When 31-year-old Jordan Black left Perth for a ski season in Japan, he never imagined he’d be calling on his travel insurance just days in. But after slipping on black ice and breaking his ankle, the policy he’d taken out through Wise & Silent (WAS) quickly became one of the most important parts of his entire trip.

It’s the kind of experience that reminds you just how valuable the right support can be – something seasoned travellers like Jordan’s family never leave home without. If you’re planning a trip yourself, there’s currently a limited-time 10% discount on policies (details further below).

Jordan had been preparing for four months of snow, adventure, and work as a ski instructor. But just a few days into his arrival, a hidden patch of ice brought all his plans to a halt. He fractured his ankle and fibula and found himself in the nearest emergency room instead of on the slopes.

The situation was made more difficult by the limited medical support on hand. Despite a clear break, local doctors didn’t place his leg in a cast, so navigating next steps suddenly became an overwhelming challenge.

That’s when Jordan made a call home to his mum, Michele. Within hours, she was on the phone with WAS Insurance the support they hoped they wouldn’t need – but were very glad to have.

The Black family are experienced travellers, and no matter the destination, they always leave home with travel insurance. Michele describes it as “a must-have”.

From that moment on, she said, “everything became less stressful.”

Help that goes beyond the basics

Coordinating a medical evacuation isn’t as simple as booking a flight. Jordan was staying in a small ski town with limited transport options, and at 6’7”, squeezing into a regular economy seat wasn’t feasible.

Wise & Silent quickly organised transfers to the nearest airport, booked a business class flight home, and ensured Jordan could travel comfortably and safely. On arrival back in Australia, a driver was waiting to take him directly to hospital – no layovers, no scrambling for help, just a direct route to care and family.

“They made everything so easy during such a hard time,” Michele said, praising the Wise & Silent team, including Mel, Sarah, and Lindsay, who kept her informed every step of the way.

Peace of mind when it matters most

Jordan’s recovery took three months. Without insurance, the experience could have been not only more stressful but significantly more expensive. Michele estimates they would have been out of pocket by more than $5,000 – and left to manage the logistics of repatriation alone.

“You can prepare all you want,” Michele said, “but sometimes life just throws you off balance. You’ve got to prepare for the worst – even if you think it’s unlikely to happen to you.”

Thanks to forward planning and the responsive support of the Wise & Silent team, Jordan’s story didn’t end in disaster. It became a reminder of how the right help can keep you grounded – even when your plans take an unexpected turn.

10% off: Exclusive travel insurance offer

If you’re planning a trip of your own, Wise & Silent is offering 10% off policies for a limited time. Use the code WISESILENT10 at checkout on wiseandsilent.com. The offer is available until 30 September 2025, with terms and conditions available on the website.

About Wise & Silent

Wise & Silent is supported by battleface Insurance Services and underwritten by Pacific International Insurance. With a 4.7-star Trustpilot rating and named Finder’s 2024 Value Travel Insurer of the Year, the company works with a global network of medical and security professionals to support travellers when they need it most.

Their mission is simple: to make purchasing insurance easier and to give travellers confidence from booking to return.

Disclosure
Insurance is administered by battleface Insurance Services (ABN 28 650 606 045, AFSL 536280). Any information provided is factual information only. Commissions are paid in connection with the travel insurance that is mentioned and is outlined in the FSG. Prior to purchasing, please consider your financial situation and needs and read the PDS and TMD.

This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with Wise & Silent Insurance.

Images: Supplied