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Insurance For Everest Base Camp Trek  

Taking on the Everest Base Camp Trek involves travelling to and from, as well as spending time in, one of the most remote regions on earth.

While the trek is not explicitly dangerous itself, it does pose various risks which all need to be considered when deciding on what insurance to buy for the duration of your visit.

Insurance is an absolute must for any traveller tackling the Everest Base Camp Trek as even small injuries, such as a sprained ankle, can create a logistical nightmare that proves to be quite costly.

Even the nightmare of lost baggage is amplified on Everest as you may find that vital pieces of trekking equipment need to be replaced instead of a few pairs of underwear that you might lose on your typical holiday.

Finding the correct insurance policy that covers all events and environments associated with the Everest Base Camp trek is no easy task as the fine print can often run into tens of pages. This article will help simplify all the noise and detail the main considerations for any insurance policy for the trek.

You can get an insurance quote from World Nomads .

everest base camp travel insurance

EBC Trek Insurance

The biggest difference in buying travel insurance for the Everest Base Camp Trek compared to other holidays is altitude. At the highest point of the trek you will be standing at over 5,500m above sea level, while most travel insurance policies cover only up to 3,000m.

The reason for this is the risk posed by Acute Mountain Sickness and other altitude related illnesses. These can be avoided by practicing  proper acclimatization techniques  and allowing time for your body to get used to the higher than normal altitudes.

If symptoms are experienced and don’t improve rapidly, descent is the only option. This can happen by mule back or through medical evacuation by helicopter. If your insurance covers up to 6,000m you will be covered for the entire course of the trek and will not have to worry about exorbitant evacuation or medical assistance costs.

As with any mountain trek, accidents remain uncommon but are never completely unavoidable. Once again, remoteness and high altitude can complicate minor injuries, which means that pulling a muscle or cutting yourself on a rock can become serious, fast.

Being the most popular route in the region, there are usually people nearby and a first aid kit, if you don’t already have your own, is often not too far away.

However, your insurance policy should still cover the possibility of helicopter evacuation in the event of serious injury or altitude sickness. You should double check that this is included on top of the standard hospitalization cover.

Please note : If you plan to undertake a more serious expedition in the region, like climbing Lobuche East and Island Peak as part of your trip to Everest Base Camp then you will not be covered by standard Everest Base Camp Trek insurance policies as both these peaks stand over 6,000m and require ropes and crampons to climb. Be sure to check your itinerary and if it involves any non-standard routes or mountaineering you will have to contact your local mountaineering association in your country for advice on proper mountaineering insurance.

It is a well-known fact that the hygiene standards in Nepal are not up to scratch, so you will want to check that your policy covers hospitalization should you be unlucky and come down with a serious bout of diarrhoea, for example.

Some policies will also require you to have various vaccinations before you leave based on your country of origin, so be sure to check before you depart!

Flights and Baggage

Nowadays travel insurance always covers lost or stolen baggage but usually only up to a certain value. As you will be carrying fairly expensive and vital gear such as hiking boots, sleeping bags and thermal jackets, you should check with the insurance provider as to how much they will cover.

A good tip when travelling to Everest Base Camp Trek is to keep all your valuable items and vital trekking gear in your hand luggage. Also, make sure to wear your boots. In that case, if there is a mishap with your bags you can replace the cheaper items and still crack on with the trek!

General Cover

Most policies will cover cancelled flights to and from Kathmandu, but because the trek involves a domestic flight to Lukla you should check with your policy provider if they cover cancellation of those flights in addition to the international ones. If you have booked with a tour operator the internal flight will be bundled into the full tour price and should therefore be covered if the tour is cancelled.

Everest Trek Insurance Recommendation

The one policy provider that stands out above others for adventure travel insurance is  Worldnomads.com . They offer well-priced insurance that covers most of the considerations listed and will cover treks up to 6,000m. They are very professional and helpful if you have any queries.

Tags: Everest Base Camp Trek insurance, Insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek

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Mark Whitman

Hi, I'm Mark! Welcome to EBC Trek Guide - the Web's No.1 Trekking Guide to Everest Base Camp. I have trekked all over Nepal, but the Everest region remains my favourite. I hope you find all the answers you are looking for on this site. If you have any questions don't hesitate to drop a comment below! Happy Trekking!

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I bought World Nomads for my trip to Everest based off of your recommendation. But after reading the fine print about helicopter evacuation, it states an attending physician must approve of your evacuation and their one call team. After reading more fine print it seems as though the attending physician has to be someone on the ground. Where are you going to find someone like that in the middle of the mountains? And how are you going to get a phone call to the on-call team before you can have the evacuation?

I’m very concerned about the physician thing that seems like a loophole to me so they don’t pay you I’m about to cancel my insurance.

Hi Anthony, the fine print on insurance policies are a minefield. I recommend contacting World Nomads to clarify your concerns. On the EBC trek there are medical stations near Base Camp and near Gokyo, however one cannot rely on an attending physician to be nearby if an accident or medical emergency were to arise. Most helicopter companies will require clearance from one’s insurance provider before they fly, so it is worth checking with World Nomads on their policy and procedure. Hope this helps!

I would like to know if i could get insured for doing the EBC in 2018. If so, at what cost along with terms and conditions.

Hi Saranbir, we are not an insurance provider. I recommend checking out World Nomads . They offer very affordable trek insurance for hikes up to 6,000m (so EBC is covered). Cheers!

What are the charges for the insurance for the Everest base camp trek?

Hi Mayur, the cost of insurance varies by duration, age and your country of origin. Check out World Nomads for a quote.

Any idea if their insurance also covers independent trekkers without guides?

Hi Sam, I’m not 100% sure if the insurance is valid if you are trekking unsupported. I would contact World Nomads directly to check.

Hi Mark. Thank you for this post. Is world nomads the company that you personally use? Have you had the need to file a claim? Any personal thoughts on it? The price is great, but the helicopter evac is def a concern Thank you.

Hi Olga, as you go through the purchase process with World Nomads, make sure to add the Explorer option (not standard) and add sports / adventure activities on the second page (add hiking up to 6,000m). A dialog box will appear about Heli-vac in Nepal. I believe there is a $500 excess. If you have specific questions I recommend contacting World Nomads directly.

Hi Mark, I couldn’t see the option for adding sports/adventure, and hence there is no dialog box about Heli-vac, could you elaborate more? Or perhaps a link? Thanks.

Hi Gunawan, as you proceed through the process of buying insurance, you will see on the third step a link to add Sports & Adventure activities. As you add the activity “hiking up to 6000m” there will be a dialog box that opens that says there is a $500 excess on Heli-evac in Nepal.

World Nomad doesn’t cover for a person over 66, is there any other option besides Nomad?

Hi Gunawan, Unfortunately World Nomads don’t cover persons over 65. I recommend contacting your national mountaineering association to see if they can provide a recommendation. In the UK it is the BMC. In the US it is the American Alpine Club.

We are 72 and 73 years old so Worldnomads won’t cover us. Can you recommend another agency?

Try Dogtag or Snowcard – they might be able to help.

Hi. I live in Portugal. I used nomad insurance for abc in 2017. I am trying for out 2022 for everest base camp but on the website is not possible. Can you help? Thank you

Hi Pedro, it looks like World Nomads is currently not available for residents of Portugal. I suspect it has something to do with the pandemic and they should be back live soon.

Hi. Thank you, maybe thats the reason. I am going to contact them. Do you know any alternative?

olá Mark boa noite, Eu estou tentando fechar um seguro para EBC pelo site da wordNomads mas as 3 opções que estão disponíveis pra mim são "Standard ", "Explorer" e "Explorer Plus" porém para tidas estas a apólice é a mesma e quando eu leio consta na parte de exclusões (item cláusula 4.1.21) que são excluídas da cobertura qualquer treeking/caminhada de altitude acima de 3.000m de altitude. Já tentei simular, entrar em contato com eles, mas sem sucesso…. Não consigo achar nenhum seguro para fechar aqui pelo Brasil para EBC e viajo em abril/2022. Consegue me indicar alguma empresa?

Hi Janaina, you could also try Dogtag insurance or Snowcard. Best regards!

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Insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek: How to choose a right travel insurance?

Insurance for everest base camp trek:.

Everest Base Camp Trek is the most popular trek in the world. Every keen trekker, nomad, and adventure lover from all around the world want to experience the wonderful EBC Trek once in their lifetime. But, trekking to the base camp of the world’s highest peak is not as easy and simple as one normally thinks. The Everest Trek is a non-technical trek; however, it is challenging, adventurous, and high altitude trek. So, before trekking to the Himalayas, make sure you will include Everest Base Camp Trek Insurance in your priority list too. There are many enthusiastic trekkers who are unaware of the importance of insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek. They frequently ask about what is travel insurance, what does it cover, why is it necessary, and something more. Therefore, we have dedicated this article to clarify about travel insurance and everything related to it.

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Everest base camp trek insurance: what is travel insurance.

Travel insurance is an insurance policy that covers the losses while traveling to different parts of the world. It basically covers the flight cancellation, baggage loss or damage, theft, medical evacuation, and other expenses during the trek. Simply, travel insurance is a means of protection from uncertain loss and health hazards while you are traveling to an unknown country. The insurance premium depends on the destination, duration, possibility of risk, age of the travelers, and many more. There are many policies of insurance; but while trekking in the Himalayas, you need insurance that covers every loss that comes during EBC Trek.

Why do you need Insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek ?

Everest Base Camp Trek Insurance

What travel insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek normally covers?

Medical evacuation:.

While trekking in the higher elevation, you may face many difficulties due to the harsh climate and health emergencies. In the Everest Base Camp Trek, you have to walk for 12 to 22 days with an average walk of 7-8 hours per day. So, there is always a risk of getting injured or accidents as trekkers need to cross numerous bridges, narrow cliffs, gorges, and moraine glacial. Sometimes, there may also appear some medical complications like an ankle injury, muscle strain, or other accidents. Also, there is risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) while traveling to the Base Camp of the world's highest peak. Due to thin air in the higher elevation above 4,500m, some of the trekkers feel the symptoms of AMS and needed to be evacuated to the nearby hospital. As there are no means of transportation in the higher region. the helicopter rescue operation is necessary for immediate evacuation. So, the travel insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek helps to cover the medical evacuation over 6,000m during emergencies.

Flight insurance/flight cancellation:

Flight cancellation is a prime issue while trekking in the Himalayas. The flights get canceled or delayed for an uncertain time due to fluctuating climate, technical problems, strikes, or some serious virus. This kind of issue may ruin your holiday plan and your budget too. If you have insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek, you don't need to worry about it. The flight insurance covers your flight cancellation and compensates you for your loss. Even, flight insurance covers your life in case of a plane crash during the flight.

Baggage insurance:

Travel insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek

Everest Base Camp Trek is dream of many keen trekkers. But, it can be a nightmare due to some unpredictable calamities like an avalanche, landslide, accidents, and track lost. We have heard many issues like these before. And it can happen anytime to anyone. So, while buying insurance you have to make sure that it covers rescue operations during emergencies.  

How to choose the best Insurance company?

There are many insurance companies that offer you the best policies for your trek. Taking a single insurance company's name can be bais. So, I recommend you to search on the internet and choose the highly rated insurance company in your respective country if possible. If you don't find a good insurance company then check the reviews of the insurance company on the internet and go for it. But, before purchasing the insurance, make sure they sell you the adventure insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek which covers above 6,000m. We personally request you not to purchase the insurance policy from the Nepali Insurance company. No Nepal based insurance company will offer you travel insurance as the government of Nepal cracked down the helicopter rescue scams done by the trekking companies to claim the charge of evacuation and hospital bills.

