When planning a high-altitude or remote expedition, such as those involving the eight-thousanders, it is crucial to have comprehensive insurance coverage. Ensure your policy includes the following key elements:
- Cancellation or Curtailment: Coverage for trip cancellation or curtailment due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness, injury, or other emergencies that prevent you from undertaking or completing your trip.
- Helicopter Rescue: Ensure the policy covers helicopter rescue. While most insurance companies may not cover ‘search and rescue,’ they typically provide assistance for ‘rescue’ operations as long as you remain with your group. This is vital for evacuations from high-altitude or remote locations.
- Repatriation: Coverage for repatriation to your home country in case of serious injury, illness, or death. This includes the cost of medical transport and related services.
- Altitude Coverage: Verify that the policy covers the maximum altitude you plan to reach. Many standard policies exclude coverage above certain altitudes, so ensure your chosen policy explicitly includes the elevation range of your expedition.
- Location-Specific Coverage: Ensure the policy includes coverage for the specific region you are traveling to, such as Antarctica or remote Himalayan areas. These regions often have unique risks and logistical challenges.
- Grade of Trek/Climb/Expedition: Confirm that the policy covers the specific grade of your trek, climb, or expedition. Different activities have varying levels of risk, and the policy should explicitly state coverage for high-altitude trekking, technical climbing, or extreme expeditions.
- Medical Cover: Comprehensive medical coverage for illnesses and injuries sustained during the trip. This should include hospitalization, treatment, and any necessary medical evacuation.
By securing a policy that includes these elements, you can embark on your expedition with confidence, knowing you are protected against the various risks associated with high-altitude and remote area travel. Always read the policy details carefully and consult with the insurance provider to ensure all aspects of your adventure are adequately covered.
8848Nepal collaborates with Global Rescue to deliver top-tier travel protection services. In the event of medical or security emergencies, we count on Global Rescue to offer our clients comprehensive medical, security, travel risk, and crisis response assistance. Emergency evacuations without membership can exceed $100,000 in cost. Over one million members rely on Global Rescue to ensure their safe return home when unforeseen incidents occur. We strongly advise our clients, especially those tackling peaks over 7,000 meters, to enroll with Global Rescue.
List of some insurance providers
HCC Medical Insurance Services: LLC sales@hccmis.com Tel: 1-800-605-2282
Travelex Ins. Services: www.travelexinsurance.com Tel: 1-800 228 9792
True Traveller Ins: www.truetraveller.com Tel: 0333 999 3140 for treks including over 4500m
Austrian Alpine Club (UK): www.aacuk.org.uk Tel: +44 (0)1929 556870
AXA Worldwide Travel Ins: www.axainsurance.com Tel: +44 (0)844 874 0360
Ingle International: www.ingleinternational.com Tel: (USA) 1.800.360.3234
Insure for Less: www.insure4less.com.au (Australian clients)
You are not obligated to use any of the mentioned options, but if you choose to arrange your own insurance, you must provide documentary evidence of your policy.
Please send us your insurance details as soon as possible. We need the insurance company’s name, their 24-hour emergency contact number, and your policy number – info@8848nepal.com