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Travel insurance for skiing and snowboarding
Consider protecting your winter sports trip with our Snow sports cover option.
15% off travel insurance for nib Health members*
Seeking the thrill of the slopes at home or overseas
Whether you're dreaming of the "Powder Highway" in Whistler or exploring ski resorts in Japan, consider adding the Snow sports cover option to your travel insurance plan and stay on track.
What's included in our travel insurance plans
While you’re gliding down the slopes, the last thing you want to worry about is what happens if you take a tumble. Our plans offer coverage for key events including:
Emergency overseas medical coverage: Covers the cost of medical treatment if you get injured while skiing or snowboarding. Whether it's a minor sprain or something more serious, you won't have to worry about hefty medical bills.
Medical evacuation coverage: If you’re injured and need to be airlifted off the mountain, travel insurance will cover the costs of emergency transportation to the nearest medical facility.
Trip cancellation or interruption insurance coverage: If you have to cancel your trip due to an injury or illness before you leave, or if your holiday is cut short, your policy can reimburse non-refundable expenses like accommodation, if you’re prevented from skiing at a pre-booked ski resort for more than 24 continuous hours during your trip, because insufficient snow, too much snow or high winds caused a total closure of the lift system, and lift passes.
Lost, stolen, or damaged snow gear coverage: Whether it's your own gear or rented equipment, nib travel insurance may offer cover for the replacement or repair costs if your skis or snowboard are lost, stolen, or damaged. We will pay you the reasonable cost of hiring replacement equipment if your snow skiing equipment is lost, delayed or damaged during the trip.
Snow sports travel insurance cover option
We offer cover for:
Snow-skiing and snowboarding (on piste and off-piste) on groomed and ungroomed runs and marked trails patrolled/monitored by resort authorities
Back-country skiing and snowboarding
Heli-skiing and cat skiing
Tobogganing
Cross country skiing
Snowmobiling
Telemark skiing
Tips when going off-piste skiing and snowboarding
Off-piste means going outside graded snow slopes made safe for skiers. It's also called backcountry skiing. It's riskier than skiing or snowboarding on-piste. Risks include:
Avalanches
Tree wells - deep pits beneath trees where there is less snowfall
Unmarked cliffs and outcroppings
Ice and frozen snow formations.
If you're going off-piste:
Pay attention to avalanche warning signs
Never go alone. Find a guide to take you, particularly if you're less experienced
Carry an emergency beacon with you.
Please note: the Snow sports travel insurance cover option is only available with the Comprehensive and Annual Multi Trip Plans.
Provides cover under all benefits sections while participating in a snow sport (as defined) including...
Overseas medical expenses* and 24/7 Emergency Assistance
Medical evacuation and repatriation
Replacement of lost, stolen or damaged passports and travel documents
Cancellation or holiday deferment costs
Lost, stolen or damaged luggage and personal effects
Personal Liability
* Overseas medical expenses benefits provided for up to 12 months from the date on illness or injury; medical expenses incurred in Australia are not covered.
Cover for snow sports-specific incidents
When skiing facilities are completely closed
When ski lift passes can't be used because of illness or injury
When your own ski equipment is lost, stolen or damaged (but not while in use)
When hiring replacement snow equipment if yours is lost, delayed or damaged
The "in-use" rule
Cover for winter sports equipment following accidental loss, theft or damage for its depreciated value up to $700 per item, excluding while in use, up to your plan limits.
When the show can't go on
Cover for winter sports pre-paid costs such as ski equipment hire, lift passes and ski school costs if you're injured in an accident or suddenly fall ill during your trip and can't ski.
Skiing and snowboarding safety tips
To keep your winter holiday as safe as possible, here are a few handy tips:
Wear a helmet: Protect your noggin with a good-quality helmet to reduce the risk of serious head injuries.
Check the weather and conditions: Always be aware of the weather forecast and slope conditions before heading out.
Stay hydrated and rested: Skiing and snowboarding are physically demanding. Drink plenty of water and take breaks to avoid fatigue.
Layer up: Hypothermia and frostbite can set in quickly. Wear layers, and make sure your outer layer is waterproof.
Protect your eyes: Wear eye protection to prevent snowblindness.
Frequently asked questions
This is a brief summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions. Please read the international and domestic Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).
nib Travel Insurance Distribution Pty Limited, ABN 40 129 262 175, AR 336467 is an authorised representative of nib Travel Services (Australia) Pty Ltd (nib), ABN 81 115 932 173, AFSL 308461 and act as nib's agent and not as your agent. This is general advice only. Before you buy, you should consider your needs, the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), Financial Services Guide (FSG) and Target Market Determination (TMD) available from us. This insurance is underwritten by Pacific International Insurance Pty Ltd, ABN 83 169 311 193.
We are a signatory to the General Insurance Code of Practice developed by the Insurance Council of Australia and enforced by the Code Governance Committee, an independent body whose purpose is to drive better Code compliance and help the insurance industry improve its service to consumers. The Code is designed to promote good relations and insurance practice between insurers, authorised representatives and consumers. The Code sets out what we must do when dealing with you. You can obtain a copy of the Code from codeofpractice.com.au.
*The discount applies to the total nib travel insurance premium and is for customers that currently hold an Australian health insurance product, or an Overseas Student Health Cover product with nib. The discount is not available to customers who hold an Overseas Visitors Health Cover product. Discounts do not apply to the rate of GST and stamp duty or any changes you make to the policy. nib has the discretion to withdraw or amend this discount offer at any time. This discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotional offer or discount.