Snow travel insurance guide

Before you slap on the skis or charge the half pipe, make sure you have adequate cover for your trip.

The nature of a winter sports holiday is risky, so if you don't want to wipe out your savings with a fall on the slopes, get covered in snow!

When it comes to ski and snowboarding holidays, most insurers will have restrictions on winter sports activities. These can be removed by adding on a winter sports package or taking out a ski travel insurance policy with an insurer that specializes in ski holidays.

Our ski insurance comparison compares a host of reputable insurers with policies designed especially for skiers and snowboarders so that you can ski worry free. Compare ski travel insurance policies.

So what's covered?

In addition to the usual stuff covered by a standard policy, a winter sports package will cover you for emergency evacuation from the slopes to nearest hospital, medical treatment, Ski Equipment Hire, Piste Closure, Bad Weather and Ski Pack benefits. The level of cover and exclusions varies between insurers, so be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).

Medical treatment - The cost of a ski injury can be scarier than the steepest black run. A winter sports policy will cover hospital and medical costs you incur while you are travelling outside of Australia.

Emergency rescue - A helicopter ride off a snowy mountain in Europe could set you back upwards of A$10,000. Most insurers will cover medical evacuation to the nearest hospital or depending upon the seriousness of the injury, back home.

Luggage and Ski equipment hire - Ski equipment is expensive to replace or repair. If your equipment is worth more than $700, most insurers will cover you provided you specify the individual items. Not only are you covered for your own luggage and ski equipment but you may also be covered for the cost to hire alternative equipment so that you don't miss out on time on the slopes.

Ski pack reimbursement - Reimbursement for unused prepaid ski passes, lift passes, equipment hire and ski lessons if you get sick, are injured or your ski pass is stolen.

Piste closure - A ski policy will typically cover you for travel to an alternative location or offer compensation if your pre-booked resort is closed.

Bad weather and avalanche closure - Cover for your out of pocket expenses in the event that you cancel due to adverse weather conditions. If you don't have a special ski insurance policy, this may not be covered by the standard cancellation protection

What's not covered?

High risk activities

If you're planning on getting gnarly, check that your planned activities are covered. While most insurers offer cover for recreational skiing and snowboarding, riskier activities such as competitive skiing, heli-skiing/boarding, cat skiing, ice hockey, mountaineering, cresta run and bob sleighing may not be covered. This varies between insurers.

Travelling out of season

Whilst an early or late snow dump can be awesome, many insurers do not cover you when travelling out of season. Be sure to check the dates with your insurer.

Out of bounds

A few specialist insurers will cover you off-piste provided you stay within resort boundaries. Ducking under the resort boundary ropes that have been closed all season for some backcountry skiing will not be covered.

Under the influence

Apres is all part of the fun on a ski holiday, but bear in mind that claims will not be paid if an accident is deemed to be the result of excessive alcohol or under the influence of drugs. Another butterscotch snaps please!