There are a number of questions we are frequently asked. We have tried to answer these below. If the answer does not completely satisfy you and you would like a more detailed answer, email assistance@snowcard.co.uk.

Is theft of ski or snowboard equipment covered from outside restaurants?

Yes, your ski equipment is covered if you leave it outside a restaurant/bar whilst you stop for a break. If you leave your skis outside, unattended and unlocked overnight, you may not have your claim paid. It is advisable to use ski locker rooms at your accommodation. Do not leave skis unattended in public areas for extended periods of time without locking them away. A useful loss prevention measure is to split your skis with another member of your group to deter theft. Report thefts to the police immediately.

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Is off piste skiing covered?

We do not exclude off piste skiing or boarding, whether with a guide or not. If you occasionally wander off piste or if you are skiing on marked resort off piste runs, you need not worry. The only time you may not be covered is if an area has been closed by the local authorities because of avalanche danger and you choose to ignore the restrictions. If you go back country ski touring away from marked resort runs and you use skins, crampons & ropes you must use Activity Level 4 for single trips. If you have annual activcard.sports at Activity Level 2 or above, you are automatically covered for Snowcard wintersports at level 4. Off piste, ensure you have the skill and awareness to deal with the conditions and carry avalanche transceivers and rescue equipment as necessary.

Warning!! Younger skiers and boarders or inexperienced boarders are statistically at greater risk of injury, particularly off piste or in snow parks. Please seek professional guidance or instruction to ensure your skill levels help you avoid injury.

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Is theft from unattended vehicles covered?

Only during the daytime and if the vehicle is locked. Theft of valuables (as defined in the policy, eg. money, jewellery, camera equipment, electronic equipment etc) is not covered unless from a locked room or building. If you have to leave your vehicle unattended overnight, remove your belongings and take them in to the building you are staying in. On outward or return journeys, if you stay in a motel on an overnight trip, we do not expect you to unload the whole car but any valuables should be removed.

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Is theft from tents covered?

Similar conditions apply as above, particularly in respect of valuables. Whilst you cannot lock a tent, losses can be prevented by placing items of value in a locked car whilst you are out during the day time. We do not expect you to pack away all of your belongings but do not leave any items of value lying around in view if at all avoidable. You must report any theft to the police within 24 hours of discovery. If there has been no evidence of a theft, they may be reluctant to provide a police report which could prejudice your claim.

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Is theft of climbing equipment covered whilst left unattended at the bottom of climbs?

As above, if at all possible, you should lock unused equipment in your car. If this is not possible, cover is not excluded but the problem with police reports is an ever present reality. Keep an eye on your equipment at all times and do not leave it unattended if at all possible.

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Mobile phones, Video recorders and Laptops - are they covered?

The principal reason for our insurance is to cover emergency medical, rescue and repatriation expenses and because of the high-risk nature of the journeys many of you make, we are unable to insure certain fragile items. The most common requests for cover for fragile items are mobiles phones, video recorders (including digital video cameras) and Laptop PC's. We are unable to assist with insuring these items and you must rely on alternative policies (eg. Home contents cover).

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What are the main exclusions for baggage and equipment cover?

• You must always take proper care of your belongings and not leave things, particularly valuables, unattended. Leaving something behind is not covered.
• Valuables like cameras, jewellery, money (see definitions) are not covered when unattended except in locked accomodation.
• Fragile items including video or digital cameras are not covered against accidental damage.
• We expect certain things like mobile phones, laptops and PC's, high value digital or video cameras to be covered by your home contents insurance. This policy is not suitable for insuring these items.
• For equipment, we specifically exclude damage whilst being used for racing or competition.
• Damage in use of mountain bikes and cracking, scratching and denting of canoes or kayaks in use are not covered.

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Is helicopter rescue covered?

