Sport: Its Endless Benefits

The world we now live in is one caught up with endless rules and measures designed to make life – and sport – ‘safer’. Although it is important to take precautions to minimise the risk of injury, namely for individual benefit, we must not forget the endless positive effects sport can have on health, character and skill!

On the surface, we see the benefits of sport on our health; regular physical activity reduces the risk of chronic conditions including diabetes, cancer, heart disease and musculoskeletal conditions. Staying active improves health as a defined state of complete mental, physical and social well-being and that is why it is so important to try and at least undertake the recommendation of 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day. Our bodies are like cars – regular use and movement means they will function better over a longer period of time and though exercise can seem like a chore, fitness is immensely valuable. Aside from the more immediately obvious benefits such as toned physique, a fit and healthy adult will have better proven concentration, co-ordination and stamina than someone physically inactive. They are also likely to have a better posture and a longer life-expectancy…so far so good!

The benefits of daily exercise such as brisk walks to work are one thing, but the additional benefits that come with undertaking sport on a larger scale are better again. You may be involved in an individual sport within a club, such as hill-walking, or you may be a member of a team sport, such as rugby  - either way, the social benefits available in both circumstances make sport, and the opportunities provided by sport, even more wonderful. The chances to meet new people, discover new talents, and form long-standing relationships are limitless so long as you immerse yourself willingly enough! SportsCover Direct covers over 400 sports so we can help to protect you no matter where your interest lies. We can tailor a policy around your needs so you can enjoy your sport to the max.

Find your sport on our site today and get an instant, easy quote:

https://www.sportscoverdirect.com/

Don’t Let It All Go Downhill! The risks of racing

Since October, the Universal Sports Network has been presenting widespread coverage of the 2013-2014 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup season on air and online. It began with the women’s slalom and will continue to showcase more than 60 international alpine competitions, including the World Cup final. All eyes this year were set on Lindsey Vonn who looked to return from a knee injury in order to defend her Olympic gold medal in the women’s downhill. The U.S star has suffered on the sideline since her crash in February, along with a fellow American World Cup champion, Bode Miller, whose knee injury also meant he was out for most of last season.

However, Lindsey has reportedly withdrawn from next week’s World Cup race in the U.S after damaging her knee again in a training crash. Although a continuing course of therapy means that Lindsay should be able to race again in a few weeks, her accident speaks volumes for the potential risks involved with alpine sports, particularly downhill skiing. Lindsey partially tore her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and suffered a mild strain to her right knee in her recent crash; last February she tore multiple ligaments in the same knee. Since then, she has been wearing a protective knee brace and following an appropriate course of rehab after an MRI scan was able to reveal the damage.

Lindsey’s injuries and her ability to return to the sport demonstrate the fact that downhill racing – or any sport for that matter – is to be avoided because of the potential risks. However, the treatment incurred, namely the MRI scans and the extensive courses of therapy, does highlight the necessity of having a comprehensive sports insurance policy to cover you. Lindsey’s speedy recovery will be enabled by the advice and care of her orthopaedic surgeon, attentive treatments and regular check-ups, all of which can be financially ruining particularly when abroad. At SportsCover Direct, we offer a huge range of specialist sports insurance policies that can prevent the damaging consequences of physical injury. Our winter sports cover ranges from cross country skiing to heli-skiing to ski racing to ski acrobatics…find out more and get a quote today on our website:

https://www.sportscoverdirect.com/sports-travel-insurance/

The broadcast schedule for the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup events can be found here: http://www.powdermag.com/latest-news/full-2013-14-f-i-s-world-cup-schedule/

The Invisible Bike Helmet

Bicycle helmets have always been the same; cumbersome, uncomfortable and not very aesthetically pleasing. It is a chore to make children wear them and adults, too, regard them as a compulsory hassle. Generally, opinion is split as to whether the regular cycling helmet is even effective in the case of a serious accident and additionally, there are concerns that mandatory helmet laws would make cycling seem more dangerous than it is, putting people off a sport that had a positive health impact around 77 times larger than the potential for grave injury. However, the incredible invention of an invisible helmet now has put all these issues at rest.

