Seeking the thrill of the slopes at home or overseas
Whether you're dreaming of the "Powder Highway" in Whistler or exploring the world-famous ski resorts in Japan, consider adding the Snow sports cover option to your plan and stay on track.
When you’re gliding down the slopes, the last thing you want to worry about is what happens if you take a tumble. nib Travel insurance provides coverage for key events
including:
- Emergency 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.
The Snow Sports Travel Insurance Cover Option
nib Travel Insurance can 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.
Provides cover under all benefits sections while participating in a snow sport (as defined) including...
Provides cover for snow sports-specific incidents including...
When skiing facilities are completely closed
When ski lift passes can't be used because of illness or injury
When their 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.
Ready to carve up the slopes? Don’t let unexpected mishaps freeze your fun. Get a quote for travel insurance today and ensure your winter holiday is covered from every angle.
Travel insurance and Ski and Snow sports FAQs
Avalanches, landslides, and storms among other weather events are covered as part of the travel insurance coverage for natural disasters. If a public warning for severe weather or a natural disaster is issued, that is likely to impact your travel arrangements directly, we may cover any reasonable additional travel arrangements you make within 48 hours of the warning. This could include the cost of rearranging your travel plans or necessary additional accommodation and meals. Always check your policy wording when buying nib travel insurance to ensure you are adequately covered. For more information on natural disasters read our article on travel insurance and natural disasters.
Yes, at nib you can purchase travel insurance when already travelling. However, keep in mind, that there's a waiting period of 72 hours before you can make a claim.