Snow Insurance Guide

Medical emergencies & evacuation while overseas

This is one of the most important reasons for buying travel insurance as overseas medical expenses can get pricey in ski resorts where you may have to travel to the nearest town for medical attention.

Skiing and snowboarding can be dangerous on and off the slopes: out of control people that appear out of nowhere, trees that don't move and "snow snakes" that trip you over - just a few of the things than can cut short your trip and send you to the nearest hospital or medical centre.

Luckily, these sections of the policy wording cover hospital or medical bills that you incur while you are travelling outside of Australia. The hospital and medical cover of a policy stops when you return home. If the accident, injury or illness is of a serious nature the insurance covers the cost of medical evacuation to the nearest facility or back home.

Bad weather, resort closure and travel delay

We love it when it snows, particularly if it is followed by a blue-bird day. However, if the weather is really bad and the entire resort has to close, then the insurance will pay you. Plus, it will pay for reasonable extra travel and accommodation if an avalanche or bad weather delays your arrival or departure from the resort.

Prepaid ski lessons, equipment hire & ski school costs

If you are seriously injured or ill and can not ski or board for 24 hours, the insurance will pay for any non-refundable, pre-paid ski equipment hire, lift passes and ski-school lessons.

Luggage and equipment

If your personal belongings, luggage or equipment is lost in transit, doesn't arrive when you do, or is stolen or broken, there is cover to pay for the hire of alternative gear so you can get on the slopes faster.

If you don't own your own gear and need to hire your equipment (skis, snowboards and bindings; poles; helmets; ski or snowboard boots or ice skates), you are covered if you accidentally lose it, break it, damage it or someone steals it.

Cancellation

Cancellation covers your pre-booked holiday expenses if have to cancel your trip under certain circumstances. For example, if you are injured or sick and can not go on your snow holiday, there is cover for your prepaid travel and accommodation and any fees your travel agent may charge you to cancel your trip on your behalf.

Personal liability

Getting sued is perhaps not the best way to remember your snow holiday. If you accidentally run into someone on the slopes and they are injured; you fall against an expensive car and scratch it; your kids step on someone's hand while in their ski boots or you forget to keep your pole tips in front of you and poke someone in the eye, you'll be pleased the liability section will cover your legal costs (which can be substantial).