1Cover reports rise in ski-related claims

Australian firm 1Cover Travel Insurance has reported a 40% uptick in the number of ski-related claims it has received from travellers to Japan.

The company in part credits a general rise in interest in the Japanese ski season among Australian travellers, as well as the continuing return of travel after the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We’ve observed a marked increase in claims compared to the previous year’s Japan ski season,” explained Natalie Smith, a spokesperson for 1Cover. “With Covid vaccination requirements waived as recently as May of last year, the numbers for this year’s snow season appear poised to surpass pre-pandemic levels, which were already robust.”

Smith added that “relative affordability and fantastic ski conditions” have also served to boost the popularity of Japan as a ski destination among Australians, as well as the popularity of going off-piste away from the main slopes – a practice known as ‘backcountry skiing’.

“Backcountry skiing is particularly popular in Japan’s ski fields,” Smith continued. “However, the allure of untracked and remote terrain poses unique dangers. Recent incidents of avalanche fatalities in Japan should be a stark reminder of those risks.”

1Cover recommended that travellers looking to do backcountry skiing should ensure that they are familiar with the potential risks involved.

Skiing without coverage can be an expensive mistake

1Cover said that travellers looking to participate in winter sports should purchase sufficient travel insurance to ensure that they are covered – or face large bills.

The company recommended that skiers familiarise themselves with the details of their travel insurance policy in order to be sure of what is covered.

Policyholders should also be aware of any exclusions for off-piste skiing or snowboarding – the company noted that while such activities are often covered within the boundaries of a resort, coverage does not apply when outside those boundaries.

“During peak snow season in Japan, accidents leading to leg fractures and knee injuries are unfortunately common,” said Smith. “Such injuries can swiftly derail your holiday budget. A mountain rescue alone can easily incur costs upwards of A$5,000.

She added that when the potential cost of repatriation was factored in – which often necessitates business class flight fares ranging from A$10,000 to A$15,000, as well as accommodation – “the financial burden becomes significant”.

“And that’s before considering any unused pre-paid holiday expenses or additional medical bills,” she finished.

Insurance comparison site Squaremouth found that injury and illness was the top travel concern for its customers in spring 2024.