The Hövding is a Swedish product, created by two women who began working on the helmet while they were at university. Although it has been available to buy for two years, the promotion video has only recently exploded into the public sphere, causing their website – www.hovding.com – to crash multiple times due to excessive hits. And it is unsurprising why! This ‘helmet’ is quite literally invisible, bearing far more semblance to a stylish fashion snood than the traditional ‘hat hair’ helmet. It comes in a variety of colours, or ‘skins’ to match any outfit, and features technology that far supersedes anything currently on the market. The product is the result of intensive market research which began in 2005 after its creators, Anna Haput and Terese Alstin, decided it was their industry’s job to come up with an alternative to helmets after research proved that many people would stop cycling upon the introduction of mandatory helmet laws. The result is a movement-activated airbag which explodes from the scarf-like hood in less than a second and encases virtually the entire head with strong nylon fabric. It passed, with flying colours, the higher safety checks set by the EU CE safety mark as it is three times more shock absorbent than ordinary helmets.

The final product is outstanding and has the ability – if it is not already – to revolutionise the face of urban cycling. Its seven-year development is reflected in the Hövding’s innovative craft; the inflation of the airbag is based on an algorithm that can differentiate between the bumps and movements of normal cycling to an actual serious, accident. If the cyclist ran down steps, picked up their keys or chucked the Hövding off at the end of the day, the airbag wouldn’t inflate – even if something were to fall on the cyclist’s head, the airbag still would not react. The seamless join of fashion and comfort with infallible safety technology makes this product the first of its kind, set to provide the best shock absorption in the world. If you don’t believe it, check out the proof!

http://www.travelinggreener.com/cycling/invisible-bike-helmet-from-sweden/

The battery powered product is on the market in a huge variety of colours, and will put you back £350. This seems a small price to pay however for a life-saving, reusable, invisible helmet that will complement most outfits while also keeping the hat hair at bay. Check out the Hövding website for more details:

http://www.hovding.com/en/

Popular Dance Competitions!

Headliners and the International Dance Challenge are among the most popular dance competitions in the world, attracting many competitors annually. Dancers compete nationally to be the best, and to potentially gain places within the top dance schools. The high level of technical skill and detail which is required means that focus and concentration is paramount to succeed as every move is analysed by the judges. Have you guys ever entered either Headliners or the International Dance Challenge? If so please feel free to share your experiences in the comments box below we would love to hear about it!

Preparation Is Key for Dancers!

Any dancer will tell you that preparation is key when it comes to performing, and that they being training often months in advance of any competition or show. With the amount of effort and time dedicated to one routine it is paramount that everything goes smoothly; sometimes despite all of the training and precautions one wrong movement may not only ruin your routine but may also lead to injury.

Due to the risk of possible injury it is highly advised that any dancer takes out the required travel or personal sports injury insurance to keep them protected if they are injured whilst training or competing. At SportsCover Direct we offer both personal and travel sports insurance to cover for you for various types of dance both abroad and in the UK! Find out more by visiting out website at http://www.sportscoverdirect.com/

Believe It Or Not Dance Is One Of The Most Physically Demanding Sports

Dance, whilst viewed as expressive art, is one of the most physically demanding sports; as dancers go through extreme training and endurance to perfect their craft. The competitive nature of the sport is also physically draining because of the hours of training that goes into it. As you are combining strength, flexibility, focus and balance occasionally your levels drop and you can be left injured due to an uneven fall or excessive training. Here at SportsCover Direct, we offer sports insurance cover to protect you from the likely costs of treatment if you are injured whilst training or competing in a competition. To find out more visit our website athttp://www.sportscoverdirect.com/

2 Most Common Tennis Injuries

When playing any sport, including tennis, there are 2 main types of injuries: acute and chronic. Acute injuries occur suddenly during activity whilst chronic injuries are usually the result from overusing one area of the body while playing a sport or exercising over a long period. 

