Why you need travel insurance

You’re all packed, excited and ready for your trip to the snow. Travel insurance is probably the last thing on your mind.

Regardless of whether you’re a seasoned hand on the slopes, or nothing bad’s ever happened to you when you’ve been on holiday, there’s every chance that the unexpected could happen and you could see your trip end in financial ruin.

Each year, hundreds of Australians get into serious medical trouble at the snow every year, many without travel insurance. Without insurance, travellers are personally liable for covering any medical and associated costs, which are usually incredibly expensive. For instance, according to Smartraveller.gov.au, the cost of medical evacuations from the United States regularly range from $75,000 to $95,000 and sometimes up to $300,000. When you have an insurance policy, you can travel with peace of mind knowing that if the worst does happen – you’re covered.

Don’t take it from us though – here are some true travel claims from the slopes.

Twisted knee, Elk vale

“I was twisted and thrown out of my skis when I caught an edge and I injured my left knee. I was brought down the mountain by a ski patrol who then ordered a taxi which took me to the Hospital Emergency department. I was then Immediately recommended to The Fernie.”

Cost of Physiotherapy for treatment – $804

Broken humerus, Whistler

“I was snowboarding and hit a bump I didn’t see and landed on my left shoulder and back and hit my head quite hard. I eventually managed to get to the bottom of the chair lift and once I was there my vision became blurry, everything went white and I felt sick and thought I was going to pass out. After sitting down for a while my vision came back but was still feeling queasy and my shoulder and back were in some pain so ski patrol took me off the mountain and an ambulance took me to ER where they X-rayed my shoulder.”

Cost of emergency consultations & arm brace – $3798

Broken arm, Whistler

“I was snowboarding and caught a back edge, and fell backwards with both my arms extended. Although I was wearing a helmet, I hit my head really hard. I was boarding with friends who assisted me, however both of my wrists were in serious pain. We packed them in the snow immediately and as we were considering my options, a passing ski patrol assisted me down the mountain where I walked to the emergency medical centre. I had x-rays and one arm was broken & cast while the other was perhaps a broken scaphoid and put in a splint. During the next 6 weeks I had numerous follow-up consultations, referrals to physio & more x-rays.”

Cost of four emergency consultations – $1560