Less than half of Aussie skiers take out insurance despite rising injury rates

As ski season approaches, news.com.au has reported that Aussie skiers are putting themselves at risk by “shunning” travel insurance despite increasing snow-sport related injury rates.

According to the report, fewer than half of all domestic skiers were thought to take out any insurance cover, whilst injury rates soared with one insurer processing 365 claims from June to October last year.

Insurance Council of Australia spokesman Campbell Fuller said that “most Australians don’t think about travel insurance within their own country” as the proportion of uninsured domestic travellers was higher than the 17% of travellers who went overseas without cover.

“You’ve got a greater range of resources available to you, you’ve got the medical system on tap. But when people are faced with unforeseen circumstances that could cause their holiday to be cut short, that’s when you start weighing up the benefits,” he said.

For those planning a ski trip, Fuller advised that it is best to shop around for cover that is suited to your specific needs.

“It might cover your own equipment if it’s damaged or stolen, the accommodation, lift passes - which is where the major costs tend to be.”

Here are Mozo’s travel insurance must-dos for a disaster free winter escape:

1. Look for unlimited medical cover

If you’re jetsetting overseas for your ski break, make sure you sign up with a travel insurance policy with unlimited medical cover, as overseas medical bills can run into the hundreds of thousands if you’re unwell for an extended period of time.

2. Read the fine print

While snow travel insurance covers skiing and snowboarding, your snow insurance policy may exclude activities like bobsleighing or snow rafting so be sure to look over your policy or contact the insurer to find out what activities are covered.

3. Bring your travel documents

Have a hard copy or email version of your travel insurance policy on hand, so that you have your insurer’s contact details and your insurance policy number, in the case of any emergency.

4. Don’t go off the beaten track

While off-piste skiing or boarding can be tempting to your inner adrenaline junkie, it is important to keep to the marked trails on the slope because insurers generally won’t cover you if you take risks.