Do You Need Travel Insurance for High-Altitude Treks? What to Look For (And What Most People Miss)
If you’re heading to the mountains, whether it’s Mount Toubkal, Kilimanjaro, or Everest Base Camp, standard travel insurance won’t cut it.
High-altitude trekking comes with its own unique risks, and most off-the-shelf insurance policies quietly exclude anything over 3,000m or classed as ‘mountaineering’ or ‘expedition travel.’
I’ve seen it far too many times: someone buys the cheapest policy online, only to discover (usually when it’s too late) that they’re not covered for the main reason they bought it.
So here’s exactly what you need to know about travel insurance for high-altitude trekking — what to look for, what to avoid, and what most people miss.
What Most Insurance Policies Don’t Include
Most mainstream policies automatically exclude:
Altitudes above 3,000–4,000m
Helicopter evacuation or air ambulance
‘Expedition-style’ travel
Guides, porters, and equipment loss
Delayed or cancelled domestic flights (common in Nepal, for example)
Pre-existing medical conditions
If you don’t check the small print, you could end up paying out of pocket for something that was supposed to be covered.
What You Actually Need Cover For
When we talk about high-altitude trekking, we’re usually referring to anything above 2,500m. But most serious treks go above 4,000m, which changes everything from an insurance perspective.
Here’s what your policy must include:
1. Altitude Cover (Up to 6,000m)
Make sure your policy specifically lists trekking to your chosen altitude. For Everest Base Camp or Kilimanjaro, that’s 5,364m and 5,895m, respectively. Some insurers require you to list the trip name or region, don’t skip this step.
2. Emergency Evacuation
If you get altitude sickness or an injury, you may need to be evacuated, sometimes by helicopter or 4x4. This is very expensive and often not included in basic policies.
3. Trip Cancellation or Curtailment
If your trip gets cancelled, or you need to leave early for medical or personal reasons, you want to be covered for the money you’ve already paid.
4. Lost, Stolen or Damaged Gear
Things get wet, go missing in transit, or get left behind on the trail. Trekking gear isn’t cheap — and neither is replacing it last minute abroad.
5. Delayed or Cancelled Domestic Flights
Especially relevant for Nepal, where flights to/from Lukla are frequently delayed or cancelled due to weather. Not all policies cover internal travel delays.
6. Cover for Pre-Existing Conditions
If you have asthma, heart issues, or anything else on your medical history, declare it. Otherwise, it could void your entire policy.
Real Talk: Altitude Sickness and Rescue Costs
Altitude sickness doesn’t care how fit or experienced you are. I’ve seen elite runners struggle at 4,000m and total beginners sail through Everest Base Camp.
In rare but serious cases, you may need:
Oxygen (we carry it on our trips)
Evacuation to lower altitude
Overnight hospital stays
Changes to international flights
A helicopter evac in Nepal can cost anywhere from £3,000–£5,000. In Tanzania, you’re looking at around £2,500+ for a medical rescue team.
If you don’t have the right policy, you’ll be paying that out of pocket.
Which Insurers Are Trek-Friendly?
Some specialist insurers I’ve seen customers use (and had to call on) include:
Campbell Irvine (UK-based, excellent for altitude cover and my top pick)
True Traveller (popular with trekkers, flexible plans)
World Nomads (great global coverage, but read the fine print)
Battleface (covers unusual adventures, including high-altitude treks)
👉 Important: Always read the policy wording. Even within the same insurer, different plans have different limits.
If in doubt, get on the phone to the insurer, tell them exactly what you’re doing (“I’m trekking to 5,895m on Kilimanjaro with a UK travel company”), and ask them to confirm that you’re covered.
Common Mistakes People Make
Buying the cheapest policy on comparison sites
Assuming “adventure cover” includes altitude
Forgetting to declare mild asthma or other conditions
Relying on a credit card’s free travel insurance
Not buying the policy until the day before departure (which can void cancellation protection)
My Advice as an Expedition Leader
As someone who’s led over a dozen high-altitude trips, here’s what I recommend:
Buy your insurance the moment you book the trip – that way your deposit and any flights can be protected.
Triple-check altitude limits and rescue cover.
Print your policy and bring it with you, plus emergency contact numbers.
Declare everything medical, even if it seems small.
Email your insurer a copy of the itinerary if unsure. It’s better to have it in writing.
Want Help Choosing the Right Cover
📞 Book a free 15-minute call and I’ll walk you through it
Looking for Your Next Trek?
Explore our upcoming high-altitude expeditions below — every one includes altitude training tips, full support, and emergency safety systems: