europe can be very high - literally tens of thousands of pounds - air ambulance repatriation from Japan can cost 40 per cent more than the USA."

One of the most popular skiing resorts in the world is Whistler in Canada. Many skiers also fly to France, Austria and the US every year.

• Ofcom reiterates support for cap on roaming charges
• Ski season off to early start in France
• Scheduled flights more punctual in third quarter
• Flights resume in Bangkok
• Flybe confirms new flights for summer 2009
• New tour route opened in Australia
• New Star Alliance lounge opened in Paris
• Wireless network opened at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport
• Emirates launches A380 on Heathrow flights
• Edinburgh whisky bars unite to promote tourism