Get insured
Standard travel insurance often won’t cover altitude, technical terrain, or evacuation. This page helps you avoid surprises.
Why is this important
In many mountain regions, evacuation isn’t just “nice to have” — it’s the difference between a manageable incident and a major crisis. The problem: many policies exclude high altitude, mountaineering, or activities that sound similar to what you’re doing.
Proper insurance protects your finances and your decision-making. If you’re uncertain whether you’re covered, people delay calling for help — and that can make outcomes worse.
Steps to take
- Confirm the activity definition: trekking vs mountaineering vs “climbing” can change coverage.
- Check altitude limits: make sure the maximum altitude is comfortably above your highest point.
- Verify evacuation and rescue: look for medical + rescue + repatriation, not just “medical expenses”.
- Read exclusions carefully: guided vs unguided, use of ropes, glaciers, off-piste, “technical terrain”, etc.
- Confirm pre-existing conditions rules: and whether you need to declare anything.
- Save documents offline: policy number, emergency contact, and the exact wording of coverage.
If you’re unsure, email the insurer with your route details and ask them to confirm coverage in writing.
2–3 recommended companies / products
These are commonly used options in the trekking/mountaineering world. Always verify that your exact activity and altitude are covered:
- Global Rescue: membership-style rescue and evacuation support for remote travel.
- World Nomads: travel insurance with adventure options (coverage varies by plan and destination).
- True Traveller: popular in the UK/EU market for adventure travel (check altitude/activity limits).
Important: insurance suitability depends on your passport, destination, and objective — treat this as a shortlist, not a guarantee.
Related climbs and preparation
Next: finalise your travel logistics and pre-departure checklist.
Get insured – FAQ
Is standard travel insurance enough for trekking?
Often not. Many standard policies exclude higher altitudes, remote areas, or activities considered “hazardous”. Always check altitude limits and activity definitions before assuming you’re covered.
What altitude limit should my insurance cover?
Your policy should cover well above your planned maximum altitude, including contingency days or side trips. A buffer of at least several hundred metres is sensible.
Does my insurance include helicopter evacuation?
Not always. Look for explicit wording covering rescue and evacuation, not just “medical expenses”. In many mountain regions, evacuation costs are the largest risk.
Should I carry proof of insurance with me?
Yes. Save policy documents, emergency contact numbers, and coverage wording offline on your phone and carry a paper copy where possible.