Ski safe – Tips to ensure you have the best holiday

Skiing and snowboarding, unfortunately, are not cheap sporting pursuits. With ski wear, lift passes and pricey mountain lunches to consider on top of the rudimentary travel and accommodation costs, it is not surprising that a week’s holiday is coveted. These seemingly repellent factors are ineffective deterrents however with people and families alike flocking to ski resorts in their hundreds of thousands each year to experience the indescribable sensation of making tracks in fresh powder, the adrenalin rushes, the beautiful scenery and the camaraderie. You can check out our top 10 ski resorts here! 

https://www.sportscoverdirect.com/insurance/ski_insurance.html/skiing-top-10-resorts-worldwide/

On paper, skiing is no more dangerous now than it ever was but the very nature of the sport – notably its dependence on weather conditions – means precautions should always be taken. Mountainous areas are renowned for their unpredictable weather; freezing temperatures, poor visibility and volumes of snow can create additional risks that are totally out of our control and therefore it is important to make sure you have a comprehensive insurance policy before you embark on a skiing holiday. SportsCover Direct offers policies to suit all kinds of skiing from cross country to ski racing to competitive jumping to heli-skiing…not to forget the snowboarders! 24 hour medical emergency assistance, cover for off piste, reimbursement for passes, tuition, equipment, and repatriation are just some of the benefits offered by our tailored policies. Find out more here: https://www.sportscoverdirect.com/insurance/ski_insurance.html/

Wearing a helmet should also be a no-brainer! While some people argue they do little to reduce the risk of injury, 70% of skiers and snowboarders now wear one and it has been made law in Canada. Pisted slopes can be as hard as concrete and this coupled with the high-speeds frequently reached, even by beginners, makes wearing a helmet very basic and essential protection. Those venturing off-piste should also be equipped with a transceiver, probe and shovel as snow is easily displaced under a skiers weight, triggering avalanches.

Andy Murray Inspires The British Nation To Pick Up Their Rackets!

Following Andy Murray’s recent grand slam and Olympic successes, more and more people are being inspired to take up a tennis racquet. As the popularity of tennis increases, adults and children alike are signing up to their local tennis clubs and getting involved, which is great news for the sport!

Better off than on - the importance of kit

Sport is a brilliant way to not only get into shape, but also to have fun and meet like-minded people; friendships forged through team sports can last a lifetime. In order to enjoy your sport to the maximum with minimum worries, it is essential to have a well-equipped kit bag, not only with protective sports equipment but also an appropriate insurance policy that can protect you and your bank account in the case of an accident.

Firstly however, possessing the gear to suit your sport will not only aid high level performance, but also reduce the chance of sustaining injury. Playing badminton with a poorly strung racquet and in worn-out shoes can be just as dangerous as playing hockey without a mouthguard. It is not uncommon for sports players to use equipment that is either inappropriate for the sport they’re playing, or simply does not fit correctly and this can prove dangerous. A helmet is an essential item of protective gear in many sports including horse-riding, biking, skateboarding, skiing, snowboarding, skating and baseball with softer helmets being more suitable for hockey, football and rugby among others. It is crucial to ensure that the helmet you choose to purchase is suitable for your sport and meets the necessary safety standards such as those set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Eye protection; mouthguards; wrist, knee and elbow guards; and pads for contact sports are other items of protective gear which are designed for a reason and have the ability to make a huge difference in the event of an accident. With so many products now on the market, both in shops and online, there is little excuse to play your sport ill-equipped!