In conclusion:

The travel insurance is a means to get benefits from the unforeseen loss and expenses during the trek. It helps to minimize the risk and worries while you are trekking in the fascinating Himalayas. Therefore, you need to know that your travel insurance for the Everest Base Camp needs to cover the flight insurance, baggage insurance, accidents, and medical evacuation above 6,000m. There are only a few insurance companies that will provide medical evacuation above 6,000m. Most of the insurance companies cover only up to 4,000m altitude which will not be okay for Everest Base Camp Trek. Everest Base Camp is a high altitude trek and you need to trek to the higher altitude of 5,363m/17,597ft and 5,550m/18,208ft. So, you must buy the insurance policy which will cover 6,000m altitude from the authorized company after checking their reviews on the internet. Thank you! For more detail information, contact MMT .

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Insurance For Trekking To Everest Base Camp

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Getting travel insurance is vital and should be on the top of any travelers list. However, you shouldn't be fooled, there are countless types of travel insurance policies and they all come with an incredible amount of fine print.

Travel insurance is especially important if you are planning on trekking at high altitudes. Therefore, if you're planning on hiking to Everest Base Camp , you'll need to make sure your insurance policy covers you adequately. Most companies don't provide cover over a certain altitude, and they certainly don't provide air support in case of an emergency.

To guide you in the best travel insurance options for your Everest Base Camp trek, we have put together this detailed article that outlines the key points to look out for when purchasing your policy.

World Nomads are a leading travel insurance provider and have standard insurance offer which we have used personally on all our treks in Nepal.

Disclaimer : The information we provide is as reliable and accurate as possible. However, we are not insurance experts and you will need to read the fine print of policy or discuss options with your insurance provider. The information we have provided has been taken from personal experience and talking with other experienced travelers.

World Nomads

Insurance for Trekking to Everest Base Camp Considerations

High altitude.

Trekking to Everest Base Camp involves high altitude, in fact at the highest point - Kala Patthar , you'll be over 5,500 metres.

Generally speaking, most standard travel insurance policies will not cover you over 3,000 metres. This is fine for most travellers, but not if you're trekking to EBC!

The reason most travel insurers don't cover over 3,000m is for the simple reason that the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is much higher above this height. Another contributing factor is that medical assistance is also far more difficult at these heights as it often involves air rescue.

These factors mean that standard insurance is not enough, and you will need to speak to an expert in trekking insurance to make sure you have the necessary cover needed. When hiking the Everest Base Camp trek, we suggest taking out travel insurance that covers you up to 6,000 metres. Remember to read the fine print though!

everest-base-camp-trek-difficulty

Trekking Accidents

Although no one likes to dwell on it, accidents can and often do happen whilst trekking. Whilst the Everest Base Camp trek is not considered dangerous in itself, any mountain trek has potential danger, especially at high altitudes. High altitude affects people in different ways and can, potentially inflame pre-existing medical conditions like heart problems. Even small injuries, like a twisted ankle or pulled leg muscle, can be a serious issue at high altitude. All of the above-mentioned issues make the Everest Base Camp trek riskier than your standard hike back home.

See more in our guide on the overall difficulty of the Everest Base Camp Trek . 

Luckily, the trek is one of the most popular in Nepal and sees a lot of footfalls. Therefore, you're never far from a helping hand. Even so, it is crucial that you are covered for medical evacuation (preferably by helicopter) and assistance on top of standard hospital cover.

Mark-in-helicopter-Everest-Base-Camp-Trek-Nepal

Illness and Off-mountain Accidents

Travelling in places like Nepal increases the probability of illness as your body is usually not adapted to the food or hygiene levels in foreign areas. Anyone who has traveled to India can probably attest to this after experiencing 'Delhi Belly'!

Therefore, you need to make sure that your insurance covers you for a wide variety of accidents and illnesses in Nepal. The fine print will detail these, so make sure you read it! Also make sure you research what vaccinations are required depending on your country of origin.

everest base camp travel insurance

Stolen, Lost or Delayed Baggage

Sadly, the feeling of arriving at an airport and finding that your bags have not arrived with you or that they're damaged is a familiar one to most of us. This causes a fair amount of stress, aggravation and hassle as you need to buy new things in time for your trek.

Luckily, travel insurance policies now cover lost, stolen or damaged luggage as standard. However, once again, you need to read the fine print to find out exactly how much you will be covered for as all policies will have a cover limit. Remember, you may be travelling with some pretty expensive gear!

Top Tip: Make sure you wear your hiking boots and carry any mission-critical items in your hand luggage. That way, if you are unfortunate and your baggage is delayed or lost, you can still hit the trail without too much bother!

everest base camp travel insurance

General Travel Insurance Cover

When purchasing your Everest Base Camp trekking insurance you should also consider factors such as flight cancellations and delays. This is usually covered in standard policies, but it is definitely something you need to make sure of.

Make sure to also check the fine print for reimbursement policies such as if your actual trek is cancelled! Your provider should be able to tell you the details, but it is an important consideration, especially if travelling in winter.

There are a few other things to look out for in your trekking insurance policy that all add to the smooth running of your trip. If your flight is delayed or cancelled or, worse, your tour is cancelled, you need to be able to cover yourself.

Now that you’ve read the above, you're ready to make an informed decision on your Everest Base Camp trek insurance.

Over the years, we have used a number of different insurers. However, the one that stands out above the rest in terms of value and support is World Nomads . They have always been extremely helpful and professional.

River-Crossing-Day-5-Everest-Base-Camp-Trek

Tags: ebc trek insurance, everest base camp insurance, insurance for trekking to everest base camp, trekking insurance for EBC trek, mount everest base camp trek insurance.

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See more information on  Nepal . Or check out these other Everest/Nepal articles:

  • Training for Everest Base Camp Trek
  • Everest Base Camp Trek Costs
  • Internet Access in Everest Base Camp
  • Deaths on Everest Base Camp Trek
  • Best Places to Visit in Nepal
  • Nepal Teahouses and What to Expect
  • Food and Drinks on Everest Base Camp Trek

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About the author 

Andrew Roux

Andrew is one of the senior writers at Mountain IQ. A native of South Africa, Andrew has hiked and climbed all over the world. His favourite destination is Nepal and his most memorable hike was to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro!

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Hi I would require a quote for ebc trek starting from 11 May 2017 to 24 May 2017. There will be 3 of us for this trip.

Hi Ann, we are not a tour or insurance operator, for insurance use the quote calculator on this page from our partner World Nomads, for tour operator recommendations complete the form on this page: https://ebctrekguide.com/

Hi Do you know of any insurance companies that cover you without a guide on ebc?

Hi Jack, Unfortunately I’m not aware of any insurance companies that will cover you on the EBC trek if you are not part of an organised and guided trek. The best thing to do is to read their small print as some companies might not explicitly state this. Hope this helps!

do you have any positive reviews from people who have needed assistance on the EBC and have had World Nomads as their insurance company? I am currently looking for insurance and World Nomads have terrible reviews online about the their communication and claims process? Thanks

Hi Craig, my experience with World Nomads has always been excellent. The trouble with reviews for a product as boring as insurance is that no leaves a review when things go well, but when something goes wrong they are very quick to review. World Nomads have millions of customers so there are bound to be some bad experiences, but for the vast majority of claims I think they are excellent. Hope this helps.

Avoid World Nomads at all costs! I bought their coverage last year for my EBC trek. Worthless!!! They make you jump through impossible hoops when you need them. This is my personal experience from April 2018. There are other options. I cannot stress enough the point. Its not the money spent… it’s the principal. They won’t do anything to help. Lot’s of friendly emails and lots of explanations, but zero help when you need them at 4,000 or 5,000 meters. You don’t know me, but trust me. I will never again use them or their affiliates. I think it’s wiser to use the more expensive rescue services. It’s what I should have done! Just say no to World Nomads

Just my advice from personal experience. Dont get world nomads if you are going to EBC. We were in Lukla waiting for our plane, and I got cancelled. There were no planes and we were about to lose our international flight.

So we had to book an helicopter to go outside Lukla. It is suposse to be covered by World Nomads but they won´t care shit. They will say its not covered. As this can happen to you, just take care that world nomas will not cover your 500$ helicopter to get outside of Lukla.

Hi Jay, sounds like you had a really bad experience. I don’t personally know World Nomads policy on the use of helicopters but my understanding is that if one needs to use a helicopter and wants insurance to cover it, the reasoning needs to be medical emergency, and I believe World Nomads have an an excess of $500.

In terms of taking a helicopter to catch a connecting flight out of Kathmandu, I don’t believe World Nomads covers this. Even if it is an emergency to catch your connecting flight.

As a general piece of advice for readers, Jay’s case of not being able to fly out of Lukla is relatively common. The weather changes dramatically at Lukla and flights get grounded quite frequently. I always recommend building in at least one extra day in Kathmandu after your trek to avoid connecting flight problems out of Kathmandu.

Hi planning trip to EBC in 2024 being 76 yers of age struggling with insurance can you offer any help

Hi David, yes, it’s very difficult to find insurers who will cover once you’re over 70 years of age. You could try the following providers: Snowcard, Dogtag, True Traveller, and the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) if you’re in the UK or American Alpine Institute if you’re in the States.

Hi Are you aware of any insurance company that will cover the EBC trek for a 70 year old. World Nomads only cover up to 65 years. One or two that I have checked cover only up to 4500 meters

Hi Feroz, I’m not sure which provider would cover EBC for people who are 70+ old. You could try insuremytrip.com.

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everest base camp travel insurance

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If you are planning to trek to the Everest Base Camp in Nepal, it is important to have travel insurance that covers the specific risks associated with high-altitude trekking. Here are some of the things to consider when getting travel insurance for the Everest Base Camp trek:

Medical coverage: Make sure your travel insurance covers medical emergencies that may arise during your trek, including altitude sickness, injuries, and illnesses. It's important to ensure that your policy covers evacuation and repatriation expenses, as these can be very costly in the event of an emergency.

High-altitude trekking coverage: Some travel insurance policies specifically exclude high-altitude trekking, so make sure to check that your policy covers it. Some policies may have altitude limits, so make sure the policy covers the height you will be trekking to.

Trip cancellation or interruption coverage: Consider a policy that covers trip cancellation or interruption due to illness, injury, or unforeseen circumstances. This will help protect your investment in case you need to cancel or cut short your trip.

Adventure sports coverage: Trekking to Everest Base Camp is considered an adventure sport, so make sure your policy covers this activity. If you plan on doing any other adventure sports, such as bungee jumping or whitewater rafting, make sure your policy covers those activities as well.

Pre-existing medical conditions: If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, make sure your policy covers them. Some policies may exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions or charge higher premiums.

It's important to carefully review the policy coverage and terms and conditions of the travel insurance policy you are considering to make sure it meets your needs and provides adequate coverage for your Everest Base Camp trek.

insurance company for everest trek

There are many travel insurance companies that offer coverage for trekking to Everest Base Camp in Nepal. Here are a few examples of insurance companies that offer coverage for high altitude trekking:

World Nomads: World Nomads is a popular choice among backpackers and adventure travelers. They offer comprehensive travel insurance coverage that includes medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and trip cancellation or interruption due to unforeseen circumstances. They also cover a range of adventure activities, including trekking and hiking up to 6,000 meters.

InsureandGo: InsureandGo offers travel insurance coverage that includes emergency medical expenses, evacuation, and repatriation, as well as trip cancellation or interruption due to illness or injury. They also offer coverage for high altitude trekking up to 6,000 meters.

Travelex: Travelex offers travel insurance coverage that includes medical expenses, emergency evacuation and repatriation, as well as trip cancellation or interruption due to illness, injury, or unforeseen circumstances. They also offer coverage for adventure sports and activities, including high altitude trekking up to 6,000 meters.

Allianz: Allianz offers comprehensive travel insurance coverage that includes medical expenses, emergency evacuation and repatriation, and trip cancellation or interruption due to illness or injury. They also offer coverage for adventure sports and activities, including high altitude trekking up to 6,000 meters.

It's important to carefully review the coverage and terms and conditions of each travel insurance policy to make sure it meets your needs and provides adequate coverage for your Everest Base Camp trek.

why need travel insurance for Everest base camp trek? 

