Around the World with Travel Insurance: Key Takeaways from the National Ski Council Federation Webinar
If you’ve ever wondered whether travel insurance is worth it—or what type to get for a ski trip or international adventure—you’re not alone. I recently watched a webinar hosted by Myra Altschuler of Travel Protectors—twice, in fact—so I could distill the key takeaways for our members who may not have time to watch the full recording. The presentation didn’t include slides, so I took the liberty of organizing and simplifying the information to make it easier to understand and apply to our own trips.
What I especially appreciated about Myra is her long-standing experience with ski clubs like ours. She understands the kinds of trips we take and the questions we tend to ask, offering practical guidance that feels tailored—not generic. Whether you’re traveling across the country or overseas this season, her advice is worth a read.
🧳 What Travel Insurance Actually Covers
There are three main levels of travel insurance:
Medical Only
a. Covers injuries and illnesses during your trip
b. Does not include trip cancellation
Medical + Standard Trip Cancellation
Adds protection if you need to cancel your trip for specific covered reasons:
a. Illness or injury (yours, your travel companion's, or an immediate family member's)
b. Positive COVID test
c. Reimburses 100% of your trip cost
Medical + Trip Cancellation + Cancel for Any Reason
Adds flexibility to cancel for reasons not typically covered, like:
a. Poor snow conditions
b. A sick pet
c. Fear of traveling due to COVID spikes, epidemics, or political unrest
d. Reimburses 75% of your trip cost
All three options include medical rescue and evacuation coverage, including transport back to the U.S. if necessary.
🕒 Timing Is Critical
If you're considering Cancel for Any Reason or want coverage for pre-existing conditions, you must purchase your travel insurance within 14 days of your first trip payment—whether it’s for your Ikon/Epic pass, airfare, or a deposit to the club or tour operator. As Myra puts it: “Buy trip insurance within 14 days of the first dollar you put down—whether that’s a season pass, airfare, or club payment.”
📝 Bonus Tip: You also have 14 days to cancel the policy for a full refund, so you can review and adjust if needed.
💰 Smart Ways to Save
Only insure non-refundable expenses. If your Ikon or Epic pass, airline ticket, or tour fee is refundable or transferable to another season or trip, you can exclude those costs to lower your premium.
🩺 What to Know About Medical Coverage Abroad
Travel insurance covers urgent care, illness, and hospitalization domestically and internationally.
You’ll often need to pay up front and then get reimbursed. Keep your insurance’s 24/7 emergency number handy, and share it with your trip leader just in case.
For costs over ~$15,000, the insurance company may pay directly to the medical provider.
Fees for ski slope rescues (especially applicable outside the U.S.) are covered.
Repatriation of remains is included (a difficult topic, but important to know).
📌 Important: Medicare does not cover international travel. Some supplemental plans (BCBS, Aetna, and United Healthcare) may cover medical needs abroad—but not rescue or evacuation.
✈️ Trip Interruption & Delays
If you fall ill or test positive for COVID during your trip, you can be reimbursed for the portion of the trip you miss—just be sure to get documentation from a local doctor or via Telemedicine (including patient portal records).
Travel insurance will cover:
- Weather-related flight delays
- Missing luggage (basic items like toiletries and clothing)
It won’t cover:
- Airline issues like overbooking or missing crew
- Delayed ski gear or rental equipment (some airlines may offer separate coverage)
🔁 Annual Plans: A Smart Choice for Frequent Travelers
If you travel multiple times a year, consider an Annual Plan, which includes:
- Medical
- Medical evacuation
- Trip cancellation
- Trip interruption
Premiums vary based on coverage level:
- $280 for $3,000 coverage
- $510 for $5,000 coverage
- $635 for $7,500 coverage
- $805 for $10,000 coverage
👵 Note: After age 70, single-trip plans become more expensive. After age 80, you’re not eligible for an Annual Plan.
Good news: If you renew your Annual Plan within 7 days of expiration, any new condition that appeared during the prior year is still covered.
Final Thoughts
Travel insurance can feel complicated, but a little planning goes a long way. Whether you’re heading to the slopes or venturing abroad, protecting your health—and your wallet—can make all the difference in how you experience the journey.
Questions about your next trip or insurance? Ask your trip leader, or reach out to Myra Altschuler at Travel Protectors for guidance:
📞 (703) 443-9055 (Eastern Time)
🔗 View the Webinar via the National Ski Council Federation
🌐 Myra Altschuler | Travel Protectors