Getting travel insurance is vital and should be on the top of any travelers list. However, you shouldn't be fooled, there are countless types of travel insurance policies and they all come with an incredible amount of fine print.
Travel insurance is especially important if you are planning on trekking at high altitudes. Therefore, if you're planning on hiking to Everest Base Camp, you'll need to make sure your insurance policy covers you adequately. Most companies don't provide cover over a certain altitude, and they certainly don't provide air support in case of an emergency.
To guide you in the best travel insurance options for your Everest Base Camp trek, we have put together this detailed article that outlines the key points to look out for when purchasing your policy.
World Nomads are a leading travel insurance provider and have standard insurance offer which we have used personally on all our treks in Nepal.
Disclaimer: The information we provide is as reliable and accurate as possible. However, we are not insurance experts and you will need to read the fine print of policy or discuss options with your insurance provider. The information we have provided has been taken from personal experience and talking with other experienced travelers.
Insurance for Trekking to Everest Base Camp Considerations
High Altitude
Trekking to Everest Base Camp involves high altitude, in fact at the highest point - Kala Patthar, you'll be over 5,500 metres.
Generally speaking, most standard travel insurance policies will not cover you over 3,000 metres. This is fine for most travellers, but not if you're trekking to EBC!
The reason most travel insurers don't cover over 3,000m is for the simple reason that the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is much higher above this height. Another contributing factor is that medical assistance is also far more difficult at these heights as it often involves air rescue.
These factors mean that standard insurance is not enough, and you will need to speak to an expert in trekking insurance to make sure you have the necessary cover needed. When hiking the Everest Base Camp trek, we suggest taking out travel insurance that covers you up to 6,000 metres. Remember to read the fine print though!
Trekking Accidents
Although no one likes to dwell on it, accidents can and often do happen whilst trekking. Whilst the Everest Base Camp trek is not considered dangerous in itself, any mountain trek has potential danger, especially at high altitudes. High altitude affects people in different ways and can, potentially inflame pre-existing medical conditions like heart problems. Even small injuries, like a twisted ankle or pulled leg muscle, can be a serious issue at high altitude. All of the above-mentioned issues make the Everest Base Camp trek riskier than your standard hike back home.
See more in our guide on the overall difficulty of the Everest Base Camp Trek.
Luckily, the trek is one of the most popular in Nepal and sees a lot of footfalls. Therefore, you're never far from a helping hand. Even so, it is crucial that you are covered for medical evacuation (preferably by helicopter) and assistance on top of standard hospital cover.
Illness and Off-mountain Accidents
Travelling in places like Nepal increases the probability of illness as your body is usually not adapted to the food or hygiene levels in foreign areas. Anyone who has traveled to India can probably attest to this after experiencing 'Delhi Belly'!
Therefore, you need to make sure that your insurance covers you for a wide variety of accidents and illnesses in Nepal. The fine print will detail these, so make sure you read it! Also make sure you research what vaccinations are required depending on your country of origin.
Stolen, Lost or Delayed Baggage
Sadly, the feeling of arriving at an airport and finding that your bags have not arrived with you or that they're damaged is a familiar one to most of us. This causes a fair amount of stress, aggravation and hassle as you need to buy new things in time for your trek.
Luckily, travel insurance policies now cover lost, stolen or damaged luggage as standard. However, once again, you need to read the fine print to find out exactly how much you will be covered for as all policies will have a cover limit. Remember, you may be travelling with some pretty expensive gear!
Top Tip: Make sure you wear your hiking boots and carry any mission-critical items in your hand luggage. That way, if you are unfortunate and your baggage is delayed or lost, you can still hit the trail without too much bother!
General Travel Insurance Cover
When purchasing your Everest Base Camp trekking insurance you should also consider factors such as flight cancellations and delays. This is usually covered in standard policies, but it is definitely something you need to make sure of.
Make sure to also check the fine print for reimbursement policies such as if your actual trek is cancelled! Your provider should be able to tell you the details, but it is an important consideration, especially if travelling in winter.
