Snowboarding doesn’t come without its fair share of risks and if you’re thinking of hitting the slopes you’d be mad to go overseas without packing snowboard insurance.
Snowboarding travel insurance policies are specifically designed for boarders and skiers, however if you’re planning on doing dangerous stunts or tricks be aware that these may not be covered.
What does snowboard insurance cover?
- Snowboard hire
- Ski pack
- Bad weather
- Resort closure
- Medical emergencies
- Helicopter evacuation
- Travel delay
- Cancellation
- Luggage
- and much more
Why do you need snowboard insurance?
- Evacuation off the slopes: Winter injuries tend to come with quite the price tag! Helicopter rescue in Australia could cost as much as $15,000. And in Canada, you’re looking at a whopping bill of $40,000. Do you have that sort of spare change lying around? Thought not!
- Avalanches: Bad weather can really put a spanner in the works of your snowy trip. At least if an avalanche causes your trip to shorten, or your resort to close you can go to another and your travel insurance will reimburse you for any lost fees and deposits.
- Injury: Winter sports come with their fair share of thrills and spills, and the hospital fees overseas will make you turn green. Japan, popular for snowboarders is one of the most expensive places to find yourself stuck in hospital from a slip on the slopes. If there is one reason you need travel insurance - this is it.
- Ski pack: Should you no longer be able to continue on your holiday due to sickness or injury, all your ski pack and pre-paid expenses are covered with snow insurance.
What doesn’t it cover?
- Snowboarding out of season: Most insurers will only cover you in the winter season- which will vary depending on what hemisphere you are in.
- Snowboard off-piste: Unless within the resort boundaries in most cases. Learn more about skiing off-piste.
- Damaged equipment whilst in use: Be careful! If you damaged your gear when using it, travel insurance won’t cover it. Cover is limited to damage to your board whilst in transit only.
- Competing: Professional skiers take note, it’s unlikely that a standard snowboarding policy will cover you if you are taking part in a competition or tournament, unless it specifically says otherwise.
- You were under the influence: Who doesn’t love a mid-slope Moscow mule. But have yourself a few too many and you may be on your own in terms of cover.
- Unattended snowboards: Don’t leave your favourite snowboard propped outside the cafe and be bummed when it’s no longer there when you return. Items out of your sight left unattended won’t be covered if lost or stolen.
