Travel Insurance for Trekking in Nepal: What You Actually Need

The one thing you should never trek without — and the small print that actually matters.

Travel insurance is the single most important thing to arrange before any Himalayan trek, and it's the one people most often get wrong. Standard policies frequently exclude exactly the things you need in the mountains. Here's what to check.

The non-negotiable: high-altitude cover

Your policy must explicitly cover trekking up to the maximum altitude of your route. Many cheap policies cap cover at 3,000 or 4,000 m — useless for Everest or the high passes. Read the altitude limit and make sure it exceeds your highest sleeping point and viewpoint.

Helicopter evacuation

In a serious altitude or medical emergency, helicopter evacuation is often the only option, and it is expensive. Confirm your policy covers emergency helicopter rescue and medical evacuation in Nepal, not just repatriation home.

Checklist before you buy

• Trekking covered to your route's maximum altitude
• Emergency helicopter evacuation and mountain rescue
• Medical treatment and hospitalisation in Nepal
• Trip cancellation and interruption
• Cover for your gear and valuables

A quick tip

Carry your policy number and the insurer's 24-hour emergency line with you, and share them with your guide before the trek. In an emergency, fast authorisation can make all the difference. We can't sell insurance, but we'll always tell you honestly what your route demands.