There are a few other things to look out for in your trekking insurance policy that all add to the smooth running of your trip. If your flight is delayed or cancelled or, worse, your tour is cancelled, you need to be able to cover yourself.
Now that you’ve read the above, you're ready to make an informed decision on your Everest Base Camp trek insurance.
Over the years, we have used a number of different insurers. However, the one that stands out above the rest in terms of value and support is World Nomads. They have always been extremely helpful and professional.
Tags: ebc trek insurance, everest base camp insurance, insurance for trekking to everest base camp, trekking insurance for EBC trek, mount everest base camp trek insurance.
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Hi
I would require a quote for ebc trek starting from 11 May 2017 to 24 May 2017. There will be 3 of us for this trip.
Thanks
Ann
Hi Ann, we are not a tour or insurance operator, for insurance use the quote calculator on this page from our partner World Nomads, for tour operator recommendations complete the form on this page: https://ebctrekguide.com/
Hi
Do you know of any insurance companies that cover you without a guide on ebc?
Hi Jack, Unfortunately I’m not aware of any insurance companies that will cover you on the EBC trek if you are not part of an organised and guided trek. The best thing to do is to read their small print as some companies might not explicitly state this. Hope this helps!
Hi there,
do you have any positive reviews from people who have needed assistance on the EBC and have had World Nomads as their insurance company? I am currently looking for insurance and World Nomads have terrible reviews online about the their communication and claims process?
Thanks
Hi Craig, my experience with World Nomads has always been excellent. The trouble with reviews for a product as boring as insurance is that no leaves a review when things go well, but when something goes wrong they are very quick to review. World Nomads have millions of customers so there are bound to be some bad experiences, but for the vast majority of claims I think they are excellent. Hope this helps.
Avoid World Nomads at all costs! I bought their coverage last year for my EBC trek. Worthless!!!
They make you jump through impossible hoops when you need them. This is my personal experience from April 2018. There are other options. I cannot stress enough the point. Its not the money spent… it’s the principal. They won’t do anything to help. Lot’s of friendly emails and lots of explanations, but zero help when you need them at 4,000 or 5,000 meters. You don’t know me, but trust me. I will never again use them or their affiliates. I think it’s wiser to use the more expensive rescue services. It’s what I should have done! Just say no to World Nomads
Just my advice from personal experience. Dont get world nomads if you are going to EBC. We were in Lukla waiting for our plane, and I got cancelled. There were no planes and we were about to lose our international flight.
So we had to book an helicopter to go outside Lukla. It is suposse to be covered by World Nomads but they won´t care shit. They will say its not covered. As this can happen to you, just take care that world nomas will not cover your 500$ helicopter to get outside of Lukla.
Hi Jay, sounds like you had a really bad experience. I don’t personally know World Nomads policy on the use of helicopters but my understanding is that if one needs to use a helicopter and wants insurance to cover it, the reasoning needs to be medical emergency, and I believe World Nomads have an an excess of $500.
In terms of taking a helicopter to catch a connecting flight out of Kathmandu, I don’t believe World Nomads covers this. Even if it is an emergency to catch your connecting flight.
As a general piece of advice for readers, Jay’s case of not being able to fly out of Lukla is relatively common. The weather changes dramatically at Lukla and flights get grounded quite frequently. I always recommend building in at least one extra day in Kathmandu after your trek to avoid connecting flight problems out of Kathmandu.
Hi planning trip to EBC in 2024 being 76 yers of age struggling with insurance can you offer any help
Hi David, yes, it’s very difficult to find insurers who will cover once you’re over 70 years of age. You could try the following providers: Snowcard, Dogtag, True Traveller, and the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) if you’re in the UK or American Alpine Institute if you’re in the States.
Hi
Are you aware of any insurance company that will cover the EBC trek for a 70 year old. World Nomads only cover up to 65 years. One or two that I have checked cover only up to 4500 meters
Hi Feroz, I’m not sure which provider would cover EBC for people who are 70+ old. You could try insuremytrip.com.