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Jack's $300k snowboarding spill

 

 

 

For the Khamu family, an overseas ski trip to Canada was supposed to be one for the books - an adventure filled with fresh powder, crisp mountain air, and unforgettable moments. But for 19-year-old Jack Khamu, a devastating snowboarding accident quickly turned the family's dream trip into a nightmare - with Jack lucky just to make it out alive. Though Jack made a miraculous recovery, his claim came to an eye-watering $300,000, a cost which could have been life-changing had he not been insured with 1Cover Travel Insurance.

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  Jack and his family pictured just before his accident. Picture: Jack Khamu (in black)

"It was a life-threatening situation"

In January 2025, just days into his stay at Blackcomb ski resort, Whistler, 19-year-old Jack Khamu suffered a devastating snowboarding accident while out on the slopes with family and friends. After heading out ahead of the group the experienced snowboarder veered off course, tumbling roughly 200 meters down the steep, icy mountain. Jack then lay unconscious in the snow for about five minutes before he was located by ski patrol.

Jack's father, Carlo, wasn't present when the accident occurred, but fortunately, a family friend was. He describes the accident:

"It was very steep, so he went off at speed. He went down about a hundred meters, hit the ground, got knocked unconscious and fell another hundred metres."

Luckily ski patrol was able to locate Jack quickly.

"When the ski patrol called and said they had to airlift him, we knew this wasn't just a broken arm or leg. It was a life-threatening situation. We didn't know if he had spinal damage. He was very lucky not to be disabled or anything in that fall."

At least five medical staff treated Jack's injuries on the snowfields before Jack was airlifted to Whistler hospital.

His cheek was broken, he had a collapsed lung, broken ribs, dislocated hip, brain contusion, al sorts of serious injuries. They had to intubate his side and put a pressure pipe into his rib cage on the mountain. About an hour later he was airlifted to Whistler hospital, describes Carlo.

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Jack and his dad pictures afer arriving in Whistler [left] and at the top of the mountain right before his accident

Fractures, Fear, and the Flight That Finally Brought Jack Home

All up, Jack spent thirteen days in hospital, undergoing a series of intensive procedures - from a hip reduction to a three-hour reconstructive surgery to repair extensive facial fractures. He required chest tubes to drain his lungs and spent hours in physiotherapy and OT sessions as he slowly regained strength.

Once stable, Jack and Carlo spent six nights recuperating in a Vancouver hotel, waiting for the moment doctors would clear him to fly home.

"Jack couldn't wait to get home, Carlo recalls. "He just wanted to leave Canada, get back to his own room, and recover the rest of the way there."

To make the long journey as comfortable as possible, 1Cover arranged business-class flights so Jack could lie flat and move whenever he needed. Despite the lingering pain, especially in his ribs, Jack says he was 'super excited to get home.'

"I knew whatever I'd done was really bad," he says. "It wasn't your average fall."

Once stabilised, Jack was airlifted to Canada's main trauma centre, Vancouver General Hospital, with Carlo by his side.

"I didn't leave Jack's side until we got back to Sydney, Carlo says. "I stayed at a nearby hotel and was back at the hospital every morning to help with whatever he needed."

Months later, Carlo can still recall those first moments at Whistler Hospital with absolute clarity.

"The worst and scariest part was when he first came in and they were trying to stabilise him," he says. "We didn't know if he was going to be okay.  He hadn't had scans yet, and we had no idea how bad the injuries were. Everything was precautionary."

Despite the pain, especially in his ribs, Jack says he was 'super excited to get home.'

  
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Jack, recovering from surgery in Vancouver hospital  

The lifeline of travel insurance

Had the Khamu family not taken out a policy with 1Cover, the financial consequences of Jack's ordeal would have been life changing says Carlo. The total cost of Jack's medical treatment, helicopter evacuations, flight upgrades and accommodation came to a staggering $300,000.

You'd be crazy to go skiing overseas without insurance, Carlo says. It's a small policy that can save you from a life-changing financial hit.

Jack, too, now urges others never to overlook insurance, especially when engaging in high-risk activities like skiing.

Pay the extra money for snow sports on the insurance. It's a very small amount of money, and I can say it's definitely worth it.

Carlo recalls his relief in knowing that he could focus solely on Jack's recovery.

The hospital reassured us that Jack would be looked after, but in the end, someone has to pay the bills. 1Cover took care of everything - it was an autonomous process. We didn't have to fight for help; they just got straight to work.

Most of the time, you'll probably be okay, but when something like this happens, you can't afford to be without cover, Carlo adds. 1Cover was there when we needed them the most. We couldn't have done it without them.

As Jack continues to recover, Chief Operating Officer for 1Cover Travel lInsurance, Natalie Ball, says that ski accidents are common and Jack's ordeal serve as a cautionary tale for fellowtravellers.

A dream trip can turn into a nightmare in seconds,but the right insurance can make all the difference between financial ruin and getting home safely. Never dismiss the importance of travel insurance, particularly if you're planning to ski or participate in adventure activities. Putting aside the need to ensure your health and safety, the cost of healthcare abroad can be debilitating.