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It's sometimes referred to as snow sports cover or winter sports cover but, whatever you want to call it, ski travel insurance is a worthwhile investment that every slope-goer should consider.
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Ski travel insurance is a type of cover which is specifically designed for people visiting the slopes to ski, snowboard, or take part in any other recreational snow sports.
It usually comes as an optional add-on to a standard travel insurance policy, but provides additional cover that's useful for people who are skiing or snowboarding.
Compare policies. That's the number one, golden rule when trying to find the best travel insurance for a ski trip - or any trip, really.
You can use our online tool to start comparing, but make sure to read the product disclosure statements too. Here are a few things to keep a close eye on:
Benefits.
Pay close attention to how the insurer reimburses you for damaged snow equipment, lost lift passes, rental excesses, resort closures, trip cancellations, and injuries.
Exclusions.
Check for exclusions that might impact your trip. For example, some insurers won't cover injuries that happen while off-piste skiing, unless you're with an instructor.
Limits.
Most policies have a maximum limit that you can claim for any one item. If you've got top-of-the-range gear, you might have to let your insurer know.
Price.
You shouldn't buy a policy based solely on price, but we know it's an important deciding factor. Keep an eye on the cost to make sure you're getting value for money.
The average cost of a 30-year-old going to New Zealand for 2 weeks is AUD$92.72. This figure is based on 8 different policies with an excess of AUD$200 and last updated in June 2019.
With all insurance, there are different factors that can affect the cost of your premium. These include:
Every travel insurance policy will have activities or events that are excluded from cover. These can vary significantly between providers so it is important to be clear on events that you stand to receive a claim for:
Some sports are not covered automatically. Most policies will not provide a benefit payment for claims arising out of participation in:
Other exclusions include:
Ski travel insurance can help for those short trips to Thredbo or Hotham. While Medicare can assist with medical expenses, you still run the same risks with skiing locally as you do when you're overseas. Domestic ski travel insurance can be useful if you need to claim for damaged equipment, losses if you get sick and can't use the rest of your lift pass, or even emergency evacuation if you need it.
Ski insurance in Australia could be handy if:
Hopefully none of these will happen to you, but this is why travel insurance is so important when you're on the go, even when it's in your own home country.
Most insurers will offer cover for recreational skiing under a ski insurance policy but this will rarely include cover for off-piste, cross-country or backcountry skiing.
A piste is recognised as a marked run or path down a mountain. Off-piste skiing refers to skiing in the backcountry or on unmarked trails. As there are more risks involved, only a handful of insurance providers will offer off-piste cover.
Provider | Covered? | Conditions | Apply |
---|---|---|---|
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| Off-piste skiing covered (with a professional snow sport instructor/guide only) | |
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| Off-piste skiing (only as provided under the Winter Sports and Winter Sports Professional Ski PDSs) | |
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| Off-piste skiing is covered under Snow Sports cover | |
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| Both off-piste and cross-country (Nordic skiing) are covered provided you have paid additional Winter Sports Cover premium | |
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| Off-piste skiing covered under Comprehensive, Domestic or Frequent Traveller Policies with Snow Pack. Backcountry snow sports are not covered. | |
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| Off-piste skiing is covered under Winter Sports Travel Insurance | Get quote |
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| Off-piste skiing is covered under Snow Sports cover | |
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| Off-piste is covered | |
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| Cover is available on comprehensive, Australian travel and annual multi-trip policies. |
In some cases, off-piste skiing without a professional or qualified snow sports guide will be excluded from your travel insurance cover. However, some policies do not feature this exclusion, so it's essential to check with your insurer to find out if you need to head off-piste with a guide in order to be covered.
Off-piste skiing without a guide is extremely dangerous. Guides have in-depth knowledge of the local conditions and potential hazards, and they know when it is and isn't safe to visit certain areas. An experienced guide also knows all the right equipment to take along, will prevent you getting lost, and knows what to do if something goes wrong.
Travel insurance brands typically require guides to be a:
Cross-country skiing is making your way around the ski fields without the assistance of chair lifts or other transportation. Not all insurers cover this because of the added risk. Here are a few insurers that will.
Provider | Covered? | Conditions | Apply |
---|---|---|---|
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| Columbus Direct covers cross-country skiing on marked trails | |
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| InsureandGo covers cross-country skiing on marked trails | Get quote |
Short answer, yes. It is possible to find cover for professional skiing. Unfortunately, not all insurers cover professionals, so it is crucial that you check with the company prior to purchase and also read through the PDS thoroughly.