Secondly, your kit bag should also contain an insurance policy to protect you. There is an inextricable link between playing sport and risk – although often low and not to be overly worried about, the very nature of sport involves physical risk which can also result in financial risk. Millions of sports related injuries occur worldwide, 2-3 million in the US alone, and therefore it is important to not be cavalier when it comes to choosing an insurance policy. SportsCover Direct covers 400 sports and prides itself on the specialist cover it can offer, setting it apart from other insurance providers. With 20 years of experience in the field, we know what a beneficial policy should provide from repatriation to medical expenses to legal bills. It is all too easy to adopt the optimistic ‘it will never happen to me’ mentality but this is could prove ruinous to both your physical and financial health!

Find out more about the sports we cover and get a quote here: https://www.sportscoverdirect.com/sports-accident-insurance/

Tennis – Know Your Limits!

Tennis is a popular professional and recreational sport; often played as a singles or doubles match; it is heavily demanding and matches can potentially last for hours. This increases the risk of fatigue related injuries, especially if you play amateur tennis. It is always important to play within your limits and try not to put too much pressure on your body! It’s good to push yourself but if you push yourself to hard this may result in injury!

The Two Wheeled Triumph

Whether the result of a health pursuit or an increased awareness of the impact of our carbon footprint it is not clear, but the popularity of cycling is rising rapidly. Due to the economic decline over the last decade, bicycles are now outselling cars in many countries particularly in Europe. Cycling is the most practised sport in the Czech Republic, second most popular to football, and this is not unusual; Holland, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands are also home to rising numbers of keen cyclists. However the reasons for this cannot just be ascribed to the financial pressures of global recession as the quest for a healthier lifestyle, advanced bike technology, government encouraged cycling schemes and safer road systems are all additional contributory factors.

The promotion of cycling has been highly successful with vast numbers now taking to the pedal as their modal form of transport. Its flexibility and relative inexpensiveness in comparison to the running costs of a car has seen the ‘bike boom’, for example in Groningen, a city in the Netherlands with a population of just under 200,000, there are 375,000 bicycles enabling 50% of all trips made. There has also been expansion in the market for cycling holidays which now caters for most demands, albeit a scenic coastal route along quiet country lanes, or something more extreme, such as mountain biking abroad in the Alps or in Canada. More and more professional tour operators are emerging to compete with specialist cycle touring companies as well as hotel chains that also offer comprehensive cycling packages.

The bike boom however raises questions of personal accident insurance as well as cover for your bike as the top of the range bicycles can now be purchased for up to thousands of pounds and in the UK one bike is stolen every minute! Although not considered to be a dangerous sport, precautions should be taken when cycling particularly as injury can easily be sustained through the carelessness of others. Conversely, it is also acknowledged that cyclists can themselves cause injury to others thus stressing the importance of having a comprehensive insurance policy whether you are a regular cyclist at home or just wanting cover for a 2 week cycling holiday. General travel insurance providers differ with regards to whether they offer personal liability cover related to bicycle use which is why more and more people are turning towards specialist insurance providers with cover geared towards their cycling intentions. No matter which type of cycling you choose to do, SportsCover Direct can offer you a policy tailored to your needs. From road cycling to cycle touring to downhill mountain biking, our policies will cover those insured for medical expenses, repatriation and where required, baggage and personal effects along with various other benefits.

To find out more about cycling insurance at home, follow this link: https://www.sportscoverdirect.com/insurance/cycling_insurance.html/

To find out more about travel insurance for a cycling holiday, follow this link: https://www.sportscoverdirect.com/sports-travel-insurance/

Who Remembers The Ashes 2005?

