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Snow travel insurance

Woman in sunglasses laughs joyfully while playing in the snow in the mountains.

Snow travel insurance is a special form of travel insurance that covers snow-specific risks, such as on-slope injuries, piste closures and lost lift passes, in addition to standard travel insurance benefits like trip cancellation and lost luggage.

How to get snow cover: add-on vs. specialist

You can typically get this cover in one of two ways: as an ‘optional extra’ that you tack onto a standard travel insurance policy. This is sometimes referred to as a ‘snow pack’. The other way is via a dedicated policy from a specialist snowsports insurer. Regardless of which you choose, most off-the-shelf options will only cover on-piste skiing and snowboarding.

Snow cover for high-risk & off-piste activities

For riskier activities like backcountry or off-piste skiing, you will almost certainly need a specialist provider, and likely one of their higher-tiered policies. These top-shelf policies often come with extra requirements, such as needing to be accompanied by a professional instructor or guide.

Always read your product disclosure statement (PDS)

Because the level of cover varies so much between insurance providers, it’s very important to read the definition of ‘snow sports’ in your policy’s product disclosure statement (PDS). This will clarify what you’re actually covered for and detail any relevant exclusions, conditions, limits, and sub-limits that may apply. Always refer to the PDS for the full details of your cover.

What does snow travel insurance cover?

It's no secret that trips to the snow aren't cheap. Fortunately, snow travel insurance is designed to cover the specific, expensive things that can go wrong on a ski or snowboard holiday. Here's a rundown of what you can generally expect to be covered for:

  • Ski/snowboard equipment. Covers the loss, theft or breakage of your ski or snowboard equipment, and in many cases, the cost to hire a new set.
  • Lift passes. If your prepaid lift pass is lost or stolen, or if you’re unable to use them due to illness or injury, snow travel insurance providers will often reimburse you for the unused portion.
  • Piste closure. If the piste is closed for over 24 hours due to bad weather, a lack of snow or natural disasters, your policy can often cover your prepaid costs, like unused lift passes. Some policies will also cover the cost of travelling to the nearest open resort.
  • Emergency evacuation. Most snow travel insurance policies will generally cover the cost of emergency evacuation from the snow fields, for example if you need a helicopter off the mountain.

Important general features to look for in your snow sports policy

It’s tempting to focus just on your ski and snowboarding equipment, but your snow insurance needs to be a solid, all-round travel policy first. Make sure it includes all the core protections you’d expect from any good travel insurance:

  • General medical and dental expenses
  • Luggage and personal belongings
  • Cancellations
  • Delays
  • Accidental death or disability
  • Rental car excess

Top tips for buying and using your snow travel insurance

1. Don’t wait until the last minute. While there isn’t necessarily an ‘early bird discount’ for buying your snow cover early, you could be at a disadvantage if you rush your decision. Shopping around and comparing policies can help save you extra spending money for your trip, get you stronger cover, or both.

2. Don't forget pre-existing medical conditions. Always be upfront about any medical condition or injury you are receiving treatment for. Keeping your policy provider informed will help you get the right level of cover, saving you the pain of finding out your claim has been rejected.

3. Don’t leave your skis or snowboard unattended. While many policies cover lost or stolen equipment, they won’t accept claims resulting from easily avoidable scenarios, like leaving your skis unattended while you duck into the resort cafe.

4. File a police report if your snow equipment gets lost or stolen. For your claim to be successful, you’ll generally need to file a report with the police or resort security. Make sure this report details what was stolen, when and where it was taken from, and the value of the item.

5. File any claims promptly. You’ll have a limited time to make any claim on your insurance once you return home. Check your policy’s PDS to see what time frame they specify.

Coverage for medical emergencies FAQs

Is a skiing/snowboarding injury covered by my standard travel insurance policy?

No, standard travel insurance policies almost always require you to take out extra protection for activities with a higher-than-usual or atypical risk profile, including adventure sports, cruises and yes, snow sports. Without this extra protection, you won’t be covered for things like stolen skis or injuries you suffer on the slopes. However, you may be covered for unrelated incidents like food poisoning from the resort cafe.  

Does it cover emergency medical evacuation from the mountain?

