Ski Travel Insurance

Winter is the perfect time for an outdoor adventure, with avid skiers and snowboarders making tracks for the snowy slopes. Although you can find a frosty mountain to glide down in Australia, renowned international destinations like Japan, Canada, New Zealand and several parts of Europe deliver unmissable high-altitude experiences. 

If you plan to head overseas, getting Ski Travel Insurance can offer protection against accidents on the slopes, lost equipment and travel delays. Without this cover, you could encounter some big out-of-pocket expenses if things go awry 

However, it’s important to realise many travel insurers exclude snow sports from their basic policies. This means you may need to purchase snow or ski cover as a Travel Insurance optional extra. 

Why should I get Travel Insurance with Ski Cover? 

Anyone who has spent time on the slopes knows snow sports come with risk. In a foreign country without universal cover for medical bills, an unfortunate accident could mean you owe thousands in healthcare expenses. However, Ski Travel Insurance can help protect against these costs. 

Ski Travel Insurance also covers numerous winter adventure activities besides skiing and snowboarding, meaning you can have more fun on the slopes. For example, many policies include cover for ice skating, snowmobiling and tobogganing. 

However, in some policies, activities like heli-skiing and off-piste skiing (which means you’re skiing outside of designated markers) can only be covered when led by a professional snow sports instructor. Meanwhile, other snow activities, such as ski acrobatics and luge, often aren’t covered under any circumstances. 

While basic Travel Insurance policies don’t usually include winter activities like skiing and snowboarding, most providers make it easy to add Ski Travel Insurance for an additional fee. Naturally, this helps elevate your alpine adventure. 

What if I choose to ski without Travel Insurance? 

Although Ski Travel Insurance isn’t mandatory to hit the slopes, you’re taking a big financial risk without it. While the cost of purchasing a Ski Travel Insurance policy can seem unnecessary if you never make a claim, paying thousands in overseas medical bills following an unexpected accident is sure to ruin your trip, not to mention your bank balance.  

What will Travel Insurance for skiing usually cover? 

Gliding down a perfectly smooth mountainside is an unforgettable experience, and purchasing an appropriate level of cover for your journey means you can focus on having fun, rather than what it might cost if you have an accident. 

Overseas medical expenses 

Getting sick or injured overseas can be a scary experience, especially when you’re handed your medical bill. However, Ski Travel Insurance can cover associated costs like emergency medical assistance, hospital care, evacuation and repatriation. 

Cancellation costs 

If you have to cancel your trip ahead of departure because of illness, Ski Travel Insurance can cover non-refundable expenses, such as pre-paid tours and hotel deposits. 

Replacement equipment 

Winter sports gear is usually quite expensive. If yours gets lost or stolen during your trip, knowing that Ski Travel Insurance can cover the cost of replacements is a lifesaver. 

Piste closure 

Sometimes bad weather or even a lack of snow can mean the piste gets closed. Ski Travel Insurance could reimburse the cost of unused lift passes or cancelled ski lessons. 

What doesn’t Ski Travel Insurance usually cover? 

Ski Travel Insurance usually covers many of the most common alpine activities and situations, but it won’t protect you against everything. Most policies don’t usually provide cover for these situations. 

Off-piste activities 

It’s tempting to leave behind the resort’s bounds when the surrounding mountains feel so near. However, heading off-piste could mean you aren’t covered for an accident. 

Competition skiing 

Typically, Ski Travel Insurance only covers recreational sports, like cross-country skiing and skiing activities done with a professional instructor. So, if you’re planning on taking part in competitive events such as ski racing, there’s a good chance you won’t be covered for any injuries.  

Extreme sports 

The activities included within Ski Travel Insurance depend on the provider. Unfortunately, it’s common for extreme activities like ski jumping, bobsleighing and ice climbing to be excluded from cover. 

What should I consider when shopping around for Travel Insurance? 

Understanding your Travel Insurance options is important when heading overseas. By comparing the scope of coverage and the cover limits against your needs, you can make an informed decision for an upcoming trip. 

You also have to consider the cost of adding winter sports cover to your Travel Insurance policy. Some insurers make this benefit available for $40-$60 while others can charge several hundred dollars. 

However, as every insurer offers different inclusions, exclusions and cover limits, review each Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) carefully to understand how your journey might be affected depending on your choice. 

Compare Ski Travel Insurance policies with iSelect 

Take to the alpine slopes with confidence by adding Ski Travel Insurance to your to do list. Compare Travel Insurance from a range of providers today to look for a great policy.  features and limitations of the cover.