Ski insurance in Canada

Ski insurance when you are already in Canada?

Yes, we can cover you. We will require an email form from you stating that you have no pending or outstanding claims. 

Also this policy cannot be purchased online; you need to email support@jsinsurance.co.uk or  call us on 0800 043 0020 

As a non-Canadian resident, can you buy ski medical insurance from a Canadian company?

Yes, you can but the two main things you need to check before you buy 

1. Does it cover Winter Sports

2. Does it cover repatriation back to the UK 

Here are some Canadian Insurance companies

Major Canadian Insurers and Brokers

• Manulife: 

• TuGo: TuGo is a Canadian-owned travel insurance specialist. Many resorts, like Big White, partner with TuGo to offer travel insurance to their visitors. They are known for their strong customer service and a variety of plans, including those for visitors to Canada.

• Blue Cross: 

• Travel Guard Canada: This company, which is an AIG subsidiary, has a "Visitors to Canada" plan designed for non-residents. It provides coverage for emergency medical expenses while in Canada.

 Ski Pass Insurance 

In Canada, it's becoming more common for major ski passes to include a form of insurance, but it's crucial to understand what it covers and what it doesn't. This "insurance" is almost always a type of pass protection or refund policy, not comprehensive medical or travel insurance.

Here's a breakdown of what to expect from major pass providers in Canada:

Vail Resorts (e.g., Whistler Blackcomb)

• Epic Coverage: Vail Resorts, which operates Whistler Blackcomb and other major Canadian resorts, includes "Epic Coverage" with every season pass.

• What it covers: This is a refund policy that provides a refund for your pass in case of a "qualifying personal event" (like injury, sickness, job loss, or visa rejection) or a "qualifying resort closure" (like a closure due to a natural disaster or government mandate).

• What it doesn't cover: It does not cover medical expenses. If you have a ski accident, Epic Coverage will not pay your hospital bills or for a helicopter rescue. It only provides a refund for the unused portion of your pass. It also doesn't cover closures due to regular weather events like low snow or wind.

Alterra Mountain Company (e.g., Ikon Pass)

• Spot Insurance: The Ikon Pass, which provides access to resorts like Revelstoke, Red Mountain, and Cypress, has a partnership with a third-party company called Spot Insurance.

• Pass Protection: You can purchase an add-on "Pass Protection" plan from Spot.7 This is similar to Epic Coverage and provides a refund for your pass if you're unable to use it due to a qualifying event.

• Injury Insurance: Spot also offers an "Injury Insurance" plan for an additional fee, which is a key differentiator.8 This plan can cover out-of-pocket medical expenses if you get injured while using your pass.9 However, you must carefully check the terms and conditions, as there may be limitations and exclusions. 

• Check whether this covers non Canadians

The Bottom Line

While some ski passes now include or offer an add-on for pass protection, they are not a replacement for personal travel or health insurance. For anyone working or visiting Canada for a ski season, especially international visitors on a Working Holiday Visa, securing a comprehensive personal insurance policy is a mandatory requirement and a critical safety measure.11 Your personal insurance should cover:

• Medical and hospital expenses.

• Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation.

• Winter sports activities, including off-piste skiing and snowboarding.