Trekking Insurance: What You Need To Know

Obtaining the proper trekking travel insurance is crucial, particularly if you intend to hike at altitude. Most insurance providers will not insure you if you are taller than a specific height. And they will surely not give air support in the event of a medical emergency. Hence, we look at travel insurance trekking over 4000m

Consideration For Trekking Insurance

The following are the things you should consider before going for trekking insurance 

Extreme Altitude 

Trekking typically entails substantial altitude ascents, which pose a challenge for most travel insurance policies. Trekking to the summit of Kilimanjaro or Base Camp Everest, both of which are above 5,000 metres, is an instance. Even trips to Machu Picchu exceed 4000m unless you use travel insurance for trekking over that range.

Most travel trekking insurance policies will not cover you over 4000m. While this is acceptable for European skiers in the Alps, it is simply insufficient for high-altitude treks.

Companies often do not like to cover high altitudes. Since the policyholder is significantly more vulnerable to Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Which is far more likely to occur over 2,800m. Medical treatment at high altitudes can be costly because it frequently requires a helicopter airlift rescue.

All of this implies that conventional travel insurance policies are frequently insufficient. And you should look for an expert trekking insurance plan to provide the essential coverage. We recommend getting insurance up to $6,000 and reading the fine print.

Trekking Incidents  

We don’t like to think about it, yet accidents do happen while trekking over 4000 m. That’s why you need travel insurance. While hiking is not inherently risky, even being near a mountain can be perilous when considering rock falls, rock slides.  And avalanches, not to mention pre-existing heart issues or something similar. Simple ailments, such as a twisted ankle or a badly torn muscle, can also make high-altitude evacuation difficult. All of these variables contribute to the dangers of trekking and mountaineering.

It is vital that your trekking travel insurance includes over 4000m of height, medical aid, and medical evacuation, in addition to hospital coverage.

BAGGAGE STOLEN, LOST, OR DELAYED

It’s quite inconvenient to realise your stuff has gone missing. Since you must buy new items to cover you for a period of time.  But you may have had pricey hiking equipment in your luggage.

However, the good news is that lost, stolen, or damaged luggage is now covered by all travel insurance coverage. However, you must read the fine print because different plans cover different amounts. And you must be aware of the limits they impose. This is especially important if you have expensive equipment on board.

Coverage For General Travel Insurance

There are a few other things to check for in your trekking insurance policy that will help your journey operate smoothly. If your flight is delayed or cancelled, or, God forbid, your tour is cancelled, you must be prepared.

Most difficulties, such as delayed or canceled flights, are normally covered by regular travel insurance policies, just like baggage. Check with your provider to see if you are protected from third-party concerns. As well as tour cancellations due to weather or financial default.

What is trekking insurance ought to cover?

Trekking insurance covers many of the same circumstances as standard travel insurance, But it’s been strengthened to provide more protection for adventure-related activities. Here are some instances of common circumstances insured by trekkers insurance:

• You were hurt while hiking: You will be insured for any medical and/or hospital care that you require.
• You must evacuate from an unreachable spot by helicopter: If you need to get to a hospital urgently and there is no other means to get there, your helicopter rescue will be covered.
• Your equipment has been misplaced or stolen: The plans will normally provide additional coverage for expensive equipment that is stolen or lost by your airline or other service provider.
• Your flight is cancelled: If you have to cancel your trip due to unforeseeable factors such as terrible weather, these plans will reimburse you for the money you’ve already spent.

What insurance packages cover the world’s best trekking?

The best policy for you is one that covers you at the right height. We’ve chosen some of the world’s most popular treks, pinpointed the highest peak on the route. And easily listed all policies in our panel that will cover you at that height to help you weed out the plans that won’t cover you anyway.

Is there anything that trekking and hiking insurance won’t cover?

Because being adventurous does not imply being dangerous, each insurer will have a separate set of requirements you must meet if you want your claims to be successful. 

The following are some of the most frequent conditions:

• You may only be covered up to a certain altitude: Many trekking regulations have no altitude restrictions, but others, such as 4,000m or 6,000m, have.

