Embarking on the Everest Base Camp trek is a dream for every adventure lover. The feeling of reaching the base camp and seeing Mount Everest up close with your own eyes gives travellers a unique thrill.
After months of preparation and training, you are ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. However, before you begin your journey to Everest, there is one crucial thing you need to consider: Travel insurance.
Travel insurance is essential for visitors embarking on treks to Everest due to several unforeseen risks and challenges that an Everest trip entails.
Everest treks are located in the remote and hostile surroundings of the Himalayas. So, trekkers must be well prepared for any situation or events that might come while trekking. Travel Insurance ensures a significant safety net.
Here’s the answer to your curiosity on why travel insurance is a must-have for Everest treks and what it covers after buying the best policy for your needs.
Medical Emergency
Health issues such as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), and High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) are among the serious health risks associated with high altitude.
These illnesses can be life threatening and need immediate medical care, which is difficult to get in remote trekking locations. In this case. Insurance provides full coverage of the cost of medical emergency treatment and hospitalization.
Similarly, dehydration and hypothermia can occur from extreme climatic conditions. There is a limited of proper medical facilities while getting in the nearest hospital and receiving the treatment might be expensive.
Therefore, having trustable travel insurance is crucial to guarantee that you can get proper medical care without worrying about the costs.
Accidents and Injuries
The difficult and uneven terrain of the Everest region increases the possibility of falls, fractures, sprains, and other injuries. Immediate medical attention is essential to avoid problems.
Such a situation often entails helicopter evacuation, which is quite costly. Travel insurance can cover these evacuation costs, ensuring that you get fast and adequate medical care.
It is challenging to reach medical services quickly because many parts of the trekking paths are inaccessible by road. Insurance covering emergency medical services is crucial in case of serious injuries.
Trip Cancellations and delays
The Himalayan’s region weather can be quite unpredictable, which might lead to flight delays or cancellations. This may lead to travellers to change the trekking schedule.
You are eligible to get reimbursement from travel insurance for non-refundable expenses and additional expenses incurred by these modifications.
On the other hand, natural disasters including landslides, earthquakes, and avalanches are potential risks in the Everest area. These kinds of events can disrupt your trek or even force you to cancel it altogether.
Emergencies such as health issues, family problems, and other unforeseen personal issues might cause you to postpone or cancel your trek.
Travel insurance gives coverages for such unexpected events, and disruptions, including return flights and lost deposits. Overall, it enables you to reclaim your financial losses.
Loss or Theft of Personal Belongings
Everest trekking needs specialized gear and equipment and they can be costly. Travel insurance can assist you with replacement costs in the situation that your belongings are stolen, lost, or damaged. It allows you to continue your journey with significant convenience.
Similarly, losing the important paperwork or documents such as your passport, might cause major expenses and delays. Travel insurance can help with the costs and logistics of getting new documents and carrying on your trek.
Search and Rescue Operations
Everest region is located in a remote and challenging environment. This means that search and rescue operations are often necessary for trekkers who go missing or require assistance.
This kind of operation might need helicopters and expert rescue teams, which makes it complex and expensive. Travel insurance usually covers these costs, offering vital support in an emergency.
High Cost of Helicopter Evacuation
Helicopter evacuation is the practical choice in cases of severe altitude sickness and major injuries. However, such evacuation costs might be thousands of dollars.
If your travel insurance covers severe medical evacuations, you can access lifesaving transportation without worrying about the financial strain.
Peace of Mind
Having secure travel insurance to cover the different potential risks allows you to concentrate on the journey and enjoy the mesmerizing vistas of the Himalayas.
Moreover, travel insurance provides financial security by protecting you from the financial consequences of unforeseen circumstances. It ensures that your dream journey does not turn into a financial nightmare.
Is it mandatory to get travel insurance for Everest Base Camp trekking?
While it is not legally required to have Travel insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek but it is highly suggested due to get one due to the possible risks and difficulties involved with high elevation trekking.
The trek entails traversing through challenging landscapes, dealing with erratic weather, and experiencing the possibility of altitude sickness. Make sure to get a comprehensive travel insurance policy from a trustworthy company.
Before buying the insurance, don’t forget to read the policies and their coverage such as medical evacuation, trip cancellations, treatment costs, and other unforeseen events. This helps to ease the peace of mind and protects the over expenses during the trek.
Most of the respectable trekking companies require documentation of such insurance before allowing participation in their guided trek.
How to choose a trustworthy insurance company?
Choosing a reputable insurance company requires several important considerations. First, starts by researching the financial stability of the company by checking up ratings from agencies such as A.M. Best, Moody’s, or Standard & Poor’s. A financially stable company is more likely to pay claims on time.
Next, review the client’s satisfaction and complaint records, since they might provide insights into the service quality of the company. It’s also important to evaluate the range of products and coverage alternatives provided to ensure they meet your specific requirements.
Additionally, a responsive and effective service may significantly improve a trekking experience by considering the ease of communication and claims procedures.
Lastly, evaluate coverage and rates to ensure you are receiving good value for your money, but avoid choosing only the lowest price.
You can purchase the Travel insurance from online from several travel insurance companies across the world. According to the research, most of the travellers have purchased their travel insurance from:
USA
- World Nomad
- Fast Cover
- Geo Blue
- Faye Adventure Travel Insurance
- Seven Corners Adventure Pack
- Orion Assurance Voyage
UK
- Allianz
- NatWest (Adventure Pack)
- Snowcard
Australia
- Fast Cover (Adventure Pack)
- Allianz (Adventure Pack)
Canada
- World Nomad
- Fast Cover
- Allianz
- Global Excel
- Orion Assurance Voyage
Switzerland
- Allianz
- Europ Assistance
- Helsana
Germany
- Envivas
- Allianz
- Roland
Austria
- Alpenverein
- Europ Assistance
Singapore
- QBE
- World Nomad
Final thoughts
In conclusion, trekking to the Everest Base Camp is quite erratic and challenging, as one has to pass through the diverse surroundings of the Everest region. This makes travel insurance an essential component of your trek preparation.
It offers a crucial safety net that enables you to undertake this journey with confidence and serenity by covering a wide range of possible risks, from accidents and medical emergencies to trip cancellations and the loss of personal things.