Who can forget Australian cricket icon Glenn McGrath’s bizarre injury during the 2005 Ashes, in which he stood on a stray ball during a warm-up session of touch rugby? Not only did that rule him out of the following test match but it also helped England claim what seemed like an improbable victory. We know that Glenn would have been covered by the right sports injury insurance; however injury can occur to anyone who plays the sport – professional or amateur. That is why it is important that you are covered with the correct sports insurance to keep you covered from the potentially high costs of an injury. Our cricket insurance policies have been specially tailored to provide you with the best cover possible. Find out more by visiting our website at - http://www.sportscoverdirect.com/

Insurance for Road Cyclists

We understand that the possible dangers of cycling are often overlooked, if  you regularly take part in sports such as road cycling, then it is paramount that you purchase the correct insurance. We offer a range of insurance policies that are suitable for cyclists if you would like to find out more please visit our website today at http://www.sportscoverdirect.com/products

Rafael Nadal

Have you followed Rafael Nadal’s superb resurgence following his return from crippling injury? With a return of 9 titles from 11 finals and a record of 53-3 this year he has been unstoppable since his comeback from injury, due to recurring tendonitis. His most recent Cincinnati title means he has now won consecutive titles on the hard courts, and by beating top 10 players in the process he is truly dominating the game. However it hasn’t all been plain sailing as he had to leave the tour towards the end of last season to nurse his tricky knees back to full health; yet we are certain that he will have been covered with sports insurance in preparation of any treatment he may need!

Cricket Insurance

Injuries are common in any sport, including cricket, at any level from amateur to professional; although most are minor niggles which are easily treated, occasionally some injuries can be serious and require more than a simple patch-up. If you regularly play cricket and you become injured then you will automatically be liable to pay for any medical treatment, repatriation and other things. However, this can all be prevented if you cover yourself with the correct sports insurance. Here at SportsCover Direct we are able to provide a wide range of cricket insurance policies; you can find out more by visiting us at http://www.sportscoverdirect.com/sports-accident-insurance/

England’s Recent Ashes

Hey guys, did any of you catch England’s recent Ashes victory over Australia in which they ran out 3-0 winners? Just how impressive was Ian Bell!? There were many things that counted against Australia and for England during the five day match however, one thing we can be assured of is both sets of players will have been covered with the correct insurance policy in case of injury!

Have You Ever Considered Cycle Touring?

Whereas road cycling is generally considered to be undertaken for health and sporting benefits, cycle touring is different in that it prioritises pleasure, adventure and autonomy in its self-contained nature. Touring can vary from single day rides to multi-day trips and there are numerous tour operators that now run incredibly versatile and good value holidays. 

Follow this link to find out about our favourite cycle touring routes worldwide: https://www.sportscoverdirect.com/insurance/cycle-touring-insurance/cycle-touring-top-10-cycles-worldwide/

Common Cycling Injuries

Many cyclists, amateur or professional, will sustain injuries. Some of these injuries may not be there fault whilst others may be due to fatigue, improper training or even not wearing the proper gear. Whilst there are hundreds of different cycling injuries that occur each year, some of the most common include pulled muscles, runner’s knees and concussion. Have you ever fallen prey to any of these common cycling injuries?

Tour De France

Did you watch the recent Tour de France where Brit Chris Froome stormed to victory in the 100^th edition of the series, taking the title by more than 4 minutes? This incredible feat was achieved through sheer will-power, determination and a lifetime of training. However, even the winner of The Tour de France isn’t excused from any hiccups, as Chris found out when a small knock with rival Alberto Contador could potentially have been so much worse! I’m pretty sure that should the worst have happened Chris would have had the correct cycling insurance in place! You can find out more about Chris Froomes victory by visiting http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cycling/23399875

Check Out Our 10 Favourite Marathons

https://www.sportscoverdirect.com/insurance/marathon_running_travel_insurance.html/marathon-running-top-10-worldwide-marathons/

Bungee Jumping - Queenstown, New Zealand

New Zealand was brought to the forefront of adventure sport when in 1988 AJ Hackett opened the first commercial bungee jump from the Kawarau Bridge, 43 metres (141 feet), over the Kawarau River. This site is still very much alive and kicking today so where better to throw yourself off a bridge attached to some rope than the original site over the beautiful Kawarau river in Queenstown. By no means the highest bungee jump this is the arguably the most famous with tens of thousands of bungee jumpers descending to one of the worlds best loved bungee sites each year. Nestled into a rock face overlooking the stunning Kawarau River, this site along with its place in history boasts ‘must see’ picturesque views so make sure you keep your eyes open on the way down.

