Trekking Insurance (Medical Evacuation Coverage)
Key Considerations
Below we have highlighted the five main trekking insurance considerations. If you visit World Nomadswebsite you can use their trekking insurance calculator to get an immediate quote based on your specific requirements and country of origin.
1: High Altitude
Trekking in mountainous regions usually involves going to high altitudes. For example, if you plan to do an Everest Base Camp trek or reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro you will trek to an altitude above 5,500 meters.
At these altitudes, traditional travel insurance is not good enough. Some insurance providers will cover you up to 3,000 meters, which is great for the alps, but not the Himalayas, Kilimanjaro or Aconcagua.
Why do standard insurance packages not cover high altitude trekking?
The answer is simple: the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), and its severe forms of cerebral and pulmonary edema, increases dramatically above 2,800 meters, as do the costs of emergency medical services and evacuation.This means that you have to specifically select a trekking insurance package that will cover you at high altitudes. For places such asAfrica (e.g. Kilimanjaro), we recommend you get coverage up to 6,000 meters.
2: Trekking Accidents
It’s not nice to think about, but accidents do happen regularly on trekking expeditions. Mountains, even when not being climbed, can be dangerous. Falls, rock slides and health complications (e.g. a pre-existing heart condition) can result in serious injury or death. Even basic injuries like a twisted ankle, can create complications in terms of evacuation at high altitude.
You should ensure that your travel and trekking insurance covers the cost of emergency evacuation or medical assistance should you need one or both on a mountain trek, as well as hospitalisation in whichever country you are trekking in.
3: Off Mountain Accidents and Illnesses
Off mountain accidents and illnesses are of course a risk – the most common being illness associated with gastro issues (hygiene standards are not great in many countries).Your travel and trekking insurance should cover any accidents and illnesses that can occur whilst abroad.
4: Stolen, Delayed, Damaged or Lost Baggage
There is nothing worse than arriving in a new country only to discover that your baggage has been lost, delayed or damaged. This can be a particularly costly and irritating issue if you are carrying trekking equipment.
Thankfully, travel insurance policies now cover stolen, damage, delayed and lost baggage as standard. All you need to be aware of is the limit of coverage should you be carrying very expensive items like specialist cameras and gear.
5: General Travel Insurance Coverage
Another major point when considering trekking insurance relates to your entire trip running smoothly. If for example your flight is delayed or cancelled, or worse, your tour is cancelled due to financial default of your tour operator, then you want to make sure your policy covers these issues.
