Choosing the right travel insurance for Nepal can be confusing but it’s also an important decision. It’s mandatory and highly recommended to get Travel insurance before embarking on any adventurous trips in Nepal with Highland Expeditions.
We advise all our clients to get travel insurance that covers Medical evacuation insurance and Travel protection. Medical evacuation insurance is a must when travelling at high altitudes in a remote part of the world where there are no other means of transportation available in case of the occurrence of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) or any other reasons in high altitudes. Similarly, Travel protection is highly recommended to protect your travel investment from unforeseen circumstances that may occur during or before your trip.
Emergency Medical Evacuation, Travel protection (Cancellation/Interruption), Medical expenses, Baggage loss & delays, and Death & Repatriation are also other important factors to include when purchasing your Insurance. It is advisable to review carefully the insurance and its coverages before making the final decision. Carry proof of your insurance with you on the holiday and leave a copy next to your kin. You must ensure that your insurance provides an adequate level of protection and covers you for the activities involved.
Below you will find some information and recommendation that might help you in getting your insurance sorted before you embark on your adventure.
First thing first:
If you have an annual policy, household insurer or an existing health insurance company, check with them first if they are able to offer you a policy that covers the level of activity that you are undertaking as they are generally cheaper than getting new insurance.
Medical, Rescue and treatment:
Medical evacuation in remote places where there are no other means of transportation available can be really expensive. It’s mandatory for all our clients to have insurance that covers emergency evacuation, medical and treatment. If your own insurance doesn’t provide these coverages, then we strongly urge you to consider it again and get yourself fully insured. It is also important to know how much coverage you have and under what circumstances the medical coverage applies.
Travel protection:
Losing the money, you have paid for the trip is worse should you need to cancel the trip after confirmation. Therefore, having Insurance with Travel protection is recommended. Things don’t always go as planned and there may be some unexpected events that require you to cancel or change your trip. All the trip deposits paid are non-refundable in case of any events so having your insurance provide these coverages can be helpful. Similarly, If you miss a flight/connecting flight or your flight is delayed, your policy can help, but only if the delay or missed flight is due to an Insured Event (Severe weather, natural disaster, hijacking, strike). However, this coverage may vary as per the insurance companies so please read the policy wording carefully.
Altitude restrictions:
Before purchasing travel insurance for your trip to Nepal, it’s essential to confirm if the policy aligns with the altitude and activities you’ll be undertaking. Check whether your insurance covers the specific altitude range and adventure activities you plan to engage in, such as trekking or climbing. Many insurance providers have altitude limits or exclusions, so it’s crucial to ensure your planned activities and maximum elevation are within the policy’s coverage. By verifying these details beforehand, you can avoid potential gaps in coverage and ensure adequate protection for altitude-related emergencies.
Level of activities & sports:
It is highly recommended that you check with your insurance if it covers your level of activity and trip style. If your trip requires usage of climbing gears and etc, your policy should explicitly state coverage for such activities. Adventure sports like trekking, mountaineering, or rafting might not be covered by standard travel insurance policies, so ensure you have adequate coverage for your planned activities. Additionally, verify if there are any exclusions or limitations for certain sports or activities. If your insurance doesn’t provide sufficient coverage, consider purchasing additional coverage or a specialized adventure sports insurance policy.
Lost or Delayed Baggage:
Most travel insurance will cover up to a certain dollar amount. The key lies in knowing how much you are covered for so kindly check with your insurance about the limit.
Exclusions:
Like most insurance policies, travel insurance has many exceptions. You should make note of any specific events or items that are excluded from your policy.
General Advice:
Before purchasing travel insurance for Nepal, thoroughly research different policies and compare coverage options. Read the policy documents carefully to understand the terms, conditions, and exclusions. Consider consulting with an insurance agent or travel advisor who specializes in adventure travel for personalized recommendations. Make sure to disclose any pre-existing medical conditions when applying for insurance to avoid claim denials.
Some recommendations:
For worldwide:
1. Global Rescue (Add IMG Signature Travel Insurance for full coverage)
2. World Nomads (Get Level 3 plan for trekking/hiking which covers upto 6000m and Level 4 for climbing which covers upto 6000m)
For USA/Canada Citizens:
1. Travel Guard
2. IMGlobal
3. Tugo
For UK and EUROPE Citizens:
1. British Mountaineering Council (BMC)
2. DogTag UK
3. Mutuaide Assistance
4. True Traveller
For Australian/New Zealand citizens:
1. Cover-More Travel Insurance
2. Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance
3. 1 Cover Travel Insurance
4. Fastcover
For Malaysia/Singapore citizens:
1. AIG Travel Insurance
2. AIA Berhad
3. Alpha Global Solutions
Important Note: The above-listed Insurance companies are just a recommendation only. We strongly advise you to consult with the insurance company before purchasing any policies. Please ensure that your insurance policy covers your level of activity, altitude, emergency evacuation, medical expenses, and trip cancellation/interruption
Our expertise lies in treks and climbs but not in the nuances of insurance therefore we strongly recommend that you address specific questions to your insurance agent and take time to thoroughly understand the policy you purchase and its exclusions.
