Serious injuries in the backcountry are rare, but they do happen. If group rescue is not possible then the services of a helicopter (weather permitting) and specialist rescue crew may be required. This can be extremely expensive. Backcountry insurance is mandatory for all customers of Hakuba Alpine Guides.
It is possible, in fact likely, that your standard ski holiday travel insurance policy will not cover accidents and recovery in the backcountry. Here are some insurance providers who do claim to offer sufficient cover:
For travel insurance plus mountain accident cover, perhaps try the following:
Do not buy any of the products on my recommendation. It is your responsibility to read the fine print and check that cover will be valid given your activities and that helicopter rescue is enough (it needs to be at least $10,000).
As a last resort, short term personal insurance can be arranged via Hakuba Alpine Guides with a local insurance provider at a price of 1,500 yen.
Coverage lasts for 3 nights and 4 days and includes: 1,000,000 yen for helicopter rescue. 1,400 yen per day for hospitalization. 1,548,000 yen for death or disablement.
This local Japanese policy is designed to cover your rescue costs, not hospital treatment in Japan or elsewhere and does not cover repatriation to your home country. If the hospitalisation coverage is not enough or repatriation cover is required then we suggest you seek another insurance policy.
Please Note
All clients must be older than 18 years of age or accompanied by a parent. All clients must sign a Liability Release form.