Travel insurance is important for Everest Base Camp trek for several reasons:

Medical emergencies: Trekking to high altitude comes with increased risk of altitude sickness and other health issues. If you were to become ill or injured during the trek, medical treatment and evacuation can be very expensive. Travel insurance can help cover the cost of medical treatment and evacuation, potentially saving you thousands of dollars.

Trip cancellations and delays: The trek to Everest Base Camp can be affected by weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances. If your trip is cancelled or delayed, you may incur additional expenses for accommodation, transportation, and other costs. Travel insurance can help cover these costs and potentially reimburse you for any pre-paid expenses.

Theft and loss of belongings: Theft and loss of belongings can happen during travel, especially in crowded areas such as airports or lodges. Travel insurance can help cover the cost of replacing lost or stolen items.

Adventure sports coverage: Trekking to Everest Base Camp is considered an adventure sport, and many travel insurance policies exclude coverage for adventure sports. It's important to find a policy that specifically covers high altitude trekking.

Overall, travel insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection during your Everest Base Camp trek. It's important to carefully review the policy coverage and terms and conditions to make sure it meets your needs and provides adequate coverage for the risks associated with high altitude trekking.

Trekking travel insurance with helicopter rescue

If you're planning a trekking trip that involves high altitude or remote locations, it's a good idea to consider travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue coverage. Here are some travel insurance options that offer this coverage:

World Nomads: World Nomads offers travel insurance policies that include emergency medical and evacuation coverage, as well as helicopter rescue coverage. Their policies cover adventure activities such as trekking and hiking, up to 6,000 meters.

InsureandGo: InsureandGo offers travel insurance policies that include emergency medical and evacuation coverage, as well as helicopter rescue coverage. Their policies cover adventure activities such as trekking and hiking, up to 6,000 meters.

Travelex: Travelex offers travel insurance policies that include emergency medical and evacuation coverage, as well as helicopter rescue coverage. Their policies cover adventure activities such as trekking and hiking, up to 6,000 meters.

Global Rescue: Global Rescue offers travel insurance policies specifically designed for outdoor and adventure activities. Their policies include medical and evacuation coverage, as well as helicopter rescue coverage. They also provide access to their own network of rescue professionals.

It's important to note that helicopter rescue can be expensive, so it's a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance policy provides adequate coverage. Be sure to read the policy details carefully, and make sure that the coverage limits and exclusions meet your needs.

Trekking insurance up to 5000m

If you are planning a trekking trip up to 5000 meters, there are several travel insurance options that offer coverage for trekking and related activities. Here are some of the best travel insurance options for trekking up to 5000 meters:

World Nomads: World Nomads offers travel insurance policies that include coverage for trekking and hiking up to 6000 meters. Their policies cover medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation and interruption, and more.

InsureandGo: InsureandGo offers travel insurance policies that cover trekking and hiking up to 6000 meters. Their policies include coverage for medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation and interruption, and more.

IMG Global: IMG Global offers travel insurance policies that include coverage for trekking and hiking up to 5000 meters. Their policies cover medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation and interruption, and more.

Allianz: Allianz offers travel insurance policies that include coverage for trekking and hiking up to 5000 meters. Their policies cover medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation and interruption, and more.

When choosing a travel insurance policy for trekking up to 5000 meters, it's important to carefully review the policy coverage and terms and conditions to ensure that it meets your needs and provides adequate coverage for the risks associated with trekking at altitude.

why need travel insurance

Travel insurance is important because it provides financial protection and assistance in case of unexpected events that may occur while you are traveling. Here are some of the main reasons why you need travel insurance:

Medical emergencies: If you become ill or injured while traveling, travel insurance can cover medical expenses such as hospitalization, medical treatments, and emergency evacuation. This is especially important when traveling internationally, where healthcare costs can be very high.

Trip cancellation or interruption: Travel insurance can provide coverage for unexpected events that may cause you to cancel or cut short your trip, such as illness, injury, natural disasters, or other emergencies. This can help you recoup some or all of your non-refundable trip expenses.

Lost or stolen luggage: Travel insurance can cover the loss or theft of your baggage, as well as any personal items or valuable belongings that may be lost or damaged during your trip.

Travel delays: Travel insurance can provide coverage for delays, cancellations, or missed connections due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather, strikes, or other unexpected events.

Emergency assistance: Many travel insurance policies also include 24-hour emergency assistance services, which can provide help and support in case of an emergency while traveling, such as lost travel documents, emergency medical evacuation, or other unforeseen events.

Overall, travel insurance provides peace of mind and financial protection against unexpected events that may occur while you are traveling. It's important to carefully review the policy coverage and terms and conditions to ensure that it meets your needs and provides adequate coverage for your trip.

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everest base camp travel insurance

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  • Tips & Tricks
  • Tales from the Trails

The Hiking Adventure

The Ultimate Insider’s Guide to Trekking Everest Base Camp

CAMPING TIPS & TRICKS , Hiking / Camping / Tour Companies , TRAVEL

Trekking to Everest Base Camp

At 8,848 meters, 29,029 feet above sea level, Mt. Everest is the tallest mountain in the world, towering over the surrounding peaks in the Himalayas mountain range on the border between Nepal and Tibet.

A horizontal image of Himalayan mountains covered in snow on a blue sky background.

Even if you’re not a diehard mountaineer, you can still explore this beautiful region of Nepal with a trek to Everest base camp (EBC).

Not only will you get lifelong bragging rights for completing the trek to base camp, but it’s also a beautiful trek in its own right. Amazing vista can be seen passing through the Sagarmatha National Park and the awe-inspiring Himalayas .

Although the trek takes about two weeks, it’s surprisingly accessible and has been completed by many first-time trekkers.

Everest Base Camp: A Brief Overview

Since the first successful summit in 1953 by Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, the imposing peak has attracted decades of adrenaline-seekers wishing to add their name to the list of successful summiteers. A good portion of these climbers never returned .

Despite the intimidating statistics, the sister trek through the picturesque Khumbu Valley to the base camp used by professional mountaineers is an attainable goal for many people.

A horizontal image of a hiker with snow-capped mountains, with a blue sky background.

Located at an altitude of 5,361 meters, 17,590 feet above sea level, you don’t need fancy equipment or mountaineering skills to reach EBC. Certainly, it takes just a positive attitude and a reasonable level of fitness.

There’s a sense of camaraderie and a tangible buzz in the air as the adrenaline of the would-be Everest summiteers infects everybody around them.

The scenery at these altitudes is breathtaking and varied, ranging from rhododendrons and pine fields to rivers; suspension bridges strung with prayer flags; glaciers, lakes, valleys, high mountain passes, and finally, the spectacular Himalayan mountain peaks!

A close up horizontal image of a sign in the Himalayan mountain region.

The Sagarmatha National Park is home to rare animal species such as snow leopards and red pandas – though it’s very unlikely you’ll encounter them. You’ll frequently have to step aside (to the uphill side!) as you encounter yaks on the trail.

Whether you choose to follow the traditional EBC route or one of the alternative trails, it’s guaranteed to be an experience you’ll never forget.

In contrast to most multi-day treks where you’d be camping in a tent, trekkers to base camp stay in cozy tea houses. You can find several available in a range of budgets, which function as both hotels and restaurants.

The trek is dotted with Buddhist monasteries and tiny villages almost all the way up. The relaxed pace of the trek allows plenty of time for you to explore the villages and get to know the local Sherpa culture.

Mt. Everest is increasingly covered in garbage left behind by the hordes of people who have set out to conquer its lofty heights. When you go, please respect the environment and do your best to minimize waste.

The most popular time of year to do the Everest base camp trek is between February and May – the pre-monsoon season.

A horizontal image of sunrise over the himalayas.

During these spring months, the weather is typically warm and dry and the mountains will be ablaze with colorful rhododendrons.

This is also peak season and while you’re unlikely to have the trails to yourself, you’ll enjoy a buzzing atmosphere at the tea houses on the way. This is also when most Everest climbers make their summit attempts.

The summer months bring the monsoon rains, resulting in slippery trails and a heightened risk of landslides. If that doesn’t deter you, the leeches and foggy weather might! It’s not recommended to attempt the trek in the summer.

It can also be difficult to fly into Lukla during the monsoon. Indeed, this is a good time to pick the Jiri trek over the classic EBC trek.

A horizontal image showing the runway at Lukla airport, Nepal.

If you want fewer crowds, try going in September or October, the post-monsoon months, when you have the highest chance of clear skies, although temperatures are slightly colder.

You can even do the trek in the winter but be prepared for sub-zero temperatures most days and lots of snow.

Whenever you go, make sure you pack for unpredictable weather in case a snowstorm takes you by surprise.

Trekkers interested in the local culture might want to plan their trip dates around traditional holidays with celebrations in Kathmandu, such as Holi (February/March) or Indra Jatra (September).

Another thing to consider when planning your trip is flight prices, which can vary considerably. Check flights before booking as this might have a huge impact on when you want to go.

Lastly, be aware that it might be harder to find tour operators who provide treks in off-season months. Also, some of the paths might be closed.

Conversely, if you want a stab at actually sleeping in Everest Base Camp, then late spring is your best option. It will be rare to find tour operators who might be able to wrangle this.

Everest Base Camp Packing list

If this is your first multi-day trek, don’t forget to budget for all the equipment you’ll have to take with you.

A horizontal image of a view from Namche Bazaar, a village in Nepal with mountains in the background.

You can choose between renting or buying your gear. Hikers who plan on doing more multi-day treks might want to invest in their own equipment.

If you’re doing a two-week trek, it makes more sense to rent your sleeping bag and down jacket. For trekkers who plan on trekking for a whole month, it makes more financial sense to buy.

The neighborhood of Thamel in Kathmandu offers plenty of options for buying and renting. However, the products on offer may be of questionable quality.

Further on, Namche Bazaar is a last-resort option if you find you’ve forgotten to pack any essentials. If you keep your receipts, then talk it over with the shop when buying. Some shops will buy your gear back from you, at the end of your trek, for a reduced price.

Almost everything available for sale along the trek has been carried up the mountain, either by yaks or people. This means things get more expensive the higher you go.

Packing strategically. This means bringing the items you can’t live without while avoiding overloading your backpack. Whether you hire a porter or decide to go solo, somebody will be lugging your things up the mountain. Indeed,think twice before including unnecessary items like an extra book or five spare shirts!

Aim to pack around 10kg if you’re carrying everything yourself, and 20-25kg if you’re getting help from a porter. Don’t forget that your water adds extra weight. Try packing your bag with full water bottles, to get a more accurate idea of how much you can bring.

This list is aimed at trekkers who will be sleeping in tea houses every night. Be aware that if you don’t book early enough, the tea houses may be sold out in high season.

If you think you might end up having to camp, Then you’ll need more supplies not covered on this list. Such as a winter insulated tent , sleeping pad , etc.

What to Wear

The clothes you pack will depend on which season you’re visiting in. Make sure you have enough clothing to keep warm, especially in the evenings.

A horizontal image of a hiker trekking in the Himalayas with Kala Pattar in the background.

Layers are crucial, as temperatures and weather conditions will change drastically between day and night and as you ascend and descend in altitude.

Tea houses often only heat the common areas, and then only in the evenings, so bring warm clothes for lounging around at night.

The higher you get, the less likely you are to have power in your tea house, or only for a few hours as they’re run off solar power.

Base layers: Your base layer should be comfortable and moisture-wicking. Stay away from cotton; go for merino wool or synthetics .

Pack a long-sleeved shirt (avoid short sleeves as you’re more likely to get sunburnt) and long underwear, if only for the cold evenings.

Fleece mid-layer: You’ll probably be putting this on and taking it off with every mountain pass. Indeed, try to find one that will fit easily into your day pack.

Outer layer: Get a down jacket with a good warmth-to-weight ratio, as you’ll be carrying it much of the time.

Waterproof windbreaker and pants.

Hiking pants: Well-insulated trekking pants , or trekking pants that can turn into shorts. 

Waterproof hiking boots. We can’t stress enough how important it is to break your hiking boots in properly before your trek.

