Nepal Trekking Insurance: What Coverage You Actually Need

If there is one thing I tell every trekker coming to Nepal, it is this: buy proper trekking insurance. Not travel insurance — trekking insurance. The difference can be the cost of a $10,000 helicopter rescue from Everest Base Camp, or being left at a tea house with a broken leg because your insurance does not cover trekking above 4,000 m. Here is the honest guide to Nepal trekking insurance — what you need, what to avoid, and which companies actually pay out.

Why Standard Travel Insurance Is Not Enough

Most standard travel insurance policies exclude 'mountaineering' and 'trekking above 2,500 m' or 'trekking above 4,000 m'. If you buy a generic travel insurance policy and need a helicopter rescue from EBC (5,364 m), your insurance company will refuse to pay. You will be personally liable for the $5,000–$10,000 rescue cost. This happens to dozens of trekkers every year in Nepal.

Trekking insurance is a specialized policy that explicitly covers:

• Trekking up to a specified maximum altitude (e.g. 5,000 m, 6,000 m)
• Helicopter rescue and evacuation
• Medical treatment in Nepal and repatriation to your home country
• Trip cancellation and interruption
• Lost or delayed baggage (trekking gear is expensive)

What Coverage Do You Actually Need?

Maximum Altitude Coverage

This is the single most important factor. Your policy must cover trekking up to the maximum altitude of your trek. Common coverage levels:

Coverage Level	Suitable For	Example Treks
Up to 3,000 m	Low-altitude treks	Poon Hill, Helambu lower section
Up to 4,000 m	Moderate treks	Annapurna Base Camp, Helambu, Mardi Himal
Up to 5,000 m	Most Nepal treks	Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, Manaslu
Up to 6,000 m	Trekking peaks	Three Passes, Kala Patthar, Island Peak
Up to 7,000 m+	Mountaineering	Climbing expeditions (not covered by trekking insurance)

Helicopter Rescue Coverage

Helicopter rescue in Nepal costs $3,000–$10,000 depending on the location and weather conditions. Your policy must explicitly cover helicopter rescue — many policies cover 'emergency medical evacuation' but interpret this as ambulance to the nearest hospital, not helicopter from a mountain. Look for policies that mention 'helicopter rescue' or 'mountain rescue' specifically.

In Nepal, helicopter rescue is arranged through your trekking agency or insurance company. The major rescue operators are Simrik Air, Heli Everest and Fishtail Air. The insurance company typically pays them directly, but you may need to pay upfront and claim back — keep all receipts.

Medical Coverage

Minimum medical coverage should be $100,000. This covers:

• Treatment at clinics in Kathmandu (CIWEC, Norvic, Grande)
• Emergency surgery if needed
• Medications and supplies
• Repatriation to your home country (can cost $50,000+ if you need a medical escort)

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

If you have to cancel your trek because of illness, family emergency or flight cancellation, trip cancellation coverage reimburses your non-refundable costs (flights, permits, agency deposits). Look for $5,000+ coverage. Trip interruption coverage reimburses costs if you have to abandon the trek partway through (e.g. due to altitude sickness).

Personal Liability

Covers you if you cause injury or damage to someone else. Important if you are trekking with porters or guides — if your porter gets sick and you are held responsible, personal liability coverage pays for their medical care. Minimum $1,000,000 coverage recommended.

Best Trekking Insurance Companies for Nepal

Based on the experience of dozens of trekkers I have talked to, the most reliable trekking insurance companies for Nepal are:

Company	Max Altitude	Helicopter Rescue?	Approx. Cost (14 days)	Notes
World Nomads Explorer	6,000 m	Yes	$200–$300	Best for US/Canada/Aus/EU travellers
IMG Patriot Travel	4,500 m (standard) / 6,000 m (upgrade)	Yes	$150–$250	Good for older travellers
Allianz Adventure Plus	5,000 m	Yes	$180–$280	Solid coverage, slow claims
Bupa Global Trekking	6,000 m	Yes	$250–$350	Premium option, excellent service
STA Travel Trekking	5,000 m	Yes	$120–$200	Best for under-35s
TruTravel Trekking	5,500 m	Yes	$130–$220	UK-based, good for UK travellers

How to Buy Trekking Insurance

1. Determine the maximum altitude of your trek. Add 200 m for safety (e.g. EBC max 5,545 m → buy 6,000 m coverage).
2. Get quotes from at least 3 companies on the list above.
3. Read the policy wording — specifically the section on 'hazardous activities' or 'adventurous activities'. Confirm trekking up to your altitude is covered.
4. Confirm helicopter rescue is explicitly mentioned.
5. Buy the policy. Print the certificate and policy wording. Carry both with you to Nepal.
6. Email the certificate to your trekking agency so they have it on file.
7. Save the 24-hour emergency assistance number in your phone.

What to Do If You Need a Rescue

If you or someone in your group needs a helicopter rescue:

1. Assess the situation. If it is altitude sickness, descend immediately — a 500 m descent may resolve symptoms without needing a helicopter.
2. If a helicopter is needed, contact your trekking agency or tea house owner. They will arrange the rescue through their preferred operator.
3. Call your insurance company's 24-hour emergency line. Have your policy number ready.
4. The insurance company will authorize the rescue and arrange payment directly with the helicopter operator.
5. If the insurance company cannot be reached (common in remote areas), you may need to pay upfront ($3,000–$10,000) and claim back. Use a credit card if possible.
6. Keep ALL receipts, photos and documentation. You will need these for the claim.
7. Get a medical report from the clinic in Kathmandu — required for the insurance claim.

Common Insurance Exclusions to Watch For

• Trekking above a certain altitude — most common exclusion. Check the wording carefully.
• Trekking without a guide — some policies require you to be with a licensed guide. See our solo trekking guide.
• Pre-existing conditions — if you have asthma, heart disease or high blood pressure, you may need a specialized policy.
• Alcohol-related incidents — if you are drunk when you fall, insurance will not pay.
• 'Reckless' behaviour — if you ignore a guide's warning and get hurt, insurance may refuse to pay.
• Acts of war or terrorism — typically excluded, but Nepal is generally safe from these.

Do I Need Insurance If I Have a Guide?

Yes. The guide's insurance covers the guide — it does not cover you. You still need your own trekking insurance. The guide (and the trekking agency) can help arrange a helicopter rescue, but they cannot pay for it — that is your responsibility.

Trekking Insurance for Indians and Nepalis

Indian travellers should look at United India Insurance, ICICI Lombard or Tata AIG trekking policies. Nepali travellers should look at Nepal Insurance Company or Everest Insurance. Most policies available to foreigners are not available to Indian or Nepali citizens — local insurers offer specialized trekking policies for these markets.

Trekking insurance is the most boring part of planning a Nepal trek — until you need it. Then it is the most important $200 you ever spent. Do not skip it, do not under-insure, and do not buy a policy without reading the fine print. For more on trekking safety, see our altitude sickness guide and our how to acclimatize properly guide.