Trekking - Mt Kilimanjaro, Nepal

Having the chance to experience some of the most breathtaking views across Africa comes in at number 10 on our list. Kilimanjaro stands tall at 5,900m and whilst it doesn’t require any technical ability it is seriously tough, a third of all trekkers fail to reach Uhuru Peak (the highest point). The most popular route up to the summit is the Machame route as it gives trekkers the change to experience a variety of habitats. Unlike the gradual incline found on some of the easier routes the Machame trek is for the more seasoned trekker.

Shark Cage Diving - Gansbaai, South Africa

Finding a better place to go shark cage diving than in Gansbaai South Africa would be a tough ask, with its dense population of great white sharks. The stretch of water between Gansbaai and Dyer Island is otherwise known as “shark alley” and is a feeding ground for the endangered Great White Shark. Getting up close and personal to these fantastic creatures is truly one of the most breath-taking adventure activities you will ever live to remember. Sharks are curious by nature and often like to take a closer look at the diver. A personal, eye-to-eye encounter with this awesome animal is guaranteed to get the adrenaline going.

Ice Climbing - Eidfjord, Norway

Ice climbing isn't for the faint at heart, but those with a true adventurous spirit are guaranteed to enjoy this truly rewarding experience. Eidfjord in Norway is probably the best kept ice climbing secret in the world, considering the huge possibilities for doing first ascents, the number of climbed and unclimbed ice routes and relatively reliable conditions. This Norwegian ice climbing mekka is considered to be the best in the world with endless unclimbed routes and a stunning combination of sea and mountains. So if you are thinking of dusting off the crampons we urge you to consider Eidjord but please don’t tell the masses.

Skydiving - Victoria falls, Zambia

Arguably the most extreme sport around, skydiving provides the ultimate adrenaline rush. What really makes a skydiving experience is the view, and there’s no better place to do it than Victoria falls. A jump form 15,000 feet allows you to take in stunning views of the largest waterfall in the world. To find out what our top 10 adventure holiday destinations are by visiting http://www.sportscoverdirect.com/pages/top-10-adventure-holiday-destinations/

A Successful And Enjoyable Rock Climbing Trip Is A Well-Planned Trip!

Prepare thoroughly beforehand by checking the weather forecast and informing someone else of your intentions. This way if the worse were to happen, another person knows your route. Check out the following page for more tips regarding rock climbing trips. http://www.sportscoverdirect.com/insurance/rock-climbing.html/10-rock-climbing-must-dos/

Top Tips For Anyone Planning A Rock Climbing Holiday!

Check out our top tips for getting the most out of your rock climbing holiday:

https://www.sportscoverdirect.com/insurance/rock-climbing.html/10-rock-climbing-must-dos/

The Winter Season Is Fast Approaching!

Looking to hit the slopes this year? With medical costs that have the potential to be financially crippling, it is essential to make sure you are insured while skiing and snowboarding. We offer a range of policies from heli-skiing to cross country skiing to ski racing to snowboard stunting! Check out how we can cover you by visiting the below links. 

https://www.sportscoverdirect.com/insurance/ski_insurance.html/

https://www.sportscoverdirect.com/insurance/snowboard.html/

Travel Insurance Packages

We provide a range of travel insurance packages designed to cover active holidays and competitive sport abroad. Doing sport significantly increases the risk of injury and the likelihood of requiring medical attention whilst abroad, so travelers should thoroughly research their insurance to make sure they are fully covered for their chosen activity!