Yes, the costs of helicopter or ground based rescue is covered within the medical & other expenses section of the policy (see condition 6 under Section 1 on page 20 of the policy). Your Snowcard/Activcard gives evidence of medical and rescue insurance. The 24 emergency number should be called as soon as practical by you or someone acting for you. Rescue and medical fees can be guaranteed and paid directly for you if necessary. It is allowable for your guide to instigate rescue without reference to us although Assistance International must be contacted as soon as possible. Rescue must be because of an emergency situation.

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Is decompression treatment covered?

Yes, emergency medical treatment following decompression illness or sickness is included in Section 1 on page 20.

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Is cover for loss or theft on a new for old basis?

No. Account is taken of age and current market value.

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What about Health issues?

The policy is subject to the health declaration. You may call Snowcard to discuss any uncertainties or request a health declaration form to complete. If you or a close relative, or someone you will be travelling with has been treated by a specialist or had in-patient treatment within the past 3 months or is awaiting treatment you must contact Snowcard.

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Do I have to pay my medical expenses and claim on my return to the UK?

No. If you call the 24 hour emergency number on your Snowcard/ Activcard, Assistance International will guarantee and arrange to pay your bills for you. For smaller amounts which you have paid yourself, simply call the claims number (08701 222 022) on your return to the UK and ask for the appropriate claim form.

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What is an excess?

Insurers usually ask you to pay the first part of a claim to keep claims administration costs down. Our policy excess is £35, applicable to most sections. The excess is per person claiming under each section of the policy. If you make multiple claims under different sections, the excess will apply to each section as specified in the policy wording.

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What happens if I need to cancel my trip or come home early?

• The health declaration is relevant to Section 3, cancellation, as well as to Section 1, medical expenses.
• You will need a doctor's certificate to make a cancellation claim.
• Familiarise yourself with the definition of a close relative.
• We do not cover the financial failure of your travel agent, tour operator or airline.
• Ensure you only book travel services with a company holding a bond to protect your money.
• If you have to cut short a trip, you must seek agreement with Assistance International before making return home arrangements.

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Am I covered in the UK with an annual multi trip policy?

Annual multi trip policies only cover holidays in the UK with at least one nights pre-paid accommodation or trips involving the 'main activity' stated on your insurance schedule.

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What is the difference between SNOWCARD and ACTIVCARD?

Snowcard and Activcard are brand names which basically allow us to monitor use between our two seasons - winter and summer. Single trip summer policies are called ACTIVCARD, wintersports holidays SNOWCARD. If you take annual cover, unless you take a specific winter sports option (snowcard.seasonal or snowcard.competition) then your policy will be an annual multi trip ACTIVCARD leisure or sports policy with the option to add snowcard.wintersports cover - this allows us to combine your varied annual needs for summer and winter based activities.

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Do I have to advise you every time I go on holiday for my annual cover to work?

No. You only need to call if your single trip is likely to exceed 31 days or you need a higher activity level, or you need additional skiing weeks.

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Terrorism or travel against Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) advice. It is a general condition of cover that you follow FCO or government advice, which is detailed in full at www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo

If FCO advice is that ‘they advise against all travel’ or ‘they advise against all but essential travel’ then we will not insure the journey at all.

Where caution is advised, you must follow more specific suggestions like using the services of professional guides or local agents.

The FCO often advise against travel to certain areas in a country that they otherwise do not advise against all travel to. Please ensure that you have read the FCO advice and can comply with such restrictions prior to travel. If in doubt, you should contact the British Embassy at your intended destination and clear your itinerary with them.

In the event that it becomes too dangerous to visit a country you have booked to go to, in the first instance you must seek either a refund or an alternative holiday from your tour operator. It is normal that where it becomes impossible to provide travel services because of hostilities or negative FCO advice that tour operators provide such assistance.

Where you make independent travel arrangements or book directly with service providers overseas, you may not have such protection and it is advisable to use a tour operator where there is a higher than normal risk of terrorist activity interfering with your journey.

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