• Only if you go through a licenced operator will you be covered: Some insurance companies will only cover your trek if it is organized by a licensed business operator.

• If your expedition necessitates the use of specialised equipment, you may not be covered. Mountaineering is not covered by most policies, which only cover simple trekking or hiking vacations. If you require support ropes or abseiling equipment, you are unlikely to be insured.

• Firstly, you may be required to reveal your plan: Before they can sell you coverage, certain policies will ask you to detail your plans.

• Secondly, you may need to exercise caution: Almost every policy will state that you will not be covered if you act recklessly, but certain trekking policies (especially those with no altitude limits) will state this unequivocally.

• Lastly, you may need to purchase an insurance add-on: Trekking coverage is available as an add-on to some insurers’ standard travel insurance policies. If you use one of these, you’ll need to purchase a travel insurance policy as well as trekking coverage on top of that.

How does hiking insurance protect you in the event of a helicopter rescue?

As a trekker, you’ll frequently find yourself in inaccessible places in often perilous situations. As a result, helicopter rescue coverage is one of the most significant components of trekkers and hikers insurance, and it is provided by all insurers.

Your insurance will almost certainly impose some restrictions on helicopter evacuation, so it’s important to learn these before you travel so you don’t get caught off guard by a denied claim.

The following are the two most common conditions imposed by insurers on helicopter rescue:

It must be medically required: This means that a licenced medical practitioner or licenced tour guide must determine that the rescue is the only way for you to receive the necessary treatment.

You must notify your insurance company of your need for assistance: They will have medical assistance teams on hand to help organise the evacuation and ensure payment to the hospital and medics.

Are you covered if you become disoriented?

There are two insurers that provide search and rescue coverage.  However, most insurers regard search and rescue as a distinct entity from medical evacuation, in which your location is known. This means that any search and rescue operation launched on your behalf will be paid for out of your own pocket.

The key to avoiding this scenario is to book your trek through a registered tour operator. If it is their fault that you became lost, they may be liable for damages. Furthermore, they will have the resources and expertise to conduct a search and rescue operation if necessary.

Will you pay a higher price for trekking insurance?

Trekking insurance is typically slightly more costly than standard travel insurance, however, not all insurers calculate their prices in the same way. For instance, if you have a Travel Insurance Direct policy, you are automatically covered for trekking, with the cost of specialised coverage factored in. 

At the end of the day, it is up to you to find or create a few policies that cover you for what you require and then compare the final costs.

Tips for Keeping Safe While Trekking travel Abroad

Learn the ins and outs of your equipment: Before embarking on your journey, familiarise yourself with your equipment, particularly maps and GPS units.

Plan your route: The process of choosing a trekking course begins with being realistic about your fitness levels, safety, and accessibility in the event of an emergency. If you’re thinking about taking a course abroad, consider joining a group tour. Group operators will always insist that your policy cover medical emergencies and evacuations.

Examine the weather: Check the weather forecast for the dates and location you intend to visit.

Look for a guide: A guide will adjust to your pace and will most likely know the ins and outs of the trail.

Understand your limitations: Take things at your own pace, and don’t be afraid to take a break. Fatigue on difficult walking surfaces can easily lead to injuries.

Pack sparingly: Take only what you need for a five-day hike, and you’ll thank yourself.

What to do if you injure yourself while hiking

Here’s what to do if you find yourself in a medical emergency while travelling abroad.

#1. Contact your insurance company. 

You must notify your insurance company as quickly as possible. A decent plan will cover hospital fees and provide prompt aid in the event of a medical emergency. You’ll also need to download, fill out, and submit a claims form to the insurance company, along with all necessary evidence.

#2. Provide supporting evidence to back up your argument. 

You will be asked to provide information to assist the insurer in processing your claim more efficiently. Medical and police reports, statements from travel providers, original receipts, and proof of ownership are all examples of acceptable documentation. Documents in foreign languages must be translated into English.

#3. Cooperate. 

When providing information and evidence, be as truthful and forthcoming as possible.

In Conclusion

The trekking insurance covers many of the same circumstances as standard travel insurance, but it’s been strengthened to provide more protection for adventure-related activities.

Trekking Insurance FAQ’s