Team Sports Insurance

When participating in team sports you and your team mates are always at risk of injury therefore you should opt for specialised team sports insurance to protect you and your team! You can be insured for a range of popular team sports including rugby league, hockey netball and many more! http://www.sportscoverdirect.com/sports-team-insurance/ 

The largest Ski Lesson Ever!

Did you know that the largest ski lesson ever was attended by 594 skiers who were instructed by Hansjurg Gredig and his assistants from the Swiss Snowsport School? The lesson was 1,300 meters long and took 16 minutes! 

England Focus On Winning The Series!

Cricket fans may be interested to know that England’s team director Andy Flower has advised England are now focused on winning the series rather than celebrating retaining the Ashes! Read more at http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/23580810

Congratulations To The Winner Of Our iPad Mini Competition!

The team at SportsCover would like to say a HUGE congratulations to Catherine the lucky winner of our iPad Mini Facebook Competition! Condolences to those who didn't win this time, thanks lots for your support! We will be running more Facebook Competitions in the future so keep checking our page for details of new competitions!

RideLondon - Surrey Classic

A HUGE well done to Démare who won Prudential RideLondon - Surrey Classic to find out more about his fantastic win visithttp://www.cyclingnews.com/races/ridelondon-classic-2013/results

WOW! We have reached over 1,500 Likes on Facebook already Guys!

Thank you so much for your support! The winner of our latest Facebook competition to win an iPad Mini will be selected at random and contacted via email by Monday! Good Luck everyone! And remember to check your emails between now and Monday to find out if you are the lucky winner!

Spanish Court Ruling Threatens EHIC

A recent court ruling in Spain could mean that European travellers’ right to healthcare is in jeopardy.  But do we really understand the EHIC?

Since 2010, the European Commission has been in contact with the Spanish authorities over some of its hospitals’ refusal to accept the EHIC to cover medical treatment.  Foreigners requiring treatment in Spain have been wrongly informed that their EHIC is not valid if they have travel insurance.  They have therefore been denied public healthcare and offered only private treatment, the cost of which is being passed on to their insurers or the patients themselves. 

A recent legal case in Madrid also saw a British insurance firm lose out to the administrator of Spanish public hospitals.  The insurer was found to be liable to pay for the treatment given to its policy holders in public hospitals, as according to the judge: “even when a patient is covered by social security, the private insurance policy that covers the treatment is liable for payment.”

This ruling was made under Spanish law, but it appears to contravene an EU Directive that grants EHIC holders the same medical rights as local people.  Whether or not the European Commission will pursue this case remains to be seen, but it does throw light onto the sometimes confusing status of the EHIC.

So what is the function of the EHIC?  Many people aren’t quite sure.  According to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, 17% of travellers assume they don’t need insurance for travelling in Europe because they have an EHIC.  But all members of the scheme should be aware that the EHIC only covers medically necessary care in state facilities.  It doesn’t cover costs such as repatriation to the UK in the event of a medical emergency, or even guarantee free treatment.  It simply grants its holders the same access to healthcare as would be received by local people.  The EHIC is therefore not an alternative to taking out travel insurance when journeying in Europe.

SportsCover Direct provides a range of travel insurance packages designed to cover active holidays and competitive sport abroad.  Doing sport significantly increases the risk of injury and the likelihood of requiring medical attention whilst abroad, so travellers should thoroughly research their insurance to make sure they are fully covered for their chosen activity.   

About SportsCover Direct:

SportsCover Direct Ltd offers specialist sports insurance to UK residents.  The company is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Contact:

Andy Brownsell
Belmont House
High Street
Lane End
High Wycombe
Bucks
HP14 3ER

0845 120 6400
press@sportscoverdirect.co.uk

www.sportscoverdirect.com

Stay Safe When Horse Riding

If you are a keen horse rider always ride a fully trained horse with an appropriate temperament for your riding skills! A large majority of horse riding accidents occur due to people trying to ride a horse that doesn't suit their horse riding abilities!

