Travel insurance for Nepal and Everest Base Camp

Do I need travel insurance?

The right travel insurance will protect you from the unique risks associated with travelling to Nepal and climbing to Everest base camp as well as typical losses such as:

• Emergency medical expenses and repatriation
• Cancellations and lost deposits
• Luggage delays and stolen items

So how do you choose the right cover for Nepal? The best way to start is by understanding your travel needs, what you plan to do in Nepal, and then comparing policies online.

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How much does travel insurance to Nepal cost?

Based on a two week trip to Nepal, the average cost of a travel insurance policy ranges from $73.82 to $323.39 depending on age.

Top safety concerns in Nepal

• Earthquakes and aftershocks. The mountainous regions along Nepal’s northern border were heavily affected by an earthquake in early 2015. Nepal is in a highly active earthquake region, which can lead to loss of life, extensive damage and major disruptions to essential services. (Source: Smartraveller)
• High-altitude terrain and trekking activities. Trekking through Nepal comes with the threat of injury and possible death. Travellers should make sure they are fit to undertake any trekking and only use a reputable trekking company with professional guides. (Source: Smartraveller)
• Monsoon periods. The monsoon period runs from June to August and results in an increased risk of landslides on major roads and trekking routes. (Source: Smartraveller)
• Protests and strikes. Political protests turned violent in August 2015 in Nepal’s far west, mid-west and eastern regions. In September 2015, violent protests continued in Terai and Dhanusa districts. Travellers were advised to follow instructions from local authorities and their tour companies.
• Petty theft. According to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Smartraveller website, pickpocketing and bag snatching are common occurrences at tourist sites, airports, on public transport and in hotel rooms.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and assistance if your trip to Nepal is disrupted by these risks, but it’s important that you understand how insurers interpret cover if something goes wrong.

Am I covered if I trek to Everest base camp?

There are few experiences more intriguing than a trek to Everest base camp. You are rewarded with breathtaking scenery and a sense of achievement that few other travel experiences can match.

Travel insurance can cover you for

• Medical expenses. Most travel insurers will cover you for the medical expenses you could incur if something goes wrong when trekking.
• Helicopter evacuation is covered if something goes wrong. You’re a long way from the hospital if you become ill or you’re injured while trekking to Everest base camp or on other guided treks in Nepal. In these situations, the only course of action to get you the medical assistance you need is evacuation via helicopter, which can be provided by your insurers medical assistance team.
• Cancellations. If you have to cancel a paid trek for reasons outside of your control e.g. weather conditions, travel insurance can cover you for this expense.

• Conditions you must adhere to

  Most travel insurers will cover you for the medical expenses you incur as a result of trekking and helicopter evacuation. There specific conditions and exclusions apply that you must follow.

  • Altitude limits. Most policies have an altitude limit for trekking.
  • No mountaineering. There are exclusions on professional mountaineering treks, which means a trek that requires professional equipment is not allowed.
  • No search-and-rescue cover. No cover for the cost of search-and-rescue operations.
  • Additional premiums. Many insurers will only cover high-altitude trekking as an extra option, which means you can expect to pay an additional premium.
  • Contact your insurer as soon as possible. If anything happen you'll need to contact your insurer’s medical assistance team as soon as possible.

  5,364 metres altitude

  Everest base camp is located at an altitude of 5,364 metres, so make sure your provider allows treks for that altitude.

• The risks of trekking in Nepal and up to Everest Base Camp

  Trekking and hiking has substantial health risks that you should be wary of

  • Altitude sickness. Altitude sickness can strike even the most physically fit, and acute mountain sickness can be fatal in severe cases.
  • Avalanche risk. There is a risk of avalanches, particularly in the winter months.
  • Trekking injuries. Falling and breaking a leg can be significantly more dangerous when you’re in the wilds of the Himalayas.

Which brands can cover you for the Everest base camp trek?

Provider	Helicopter/air evacuation?	Altitude limit	Conditions	Apply
1cover	Yes	3,500 metres	You must not put yourself at high risk and not using any climbing equipments.
Columbus Direct	Yes	6,000 metres more info button	If you become an inpatient, you must have someone call Columbus's 24-hour Medical Emergency Assistance within 48 hours of admission No cover for treks requiring the use of mountaineering equipment such as ropes and guides
iTrek	Yes	6,000 metres	Your hike must be on foot, using no professional equipment or ropes, and you must be with an organisation or tour troop.
Travel Insurance Saver	Yes	No altitude restrictions*	There is a general exclusion for mountaineering that requires support ropes, rock climbs and abseils.
Virgin Money	Yes	6,000 metres	Hikes 3,000 metres up to 6,000 metres without specialist equipment is covered under the adventure sports pack.

