Getting an Insurance to Trek in Nepal: all you need to know

Getting an Insurance to Trek in Nepal: all you need to know

If you are thinking of trekking in Nepal you should get a good insurance that covers you in case of accident. Keep in mind that, walking in the mountains at high altitude has undescribable rewards, but also some risks. Being well prepared is essential, and getting the proper insurance is one of the essential steps you should do.

For this reason, in this InspireU Adventures post we want to cover some of the things you need to know about trekking insurance for Nepal treks.

Why do you have to get an insurance for a trek in Nepal?

A trek in Nepal is not like an easy day hike. We have to be aware that this type of treks are more complex and require great logistics. We will ascend to high altitudes, and we hike along different types of terrain, some of them are clear paths, some are more challenging (crossing glaciers, high passes, etc). The weather is, in addition, another factor to consider when hiking; walking through snow, wet terrain when raining, or even walking with a very strong heat from the sun at high altitude.

Therefore, we must be alert when hiking in wild nature, where there are risks that we are exposed to. Considering this, it is worth to count on a good insurance. Failing to do so means that any help you might need will have to be paid by yourself, and immediately. Any rescue in the Himalayas can be extremely expensive and sometimes unaffordable for some pockets.

Es por este motivo que en Inspire U Adventures solo hacemos treks con personas que tienen debidamente contratado un seguro para un trekking en Nepal.
It is for this reason that at InspireU Adventures we understand that purchasing an insurance for your trek in Nepal is mandatory.

Altitude sickness, something to have in mind

In addition to injuries or accidents that we are exposed to during the trek, one of the conditions that may also appear is the so-called “altitude sickness”. AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) can be mild and treated by resting or descending at lower altitudes.

However, if the symptoms of altitude sickness are major, then it is imperative to be rescued by helicopter. This type of service is very expensive.

Other risks that may occur on a trek in Nepal

An insurance for a trekking in Nepal can also be useful to treat and assist you in situations such as:

• Injuries

 

• Stomach infections

 

• alergy reactions
• repatriations…

 
During the trek, if one member of the group gets sick and cannot continue, most probably will need to be rescued by helicopter so to be taken directly to the hospital. Normally during the treks in the Himalayas, there are no roads and we walk for several days. Therefore, to be fully protected in any of these situations, it is essential that you have a medical insurance contracted and have peace of mind during the whole trek.

Tips when hiring an insurance for a trekking in Nepal

At InspireU Adventures we want to help you to be totally protected against any unforeseen event and, therefore, here are some good tips that will help you to hire your insurance:

• Read the fine print: when you are getting your insurance it is important that you read the fine print to be sure of what is covered and what is not.

 

• Covered for trekking activities: The insurance should indicate specifically that the policy covers you to do mountain activities or trekking up to the height you are going to attain. This is very important since you will be protected at all times.

 

• Supplement coverage: This type of insurance coverage usually comes as an “extra” from the usual standard travel insurance. And you can choose the insurance you want but, in addition, you will have to add the “adventure sports” supplement (called differently depending on the company) to be sure that you will be covered for the activity you are going to do.

 

• Insurance Dates: It is also important that you make sure that the insurance covers all the days you are going to travel so that you do not stay any day without being covered.

In relation to the dates of the trip , it is important that you read the fine print as there are some companies that will not cover your hike if you are purchasing it once you have already started your trip/holiday. For example, if you take a flight to Nepal on April 1st, and have a flight back on April 30. And you have organized to trek from April 5th to April 20th. The insurance should be contracted from April 1st to April 30th and not from April 5th to April 20th.

Our recommendation: before signing anything, you should be certain that this trekking insurance is the one you need, so you can have peace of mind facing any unforeseen event that can occur.

Basic aspects of an insurance for a trek in Nepal

In general, your trekking insurance has to cover the following elements:

• Trekking up to the height you are going to reach

 

• Repatriation

 

• Rescue

 

• Emergency assessment
• Medical assistance

 

• Other aspects of the trip (loss of bagages, flight cancellations, etc.)

Generally, travel insurances will cover most countries worldwide, but in general, your own country and the United States will be excluded. So, if after Nepal you want to travel to the United States you should normally hire another specific insurance. But if after Nepal your adventure takes you to other countries, surely the same insurance that you choose will cover you. Normally you will have to communicate to the insurance the countries that you plan to visit.

With this article we have tried to help you choose your insurance for a trek in Nepal. However, if you have any questions or need clarification, you can contact InspireU Adventures .

We will be happy to assist you and help you so that you, like us, can enjoy an unforgettable experience in the nature of this magnificent country. We are waiting for you with the arms wide open!