Nepal Travel Insurance

Will I be covered to trek to Everest Base Camp in Nepal

Everest Base is at an altitude of 5,364 metres, and most standard travel insurance policies will not cover you for trekking at that altitude. There are, however, several insurers that will cover you up to 6,000 metres and some that have no altitude restrictions. However, some may have limits on certain countries and trails.  So if you're headed to Nepal, you'll need to go through your choices very carefully.  Check out our guide on trekking insurance altitude limits. 

Does travel insurance cover helicopter rescue?

The health and safety of travellers is always the first priority for travel insurers and if it is necessary for you to be evacuated from Mount Everest or any other mountain, you're likely to be covered under your travel insurance policy.  This of course is subject to the terms of any altitude limits or adventure activities outlined in your policy.

All travel insurers have an Emergency Assistance Team on call 24/7 to assist in providing health and safety advice, so in the event of injury or illness on a mountain you should try to get in touch.  Calling your insurer first means that they can pay for any medical services upfront so that you aren't out of pocket.  They have trained medical staff that can provide advice, have access to trusted local partners who can arrange the evacuation and can provide messages to your family.

Learn more about helicopter rescues and altitude limits when trekking.
 

Does travel insurance cover altitude sickness?

Provided you're hiking or trekking within the terms of your policy, you're likely to be covered for altitude sickness, commonly known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).  Not every insurer provides covers for high altitudes though, so make sure you check any altitude limits and read the product disclosure statements before you decide on your final product. Exclusions often apply for the use of support ropes and for any trek which includes a rock-climbing component. Under these circumstances, you may not be covered.

High altitudes come with some risks and can have adverse effects on certain medical conditions, so it is important to be transparent with your insurer and declare any pre-existing medical conditions to ensure that you're properly covered.

Before trekking in the mountains in Nepal, make sure you know the symptoms of AMS and if AMS is suspected or you're unsure, don't wait, descend and get medical advice.  It's a good idea to register your travel insurance details with your guide so that they know who to contact in an emergency. 

Would I be covered for pickpocketing in Nepal?

Bag snatching and pickpocketing in Nepal is common, particularly in the tourist areas of Kathmandu’s Thamel, the city of Pokhara, and the Annapurna region. Comprehensive travel insurance will usually cover pickpocketing and muggings, provided of course you were acting with reasonable care (i.e. did not leave your belongings unattended). If you’re the victim of a bag snatch or pickpocket incident, make sure you report the incident to the police or appropriate authority where practicable so that you have documentation to support any claims with your travel insurer.

Tourists are often targets due to their perceived wealth and possible lack of area expertise and security awareness. It's a good idea to leave valuables behind and not flash the cash.

Am I covered for cancellation if I can't continue my trek?

 Twisted ankles and altitude sickness are among the most common trekking and climbing complaints that can quickly put an end to your trek. Should an unforeseen injury stop you from continuing your hike your travel insurance may reimburse you for any pre-paid expenses for unused portions of your holiday. 

Is my camera covered if it gets damaged while trekking?

It's natural to want to take some cool pics of the awe-inspiring views when travelling amongst the higher peaks of the planet.  Most insurers will cover damage to camera equipment up to a certain limit (usually ~$3,000) and in the event of a claim, depreciation is likely to apply.

So, if you're taking some fancy photographic equipment to capture the magic of the Himalayas, make sure you check your insurers' per item limits on luggage.   You should consider the value of your equipment and the level of cover you require as you may want to cover your camera or other high-value items separately.