Don’t forget to bring a pair of comfortable sneakers or sandals for the evenings and for bathroom runs.

Socks: Woollen hiking socks are worth the investment – bring a few pairs that can handle very cold temperatures for the higher altitudes, and look for flat seams and padded spots to reduce blisters.

Sock liners and Vaseline are two other good ways to prevent blisters . You should also bring a pair of warm socks for base camp.

Gaiters: These will be especially useful during the rainier months.

Gloves : Pack a thin pair of “inner” gloves and a very warm pair of outer gloves. There will be at least one or two days where your fingers will freeze otherwise – for example, the day you summit Kala Patthar.

Scarf/balaclava/buff: The trail to EBC gets infamously dusty, provoking the “ Khumbu cough ” that plagues many hikers. A buff or something similar will keep you warm as well as provide you with a layer to breathe through to minimize the amount of dust in your lungs.

Beanie and sun hat , preferably with neck cover, to protect against the sun .

Underwear and sports bras: You’ll probably be reusing these, so get good-quality, non-cotton ones.

Accessories

Drinking water: Most tour operators provide purified water. Avoid bottled water, as this is expensive on top of being an environmental disaster.

A close up horizontal image of two sherpas trekking in Nepal carrying heavy loads.

We recommend bringing two big reusable water bottles (or a water bladder for drinking on the go). Tablets take a while to work and it’s nice to have one water bottle ready to drink while the other one is getting purified.

You can also fill a bottle with hot water and sleep with it in your sleeping bag if you’re cold during the night. If you’re purifying your own water, bring water purification tablets , LifeStraw , or a Steri-pen. But remember, these need charging, and charging on the trail costs money.

You may wish to add flavor enhancers to your water. Unfortunately, at Gorak Shep the water is very mineralized so you’ll need to buy bottled water.

Showering: Whether or not you shower is up to you. Expect to pay around $5 for a hot shower. Some people rely on wet or backpacking body wipes , especially since wet hair is no fun in negative temperatures!

Sunglasses: The combination of snow and altitude is brutal on your eyes, so invest in good polarized sunglasses with wraparound arms.

Sleeping bag : The teahouses will provide blankets and pillows but you’ll want your own sleeping bag and pillowcase.

Find a mummy sleeping bag rated to -20° C – or colder, depending on the season. Consider bringing a silk liner , especially if you’re renting your sleeping bag.

Toiletries: Sunscreen , SPF chapstick (this is better than lip balm as there’s no need to smear it on with your grubby fingers), quick-drying towel, tissue, baby wipes, period supplies, compressed toilet paper tablets or biodegradable toilet paper (remove cardboard and keep in ziptop bag), hand sanitizer, toothbrush and toothpaste, etc.

Always bring toilet paper with you. Most bathrooms are squat toilets and are located only in villages.

Tip : wet wipes are more expensive than toilet paper on the trail, so if you have to choose, stock up on wet wipes and buy toilet paper when you run out.

Shewee: Ladies, you’ll be glad not to have to pull your pants down in the freezing high-altitude weather. If you need to pee, then I recommend using a portable pee device, like PeeBuddy Reusable Female Urination Device . You stand and use the portable pee funnel, so you don’t need to squat.

If you get your period on the trail and you’re not comfortable with using the DivaCup, another good option is to keep used pads/tampons in a ziptop bag and dispose of them in the next garbage can.

Personal first-aid kit: Bring diarrhea meds, altitude meds, antibiotics, ibuprofen, paracetamol, aspirin, bandaids, blister plasters, tape/trekker’s wool, Vaseline, cough drops (to beat the Khumbu cough), cold medicine, rehydration salts.

Tour operators should provide the rest. Don’t forget to get your travel vaccines before you go.

TSA approved padlock for your luggage.

Backpack: What you pack your gear in will depend on whether you’re using porters. Most porters prefer you to pack your things in a soft-sided duffel bag. Check with the tour operator in case they provide these for you.

If you have a porter, then you’ll only need a daypack for yourself. If you’re not hiring a porter, then bring a collapsible daypack anyway in addition to your backpack. This is so you can leave your big backpack in the tea house during the one-day acclimatization hikes.

A horizontal image of a man carrying trekking poles pictured with prayer flags and mountains in the background.

Try to get a backpack with straps for hiking poles and zippers to open it from the sides. Not to mention, you won’t have to dig everything out of your bag whenever you want to access something.

Dry bag or plastic cover for your backpack and daypack to prevent water ingress.

Hiking poles : These are a must! All the treks listed here will take you uphill, downhill, uphill and downhill again. Hiking poles will save your knees, and they’ll come in handy on slippery trails during the wet season.

Headlamp or flashlight : You’ll be glad to have this in the evenings after the power goes out, and during early-morning or late-night hikes. Remember to bring extra batteries.

Trekking map: If you’re going independently, a good trekking guidebook is essential – Lonely Planet is highly recommended.

Ziptop bags: These always come in handy for protecting electronics, etc.

Camera or GoPro with memory card and extra batteries.

Money: There are ATMs at select points such as Lukla and Namche Bazaar. But these have low daily withdrawal limits and high commission fees. What’s more, they have been known to take money out of your account without actually dispensing it to you.

Since currency exchange rates on the trail are sky-high, it’s best to bring a stash of local rupees with you. You’ll need rupees to pay for meals, showers, tips, etc.

Wi-Fi: A good option for staying connected is to buy a local sim card. It will give you data to about 4000m altitudes, and sometimes in EBC itself.

You can also check Everest Link for Wi-Fi data packages. The connection is supposedly available in most teahouses along the way, but it can be slow and unreliable so don’t depend on it too much.

Top Tip : Beware of phone updates. These will eat through your Wi-Fi and data limits before you realize what just happened!

A horizontal image a man hiking in the mountains pictured on a blue sky background.

Entertainment: EBC treks usually only schedule a few hours of hiking a day, to allow you time to acclimatize. Bring books, a Kindle , cards or other games for the many hours of downtime. Certainly, bring a journal so you can remember this once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Solar charger: Many teahouses offer power points where you can charge your devices for a nominal fee. Also, don’t forget to bring an adapter. It’s a good idea to bring your own solar-powered charger and extra batteries to minimize costs.

Tip : Keep batteries, base layers , and anything else you don’t want freezing in your sleeping bag with you overnight. Keep your phone in flight mode to save power.

Important documents: Bring printouts of your travel insurance information. And make sure one of your travel buddies knows what to do and whom to contact in case of an emergency.

Bring your passport, visas, money, etc. – I always keep these documents in a zip-top bag.

Trekking solo? Bring a safety whistle , compass , pocket knife , & duct tape, especially on the less-crowded trails

High-calorie snacks: These will make a huge difference to your experience. Snacks are exceedingly expensive on the trail, and they provide welcome calories on tough trekking days.

You’ll have to decide how many you want to bring and which ones you want to buy along the trail.

Cloth bags : Many trekkers use these to separate dirty laundry and organize different outfits.

Earplugs: You’ll be glad for these when the tea houses are alive with the sound of Khumbu coughs.

A Note on Trekking Insurance

Be very careful when purchasing travel insurance, because regular policies usually stop covering you once you ascend higher than 3,000m/9,840ft.

A horizontal image of a track on the side of a mountain in the Himalayas.

At these altitudes, you have a higher chance of getting Acute Mountain Sickness. Also, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll have to be airlifted out to a hospital for injuries . To clarify, injuries like a pulled muscle or twisted ankle at sea level can be more serious at higher altitudes.

Because of these higher costs and risks , insurance companies will charge you a premium for high-altitude trekking insurance.

Luckily, there’s no shortage of insurance companies that offer travel insurance specifically tailored to Everest Base Camp trekkers.

When purchasing a policy, make sure you’re covered for trekking up to altitudes of 6,000m/19,685ft. In addition, ensure it has search and rescue costs, preferably by helicopter.

Don’t forget to check if you’re covered for different travel-related illnesses (and make sure you get your vaccinations before going!).

It’s also nice to have compensation for delayed or canceled flights and repatriation in case of death (hopefully you won’t be needing this one).

Check the clause about lost, stolen or damaged luggage to see if it will cover most of the cost of your hiking gear.

Lobuche village, small village in Everest base camp trekking route surrounded by Himalaya mountains range, Nepal, Asia.

If you’re traveling in winter or shoulder season, then check for trip cancelation insurance. This is to ensure you’re covered if your trek is canceled due to weather.

You’ll likely have other considerations depending on your personal situation. Don’t just take our advice for it – remember to do your research, ask questions and read the fine print of your travel insurance policy before you purchase.

I always keep my travel insurance information handy while on the trek. Additionally, I pass it along to someone else in my group. This is so they know whom to contact in case of an emergency.

Some travel insurance providers require you to confirm with them before ordering a helicopter. Check out this option on getting trekking travel insurance for more information.

How to Avoid Altitude Sickness

Most tour operators organize a relaxed trekking schedule and follow the mantra “climb high, sleep low”. In essence, this is to avoid the risk of altitude sickness.

A horizontal image of a group of people backpacking in Nepal pictured on a backdrop of mountains and blue sky.

Take it slow – once you finish hiking for the day you’ll have a lot of dead hours in the teahouse. For this reason there’s really no point in racing there.

It’s important to respect the acclimatization days. The acclimatization hikes are designed to help you adjust to tomorrow’s altitude.

Try to drink 3-4 liters of water a day, as dehydration will make the altitude sickness way worse. It also goes without saying that you shouldn’t drink caffeine or alcohol or smoke during your trek.

If you can, then cut out these vices about a week before you start hiking. So that you won’t suffer from withdrawal headaches.

Many people swear by Diamox as a preventative drug against AMS. It’s your choice whether to take this or not. I personally found the tingling fingers and toes to be very off-putting, but it probably helped me acclimatize.

Altitude sickness is unpredictable and doesn’t discriminate based on fitness or age. Listen to your body and descend immediately if you think you have signs of Acute Mountain Sickness.

Check out our article on altitude sickness for a more detailed overview.

Choosing a Tour Operator

Every year there are rumors that the Nepali government will make it compulsory to go with a guide.. But so far, it’s still possible to undertake the trek to EBC on your own.

A horizontal image of monasteries in a Nepalese village surrounded by snow capped peaks and alpine vegetation.

Unless you’re going in high season, you’ll can drop in at tea houses and get a bed without a reservation.

Independent trekkers can choose whether to hike all by themselves. While others choose between ring a porter, a guide, or a guide and a porter. A guide will speak some English and can help with booking accommodation. However, a porter probably won’t speak English and will only carry your bag.

You can also hire one person who acts as a guide and a porter. Another upside to hiring a guide is that you’ll be providing someone with a job. And in turn, you’ll get to immerse yourself in the Nepali culture.

Alternately, you can opt to join a guided trek with a tour operator. While this is pricier, it’s a good choice for people who have never done such a long, high-altitude trek before.

A horizontal image of yaks carrying loads in a valley in Nepal with mountains in the background.

Tour operators typically arrange flights, airport transfers, accommodation, visas and permits, porters and guides. Western tour operators will usually charge more, but provide a more trustworthy service. You can expect to pay about twice as much for a Western tour operator.

Check to see if your tour operator is registered with the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN). TAAN regulates trekking agencies in Nepal to ensure fair treatment of employees, respect for local communities and preservation of the environment.

The Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project mission is to improve the working conditions of porters. They advocate for fair treatment and wages, lend free mountaineering clothing, and encourage them to work for only ethical companies. Through providing education and training opportunities, guides and porters have received classes on porters rights, Leave No Trace and are certified in First Aid.

Please make every effort to ensure the porters and guides are dressed properly, stay within the weight limit including their own luggage. Also, ensure they have adequate sleeping arrangements and insurance and are paid a fair wage.

It’s better to go with companies that employ their porters and guides full-time instead of freelance because there’s a better chance the company is providing them with benefits, sick days and health insurance.

Tipping is always a tricky subject and suggested rates will depend on whom you ask. Aim for around 15 percent of salary (if you’re traveling in a group, this number refers to the total pooled tip) per porter and/or guide, and adjust accordingly.

