Travel Insurance Cover for Everest Base Camp
We occasionally receive inquiries about our ability to arrange travel insurance for our clients. However, based on our experience over the years, climbers prefer to directly communicate with insurers. This is because, in the event of a claim, there is a significant amount of information exchange, which is generally more efficiently managed through direct communication rather than involving an intermediary.
Nevertheless, if an insurance claim arises, we are typically requested to provide a company letter that explains the circumstances of what occurred on the mountain and why the specific action, such as evacuation, was taken in the claimant's best interests, forming the basis of the claim.
When acquiring insurance, it is advisable to directly obtain confirmation from the insurer regarding the specific coverage provided. This is important because even if a particular policy has historically covered a specific contingency and has been recommended by a friend or travel company for that reason, the insurer may have subsequently decided to exclude coverage for that contingency. This situation often arises when a significant number of claims are made within such contingencies, leading the insurer to conclude that raising the premium cost to mitigate the increased payout risk is likely to discourage the purchase of that particular policy.
When securing an insurance policy therefore, probably the most important question to ask therefore, is:
Does this policy definitely cover me to 6,000m altitude (since Everest Base Camp has an altitude of 5,364m), and if so, what are the exclusions that apply at high altitude and what is the threshold beyond which these exclusions apply?
Which Insurer is Best for Nepal?
Some insurers do better for persons of certain nationalities only, so the following insurers are also worth looking at. However, we would reiterate again, that before securing a policy you confirm with the insurer that the premium that they're selling you does indeed include cover for trekking up to 6,000 metres altitude.
- JS Insurance (for UK citizens). Standard mountaineering cover is only to 4,500m so you'll need to call them on +44 1273 773 017
- Travel Insurance Center
- Global Travel Insurance
- Snow Card
- Worldwide Insure for UK citizens. It's recommended to call them on +44 1892 833 338
Helicopter Rescue on Everest Base Camp Trek
There are evacuation helicopter services available on Everest. In case of emergencies or serious medical conditions, helicopters can be called upon to evacuate climbers or trekkers from higher elevations to lower altitudes or to Kathmandu for medical treatment.
These helicopter rescue services are typically coordinated by trekking agencies, mountaineering companies, or the Nepal government. They work in collaboration with helicopter companies that specialise in high-altitude rescues. The helicopters used for such operations are specifically equipped and capable of flying at high altitudes.
It's important to note that helicopter rescues on Everest are generally considered a last resort and are used for emergency situations when immediate medical attention is required. They are not intended as a means of convenience or transportation for non-emergency situations. If you're planning to climb or trek in the Everest region, it's crucial to have adequate travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation services.
Keep in mind that arranging and executing a helicopter rescue can be complex and dependent on various factors such as weather conditions, availability of helicopters, and the severity of the situation. Additionally, the cost of a helicopter rescue can be quite high, so it's important to ensure that your travel insurance covers such expenses.
In any case, it's always recommended to prioritise safety, be prepared, and follow the advice of experienced guides or tour operators while trekking or climbing in the Everest region.
Chitwan, located in the southern part of Nepal, is a region known for its stunning natural beauty and rich biodiversity. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal and is famous for its national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, which offer visitors the opportunity to experience the country's diverse flora and fauna up close.
Gosainkunda Lake, often referred to as the "Frozen Lake," is a spectacular high-altitude alpine lake located in the Langtang National Park of Nepal. Situated at an elevation of approximately 4,380 metres (14,370 feet) above sea level, this sacred and pristine glacial lake is a jewel of the Himalayas.
Kalinchowk is a picturesque hill station located in the Dolakha district of Nepal. Situated at an elevation of approximately 3,842 metres (12,605 feet) above sea level, Kalinchowk offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan mountain ranges, including Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Gauri Shankar, and even glimpses of Mount Everest on clear days.
Laurebina, located in Nepal, is a serene and picturesque destination nestled in the breathtaking Langtang region of the Himalayas. This remote area offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and cultural richness of Nepal. Laurebina is renowned for its pristine alpine landscapes, lush forests, and awe-inspiring mountain vistas.
Sing Gompa, also known as Sing Gomba or Singdun Gompa, is a charming Buddhist monastery situated at an altitude of approximately 3,330 metres (10,925 feet). It is a significant religious site for both the local Tamang people and trekkers on the Langtang Valley Trek. The monastery offers a peaceful atmosphere and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, making it a perfect place for spiritual reflection and taking in the natural beauty of the Langtang region.
On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, once you've passed through Immigration and retrieved your luggage, please look out for your Team Mount Everest driver carrying a placard with your name who will transfer you to Hotel Buddy in Kathmandu for overnight on bed and breakfast basis.
On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, once you've passed through Immigration and retrieved your luggage, please look out for your Team Mount Everest driver carrying a placard with your name who will transfer you to Hotel Buddy in Kathmandu for overnight on bed and breakfast basis.
On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, once you've passed through Immigration and retrieved your luggage, please look out for your Team Mount Everest driver carrying a placard with your name who will transfer you to Kathmandu Marriott Hotel for overnight on bed and breakfast basis.
Nestled amidst the rugged terrain of the Khumbu region in Nepal, Lukla is a town that holds the keys to some of the world's most epic adventures. Perched at an elevation of 2,860 metres (9,383 feet), this bustling mountain town serves as the primary gateway to the towering peaks of the Everest region, including the legendary Mount Everest itself.
Nestled in the heart of Nepal's Khumbu region, Pheriche is a picturesque mountain town that embodies the essence of high-altitude adventure and Himalayan beauty. Situated at an elevation of 4,371 metres (14,340 feet), this remote settlement serves as a vital stopover for trekkers and mountaineers embarking on their journey to Everest and other iconic peaks.
Situated at a height of 5,164 metres (16,942 feet), Gorakshep stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the allure of the world's highest peaks. Nestled in the shadows of Everest, this remote Himalayan settlement serves as a crucial outpost for trekkers and mountaineers on their journey to the iconic Everest Base Camp.