The Countries Where A Broken Leg Will Cost You The Most

In today’s globalised world, consumers don’t think twice about conducting their lives across time zones. Increasingly, they expect coverage and access to the healthcare they need anytime, anywhere in the world, whether at home or when studying, living, travelling or working abroad.

However, whilst treatment standards may be comparable globally, the costs for the uninsured are not. As the ski season continues, Bupa Global, the international health insurer, has released its claims data for broken legs sustained in the world’s most popular winter sports destinations. The data reveals that a broken leg in Canada could cost consumers £5,097 more than in the UK.

	Average cost of a broken leg*
Canada	£7,027
Switzerland	£6,691
Germany	£5,465
Italy	£5,327
Japan	£4,823
USA	£3,723
France	£3,086
Austria	£2,237
United Kingdom	£1,930

*Data based on Bupa Global average spend claims from 2014-2017 per country

Dr. Soren Carstens from Bupa Global comments on the data, “Our data clearly shows that treatment costs vary strongly around the globe, and travellers could be out of pocket if they haven’t got the right cover in place before they set out. Our experience dictates that quality global health insurance is necessary– whether you’re at home or away, as it gives you access to the best possible care and continued treatment once you get home.”  

Bupa Global’s top tips for staying safe on the slopes:

1. Warm up properly – resist the urge to jump straight off the plane into your skis. Stretch before you begin skiing, and start with the small slopes. 
2. Wear a helmet - wearing a helmet when skiing can absorb the force of an impact, reducing the severity of a potential head injury.  You’d wear a helmet cycling – and skiing has a much greater potential of collisions.
3. Consider which slopes suit your ability - be honest with yourself and others when it comes to your skiing or snowboarding ability. Never underestimate the benefit of a couple of skiing or snowboarding lessons, and don’t take on a slope that you’re not experienced enough to master.
4. Ensure you have comprehensive cover in place – many basic travel insurance packages won’t cover skiing as a sport, so ensure your policy covers where you’re travelling to, and what activity you’re taking part in.
5. Check the weather conditions - conditions play a huge part in the risk of accidents while skiing or snowboarding. If there’s less snowfall, the chance of avalanches is reduced, so it’s always worth double checking the conditions before you head out.