The classic Everest Base Camp trek winds through the Khumbu valley; once reaching Everest Base Camp, you’ll retrace your steps back down to Lukla for the return flight to Kathmandu.

A horizontal image of Mt Pumori pictured on a blue sky background.

If you’re interested in escaping the crowds or doing circular routes that don’t involve retracing your steps, there’s a variety of alternate routes to choose from.

You can also opt to tack small detours onto your classic EBC trek. This is especially doable if you’re traveling independently or in a small group.

You shouldn’t have any trouble booking your trek, even on the classic EBC trek.

Classic Everest Base Camp trek

The classic Everest Base Camp trek takes about 14 days, including time in Kathmandu before and after.

From Kathmandu, you’ll fly into Lukla Airport (2,860m/9,383ft) with its famously short runway – try to sit on the left side of the plane so you can catch your first views of Mt. Everest.

It’s a good idea to leave yourself a few buffer days, as Lukla flights are often delayed due to weather. Flights should be included in your tour price; otherwise they’re about USD 300, plus USD 100 for your guide’s ticket.

From the airport, you’ll trek to Phakding for the night.

The next day you’ll set out from Phakding and follow the Dudh Koshi River, crossing suspension bridges and pine forests until you reach the Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,286ft), in the Sagarmatha National Park UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Namche Bazaar is the region’s principal trading point, so use this opportunity to stock up on supplies you might have forgotten. If you’re there on Saturday, then don’t miss the market. From here you can also catch a peak of Everest.

You’ll take a day to acclimatize in Namche Bazaar – you can make the most of the Wi-Fi, stock up on any supplies you forgot, check out the Sherpa museum or just tool around the village.

The day after you’ll follow the former Tibet-Nepal trading route via Thame to Tengboche. These villages are known for legendary views, where you can visit one of the region’s biggest monasteries .

Next you’ll hike through Phangboche to Pheriche while admiring the views of Ama Dablam. You might be interested to know that Pheriche is where the Himalayan Rescue Association makes its base – but hopefully you won’t need to use this information! 

Most people stay in Pheriche for a day to acclimatize and visit local attractions like the Imja Lake or Dingboche village, which boasts views of Lhotse and Island Peak.

Now that you’re rested, you’ll be ready to tackle the trek to Lobuche, which features a 600m/1,969ft elevation gain. You’ll skirt the perilous Khumbu Glacier and witness the many memorials to sherpas and climbers who perished in their attempt to climb Everest.

From Lobuche you’ll set out towards Gorak Shep, which is the world’s highest permanently inhabited village.

Finally, it’s time to push on through the moraine towards Everest Base Camp! Since actual summiteers of Everest have priority, don’t expect to spend too long there or even be allowed inside the base camp itself.

But don’t worry, the adrenaline-filled atmosphere extends all the way down to the trekker stop point! From here you’ll go back down to Gorak Shep for the night.

You can’t actually see the peak of Mt. Everest from Everest Base Camp, so the next day you’ll make a steep ascent up to the summit of Kala Patthar (5545m/ 18,192ft) to catch amazing views of Everest, Nuptse (7,861m/25,791ft) and Lhotse (8,516m/27,940ft).

Most groups try to do this at sunset on the same day as they reach EBC, or at sunrise the next morning, when Mt. Everest sometimes turns pink in the early-morning light.

Forging on ahead, you’ll descend to Dingboche or Pheriche, and from there past Tengboche and back to Namche Bazaar the next day. Keep an eye out for the massive fields of wild rhododendrons if you’re visiting in the spring!

Your last day of trekking will take you back to Lukla, where you’ll spend the night before catching the flight to Kathmandu.

  • Pros : Comparatively gentle altitude profile, can be done independently
  • Cons : Have to retrace steps on the way down, can be crowded
  • Length : ~130km (12-14 days)
  • Highest point : Kala Patthar (5545m/ 18,192ft)

Gokyo Lakes Trek 

The Gokyo Lakes Trek is popular for its beautiful glacial lakes , nestled in the quiet Gokyo valley.

Like the classic Everest Base Camp trek, the Gokyo Lakes trek starts at Lukla, breaking off towards the northwest at the Namche Bazaar.

This trek is considered slightly more challenging than the classic EBC trek, with steeper ascents and more time spent at high altitudes.

It takes 2-3 days longer, detouring around some of the most crowded sections of the classic base camp trek but still finishing at Everest Base Camp.

You’ll see glacial lakes and summit Gokyo Ri (5,357m/17,575ft) where you’ll earn views of Everest, Lhotse and Cho Oyu (8,201m/26,906ft).

Fly into Kathmandu, spend a few days acclimatizing and then take another flight to Lukla. The next day, you’ll trek down through the Dudh Koshi Valley to Phakding past several Buddhist sites.

Hiking through pine forests and along the Dudh Koshi River, you’ll cross several suspension bridges including the Hillary Suspension Bridge. After entering the Sagarmatha National Park, you’ll continue hiking until the Namche Bazaar.

You’ll then separate from the classic EBC trek and head northwest towards Dole along the Dudh Koshi valley. You’ll get some of the first views of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam today.

The next day brings a steep climb towards Machhermo, which is populated with yaks in the summer.

Allow yourself a day to acclimatize and enjoy views of Ngozumpa Glacier (the biggest glacier in the Himalayas). Once you’ve enjoyed the glacier, trek to the Gokyo lakes and you’ll eventually reach Gokyo village. If you are tired by now, you’re in luck because this is where you’ll bed down for the night.

This is another popular time to take an acclimatization rest day and explore the surrounding lakes, or summit Gokyo Ri, which stands almost 5,500m/18,045ft above sea level.

Stop to take in the stunning views of Everest, Lhotse and Cho Oyu, then continue back down to the Ngozumpa glacier and on into Dragnag.

The next day is a tough one. You’ll traverse Cho La, one of the “Three Passes” (5,420m/17,782ft), cross a glacier and then spend the night in Zonglha. 

Joining up with the classic EBC trek, you’ll stop for a moment of reflection at the memorials to sherpas and climbers who perished in their attempts to climb Everest, and then continue on to Lobuche for the night.

From Lobuche, you’ll skirt the Khumbu glacier, hiking up past Gorak Shep and finally you’ll reach Everest Base Camp! Enjoy it while it lasts, because the priority at EBC is the Everest summiteers, especially in the spring months.

You’ll hike back down to Gorak Shep alongside views of the Khumbu icefall . Part of the highest glacier on Earth, the icefall’s deadly crevasses, unstable seracs and unpredictable avalanches have taken dozens of lives.

The next day you’ll hike up Kala Patthar, with more views of Everest and the neighboring mountain peaks, and then down to Dingboche along the classic EBC route.

It’s time to return to Namche Bazaar. The day after you’ll hike back to Lukla through the Dudh Koshi valley, and then fly into Kathmandu.

Because the trek is longer, expect to pay more than you would for the classic EBC trek. Trekkers are advised not to attempt this trek independently, due to the increased difficulty and the fact that there are fewer people on the routes.

Like the classic EBC trek, the best time to go is during spring or fall. Because the trek isn’t as popular, you shouldn’t have to worry about crowds for most of the way, so feel free to go during peak season.

  • Pros : Fewer crowds, more challenging, more sights, get to summit a peak, see the world’s highest freshwater lake system, prettier landscapes than classic trek, circular route so no need to retrace steps
  • Cons : More expensive than classic EBC trek
  • Length : ~220km/136 miles (16-17 days, including a few days in Kathmandu before and after)
  • Highest point : Kala Patthar (5545m/18,192ft)

Jiri to Everest Base Camp 

This old-school route mirrors the route taken by the first Everest summiteers in the 1950’s, starting with an 8-hour bus ride from Kathmandu to Jiri instead of flying into Lukla.

From Jiri, you’ll pass through the towns of Sete, Junbesi and Numtala in the Solu Khumbu region.

After reaching Lukla, you’ll join up with the classic EBC trek, passing through Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Pheriche and Gorak Shep.

In total, the Jiri route takes about 5-6 days longer than the classic route.

Jiri route trekkers will have the chance to spend a lot more time with the locals. You’ll also spend more time at low altitudes – the route starts at just 1,800m/5,905ft above sea level – meaning landscapes will forests and streams with actual running water.

Much of the trek is off the beaten path, with fewer crowds than the EBC classic trek.

Tool around Kathmandu for a day and then take an 8-hour (190km/118 mile) bus ride, following the Sun Koshi River to Jiri and then Shivalaya.

The next day, you’ll cross a suspension bridge over the river and then explore several tea houses. Go through the Deorali Pass, taking a moment to check out the prayer flags and decorated walls, and then head down to Bhandar for the night.

From Bhandar, you’ll walk through fields and forests before embarking on a steep descent t

owards the village of Kenja. Uphill again, you’ll traverse the Lamjura Pass and arrive at the town of Sete.

The next day, you’ll return to the Lamjura Pass and pass through magnificent fields of pine trees, magnolia and rhododendrons. Without a doubt, you’ll appreciate the stunning mountain views. Next,hike down the other side and you’ll arrive at the town of Junbesi.

Back into the forest, you’ll see Mt. Everest for the first time. You’ll then cross the Ringmo Khola suspension bridge and arrive at the village of Ringmo with its gorgeous Tibetan architecture. Another forest and you’ll be at Nunthala.

In the morning, you’ll head out towards the Dudh Koshi River, crossing another impressive suspension bridge on your way to Bupsa.

The next few days will take you to higher altitudes as you pass through forests with monkeys and several small villages.

Arriving in Lukla, you’ll join up with the classic EBC trek. After reaching Everest Base Camp, you’ll summit Kala Patthar for the obligatory views of Mt. Everest at dawn and then return through Gorak Shep, Namche Bazaar and finally Lukla, for your flight back to Kathmandu.

Like the classic Everest trek, the Jiri route is best undertaken in spring or fall. Caution: some parts of the Jiri trek may be closed in the winter, so we don’t recommend going during this season.

The Jiri route is only slightly more difficult than the classic Everest Base Camp route, due to its longer duration.

The average day of hiking comprises 5-6 hours, covering about 15km/9 miles. On the bright side, due to the more gradual ascent compared with the classic trek, you’re less likely to get altitude sickness.

  • Pros : More authentic, less touristy, chance to see Solo Khumbu landscapes (terraced farmland, forests, Dudh Koshi river, sherpas), gradual acclimatization
  • Cons : 8-hour bus ride (but scenic!)
  • Length : ~250km/155 miles (22 days, of which 18 days of trekking)
  • Highest point : Kala Patthar (5,545m/ 18,192ft)

Three Passes Trek 

As you might infer from the name, the Three Passes trek takes you across three high mountain passes (all higher than 5,000m/16,400ft). Thus, making it more difficult than the classic EBC trek.

After reaching Namche Bazaar, the Three Passes trek splits off from the classic trek. This takes you towards Thame and the Nangpa Valley. The trek takes around 19 days in total, of which 14-15 will be spent trekking. Getting a guide is highly recommended.

After flying into Lukla from Kathmandu, you’ll work your way down to Phakding.

The next day will take you across several suspension bridges on the way to Namche Bazaar. You’ll be there for a day of acclimatizing. After which you’ll split off from the classic EBC route and head to Thame.

Crossing the Bhote Koshi river, you’ll reach Lumde and catch your first good views of the mountain peaks. The next day, you’ll tackle the first pass.

The Renjo La (5,360m/17,585ft) lies near the Dudh Koshi valley and will reward you with views of Everest. Then you’ll pass the Gokyo lakes and the village of Gokyo, where you’ll summit Gokyo Ri and catch sight of Cho Oyu.

After spending some time acclimatizing in Gokyo, you’ll walk across the Ngozumpa Glacier. This is Nepal’s largest glacier, and you’ll then spend the night in Dragnag.

The next day is notorious. You’ll traverse the next pass, Cho La (5,420m/17,782 ft), which has a glacier and prayer flags at the top. On the other side of the pass lies Zonglha.

Joining back up with the base camp trek, you’ll visit Lobuche and Gorak Shep and take in views of the Khumbu Glacier, Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse.

You’ll explore Everest Base Camp and summit Kala Patthar before retracing your steps back through Gorak Shep and Lobuche.

The trek keeps on going, past the Kongma La pass (5,535m/18,159ft), down into the Chukkung valley and up to the summit of Chukking Ri (5,550m/18,209ft) with more mountain views.

You’ll trek through Dingboche, with its views over the Khumbu Valley. Eventually, you hike down through the rhododendron fields and the village of Khumjung, ending back at the Namche Bazaar.

From here you’ll cross the Dudh Koshi, following the classic EBC route back down to Lukla.

This trek can also be done backwards; it’s up to you whether you want to head clockwise or counter-clockwise after the Namche Bazaar.

Many people recommend doing the trek counter-clockwise to avoid crossing the difficult Renjo La Pass right off the bat.

You’re best off doing this trek with a tour operator, as it’s quite off the beaten path.

  • Pros : See a little bit of everything, uncrowded trails, challenging elevation profile
  • Cons : Riskier terrain than classic EBC trail, long stretches with no facilities
  • Length : ~21 days (150km/90 miles)
  • Highest point : Chukking Ri (5,550m/18,209ft)

Island Peak (Imja Tse)

Experienced trekkers who wish to try their hand at mountaineering might be interested in summiting Island Peak (6,189 m/20,305 ft).

A horizontal image of two climbers on the side of Island Peak mountain.

To master the glaciers and icy headwall during the ascent of these peaks, you’ll need to use crampons, an ice ax and potentially a ladder and ropes to cross the crevasses, depending on the weather.

Tour operators claim you can learn these skills on the fly, but it’s better to have some prior mountaineering experience before you tackle these routes, which are significantly more challenging.

That being said, Island Peak is a relatively “easy” climb as far as climbs go, so it’s a good option if you’re looking to expand your repertoire. 

Since a detailed itinerary of Island Peak is outside the scope of this article, be aware that the general packing list doesn’t include the specialized mountaineering equipment you need for this trek.

Likewise, ascending Island Peak takes you above 6,000m and will probably not be covered by standard travel insurance providers, so check with your local mountaineering association for options.

Practical Information

What will I eat? How much will the trip cost? These are the questions most frequently asked.

As a general rule, the tea house lodgings themselves are very, very cheap with the condition that you eat dinner and breakfast in the same lodge.

This is where your costs will really add up – food is very expensive – so check with your tour operator when booking to see if meals are included.

Food on the trek is repetitive but nourishing. The meals are carb-heavy – think pasta dishes, dahl baht or “sherpa stew” with veggies and noodles.

What other trek offers the convenience of stopping in at a tea house or bakery for a hot lunch or freshly baked pastry? Just be prepared for stretches where you won’t see a tea house for several hours.

Hot drinks are readily available, and a popular treat is a deep-fried Mars bar. Don’t leave without trying one!

Most people recommend going vegetarian during the trek. Sagarmatha National Park has a no-kill policy so all meat has to be carried up by porters or yaks and is never very fresh, so there’s a real risk of getting sick.

Much of the garbage that’s disposed of in the villages ends up getting burned on-site, which really makes you consider the impact of your waste.

Before wantonly throwing plastic into the garbage cans, try to reduce what you use and pack out as much as you can.

The budget for your trip will vary widely depending on whether you’re trekking independently or going with a tour operator.

If you are booking with a tour operator, the flight price and permit prices should be included – usually you’ll have to pay for your guide’s flight as well.

Tour prices run from about USD 1000 to 3000 depending whether you go local or get a Western tour operator.

Budget around USD 400 for the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla Airport, including your guide’s ticket. If you go independently, consider getting help from a local agency for buying your flight tickets.

Flights have a way of being overbooked and you’re more likely to get on the plane if a local agent is vouching for you. On this note, factor in a few buffer days for your flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu, in case of weather or overbooking delays. 

Nationals of all countries except India will need a visa to enter Nepal, which costs USD 25 for 15 days, USD 40 for 30 days and USD 100 for 90 days.

You’re best off getting the 30-day visa even if your trek is only scheduled to take two weeks, as weather and other factors might extend the trip unexpectedly. For the most part, you can get your visa when you land in Nepal.

It used to be mandatory to purchase a Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card, but the laws on this are constantly changing and there is a new local tax being charged, so check before you go unless your tour operator is arranging paperwork for you.

You will need a Sagarmatha National Park entry permit, which you can get ahead of time or at Monjo, when entering the park.

The price of the permits will normally be included in the trip price if going with a tour operator. Bring several passport photos for the permits.

All Set: Are You Ready?

The name “Everest” may sound intimidating, but this is actually one of the more approachable multi-day treks out there.

A horizontal image showing a view of Mt Everest from Gokyo.

If you have a reasonable fitness level and are comfortable walking uphill for several hours a day carrying a heavy backpack, then you should be able to complete the trek. The key is to go slowly to avoid altitude sickness.

You don’t need special mountaineering know-how or an incredible level of fitness. The hike to EBC is a relaxed one, as hikes go.

The pace is slow, to allow you the time to acclimatize, so you’ll have plenty of free hours to peruse the village cafés, tuck into a slice of apple pie and snuggle up with a good book or make friends over a game of cards back at the teahouse.

That being said, of course it’s a good idea to prepare for the trek by hitting the gym in the months prior to your departure, and plenty of practice hikes starting two months before you go.

Don’t forget to practice hiking with a heavy backpack on! Check out this article for more tips on preparing for an uphill hike .

In total, the trek is around 130km/81 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of 2,685m/8,809ft between Lukla (2,860 m) and Kala Patthar (5,545 m).

It’s usually done in just under two weeks, including rest days for acclimatization. The outward leg will take longer and you can expect to trek 5-6 hours per trekking day, covering an average of 15km/9 miles.

The hike from EBC back to Lukla will go much faster since you’ll already be acclimatized.

Plenty of people with no prior trekking experience manage to complete the EBC trek and you can too! Like any non-technical trek at altitude , the key is a proper pace, a decent level of fitness and most of all, a good attitude!

Have you been trekking in Nepal? Let us know about it in the comments section below!

Disclaimer : This post is for information only and is not intended to replace the advice of an experienced guide. Always do your research and check with local weather stations, etc. before attempting to undertake treks in the wild. Distances are approximate and routes may vary depending on your tour operator.

Photos via Depositphotos.

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Travel Insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek

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  • Published on February 15, 2022

Everest Region

everest base camp travel insurance

Travel insurance is very important if you plan to trek to the Everest Base Camp. While trekking to Everest Base Camp, you may face numerous problems such as altitude sickness, accidents, harsh weather, and flight cancelation. Purchase travel insurance and trek in peace.

everest base camp travel insurance

Why do you need Travel Insurance for EBC Trek?

When we think about travel insurance, the first question that comes to mind is, DO I EVEN NEED TO BUY TRAVEL INSURANCE? If you are trekking to the Everest Base Camp, we strongly advise you to obtain travel insurance.

Altitude Sickness

everest base camp travel insurance

If you trek to the Everest Base Camp, you’ll undoubtedly be sleeping and trekking above 5,000 meters. Due to low oxygen level and less air pressure, people tend to experience mild symptoms of AMS ; sometimes in extreme circumstances, very few people even need to be hospitalized, and because there are no decent hospitals nearby, the only way out is to be rescued back to Kathmandu.

everest base camp travel insurance

Everest Base Camp trek lasts for at least 12 days, with an average walking hour of 6-8 hours daily. As trekkers need to trek through different types of trails and cross multiple suspension bridges, there is always a risk of getting injured and accidents. While dehydration and fatigue are quite common, injuries like ankle twists and muscle sprains can get exacerbated. 

Flight Cancellation 

everest base camp travel insurance

You must have heard about Lukla Flight cancellation; sometimes, it lasts for days. The main reason for this is the terrain and continuously changing weather. The weather in Lukla fluctuates every minute and hour; nonetheless, the weather in Lukla is adequate during the autumn and spring seasons.

Your Travel Insurance for EBC Trek must include:

everest base camp travel insurance

Helicopter Rescue 

Make sure your travel insurance covers helicopter rescue because when trekking to the Everest Base Camp, you’ll be trekking for several days at an altitude over 4,500 meters, and you may experience many challenges due to extreme weather and health emergencies . There is always a risk of AMS, and unfortunately, if you suffer from AMS, you need to get evacuated immediately to the nearest hospital. 

everest base camp travel insurance

Covers at least 6000 meters 

All the insurance does not cover up to 6000 meters; therefore, when trekking to the Everest Base Camp, make sure your insurance covers up to at least 6000 meters because you will be trekking and sleeping over an altitude of 5000 meters. 

Where can you buy your Travel Insurance for EBC Trek? 

everest base camp travel insurance

You can purchase travel insurance from any insurance provider in your area. It is preferable to purchase insurance from local firms so that you can easily follow up and file a claim. But let us hope you never need to use your insurance.

Here are a few insurance companies where you can get covered.

UNITED STATES:

Global Rescue

Travel Guard

World Nomads

Atlas Travel Insurance

UNITED KINGDOM:

British Mountaineering Council

True Traveller

CONTINENTAL EUROPE:

Europ Assistance

Adventure Sports Cover 360

Reliance General Insurance

  • altitude sickness
  • everest base camp trek
  • Travel insurance

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Everest Base Camp Trek Insurance: Safe Trekking

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“If you’re an adventurous person, whether you’ve been to Nepal or not, you’ll discover that the Everest Base Camp is far from being a hidden gem. It stands out as one of Nepal’s most renowned trekking destinations, offering an undeniable sense of thrill and adventure. Each day, trekkers must endure a minimum of 5 to 6 hours of walking until they finally reach Everest Base Camp, also known as EBC. Moreover, this entire trek is highly dependent on unpredictable and uncontrollable weather conditions, requiring numerous backup plans.”

Given the knowledge of these obstacles, why do people persist in planning for the EBC trek? What drives individuals to embark on this journey without fear? And what if one falls ill along the way? How would they manage? If these thoughts echo in your mind, rest assured, we’re here with the solutions.

gokyo-valley-trek-with-everest-base-camp-trek-insurance

Undoubtedly, embarking on a trek to Everest Base Camp (EBC) is no easy feat; it demands meticulous preparation before turning it into a reality. Along the journey, trekkers may encounter a range of challenges, including altitude sickness, accidents, unforeseen illnesses, theft of belongings, flight cancellations, and other unfavorable circumstances. However, despite these potential situations, trekkers can find solace in the assurance of Everest Base Camp Trek insurance, also referred to as travel insurance. With this coverage in place, adventurers can embark on their trek with a sense of security, enabling them to fully enjoy their expedition.

And here we will talk about Everest Base Camp Trek Insurance and its importance. Let’s start with the basics first.

What is travel insurance?

People who are used to traveling might know about travel insurance. However, some people who are starting to travel might not know about travel insurance or travel insurance for trekking in Nepal. Simply put, travel insurance is not a free policy but a purchased plan which will cover your uncertain conditions while traveling. Such as financial risk for a certain amount and other losses which you might accidentally encounter them.

Additionally, trekking insurance is much more than travel insurance because it is mostly for trekkers who ascend above 4,000m altitude. The benefit of having trekking insurance is that it will cover up to 6,000m altitude.

What is Everest Base Camp Trek Insurance?

As you already know how thrilling Everest Base Camp trek is. And we have to make ourselves prepared for any kind of unpredictable situation. While trekking if you have to face any kind of hazards then Everest Base Camp Insurance comes to play. Everest Base Camp Insurance means trekking insurance that covers all the losses or provides an evacuation policy during Everest Base Camp Trek.

Similar to travel insurance this Everest Base Camp Insurance is a purchased plan which will also cover your accident, illness, altitude sickness, flight cancellation for both national as well as international, and many more. And this insurance price may vary on the basis of your age.

