With a diversified landscape and dramatic altitude, the Himalayas have put Nepal on top of every traveler and adventurer’s dream list. Whether trekking around the Annapurna Circuit, climbing all your way to the top of Everest Base Camp, or just wandering through the cultural wonders of Kathmandu, travel insurance remains an important part of your trip.
Here’s why Nepal travel insurance is a must:
Nepal has become synonymous with trekking, mountaineering, and outdoor activities. Many treks, ideal examples being the Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit, take one above 4,000 meters where risks increase. Most standard policies of travel insurance would not cover high-altitude activities unless one specifically includes that. Make sure to look for policies depending on your needs which include coverage for high-altitude trekking, mountaineering, paragliding, or white-water rafting when buying travel insurance for Nepal.
Many trekking routes lie in far-flung areas with scant health-care facilities, and thus medical emergencies have a tendency to turn serious right away. Helicopter evacuations are pretty common due to altitude sickness or injury, and this can be extremely costly if not taken care of by insurance coverage. Travel insurance that covers you for medical evacuation will protect you from expensive helicopter rescue bills, possibly running up to several thousands of dollars.
Travel plans in Nepal can be interfered with due to natural incidents like landslides, heavy snowfall, or avalanches. Even political strikes or health issues can always force you to cancel or cut short your trip. Having travel insurance covering trip cancellations or interruptions means you’ll be reimbursed for any pre-paid bookings like flights, accommodation, or trekking permits.
Loss of luggage, passport, and other valuables is liable to occur while on a tour in the cities of Nepal or anywhere in the more remote areas. Hence, a comprehensive travel insurance policy compensates for lost or stolen luggage and replaces important documents, including your passport, with a minimum cost involved.
Flight delays or cancellations often happen in Nepal, let alone in Lukla, also nick-named as the most dangerous airport in the world. Flight delay cover within travel insurance would provide some compensation for extra or unexpected hotel stays, foods, and additional transportation options.
Many insurers now include cover for COVID-19-related cancellations, medical care, and quarantine costs since the pandemic. Check that your policy includes this, especially if you’re going to be in Nepal for more than a few weeks. General medical cover should be available should other unexpected health problems-be it local stomach infections or any other condition-arise while in Nepal.
What to Look for in a Nepal Travel Insurance Policy:
Some of the Recommended Travel insurance companies are:
https://www.mondial-assistance.ca
https://www.travelassistnetwork.com/
https://www.travelex-insurance.com/
https://www.hccmis.com/atlas-travel-insurance
https://www.worldnomads.com.au
https://www.itrektravelinsurance.com.au
https://www.travel-guard.co.uk
https://www.thebmc.co.uk (British Mountaineering Council)
https://www.direct-travel.co.uk
https://www.essentialtravel.co.uk (Select Grade 4 cover – Sports Cover)
https://www.europ-assistance.com/en