Ski travel insurance for Australians
What to check before you ski overseas, including medical cover, equipment cover, off-piste rules, and cancellation.
Disclaimer: This guide is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. Always read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and confirm cover directly with the insurer.
Insurance Guides
Best Ski Travel Insurance
Our guide to ski insurance options for Australians — what to check, what it costs, and common mistakes.
Does travel insurance cover skiing?
Standard policies usually don't. Here is what you need to look for.
Off-piste ski insurance
Understanding the rules around skiing outside the resort boundaries.
Why standard travel insurance isn't enough
Most standard travel insurance policies specifically exclude winter sports. If you break your leg skiing and only have a basic policy, you will likely be paying the medical bills yourself.
A single skiing injury overseas without cover can cost $15,000 – $50,000+ AUD in medical and evacuation fees. Japan has excellent medical care but it is not cheap for uninsured visitors.
What to look for in a ski policy
- Medical & Evacuation: Snow injuries can require helicopter evacuation. Ensure at least $1 million medical cover.
- Off-piste rules: Many policies only cover you if you are skiing within resort boundaries. Some don't even cover that without a specific "Snow Sports" add-on.
- Equipment cover: If your expensive skis are stolen or damaged, are they covered?
- Piste closure: Does the policy pay out if the resort closes due to lack of snow or severe weather?
- Cancellation: Are you covered if you need to cancel your trip due to illness or injury before departure?