Why do you need Travel Insurance for EBC Trek?

Travel insurance for an Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek is essential for several reasons. Firstly, trekking to EBC involves various risks and challenges, including altitude sickness, accidents, unforeseen illnesses, and theft. Travel insurance provides financial protection and assistance in the event of such incidents, covering medical expenses, emergency evacuations, and lost or stolen belongings.

Secondly, EBC treks are subject to unpredictable weather conditions that can result in flight cancellations or delays. Travel insurance typically includes coverage for trip interruptions or cancellations, ensuring that you are reimbursed for non-refundable expenses such as flights, accommodations, and permits.

Furthermore, the remote and rugged nature of the EBC trek can make access to medical facilities challenging. Travel insurance often offers access to 24/7 emergency assistance services, which can help coordinate medical evacuations if necessary and provide guidance in critical situations.

In summary, travel insurance for an EBC trek provides peace of mind, financial protection, and support in the face of unforeseen circumstances, enabling trekkers to focus on enjoying their adventure while knowing they have a safety net in place.

Is it compulsory to get Travel Insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek in 2024?

Well, it is not like you must have insurance, and then only you can trek to Everest Base Camp. As a tour operator, we suggest all of our trekkers have trekking insurance because “Prevention is Better than Cure”.

Similarly, having Everest Base Camp Insurance can shorten the process of heli evacuation. From 2023, it has become compulsory for all trekkers as 90% of trekkers usually have insurance with them.

Want to Book EBC Trek with Us?

“We provide all the details & information”

What should Everest Base Camp Trek insurance normally cover?

The insurance for Everest Base Camp can vary according to the specific policy and the vendor. But basically, it includes medical emergencies, personal belongings, travel assistance, and many more. Let’s point out the typical insurance policy.

  • Medical Treatment and Evacuation

While trekking to high-elevated regions, you may encounter many unpleasant difficulties. Those can be health emergencies or it might be the harsh climates. Being located at a high altitude area there are no means of transportation. For that kind of medical emergency helicopter service needs to be operated. In this kind of condition, insurance will give coverage for any kind of illness or injury that may occur during the trek. 

  • Trip Cancellation or Interruption

Canceling our well-planned and pre-paid travel is a rare thing that we do. But what to do if you fall sick last minute? This policy includes reimbursement for your cancellation.

Now let’s talk about flight interruption. The Everest Base Camp trek all depends on the weather. Flight interruption is one of the major problems in the Himalayas . If you don’t have insurance then this kind of issue will ruin your budget and holiday too. Whereas, to those who have insurance for the Everest Base Camp trek, there is nothing to worry about because insurance will compensate you as well as cover your flight cancellation.

  • Theft and Loss of Belongings (Baggage insurance)

People always do not have good intentions. Sometimes, for trekkers, personal belongings can be stolen. Similarly, trekkers have to face the problem of baggage missing during the flight. Even trekkers might lose valuable tools such as trekking gear which can force them to abandon their whole Everest Base Camp trek.

In such cases, baggage insurance becomes dominant and it will cover the loss, theft, or damage that you face during the trek.

  • Travel Assistance

The Everest Base Camp trek is the dream of many trekkers. There is something we humans cannot control no matter how hard we try to accomplish something and that is nature. Trekkers might come up against haphazard circumstances like landslides, track loss, accidents, and an avalanche.

Equivalent to this situation insurance will provide access to travel assistance services such as 24-hour hotline support, medical advice as well a language translation facility.

P.s. It is very important to go through your insurance policy thoroughly to understand the coverage that is provided, the limitations of your policy, and whether it meets your specific needs or not.

morning-view-of-Namche-Bazar

How to choose a reliable Insurance company?

In the era of this fast communication finding one of the best insurance companies won’t be a big deal. And we don’t want to be biased by giving you the exact name of the company for the insurance. So, what we recommend is to go through the nearest travel insurance or find one online. If you can’t find any near you then you can look for the World Nomads, Travel Guard, or Travelex which will help you to get your trekking insurance.

As well as we suggest you purchase the adventure insurance policy for Everest Base Camp Trek which provides coverage up to 6,000m above sea level. In addition, being a Nepali trekking agency, we do not suggest you come here and buy insurance due to scams that increased in the name of travel insurance. Similarly, no trekking insurance is provided in Nepal.

Here are some of the travel insurance companies across the world.

USA & Canada

Travel Guard

World Nomads

Global Rescue

United Kingdom

British Mountaineering Council

True Traveller

Australia & New Zealand

Europe Assistance

Can I purchase Everest Base Camp trek insurance after starting the trek?

Ideally, it is recommended to purchase travel insurance before starting the trek. However, some insurance providers may offer coverage if the trek has already begun, but it is best to inquire and confirm with the insurance company directly.

Does Everest Base Camp trek insurance cover altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness coverage can vary among insurance policies. Some plans may cover medical expenses related to altitude sickness treatment, while others may have specific limitations or exclusions. It is crucial to carefully review the policy details and consider additional coverage if necessary.

How much is Everest Base Camp Trek insurance?

The cost of Everest Base Camp Trek insurance varies, but a standard estimate is around 4-8% of the total trip cost. It depends on factors like coverage, duration, and your health condition.

Do guides and porters have insurance?

  • Guides and porters typically have insurance provided by trekking agencies. It’s advisable to confirm this with the agency before the trek to ensure coverage for any unforeseen circumstances during the journey.

At last, after going through this blog now you might think that trekking to Everest Base Camp is a dangerous endeavor. However, that is not true. Overall, Everest Base Camp trek insurance is an important consideration for anyone planning a trek in the Nepal Himalayas. Travel insurance will block all of the foreseen losses and expenses that can happen during the trek. Additionally, it gives you peace of mind while enjoying your trekking adventure.

Make sure you have the proper trekking insurance. Have a safe and happy trekking in Nepal.

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Home » Travel Insurance » Reviews » Best Insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek

Best Insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek

Written by Antonio Cala.

  • Affiliate Disclosure

Table of Contents

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, nature enthusiast, or an avid adventure traveler, securing the appropriate insurance is crucial. In this article, we will explore the best insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek. We’ll delve into the distinctive aspects of insurance for this particular trek, emphasize important features to take into account, and showcase our top recommendations for 2024.

For a comprehensive exploration of insurance options designed specifically for hikers and mountaineering, be sure to explore both the  insurance guide for hiking trips  and the  insurance guide for mountaineering trips and high altitude trekking .

Finally, for a complete overview of insurance options for adventure travelers, make sure to check out the  Ultimate Guide to Adventure Travel Insurance .

Quick Recommendations

If you want some quick recommendations, here is our infographic to help you choose the best insurance for your trip to the Everest Base Camp. 

Best Travel Insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek - Infographic

Everest Base Camp Trek Insurance Overview

When it comes to getting travel insurance for the Everest Base Camp Trek, the key difference is the altitude . At the highest point of the trek, you’ll be at over 18,000 feet (5,500m) above sea level, but most travel insurance only covers up to 9,000 feet (2,750 meters).

This limitation is because of the risks associated with altitude sickness and other related illnesses. To avoid these problems, it’s important to acclimatize properly and give your body time to adjust to the high altitudes.

If you experience symptoms and they don’t get better quickly, the only option is to descend. This can be done on mule back or through medical evacuation by helicopter. If your insurance covers up to 20,000ft (6,000m), you’ll be protected for the entire trek, and you won’t have to worry about high costs for evacuation or medical help.

What Does It Cover?

The majority of insurance policies typically offer the same coverage as a traditional travel insurance policy but specifically cater to hiking at high altitudes. The main four categories are as follows:

Medical Expenses

In the event of an unforeseen injury or illness during your Everest Base Camp Trek, specialized insurance tailored for such adventures offers coverage for emergency medical expenses incurred at overseas hospitals or medical centers.

This all-encompassing coverage addresses a range of medical requirements, spanning from essential treatments to more intricate procedures. Whether you require immediate first aid or extensive medical care, a meticulously designed insurance plan provides financial support for your well-being as you navigate the demanding landscapes of high altitudes and the great outdoors.

Equipment Coverage

In the unfortunate event of damage, theft, or loss of your equipment during the Everest Base Camp Trek, such as trekking poles or backpack, specialized insurance for these adventures typically provides coverage. The coverage amount can vary, ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. This feature enables you to file a claim to mitigate the costs linked to repairing or replacing your essential trekking gear.

Trip Cancellation or Interruption

In the event that you need to cancel or cut short your Everest Base Camp Trek due to injury, specialized insurance tailored for these activities provides the flexibility to claim reimbursement for the missed portions of your adventure.

Emergency Evacuation

Arguably the most crucial coverage for an Everest Base Camp Trek or high-altitude trekking expedition, it enables emergency medical evacuation to the most suitable medical facility for treatment or repatriation back to your country of residence.

What Doesn't Cover?

If you’re considering a more challenging expedition in the area, such as ascending Lobuche East and Island Peak as part of your journey to Everest Base Camp, standard Everest Base Camp Trek insurance policies won’t cover you. Both these peaks surpass 6,000m and demand the use of ropes and crampons for climbing. 

Make sure to review your itinerary, and if it includes any non-standard routes or mountaineering activities, reach out to your local mountaineering association in your country for guidance on obtaining suitable mountaineering insurance.

Best Insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek in 2024

Our Pick For

Best Rescue Services + Any Nationality + Medical/Evacuation Only

Global Rescue

Nationalities: all nationalities are covered.

Pre-existing conditions: Yes.

Seniors Over 65: People aged 65-75 are included in the Individual Plan. Extended Plan memberships are available to those age 75-84 and include all services but are contingent upon completion of a medical form and a physician’s medical verification.

Trip Duration: Short term policies (7, 14 or 30-days) and long term policies (1 to 5 years) available.

Groups: Individual, family and student plans available.

Situations covered:  It covers civil unrest, natural disasters, government evacuation orders and other security emergencies (when purchasing the Security package).

  • Pros & Cons

Reasons To Buy

Remote locations coverage. Coverage available for 65-84. Pre-existing conditions accepted. All nationalities accepted​.

Reasons To Avoid

The price is a bit higher than other insurance policies. However, no other company provides the same coverage as Global Rescue. It doesn’t cover trip cancellations or delays. It doesn’t cover equipment.

Worldwide field rescue (up to $500,000) in remote or dangerous environments. Global Rescue’s deployable teams are standing by to rescue their members from the point of illness or injury for any serious medical emergency.

Medical Evacuation. Global Rescue’s fully deployable medical teams have unparalleled capabilities to transport our members back to their home hospital of choice from anywhere in the world. This includes global COVID-19 transport.

Medical & Security Advisory Services. Global Rescue’s operations centers are staffed by experienced nurses, paramedics and military special operations veterans. Global Rescue also has partnerships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations, Elite Medical Group and Partners HealthCare, the Harvard Medical School affiliate.

Security Membership. Global Rescue’s teams of military special operations veterans are available to provide advisory, consultation and evacuation services for events like natural disasters, terror attacks and civil unrest when you are in danger.

Destination Reports & Event Alerts. Destination reports for 215 countries and principalities worldwide include entry requirements, COVID-19 travel status and restrictions, detailed health and security assessments and required immunizations. Keep up to date on health and security events worldwide.

My Global Rescue Mobile App. Access Global Rescue services in one location. Browse destination reports and alerts, activate emergency assistance, real-time virtual health visits and keep track of the people you care about with GPS tracking and messaging.

Security Package. Physical extraction when you are in danger of bodily harm. It includes civil unrest, natural disasters, government evacuation orders and other security emergencies.

Global Rescue  is the most comprehensive travel protection available worldwide. It has the least restrictions and biggest coverage than any other medical insurance.

It’s a medical-only protection designed for adventure travelers planning to go remote in an independent or organized adventure trip. All nationalities are covered and options for people over 75 are available.

Global Rescue   is our preferred option for Everest Base Camp trekkers.

Americans + High Medical Coverage + Trip Protection

Nationalities:  Only US citizens and residents are eligible.

