You must take out suitable travel insurance for your holiday and make sure everyone in your party has adequate winter sports cover including off-piste if necessary.  You can choose a single trip or annual travel insurance policy with a specified number of days for winter sports cover – an annual policy may well be your cheapest option if you holiday several times a year or are travelling with a family in tow.  Also remember to carry an up-to-date EHIC as this will entitle you to free or subsidised state healthcare in France.

The Carte/Carre Neige is a French based insurance policy which may be offered with your lift pass for around 3 Euros a day extra. It essentially covers rescue and transport off the mountain to a medical centre so it is not a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance – however, many people to choose to take this in addition to their travel insurance as it is instantly recognizable in France and could save you the hassle of contacting your insurance company in an emergency situation on the mountain.  Any claims on this insurance must be made within 7 days.

If you need to see a doctor in resort you will probably need to pay at the time of treatment (around 30 Euros for a standard consultation) but can claim this back on your EHIC or from your travel insurers.  Keep all paperwork and receipts, including the bar codes on any prescribed medicines as you will need them for any claims.  If you need to go to hospital in France, your EHIC will entitle you to emergency medical treatment on the same basis as a French national, but bear in mind that you may be transferred to a Swiss hospital from Savoie or Haute-Savoie.  Always carry your insurance details with you when out skiing.

Larger resorts will have several doctor’s surgeries with opening times clearly displayed on the door (usually 9.00–12.00 and then from 14.00-18.00).  In most cases, you don’t need an appointment but may have to wait some time if an emergency case comes in.  Pharmacies display a big green cross outside the door and operate in a rota system – do bring your own prescribed medicines from home in case of difficulty obtaining them abroad.