In this article we provide detailed information on travel and trekking insurance.
If you plan to trek athigh altitude (up to 6,000 meters) then this article will provide accurate information on key hiking insurance considerations.
Anyone looking to undertake mountaineering activities (i.e. climbing with ropes, crampons or ice axes) should seek specialist insurance like that offered by the British Mountaineering Club. Please remember to read the small print on all policies before purchasing.
Disclaimer: We are not trekking insurance experts. The information provided below is based on our personal experience as well as from recommendations from other trekkers. Please seek professional insurance advice if you are uncertain of any policy wording or limitations.
Hiking Travel Insurance
Key Considerations
Below we have highlighted the five main trekking insurance considerations.
You can get a quote from World Nomads or SafetyWing.
1: High Altitude
Trekking in mountainous regions usually involves going to high altitudes. For example, if you plan to do an Everest Base Camp trekor reach the summit of Kilimanjaro you will trek to an altitude above 5,500 meters. Many other popular treks get up to 4,500 – 5,000 meters.
At these altitudes, traditional travel insurance just doesn’t cut it. 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, increase 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 as Nepal,Alps, Andes (e.g. Inca Trail treks) or Africa (e.g. Kilimanjaro), we recommend you get cover up to 6,000 meters.
2: HikingAccidents
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 assistanceshould you need one or both on a mountain trek, as well as hospitalisation in whichever country you are hiking 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 loads of expensive and much needed trekking equipment.
Thankfully, travel insurance policies now cover stolen, damage, delayed and lost baggage as standard. All you need to be aware of is thelimit of cover should you be carrying very expensive items like specialist cameras and gear.
It is worth noting that if you are carrying very expensive items that the standard limit can be raised at a smalladditional cost.
5: General Travel Insurance Cover
Another major point when considering hiking insurance relates to the smooth running of your travel / tour. 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.
Like lost, stolen, damaged and delayed baggage, it is pretty standard nowadays for a travel insurance policy to provide cover for flight delays, interruptions or cancellations, as well as curtailment, financial tour operator default and in some cases public liability, should you be involved in an accident and a claim is made against you (this often doesn’t include third party cover).
FAQ
If you have any further questions or queries regarding trekking insurance, then please don’t hesitate to contact us. We will respond as soon as possible.
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