If you’re an adventurous Aussie heading to Nepal to conquer the mountain, it's important to understand the unique risks involved and how your travel insurance may help you if things don’t go to plan – especially for trekking and helicopter evacuation.
Am I covered for trekking in Nepal?
Our policies can offer cover for hiking and trekking up to 6,000 meters in elevation. Keep in mind that you may require a policy upgrade to be covered.
We do not offer cover for hiking over 6,000 meters in elevation. See the ‘what’s not covered’ section below for more information.
Choosing the right travel insurance policy for you
We offer two plans – Standard and Explorer – each of which offers different levels of coverage for hiking and more than 150 other activities and adventures. It is up to you to choose what plan has the right level of coverage to meet your travel needs.
If you have any questions about our policies, please contact us.
Am I covered for helicopter evacuation?
Medical evacuation from the mountains by helicopter may be covered depending on the policy you have purchased and when it is medically necessary. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Due to the higher costs associated with helicopter evacuation in Nepal, the excess payable for this service is higher compared to other destinations. This is necessary to balance the premiums and maintain coverage across all destinations.
- You, or a member of your travelling party, must contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team before any helicopter evacuation can be arranged. If you do not do this, you may not be covered.
Why must I contact the Emergency Assistance Team first?
For a few reasons:
- So they can assess the situation, provide guidance to you, and have our medical experts determine whether helicopter evacuation is medically necessary.
- Because the emergency assistance team are experts who can arrange your helicopter evacuation using a reputable company and work with us to guarantee their payment.
Get a quote 24/7
With World Nomads you can get an instant quote anytime, anywhere, before you leave home or while you’re on the road.
Beware of heli-evac scams
Unfortunately, there have been instances of scams related to helicopter evacuations in Nepal. To combat this, we only work with reputable operators and guarantee direct payment to them. We prioritise your safety and well-being throughout the process. We also transfer you to an appropriate medical facility.
Wherever possible, contact the Emergency Assistance Team yourself or ask a friend to do it for you. This is because we have had cases where some unscrupulous operators and guides say they’ve received our go-ahead when they haven’t and leave you with a hefty evacuation bill.
Travel and safety tips for trekking in Nepal:
- Acclimatization: Take time to acclimatize to the altitude to prevent altitude sickness, which can be severe at high elevations. Ascend gradually and allow for rest days to adjust to the thin air.
- Physical fitness: Ensure you're in good physical condition before embarking on a trekking expedition. Many trails in Nepal involve long hours of walking and steep ascents, so adequate fitness is crucial. We recommend you get a clean bill of health from your doctor when it comes to undertaking any trekking activities.
- Weather awareness: Nepal's mountainous terrain is subject to unpredictable weather conditions, including sudden changes in temperature and the risk of avalanches. Stay informed about weather forecasts and travel alerts and be prepared for all types of weather conditions.
- Local guides and porters: Consider hiring a local guide or porter familiar with the terrain and trails. They can provide valuable assistance, navigation support, and insights into the local culture.
- Permit and documentation: Obtain the necessary permits and documentation required for trekking in Nepal. Ensure you have all relevant permits and follow local regulations to avoid any legal issues.
- Pack essentials: Pack essential trekking gear, including appropriate clothing, footwear, first aid kit, water purification tablets, and high-energy snacks. Be prepared for varying weather conditions and terrain challenges.
- Respect local culture: Respect the local culture, customs, and traditions of the communities you encounter along the trekking route. Follow the principles of responsible tourism and minimize your impact on the environment.
- Emergency communication: Carry a fully charged mobile phone with emergency contact numbers saved. In remote areas with limited network coverage, consider renting or purchasing a satellite phone for communication.
- Stay hydrated and nourished: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and eat nutritious meals to maintain energy levels during long trekking days.
What’s not covered?
Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything and there are some things we can’t cover, including, but not limited to:
- Trekking over 6,000 meters in elevation, camping over 6,000 meters in elevation, mountaineering, and ice climbing
- Existing medical conditions
- Participation in any adventure sports activities where you don’t purchase the appropriate level upgrade, or where it is specifically excluded
- Any on-going medical expenses once you return to Australia
- Any search or rescue operations connected with finding or rescuing you
- Any other reason listed under the General Exclusions in your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).
Want to know more about trekking in Nepal?
Travel insurance is not designed to cover everything, so take the time to read the full description of cover in the PDS for the full details on what’s not covered as well as the terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions. If you are unsure of anything, please contact us for help.