Research carried out by many travel companies reveals that it can cost as little as a fraction over £10 to insure a family of four for a week’s holiday in Spain, which represents a fraction of the cost of that holiday, considering the benefits which are offered.

Many policies include cover for any medical expenses arising from accident or illness of up to £5million. However, policies covering winter sports vary widely in both their price and the scope of cover offered, and exclusions and caveats are very common, according to the website.

One travel expert said that no-one looking to take a holiday, regardless of the time of year, destination and length of their stay, should even set out without having insurance in place. A costly family holiday soon becomes even more so if it is a winter sports break, as you could potentially find yourself heavily out of pocket through unforeseen expenses, which are likely to hurt even more if you have already shelled out large sums on buying special clothing and/or equipment specifically for your break.

In this case, foregoing travel cover is simply not an option, a good look at the small print is essential to ensure that buyers know exactly what is covered by their policy. A standard policy will give cover in eventualities such as cancellation, loss of or damage to baggage and medical expenses, while some policies may also include extras such as cover for sports equipment, ski pass, or going off-piste, but it’s essential that you speak to your insurer so that you can be made aware of the clauses, and more specifically, exclusions from your policy while you still have the chance to find alternative cover if necessary.

Individuals and travellers who make more than one foreign trip each year are also advised that annual travel insurance cover is likely to work out cheaper than multiple single-trip policies.

Tips for travellers taking out ski insurance include to check the amount of medical cover provided. £1million is a recommended minimum for Europe, and £2million for the USA and rest of the world. At least £1million of personal liability cover is recommended. Ensure the amount of your baggage and belongings cover is sufficient for all your winter sports gear, and be sure that your ski equipment is covered while it is in transit as well as on the slopes.