Best travel insurance for trekking in Nepal
Travel insurance is your protection for unexpected situations such as a medical emergency, an accident, cancellation, or lost luggage while you trek. It is a financial safety net as you make your way into the beautiful but unsafe wilderness of Nepal.
Reasons to Have Travel Insurance for Trekking in Nepal
Trekking in Nepal usually involves a remote trail, a climb involves high altitudes and can be subject to unpredictable mountain weather. These all add risk to your trek since altitude sickness (HAPE/HACE), accidental injury, sudden illness, and delays due to adverse weather and a resulting trip cancellation can occur. Helicopter transport for an emergency is often outrageously costly; over $2,000 is a common amount quoted! The necessary costs without travel insurance policies can rob valuable travel money and may alter your plan despite no fault of your own.
A good travel insurance policy is one that provides coverage for medical expenses, medical evacuations and hospital stay, interruption of trip, loss of luggage, and even repatriation in some cases. A good travel insurance policy protects your bank account and gives you a sense of leaving on a trip to the Himalayan region of the world with peace of mind. Trekking in Nepal is a travel adventure of a lifetime, but you must also know and understand the actual risks of trekking in Nepal. You must know that obtaining travel insurance is a must:
1. High-Altitude Risks
Most treks like Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit occur at altitudes above 4000- 5500 meters, and if you get altitude sickness (HAPE or HACE), it can be life-threatening unless you get immediate evacuation.
2. Expensive Helicopter Evacuations
The only urgency for getting someone to the hospital in the remote countryside is by helicopter, and this could easily cost between $2000-$5000, which will then be 100% covered by insurance.
3. Remote Medical Care
Medical facilities in the mountains are very basic. Should you require emergency evacuation due to illness, your insurance will allow for a more appropriate hospital in Kathmandu or even abroad.
4. Unpredictable Weather
Flights from Kathmandu to Lukla or Jomsom frequently get delayed or cancelled due to bad weather. A good insurance policy will reimburse you for accommodation costs and other travel costs (not without cause) while waiting for the weather to clear.
5. Injury & Accidents
Depending on how you are trekking, trails can be slippery, and rockfalls may occur. Even simply twisting your ankle will be enough to require an evacuation for treatment.
6. Trip Cancellations or Interruptions
Treks can be cut short or cancelled due to illness prior to departure, emergency issues with family, or, in rare occasions, political unrest. Insurance will reimburse you for your prepaid expenses, allowing you to reschedule your trek.
Best Travel Insurance Options for Trekking in Nepal
1. Global Rescue
Global Rescue is one of the prominent choices for trekkers into high-altitude areas of Nepal, as it has no altitude limits. This means you are covered whether trekking to Everest Base Camp or trying to attempt peaks above 6500m. In fact, they are exclusive for priority rescues and promise you can be heli-vacuated from even the most remote areas of the Himalayas. They only conduct medical evacuations and field rescues, and in particular, are a great solution for high-risk expeditions or remote treks, especially when immediate medical access can save lives.
2. World Nomads
World Nomads is a popular insurer for adventure travellers around the world due to its flexible coverage and its ability to insure travellers from over 130 countries. Their plans generally cover trekking up to around 6000 meters, emergency evacuation, medical treatment, trip delays, repatriation, and lost baggage. What is different is that you can also purchase coverage mid-trip, which is unique in travel insurance.
3. Travelex / Allianz
Travelex and Allianz are both insurers with a strong and long history to be trusted to writ comprehensive policies that would cover medical emergencies, trip delays, and evacuations. They also may or may not have altitude limits in their standard plans, but usually have an adventure or sports upgrade which can be purchased for additional coverage for trekking at high altitudes in Nepal. They are a reasonable choice if you want an established name provider to ensure your adventure, and typically keep enough customer service staff available, including satellite coverage for trekkers. You can also purchase coverage for your entire trip in Asia or for distances beyond your trekking coverage, assuming you are trekking for fun and sport.
4. True Traveller
True Traveller is a UK and European-based insurance provider that specializes in adventure insurance and provides coverage for trekking up to 6,000 meters, with optional high altitudeadd-onss Their policies are fully adjustable, so you only pay for what you need, which can work for tight budgets.True Traveller’s unique offering is that it is easy to set up online with a quick online process. Making it an easy option for our European friends when insuring a trip to Nepal.
5. Bajaj Allianz / ICICI Lombard
Bajaj Allianz and ICICI Lombard have some of the best policies for trekkers from India. Their policies can cover trekking up to around 5,500 – 6,000 meters, helicopter evacuation, trip cancellations, etc. Since these are providers from India and only for citizens based in India, they are often somewhat less expensive than international insurers. They will often work perfectly for Indian trekkers wanting altitude coverage and evacuation coverage. When travelling to Nepal, when not having to pay more expensive foreign insurance rates.
6. Asc360
Asc360 is a highly reputable option for any travelers from Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, as their policies are specifically designed for adventure sports. It include trekking up to 6,000 meters, complete emergency rescue, emergency medical cover, and trip interruption cover. It has a reputation for being responsive in the event of an emergency. Invaluable for trekkers located in areas with little communication capabilities or extreme weather.
7. Rise & Shield
Rise & Shield insurance policies provide coverage for high-altitude (up to 6,500 meters) and extreme activities. This is one of the only options for those wishing to ensure expeditions that include trekking routes beyond the “normal” trekking areas. Their activity packs have medical and logistical support for trekkers. Mountaineers in remote areas of the Himalayas, who undertake serious trekking.
8. Heymondo / Alpenverein
Heymondo is a good, cheap insurance option for budget backpackers; however, they usually insure treks up to only about 4,000 meters, so they are better suited to trekking routes at low altitude, such as Ghorepani Poon Hill or Langtang Valley. Alpenverein is a European Alpine Club that provides members with insurance. Alpenverein is a good fit for European trekkers who are doing a high-altitude expedition. As they offer excellent medical cover and rescue services at a very competitive price.
9. SafetyWing
SafetyWing is primarily oriented towards offering travel insurance for digital nomads and long-term travellers. But does provide an adventure sports add-on that includes trekking up to 6,000 meters. They have an additional flexible way to look for travel insurance. It will let you buy, and also extend your insurance from abroad. So it may work perfectly for trekkers who are planning to combine Nepal with extended travel in Asia.
Conclusion
Trekking is a wonderful experience, but trekking in Nepal has risks. High-altitude outdoor adventures always have the risks of high-altitude illness, unpredictable weather below treeline can change in seconds, and high-cost rescue or unplanned evacuation can happen in isolated locations. Good travel coverage allows you to have the right to take time to recover. When your trek is done, potential help when you need it financially, and peace of mind! The main idea is to get the right policy for your route, altitude, and activities to enjoy the mountains and worry less! Contact us today at Happy Mountain Nepal, Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.