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Backcountry ski touring insurance in Canada

13 December 2015 - 12:07pm — Bevan

I researched and compared travel insurances that include cover for backcountry ski touring for 28 days in Canada for a NZ-resident couple in their thirties. Most travel insurers exclude skiing outside of the ski area, or off-piste. These are the options I found. Most also offer annual options which are comparable to 4-week single trips.

DISCLAIMER: I am not qualified to give financial advice.

Tugo, via Alpine Club of Canada

UPDATE For a small claim, Tugo Insurance took 9 months of processing and achieved nothing. I recommend avoiding this company.

Best price by a large margin, but it excludes non-medical cover. The medical part covers accident, injury, sickness, evacuation, rescue, medical fees, hospitalisation, follow ups, repatriation, and accompaniment. This makes it a good insurance to supplement any existing travel insurance to get cover for backcountry touring.

Bupa / IHI

  • Premium: USD $384
  • Destinations: All but polar regions.
  • Policy

Bupa seems to have a pretty comprehensive policy. I read the whole document. It also covers professionals, including athletes and guides. Apparently Nitro Circus athletes have this insurance!

New Zealand Alpine Club

  • Destinations: All but polar regions (case by case)
  • Premium: NZD $1264, including one $110 membership, which makes both adults eligible and includes some other benefits and discounts.
  • Pricing
  • Policy

Underwritten by Allianz.

ACE

  • Destinations: All but Cuba
  • Premium: NZD $296.97
  • Policy

I investigated this one least thoroughly. I recommend calling to ask and confirm how they differentiate "mountaineering" from backcountry touring. You should also read the whole policy document (as with any insurance). I only searched it.