Yes, the unique risk and high cost of a possible ski patrol or helicopter rescue are exactly the type of protection you’re paying for, as these specialised costs aren't included in a standard policy.

What about hospital expenses if I'm injured?

Yep, most snow travel insurance will cover your hospital costs related to injuries and illnesses you suffer on and off the slopes. Just make sure you declare any pre-existing conditions and check your PDS to determine what your hospital limits and sublimits are.

I broke my arm 5 years ago, do I need to list this as a pre-existing condition?

Generally you only need to list conditions you are currently receiving treatment for. If you were still getting physio on your arm as a result of the break, this would be considered a pre-existing condition. With any prior medical conditions, it is extremely important you read the PDS and be upfront with the insurance provider.

I’m a senior, can I get cover for skiing and snowboarding?

Yes, there are a number of insurance providers that will offer snow cover to seniors. You’ll just need to check the age restrictions within the policies.

Equipment and pre-paid costs FAQs

Am I covered if my skis or snowboard are stolen?

In most cases, yes. Theft is covered by many travel insurance policies, as long as you’ve taken reasonable care of your gear and can provide a police report to support your claim. However, if you leave it sitting around in public, there’s a good chance your claim will be knocked back. 

What about if my gear is lost?

That depends on how it happens. If an airline loses your snowboard in transit, it should fall under the luggage and personal effects section of your policy. But if you’ve misplaced it yourself, that’s considered unattended property and most likely won’t be covered.

And what about damage to my equipment?

Similar to ‘lost property’, if your gear is damaged by the airline while it’s checked in, that’s generally covered. But damage that happens while you’re using it isn’t. So if you hit a rock and snap a ski, you’ll probably be on the hook for that one yourself.

What if I get injured and can't use my pre-paid lift passes or lessons due to injury?

If you’re injured during your trip, your snow cover will often refund the unused portion of any pre-paid, non-refundable lift passes, lessons or other snow activities. The injury needs to be new and not pre-existing unless your insurer has agreed to cover it. Be sure to provide medical evidence and receipts when you claim.

If my own gear is delayed, will the policy pay for rental equipment?

Yes. If your checked-in skis or snowboard are delayed, lost or damaged by the airline, most policies will cover the reasonable cost of hiring replacement gear so you can still hit the slopes. You’ll usually get the same cover if your gear is lost or stolen under a covered event during your trip.

Weather and location FAQs

Am I covered if the ski resort closes due to bad weather?

Yes, most snow travel insurance policies will include a benefit for piste/resort closure if lifts are shut down for an extended period, like more than 24 hours, due to factors like lack of snow, too much snow, high winds or power failure.

Can I get covered for heliskiing?

Yes, you can get cover for heliskiing but you’ll generally need to purchase extra cover for it, and likely incur a higher excess. There will be exclusions so be sure you read your PDS.

Can I get cover for cross-country skiing?

Yes, some policies do include insurance cover for backcountry skiing as long as you are on marked trails.

Can I ski or snowboard anywhere if I have snow cover?

You will need to be within a recognised ski resort area to be covered. Some policies allow for off-piste skiing and snowboarding as long as you are in a patrolled area or with a professional guide. If you are injured in an unpatrolled area without a professional guide, your insurance will likely be considered invalid.

Exclusions and limitations FAQs

Am I covered if I'm drinking and get injured?

No. Your claim will almost certainly be denied if you were found to be under the influence of alcohol or non-prescription drugs, and this was determined to be a contributing factor in your injury or loss. 

Does it cover professional racing or competitive events?

No, most snow travel insurance policies won’t cover you if your claim is related to competing in professional events, like downhill racing or freestyle competitions on the terrain park.

Are there any special conditions for getting snow travel insurance?

Yes. Your journey must start and end in Australia and you must purchase your policy before you leave Australia. You will also need to be an Australian resident.

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Last updated 5 December 2025 Important disclosures
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Brad Buzzard
Brad Buzzard
RG146
Senior Money Writer

Brad is a senior writer at Mozo, leading insurance and superannuation coverage. With a background in marketing analytics, he brings a research-driven approach to his work, ensuring content is clear, accurate and genuinely useful. Brad dives deep into topics, using the writing process to refine his understanding and deliver well-researched, polished content.


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