Trekking travel insurance is an essential part of a safe mountain getaway. Its coverage is particularly important for tourists planning to venture into remote destinations such as the Annapurna in Nepal, Machu Picchu in Peru, Mount Kailash in Tibet, the Himalayas, or Everest Base Camp. In this case, it is advisable to consider your preferences and choose the best type of insurance for trekking.
Popular Mountains for Trekking
Trekking is a well-known tourism activity among outdoor enthusiasts, involving multi-day hikes in mountainous terrain. There are several mountains around the world that are ideal for such adventures:
- Mount Kilimanjaro: Africa’s highest mountain, located on the border of Tanzania and Kenya, with a height reaching 5,800 meters.
- Annapurna: A mountain range in Nepal, standing at an altitude of 8,000 meters. It is considered one of the most challenging destinations for trekking, yet its beauty and grandeur attract tourists from all over the world.
- The Himalayas: This mountain range spans several countries, including Nepal, Bhutan, India, Pakistan, and China. Its peaks soar above 8 kilometers in height.
- Machu Picchu: An ancient Incan city situated at an elevation of 2,000 meters in Peru. It is a popular destination among tourists.
- Mount Kenya: Located in East Africa on the border of Kenya and Tanzania, with a height of approximately 5,100 meters.
- The Alps: A mountain range stretching across France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, and Germany, with peaks reaching up to 4,000 meters.
Trekking in mountains is an exhilarating adventure. Each mountain range possesses its own beauty and offers breathtaking landscapes that leave unforgettable impressions. Having travel insurance specifically designed for high-altitude treks provides additional safety in the event of injuries or accidents.
Mountain Trekking Worldwide: Information on Mountain Routes and Climbing Conditions
| Continent | Country | Mountain Name | Height (m) | Difficulty | Price with a company ($) | Price without a company ($) |
| Asia | Nepal | Everest | 8,848 | High | 50,000 | 10,000 |
| Kangchenjunga | 8,586 | Very High | 45,000 | 8,000 | ||
| Annapurna | 8,091 | Moderate | 25,000 | 5,000 | ||
| Tibet | Cho Oyu | 8,201 | High | 40,000 | 7,000 | |
| Shishapangma | 8,013 | Moderate | 35,000 | 6,000 | ||
| South America | Argentina | Aconcagua | 6,960 | Very High | 25,000 | 5,000 |
| Peru | Ausangate | 6,384 | Moderate | 20,000 | 4,000 | |
| North America | USA | Denali (Mount McKinley) | 6,190 | Very High | 30,000 | 5,000 |
| Canada | Stikine Icefield | 4,623 | Moderate | 12,000 | 2,500 | |
| Africa | Tanzania | Kilimanjaro | 5,895 | Moderate | 6,000 | 1,000 |
| Europe | France | Mont Blanc | 4,810 | High | 15,000 | 3,000 |
| Norway | Galdhopiggen | 2,469 | Low | 10,000 | 2,000 | |
| United Kingdom | Snowdon | 1,085 | Low | 5,000 | 1,000 | |
| Oceania | Australia | Kosciuszko | 2,228 | Low | 5,000 | 1,000 |
Below, we have also provided approximate durations for ascent and descent on some challenging trekking routes, so you can understand how many days you will need trekking travel insurance for.
- Everest: Ascent – 60 days, Descent – 20 days;
- Annapurna: Ascent – 45 days, Descent – 15 days;
- Kanchenjunga: Ascent – 50 days, Descent – 18 days;
- Cho Oyu: Ascent – 55 days, Descent – 19 days;
- Shishapangma: Ascent – 50 days, Descent – 17 days;
- Ausangate: Ascent – 35 days, Descent – 10 days;
- Denali (Mount McKinley): Ascent – 30 days, Descent – 5 days;
- Kilimanjaro: Ascent – 6 days, Descent – 1 day.
Features of Arranging Travel Insurance for Hiking
To get insurance, you need to choose a comprehensive plan that suits your trip. Travel insurance for high altitude trekking should include all necessary services depending on the destination and the mountain’s altitude: up to 3000m, over 4000m, or travel insurance for trekking up to 6000m.
The insurance company allows you to add trekking coverage to the standard travel insurance. It also includes medical expenses, evacuation, equipment damage coverage, and other types of insurance. Travel insurance for mountain hiking with helicopter rescue is necessary if you plan to venture into remote and dangerous places in the world. Countries such as Norway, the USA, Australia, and Singapore, where there are high mountains and jungle or safari trekking routes, also require mandatory insurance. The best travel insurance for trekking up to 6000 meters is recommended for trips to Mount Elbrus, Dychtau, Shkhara, and other high mountain ranges.
When choosing insurance for hiking, it is important to consider all the peculiarities of your trip. For example, if you plan to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the policy should include the option to add this route to the plan. If you are traveling to Europe, it is recommended to purchase hiking-specific travel insurance adapted to the region’s characteristics.
The Cost of Insurance for Hiking and Trekking
The price of travel insurance for trekking can vary significantly depending on several factors. One of the main criteria is the destination you plan to visit. For example, insurance for hiking in the Alps will be cheaper than for a trek in the Himalayas, as the former is at a lower altitude and the trip will take less time.
Another important factor is the number of people who want to be insured. The insurance company offers different plans for individual and group hikes, ranging from basic plans to premium plans with helicopter rescue, which may include additional services such as baggage insurance, equipment coverage, repatriation of remains, and more.
The cost of travel insurance for hikes also depends on the age and health of the insured individual. If a tourist has chronic illnesses, has had serious injuries or surgeries, the insurance may cost more.
Travel insurance for trekking is necessary to ensure safety during the hike. It is not advisable to skimp on insurance because in case of emergencies or illness, you can lose much more than the cost of the insurance. Medical expenses in major countries can be expensive, so getting insurance is an excellent way to save on treatment.
The price of insurance for hikes depends on many factors, and choosing the appropriate policy should be based on the specific conditions of your trip. It is better to consult with the employees of the insurance company who can help you get the most suitable and beneficial insurance plan for your specific needs.
You can compare insurance prices online on the company’s website. There, you can also read customer reviews about the insurance they purchased and based on them, choose a suitable option.
Thus, travel insurance for trekking is essential for a safe mountain adventure. It should be chosen considering all the specificities of your trip and include all necessary services. You can compare prices, read reviews, and purchase hiking insurance online on our company’s website.
FAQ
If you require medical assistance, you should immediately go to a hospital to receive the necessary help. If you have travel insurance for trekking holidays, inform the medical facility about it and provide your insurance policy details. The support service of the insurance company will then handle negotiations with the medical institution to cover the expenses for medical services.
The coverage includes expenses for medical assistance, including:
- Payment for medical services
- Transportation to the hospital
- Hospitalization
- Payment for medication and other medical equipment
- Cost of recommended treatments
More details about each of these expenses can be obtained during a consultation with a specialist from the insurance company.
Trekking is an activity associated with risks. The absence of emergency assistance in a critical situation can have fatal consequences. Insurance includes coverage for medical expenses if needed, as well as for loss, theft, or damage to luggage. For hikes in remote and particularly dangerous high-altitude mountains, it is recommended to have trekking travel insurance with helicopter rescue coverage.