UKH

Heading out to Cogne in January and looking for insurance. I have a general annual policy with Aviva but they don't cover ice climbing or cross country skiing. Quotes from the BMC (135 pounds for 8 days) and Snowcard (over 200 pounds for eight days) are coming in quite high, which is probably due to my age, 72. Any advice from the experienced seniors out there please?

Assuming cross country is 'langlaufing' or sci fondo in Italian and not ski touring,  your loading is coming from age and the ice climbing.  If you have any historical conditions like cancer (I had a melanoma 3 years ago), that counts too.

The quote didn't sound that high. Ice climbing is high risk and the rescue costs are astronomic in a remote (from the primary hospital) village. 

I'd be very surprised if you can get much off £135.00. The BMC insurance has great track record on rescue and medical claims. That'll be worth every penny if the worst happens. 

I am a few years younger than you and I have Austrian Alpine Club annual membership.  Cover includes ice climbing and dski touring and Is fine for rescue and evacuation but I think the hospital costs are a bit low.  However, if you have the current equivalent of the EHIC card to complement I think you should be ok.  

Risky advice, most need better insurance, not "shoulds".... the BMC policy is good but Austrian Alpine Club also have a top up policy.