The nature of a winter sports holiday is risky on many fronts. A standard travel insurance policy will cover you for all the usual stuff, but when it comes to ski and snowboarding holidays, most insurers have some restrictions. These restrictions can be removed by paying an additional premium to include winter sports or alternatively, you can take out a policy with an insurer that specializes in ski holidays.

Here are some important facts to consider:

Medical treatment and evacuation – Without ski medical cover, the cost of treating a ski injury can be scarier than the steepest black run. Note that not all policies cover both medical treatment AND evacuation. A helicopter ride off a snowy mountain in Europe could set you back upwards of A$10,000.

Ski Equipment & Hire – Ski equipment is expensive to replace or repair. Most insurers will cover your own ski-equipment under luggage/personal effects, provided you have opted to include winter sports. Individuals who are hiring equipment may need to get a special ski policy to be covered for hire replacement equipment. If your equipment is worth more than $700, most insurers will cover you provided you specify the individual items.

Piste Closure, Bad Weather and Avalanche Closure – If you don't have a special ski insurance policy, this may not be covered by the standard cancellation protection. A ski policy will typically cover you for travel to an alternative location or offer compensation if your pre-booked resort is closed.

Ski Pack Reimbursement – Some insurers offer reimbursement for unused prepaid ski passes, equipment hire and ski tuition fees if you get sick, are injured or your ski pass is stolen.

Other activities – Activities such as ski and snowboard jumps, stunts, mountaineering, heli-skiing/boarding, ice hockey, speed skiing, cresta run or the use of bobsleighs are rarely covered.

Artog has done the ground work and provides a snapshot comparison of insurers offering varying degrees of winter sports or ski insurance policies.

If you want peace of mind and don't want to wipe out your savings with a fall on the slopes, get covered in snow!

Iceland Volcanic Ash Cloud

Whilst the eruption of Ejfjallajokull that covered Europe in ash (causing worldwide air traffic chaos) may have finally stopped, experts believe that it is too early to declare the volcano as dormant. Insurance companies still consider the volcanic eruption as a known or foreseeable risk.

This means, you will NOT be covered for cancellation, rearrangement or additional expenses that arise from the volcanic eruption and associated ash clouds on any policy purchased on or after 16 April 2010*.

In order to address your queries and to help you compare policy coverage, we've compiled the following list** showing each insurer's policy on the eruption:

Whilst we're all stuck with this exclusion, remember that taking out a travel insurance policy still covers you for medical, personal liability and personal effects claims – as well as cancellation not related to the volcano.

Artog.com.au allows you to instantly compare travel insurance from 8 different insurers and save up to 65%

* The date varies slightly between different insurers and may change at any time. For policies taken out prior to the 14th or 16th April, depending upon insurer, you may be covered.

** Artog has used its best endeavours to ensure the accuracy of this information, however please check directly with an insurer before considering or purchasing their policy.