Ski Travel Insurance

For many people, winter is their preferred season for outdoor adventures. Avid skiers and snowboarders pack up the car, and head into the mountains to hit the slopes. Popular snow destinations for Australians include New Zealand, Japan, the United States, Canada and Europe, each with their own unique charms and attractions.

If you’re planning on heading overseas, the Australian government suggests getting covered with a suitable travel insurance policy^{1https://smartraveller.gov.au/guide/all-travellers/insurance/Pages/default.aspx}. Without travel insurance, you’re personally liable for any medical and associated costs you incur if you become injured or sick, and overseas medical costs can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars^{2as above}.

However, many travel insurance policies will exclude snow sports in their standard pricing structure. This means you may need to purchase snow or ski cover as an add-on to your travel insurance policy.

Why consider ski travel insurance for your trip?

Aside from the fact that you’re likely heading overseas and you may want to be covered for medical emergencies, loss or theft of goods, and costs incurred due to some travel delays anyway, snow sports can be dangerous.

Accidents can happen to even the most experienced skiers and snowboarders, and getting injured in another country can leave you exposed to hefty medical costs if you don’t have adequate travel insurance.

As mentioned earlier, snow sports such as skiing and snowboarding aren’t usually covered on a basic travel insurance policy. But for most insurers, it’s easy to add skiing and snowboarding cover for an additional fee.

Things to consider when shopping around for suitable ski travel insurance

You can start with determining the number of travellers you need cover for, and the destination you’re travelling to.

Then it’s a simple matter of answering questions about the types of activities you’ll be doing on your trip; for most insurers, this is as simple as ticking the box for adding cover for skiing and snowboarding.

Another factor to consider is the potential for loss or damage of your ski equipment. Whether you’re taking your own gear or hiring at your destination, check your policy for any restrictions on the type of equipment your policy covers for loss or damage, and any financial limitations on the value of replacement or repairs.

Planning an upcoming snow trip? Here’s some destination inspiration to get you started

Heading overseas for a ski holiday can be great value for money. With lift passes and lessons often more affordable than in Australia, and with more consistent snow, an overseas snow trip is worth considering for both dedicated and aspiring skiers snowboarders.

Here’s a rundown on some of the best international destinations for skiers and snowboarders:

• Japan: With a flight time between Sydney and Tokyo of less than 10 hours and with only a two hour time difference, Japan is a popular destination for Australian snow lovers^{3https://www.jnto.org.au/experience/ski/}. There’s over 600 resorts, so you’ll find something suitable for all levels. Plus, let’s not overlook the potential for soaking in hot-spring onsen after a long day on the slopes to ease those tired legs.
• The United States: There’s more than 450 ski resorts across the US, both on the East Coast (like Vermont), West Coast (such as Lake Tahoe in California), and a range of places in between (for example Vail in Colorado or Park City in Utah). Whether you want a dedicated ski trip or just to add a few days on to your American adventure, there’s something for everyone^{4 https://www.visittheusa.com.au/search?keys=ski}.
• Canada: As well as the popular Whistler Blackcomb resorts on the western side of the country, there’s a host of other ski resorts combining friendly Canadian hospitality with world-class snow, suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all levels^{5https://au-keepexploring.canada.travel/}. Snow resorts in Canada also offer the opportunity for a range of winter sports such as dog sledding and ice skating.
• New Zealand: For something closer to home, but with a higher likelihood of quality snow, lots of Australians love New Zealand^{6https://www.newzealand.com/au/skiing/}. You can choose between three main ski areas on the South Island, or ski on an active volcano at Mt. Ruapehu on the North Island.
• Other European ski destinations: There’s so many other options for a European snow sports holiday, like France, Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Norway, Sweden, and Russia^{7https://www.powderhounds.com/Europe.aspx}. With different styles of snow resorts available to cover a variety of budgets, there’s something for everyone.

Compare travel insurance policies online with iSelect

Using iSelect, you can compare travel policies from our range of providers online and compare quotes to find a policy for you and your trip. Get started by comparing online today, select your policy, and enjoy peace of mind on your trip.

Prior to making a decision on a travel insurance product, ensure you review the Product Disclosure Statement which explains features and limitations of the cover.