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.
Jack and his family pictured just before his accident. Picture: Jack Khamu (in black)
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.
Jack and his dad pictures afer arriving in Whistler [left] and at the top of the mountain right before his accident
All up, Jack spent thirteen days in hospital, undergoing various procedures, including a hip reduction and a three-hour reconstructive surgery to repair his facial fractures. He also required chest tubes to drain his lungs along with physiotherapy and OT sessions. Jack and Carlo then spent six nights recuperating at a hotel in Vancouver, until Jack was medically cleared to return home.
“He (Jack) couldn't wait to get home. He just wanted to get out of Canada and be in his room and recover the rest of the time at home,” says Carlo.
To ensure Jack’s comfort, 1Cover arranged business class flights, allowing him to lie flat and move as needed. Despite lingering pain, particularly in his ribs, Jack says he was feeling ‘super excited to get home.’
While Jack’s memory of his accident is hazy, he does recall fearing 'something was very wrong'.
“I knew whatever I'd done was really bad. It wasn't your average fall."
After being stabilised, Jack was airlifted to Canada’s main trauma centre, at Vancouver General Hospital, along with Carlo.
“I didn’t leave Jack’s side until we got back to Sydney,” says Carlo. “I was able to stay at a nearby hotel and be back at the hospital each morning to help him with anything he needed.” Despite lingering pain, particularly in his ribs, Jack says he was feeling ‘super excited to get home.’
Carlo says that months after Jack’s accident he can recall vividly the frightening first moments of Jack’s initial accident.
“The worst and scariest part was immediately when he first came into Whistler Hospital, when they were stabilising him. We didn’t know if he was going to be ok at that point because he hadn't had any scans, and we didn’t know the extent of his injury. Everything was precautionary.”
Jack, recovering from surgery in Vancouver hospital
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 Insurance Natalie Ball, says that ski accidents 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.”
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