Provider | Covered? | Conditions | Apply |
---|---|---|---|
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| Off-piste skiing is covered under Winter Sports Travel Insurance |
Carving through fresh powder on the back of a snowmobile can be ridiculously fun, but unfortunately it comes with a high risk of injury attached. The consequences when things go wrong on a snowmobile can be significant, with head injuries and broken limbs just two of the potential risks.
Some policies will offer a winter sports pack that you can add to your policy for an extra premium to ensure that you are covered for any claims that arise in connection with you operating a snowmobile.
Brand | Conditions | Apply |
---|---|---|
![]() | Snowmobiling is provided if you have purchased the Winter sports Cover upgrade | Get quote |
![]() | Snowmobiles can only be provided by recognised piste authorities as a form of transport to and from skiing areas | |
![]() | Snowmobiles can only be provided by recognised piste authorities as a form of transport to and from skiing areas | |
![]() | Snowmobiling is covered by paying an additional premium |
Rather than using the traditional ski lift, heli-skiing gives you access to off-piste downhill skiing and snowboarding routes via helicopter. If you're planning on going heli-skiing on your next trip, make sure to check whether this type of snow sport is covered by your insurer before you start your journey.
While some insurers do cover heli-skiing, you'll usually need to pay extra to take out snow sports cover or even cover specifically designed for heli-skiing. Other companies will exclude all claims related to heli-skiing, so contact your insurer for more information.
The importance of an accompanying guide cannot be understated. Not only will a professional guide have a wealth of knowledge about the local conditions, they will also have all the necessary tools and equipment for off-piste skiing. If something goes wrong, they're the best chance you've got of being rescued and getting out alive.
There are some other general safety tips you should always keep in mind in regards to avalanches when skiing off-piste, including:
Picture: GettyImages
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i am 66 my wife 67 we buy annual travel cover every year and we normally ski in japan and or canada for 3/4 weeks each year and 1/2 weeks in australia we currently hold car ins with apia and have been pleased with your service can you provide a short list of insurers to cover above thanks gary
Hi Gary,
Thanks for getting in touch. finder.com.au is a comparison service and does not have access to products from APIA. If you would like to compare brands in our panel, you can do so by heading to our travel insurance home page.
All the best,
Richard
Hi, I have a credit card complimentary cover for my 5-week trip in US. However, I would like to buy a separate cover for skiing downhill about 10 days in Colorado. Please advise whether I should enter for my entire travel period or just the time spent on skiing. Thanks.
Hi Trang,
Thanks for getting in touch. Many travel insurance will require you to have taken out cover prior to your departure to the USA. You may wish to look into brands that offer one-way travel insurance as they may be able to insure part of the trip.
Cheers,
Richard
Hi there
I am going to NZ to ski. I am a New zealand citizen on a NZ passport but live in australia (resident) for 20 years
Do i need extra ski cover ? Or am i covered as a New zealander under their health system where I would not have to pay for emergency medical etc
Hi Marti,
Thanks for your question. finder.com.au is comparison service and we are not permitted to provide our users with personalised financial advice. Travel insurance covers more than just medical costs and can protect you for cancellation, lift passes, damaged or stolen ski gear, etc.
All the best,
Richard
Hello, I am always traveling in Thailand and Cambodia, where in Philippines I, can’t get travel insurance and how much that I am Joan, please get information. I am Philippina
Hi Joan,
Thanks for your question. Unfortunately, the majority of the travel insurance brands in our panel require that those taking out cover are an Australian resident or part of their trip will be coming through Australia.
All the best,
Richard
i am working in japan for 3 months and travelling for one month. my work is as a ski instructor. i need an insurance company that covers working in the snow!
Hi Bethany,
Thanks for your question. Unfortunately, none of the travel insurance brands in our panel offer cover ski instructors. You may want to contact the resort you’re going to be working at as they may have some recommendations for who normally offers cover to their instructors.
I hope this was helpful,
Richard
I am looking for an insurer that will cover me and my family – we do have different needs as we will be in Japan for different dates and my son has a pre-existing break (within 12 months) that we would need to think about. I need off piste, but not my husband or son. Can you please recommend some insurers that will cover our random needs as a family.
Thanks.
Hi Anna,
Thanks for your question.
If you are planning to travel separately, you will need to check with your insurer whether they permit this. Many joint or family policies either require you to all be travelling at the same time or travel together for a large percentage of the trip.
Most insurers offer cover for existing conditions but again this is dependent on the insurer. You may see available insurers that offers off-piste cover. It is also essential to check with your insurer to find out if you need to head off-piste with a guide in order to be covered.Please make sure to read the eligibility criteria, features and details of the policy, as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statement of the policy before making a decision and consider whether the product is right for you.
I hope this was helpful,
Richard