Skiing Travel Insurance
The feeling of waking up to that freshly fallen powder. The thrill of a quick run down a nicely groomed piste. The enjoyment of an après-ski drink or meal in the lodge bar or restaurant after a long day battling freezing conditions. What’s not to love.
Whether your plans include the likes of Thredbo, Perisher, Bulla or Hotham or you’re venturing further to a world-famous resort like Whistler, Aspen, Courchevel or Zermatt, we’ve got the simple solution to make sure you (and your ski gear) will be covered everywhere from the slopes to the chalet.
Why might you need cover for a ski trip?
In a perfect world, everything on your ski trip would go to plan—but that’s not always the case.
Imagine you’ve planned out your entire alpine escape, only to find your skis or other snow gear was lost or damaged in transit. Or what if you fell sick and couldn’t head out on the slopes, but you’d already paid for ski passes or hire equipment? Then there’s the very real possibility that the piste you’ve been hanging to ride is closed because of poor conditions.
Adding Winter Sports Cover to your travel insurance is a great way to ensure you won’t be left out of pocket when the unexpected happens.
What does PassportCard provide cover for?
Add Winter Sports Cover for extra protection
At PassportCard, we love hitting the slopes as much as you do—but we also know that it can come with some risks.
If you’re heading to the snow, our Winter Sports Cover provides valuable peace of mind that you’ll be prepared for whatever comes your way. Not only will you be covered for medical costs and evacuation when travelling internationally, but you’ll also have extra protection for your skis, snow gear and other out-of-pocket expenses you might encounter on your ski trip.
Here’s a snapshot of the extra things you’ll be covered for when you add Winter Sports Cover to your policy*:
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| Winter sports medical and evacuation | Equipment hire |
| If You suffer an Injury or Sickness while participating in Winter Sports Activities during Your Journey (International policies only) | Repair or replacement of your winter sports equipment if lost, stolen or damaged |
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| Equipment hire | Pre-paid ski passes & equipment hire |
| Cover for equipment hire if something happens to your winter sports gear during your journey | Cover if you can’t use pre-paid ski passes or hire equipment because of sickness or injury |
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| Piste closure
Cover if lift systems are closed due to too much snow, not enough snow or high winds |
Bad weather & avalanche closure
Cover if your return journey is delayed due to bad weather or avalanche |
* Cover is only available with policies where optional Winter Sports Comprehensive cover protection is added to the policy at the time of purchase.
When you add Winter Sports Comprehensive to your policy, you’ll also be covered if you decide to try out a range of other winter sports such as snowboarding , cascading, ice skating, snowmobiling and tobogganing while on your trip.
All benefits and covers are subject to the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions listed in the Combined Financial Services Guide and Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and on other policy documentation, including the schedule.
How can I add ski cover to my policy?
Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Choose the Comprehensive plan
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| Broader protection for some of the most common claims |
Step 2: Add ‘Winter Sports Cover’
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| It’s important to note that Winter Sports Comprehensive may not be available with all our policies for all regions and destinations—but don’t worry, we’ll let you know if we offer it when you complete your quote. |
Step 3: Fill in your details and we’ll take it from there!
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Instant payouts on approved claims with PassportCard
When you choose PassportCard, you’ll enjoy the extra peace of mind of knowing you’ll be able to cover most expenses there and then if something goes wrong.
When you purchase one of our travel insurance policies, we’ll ask you if you’d like a PassportCard to take with you on your trip.
While you’re away, if your baggage is delayed, cash is stolen or you have a medical issue overseas, you can call our team 24/7 to have funds added to your PassportCard instantly for approved claims.**
We will then send an activation PIN to your mobile phone to use use with the merchant or ATM so you can immediately pay for expenses when you need to.
You won’t need to fill out any paperwork and instant access to funds means you won’t be left out of pocket.
Find out more about how instant claims work or get a quote for your upcoming trip.
All benefits and covers are subject to the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions listed in the Combined Financial Services Guide and Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and on other policy documentation, including the schedule.
Get cover for your next trip with PassportCard
Ski travel insurance FAQs
Not automatically. If you’ll be heading up to the snow, you’ll need to add the Winter Sports Cover option when completing your quote to ensure it is included with your policy.
It’s essential that you add Winter Sports Cover cover with your travel insurance if you’ll be going skiing. While our travel insurance includes cover for a wide range of events, it won’t cover you while skiing or participating in a range of other winter sports activities if you don’t add the optional extra cover.
Our cover only extends to amateur skiers. You won’t be covered if you will be competing professionally or if you are participating in a competition or tournament.
Yes. Provided they meet the criteria specified in the PDS for dependants and you list them as travellers when you purchase your policy, they will be covered under your policy. Find out more about our family travel insurance
Simply call our Global Assistance team on +61 1800 490 478. Our Australian-based Global Assistance team is available 24/7 and can quickly handle most common claims on-the-spot over the phone.
Tips when planning a ski trip
Whether you’re venturing overseas in search of the ultimate alpine adventure or you’re simply savouring our own home-grown slopes, here are some handy tips that will keep your ski trip stress-free and enjoyable.
- Organise your lodging or accommodation early as it can be expensive (particularly if you’re staying on-mountain) and many ski resorts book out well in advance
- Book your ski passes and lift tickets in advance, as some resorts may offer pre-purchase discounts
- Lift queues can be very long during peak season, so you may want to consider booking your trip during the shoulder seasons or heading up mid-week when you may not have to battle as many crowds
- If you’re trying out any snow sports for the first time, consider getting lessons from an instructor to help you learn the basics before trying it on your own
- Skiing requires a lot of gear including skis, poles, boots, helmet, goggles, balaclava, gloves, thermals, outer pants and a jacket. If it’s going to be too difficult to take everything with you, consider booking hire clothing, equipment and accessories instead
- Many ski lodges will have a dress code if you plan to enjoy an ‘après-ski’ drink or meal in the lodge bar or restaurant, so consider packing a couple of different outfit options
- Research the local area to create a shortlist of other things you might like to explore off-mountain or throughout the region, as this can come in handy on days where conditions aren’t suitable for heading out on the slopes
- If you’re heading overseas, check your passport is valid with at least 6 months of validity left from the date you plan to depart the destination and ensure you meet the visitor entry requirements for the destination/s you will be travelling to
- Research the region you will be travelling to so you’re aware of any potential safety or health risks
- Organise your travel insurance with PassportCard before you depart.