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.
The Yoga retreat camp is nestled in Nagarkot, a tranquil village in the Bhaktapur district, about 25 km from Kathmandu. The drive from Kathmandu takes around 2 hours. This peaceful location offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas and is surrounded by lush green hills, making it the perfect retreat for those seeking peace and a connection with nature. The retreat features a blend of daily yoga, meditation, sound healing sessions, and hikes in the nearby hills.
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 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 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 for overnight on bed and breakfast basis.