*You must take reasonable care. Looking for trekking cover around the world or in other destinations? Read the full travel insurance guide to trekking.

Would I be covered in a major earthquake?

The tragic loss of life and widespread damage caused by two major earthquakes in Nepal earlier in 2015 received extensive media coverage. More than 8,000 people died and many more were injured.

Many Australian travellers had to cancel travel plans to Nepal and make alternative arrangements. Some were already in Nepal at the time of the earthquake. Others had booked and paid for a holiday to Nepal but had not yet departed Australia.

How you would have been covered

Five other Nepalese activities you should consider getting as extras

Nepal’s beautiful, mountainous terrain attracts trekkers from all over the globe, but there are plenty of other great adventure activities on offer that travellers may wish to participate in.

• Bungee jumping. You can discover spectacular bungee-jumping adventures just three hours from Kathmandu, by the Tibetan border.
• Canyoning. Taking a rafting trip down Kali Gandaki river is a highlight for many travellers to Nepal.
• Jungle safari. Nepal's variety of animals and birds can be encountered by taking a jungle safari in Terai.
• Fishing. The streams of Nepal feature more than 185 unique species of exotic fish.
• Rock climbing. The Himalayas offer a unique and challenging climbing experience.

Check with your provider if you are automatically covered

Some of the more extreme activities such as rock climbing will require you to add a special ‘sports pack’ to your policy, so check with your insurer to find out how you can get the cover you need.

If I have a medical emergency, am I covered in Nepal?

Common illnesses in Nepal

In addition to altitude sickness and injuries sustained while trekking, visitors to Nepal are at risk of malaria, degue fever, Japanese encephalitis, typhoid, cholera and hepatitis.

Nepal’s healthcare system

Medical facilities in Nepal are limited, especially outside of Kathmandu in rural areas where there is a lack of trained staff. High medical costs under Nepal's private healthcare system makes travel insurance a necessity.

Travel insurance procedures

If you experience a medical emergency in Nepal, you can contact your insurer’s emergency assistance line for information on what to do and where you can go for help. Your insurer's emergency assistance team will also be able to confirm whether you are covered for your treatment costs upfront.

If it’s not an emergency and your treatment costs are unlikely to be excessive, it may be up to you to pay the bill and then claim for reimbursement later, depending on the insurer.

Who do I contact in an emergency?

The best point of contact in Nepal depends on the nature of your emergency.

• Your travel insurance provider. If you need financial assistance, you may be able to contact family and friends; Your travel insurance provider can help for situations such as lost baggage and travel delays.
• The tourist police. If you’re a victim of theft or crime, you can contact the Tourist Police in Kathmandu on +977 1 470 0750 or the Tourist Police headquarters on +977 1 424 7041. Make sure to obtain a written copy of any police report.
• Australian Embassy. Consular assistance is available from the Australian Embassy in Kathmandu. Call 437 1678.
• Nepal Ambulance Service. If you need an ambulance or emergency medical transportation, call 102.

What are the entry requirements for Nepal?

A valid visa

Australian visitors to Nepal will need to obtain a visa, which is available upon arrival.

A valid passport

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the time you leave Nepal. If that passport is lost or stolen in Nepal, you’ll need to transfer your visa to your new passport before you can leave Nepal.

When is the best time to travel to Nepal?

Peak travel season in Nepal occurs from October to November when the weather is warm and trekkers crowd the Everest and Annapurna regions. Spring (March to April) can produce spectacular flower displays and weather that is still quite acceptable for trekking, but you’ll want to stay away during monsoon season from June to September.

Money in Nepal

What currency do I need?

The Nepalese rupee is the accepted currency in Nepal, so it’s a good idea to stock up in bank notes before you go. Avoid airport exchange bureaus, as the rate will be more expensive.

Money tips

• Traveller’s cheques are accepted at most banks, and there are plenty of ATMs around Nepal.
• Exercise caution when withdrawing money and keep an eye out for pickpockets.
• Be wary of foreign transaction fees.
• Major credit cards are widely accepted throughout the country.

What are some tips for travelling in Nepal?

• Don’t go trekking alone. Trekking in Nepal is dangerous, so book with a reputable tour company with professional guides.
• Watch what you eat. Avoid pre-cut fruit, and boil your water or buy it bottled.
• Don’t give money to beggars. Support a reputable charity instead.
• Take a torch. It will come in handy when you need to deal with daily power outages.
• Be aware of Bandhs. These transportation strikes could disrupt your travel plans.

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Picture: Kyle Taylor, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (image cropped)
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