Horse Riding Trails

If you are planning on taking your horse out on the roads for a ride ensure you are fully prepared, remember that not all trails are suitable for horse riding, and don’t forget to take a map on your journey so that you have it to refer to should your journey take you down an unexpected path! If you are passionate about trail riding visithttp://www.unicorntrails.com/ridecategories/trailridingholidays/

they offer a range of amazing trail riding holidays both in the UK and abroad, if you decide that a trail riding holiday would be a good option for you and you would like help with your horse riding insurance please feel free to contact us we can provide you with all of the advice you need! http://www.sportscoverdirect.com/

SportsCover Direct Facebook Competition

Not long to go before we are able to announce the winner of our most recent Facebook Competition! Once we reach 1500 Likes the winner will be picked at random and will receive an email to advise them they are the lucky winner of a brand new iPad Mini!

A HUGE thank you to all of our Facebook followers for your fantastic feedback regarding this competition and GOOD LUCK to you all! If you haven’t heard about our competition and would like to enter please click on the following link and follow the instructions. https://www.facebook.com/SportsCoverDirect/app_143103275748075

Are You Thinking Of Starting Horse Riding Lessons?

Horse riding has always been a very popular activity both in the UK and abroad as it’s appropriate for children and adults of all ages. If you have never tried horse riding but are interested in either starting riding lessons yourself, or sending your children for horse riding lessons, we suggest you spend some time researching the riding stables in your area before selecting the best stables to begin your lessons. 

It’s important that you check that the stables offer appropriate lessons to suit your ability levels and other requirements, we believe it’s always a good idea to check out reviews to see what other people have to say about the stables in your area, the feedback from others along with your own research should help you to come to the right decision. LIKE this post if you enjoy horse riding or plan to start horse riding lessons in the future.

What Exactly Was It That Caused The Tyre Chaos At Silverstone

There has been a huge amount of speculation regarding the cause of the five tyre blowouts we saw during the British Grand Prix! (Six if you include Sergio Perez’s blowout in practice). Have a read of the Telegraph Sport to find out more about the possible causes.http://ow.ly/mCZsH

Road Cycling

When venturing out to enjoy a bike ride either alone or with family and friends ensure you take full responsibility for making yourself and your fellow riders visible to pedestrians and other road users to avoid road accidents.

It’s Time For Some Summer Sports Activities! Yay!

Well it looks like summer is finally here! So this is the time to start planning your summer outdoor activities with your family and friends! The team at SportsCover Direct recommend Kayaking, rowing, hiking, and horse riding as great summer sports that are fun for all ages!

The Danger Of Wearing Earphones When Cycling

Many road cyclists like the idea of wearing earphones when cycling on the road, but the team at SportsCover Direct strongly advise against the use of earphones when road cycling, as unfortunately it is a fact that the use of earphones when cycling hinders your ability to hear the traffic around you, and therefore reduces your road awareness which is potentially dangerous for both you and the traffic around you!

Wimbledon You Tube Channel

If you are into your tennis and missed Andy Murray's fantastic win at the weekend we strongly recommend you check out the Wimbledon You Tube channel! The Wimbledon You Tube Channel is the destination for everything that happens at The All England Lawn Tennis Club (Championships). So it's the perfect place for you to catch up on everything you missed!

The channel will bring you up to date with all of the latest news, and has interviews with your favorite players such as Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray. They also provide you with special features, including live coverage, and behind the scenes video footage, which will show you what really happened both on and off the courts this summer!
http://www.youtube.com/user/Wimbledon/featured

Protect Your Head When Cycling

If you are a keen cyclist ensure you always protect your head when cycling! To ensure your safety you should never ride a bike without a properly fitted cycling helmet! If you cycle regularly and would like to find out more about our road cycling insurance please click on the following linkhttp://www.sportscoverdirect.com/insurance/cycling_insurance.html/