Pre-existing conditions:  Pre-existing conditions can be covered for Trip Cancellations and Interruptions, as long as you purchase your plan within 14 days of your initial trip deposit, and are medically able to travel when you purchase your plan.

Seniors Over 65:  There is no maximum age limit.

Trip Duration:  All plans cover trips up to 180 days.

Groups:  Insurance policies for solo travelers, couples and families are available.

The prices are very competitive.

Plans are very customizable with plenty of extras available and the option of removing items you don’t need.

Pre-existing medical conditions accepted.

24/7 chat available with the Faye Mobile App

Only available to American residents.

Emergency Medical Expenses: Up to $250,000. If you experience sudden illness or injury in-trip, including COVID-19. We can cover prescription drugs, hospitalization and physician costs.

Emergency Evacuation: Up to $500,000. Coverage of transportation in the case of illness or injury that is acute, severe or life threatening when adequate medical treatment is not available in the immediate area.

Trip Cancellation: Up to 100%. If you need to cancel your trip for covered reasons, including if you get sick, contract COVID-19, or a travel provider goes bankrupt. We can cover flights, hotel bookings, tickets & activities, and quarantine accommodation.

Trip Interruption: Up to 150%. When you must unexpectedly cut your trip short or extend it for covered reasons, including if you contract COVID-19.

Trip Delay: Up to $4,500. Up to $300/day, for delays of more than 6 hours. When you’re stranded in transit due to reasons outside of your control such as flight delay or theft of passport.

Lost or damaged Belongings: Up to $2,000. Reimbursement for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage, including clothing, personal items and professional equipment like a phone or laptop.

Cancel for Any Reason: Up to 75% of Trip Cost. The ability to nix your trip for reasons other than those covered in your plan’s trip cancellation coverage, including fear of contracting COVID-19, as long as you purchase this coverage within 14 days of your initial trip deposit and cancel at least 48 hours in advance of your scheduled departure date.

Pet Care: Up to $2,500 in veterinary expenses & 
$250 for kenneling. Coverage of veterinary expenses if you take your furry friend along (including pet sickness or injury), or kenneling costs if you arrive back home later than expected.

Adventure & Extreme Sports: Up to $250K (international trips) or $50K (domestic trips) for accidental & sickness expenses. Medical and transportation coverage if you become injured while participating in an adventure or extreme sport, like skydiving, bungee jumping, motocross or free diving.

Faye insurance  provides American residents one of the biggest medical coverages on the market at a very competitive price. 

We recommend  Faye  for Americans who  want a complete travel protection for their trip to Everest Base Camp, including high medical coverage, trip protection cancellation & interruption, and baggage coverage.

Non Americans + Budget

World Nomads

Nationalities:  Most nationalities can purchase insurance from World Nomads, including residents of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, India, Australia, or New Zealand. However, as of the current writing, most European residents are unable to buy a World Nomads policy.

Pre-existing conditions:  Not covered.

Seniors Over 65:  Travelers aged 70 and over are not covered.

Trip Duration:  All plans cover trips up to 365 days.

The price is competitive.

Prices and coverage vary greatly by the country of residence.

Some European nationalities are not covered.

Pre-existing medical conditions not covered

Max age is 70 years old.

Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical Expense: Up to $100,000. Coverage is for medical expenses for emergency treatment of an accidental injury that occurs during the trip. Emergency treatment must be medically necessary and performed during the trip. Refer to the certificate / policy for complete details.

Emergency dental treatment: Up to $750. Coverage is for emergency dental treatment for accidental injury to sound, natural teeth. The injury and treatment must occur during the trip.

Emergency Evacuation: Up to $500,000. Coverage is for an accidental injury or sickness occurring during the trip that results in your necessary emergency evacuation. An emergency evacuation must be ordered by a physician who certifies that the severity of your accidental injury or sickness warrants your emergency evacuation. Refer to the certificate / policy for complete details.

Trip Cancellation: Up to $10,000. Reimburses for prepaid, non-refundable cancellation charges if you must cancel your trip (after the effective date) due to covered sickness, accidental injury, or death of you, a family member or traveling companion; inclement weather, unforeseen natural disaster at home or at your destination, strike or other covered reasons. Refer to the certificate / policy for complete details.

Trip Interruption: Up to $10,000. Reimburses for prepaid, non-refundable, unused expenses if you must interrupt your trip (after departure) due to a covered sickness, accidental injury, or death of you, a family member or traveling companion; inclement weather, unforeseen natural disaster at home or at your destination, strike, or other covered reasons. Refer to the certificate / policy for complete details.

Trip Delay: Up to $3,000. Coverage is for unused portion of pre-paid accommodation or additional expenses, on a one-time basis, if you are delayed en route to or from the trip for 6 or more hours due to a defined hazard as explained in the certificate / policy.

Baggage & Personal Effects: Up to $3,000. Reimbursement is for loss, theft or damage during the trip to baggage and personal effects (including sporting equipment) owned by you, provided you have taken all reasonable measures to protect, save and recover the property. Per article limit of $500.

Activities covered based on 4 groups. You pay more for higher group. The Explorer plan includes more activities than the Standard Plan. Extreme activities not covered (cave diving, free soloing, etc)

The  World Nomads Explorer Plan  is a great option if you’re looking for an affordable travel insurance with good medical coverage and some equipment coverage (up to $3,000) under the same policy.

We recommend  World Nomads Explorers plan  for Everest Base Camp if you are not American and want the trip & baggage protection that Global Rescue doesn’t provide.

Comparison Table

best insurance for everest base camp

When it comes to finding insurance for the Everest Base Camp trek, everything boils down to making sure your insurance covers you up to 19,500 feet (6,000 meters) at least. 

If you want the best rescue service available, the absolute best choice is Global Rescue . Its robust medical evacuation system is simply unmatched by any other provider and any nationality is accepted.

If you are a US resident, and would like to have coverage for trip cancelation/interruption, the optimal insurance choice is Faye . It provides high medical coverage, accepts pre-existing conditions, imposes no age limit, and with the adventure sports protection you are covered when trekking at over 9,000 ft. 

For non-US residents who are looking for a budget option, a good option is the Explorer Plan from World Nomads . It provides a substantial amount of medical coverage, covers you up to 19,500 feet (6,000 meters) and their policies are very affordable.

Other Hiking Trails

If you would like to read more about insurance options for some of the most popular hiking routes from around the world, you can check out the other trails we’ve written about below:

Himalayas Region

  • Travel Insurance for Annapurna Circuit
  • Travel Insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek
  • Travel Insurance for K2 Base Camp Trek
  • Travel Insurance for Stok Kangri Trek

Andes Region

  • Travel Insurance for Inca Trail
  • Travel Insurance for Lares Trek
  • Travel Insurance for Salkantay Trek
  • Travel Insurance for Mount Kilimanjaro Climb
  • Travel Insurance for Tour du Mont Blanc
  • Travel Insurance for Kokoda Track

Other Travel Insurance Reviews

If you would like to read more about insurance options for other type of adventure trips, you can check out our other reviews below:

  • Travel Insurance for Ski Trips
  • Travel Insurance for Hiking Trips
  • Travel Insurance for Mountaineering & High Altitude Trekking
  • Travel Insurance for Mountain Bike Holidays
  • Travel Insurance for Adventure Cruises
  • Travel Insurance for Diving Liveaboards
  • Travel Insurance for Adventure Motorcycle Trips
  • Travel Insurance for Seniors Over 65
  • Travel Insurance for People with Pre-existing Conditions

Everest Base Camp Trek Insurance Reviews Online

During your research, you might want to consider checking out articles from various publications that provide insights into the best insurance for Everest Base Camp trek.

Below are a few articles that caught my interest.

Insurance For Everest Base Camp Trek – Mountain IQ

Travel Insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek – Nepal Social Treks

About the Author

Antonio was born and raised in Southern Spain, and quit his job in 2013 to travel the world full-time with his wife Amanda for 10 years straight. Their passion for adventure took them to visit 150+ countries.

They cycled 25,000km + from California to Patagonia, sailed over 10,000NM around the Caribbean & Sea of Cortez, rode their motorbikes 30,000 kms+ across West Africa (Spain to South Africa) and visited Antarctica, among many other adventure expeditions.  Today, they’re still traveling,  currently around the USA with an RV.

Traveling to so many places, remote destinations and by different means taught them a lot about travel insurance, which policies to hold depending on the area and the type of adventure they were doing. Antonio now publishes regular content to help other travelers choose the best travel insurance for adventure trips.

Together, they also run the travel community Summit , the RV site Hitched Up , the boutique accommodation blog  Unique Places  and the popular newsletter Adventure Fix , where they share their knowledge about the places they’ve visited and the ones still remaining on their list.

Antonio Cala

Co-Founder of Adventure Fix

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Insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek

everest base camp travel insurance

Everest Base Camp is one of the challenging and demanding treks in the world. Many peoples want to be near at the top of the world – Once in a life time. Hence, EBC is high altitude trek (around 5550 m). As a result, best travel insurance for everest base camp trek up to 6000m is required that cover against various risk factor that arises amid the trip.

insurance for everest base camp trek

Trekking to remote part is more enjoyable and pleasant to travel. But your health is primary concern. EBC trek is almost at remote part of Nepal – there is not any road way development in EBC trek. Still people use yak, mule & porters to transport goods in upper region.

Therefore, do not expect any medical facilities while trekking to EBC. Not possible to have a proper health treatment. If any unexpected serious illness occurs, rescue through the Helicopter is only an option. In some places like Lukla and Namche bazaar have small health post, but they don’t have sufficient medical requirement for the treatment.

At a high altitude in couple of weeks, exceptionally a lot of things may go wrong. For Instance; severe life-threatening symptom of high-altitude sickness like; HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema), or HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema). Other are a simple leg injury and you are unable to walk, Loss of luggage, personal effects, sprained ankles or knees etc. In order to cover against all this risk factor, you need travel insurance for the Everest base Camp trek.

Why Insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek?

There are lots of confusion to find right travel insurance company for the Nepal. But insurance is very important before trekking in Nepal. Recommended to purchase travel insurance that includes medical emergency & travel security. When you are at Everest base camp or somewhere in high altitude (remote part of trek), Air ambulance is necessary in case of serious illness. Travel insurance safeguard your travel investment that arises from unforeseen incidents before or after the trek.

Other key elements to consider while acquiring insurance include Emergency Medical Evacuation, Travel Safety like trip cancellation & disruption, Medical Expenses, loss of luggage, Personal effect, Death & Repatriation etc. Before making a final decision, it is recommended to carefully read & check the insurance and its coverages. You must carry the insurance with you all the time while travelling in Nepal.

Keep in mind that the cost of rescue or evacuation from helicopter is very expensive. Medical treatment is also costly in Kathmandu. Consequently, you need insurance for Everest Base Camp that cover all your risk factor. This Everest base camp goes up to 5550 m (Kalapatthar). It is 12 to 14 days trekking from Lukla (2860 m). Trekkers start to listen their body as they go above 3000 m. Consideration over the high altitude is very essential.

Now, I am going to write about the things to know before purchasing travel insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek.

First & Foremost

If you have already existing insurance; like; Life or health insurance or any other travel insurance company, ask to them, if they can provide the coverage a level of activities for trekking or hiking to Everest base camp. There are several different types of travel insurance programs into the market.

The amount of coverage differs based on the nature of the incidence, your country of residency, the plan you select, and any extras or upgrades you purchase. So, before getting insurance, make sure to read the Terms and Conditions and collect all of the information you need from the insurance company.

Medical Care & Treatment

If you injured or ill due to unexpected circumstances, the travel insurance will be covered. There are two forms of insurance. One is just travel medical insurance; this form of insurance is for short term that will assist you in paying for medical bills.

Second one is advance medical insurance; this form of insurance for at least six months to a year. This type of insurance will cover all medical expenses that assist you to finding physicians, hospitals, healthcare facilities with good private care services.

Medical Evacuation Insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek

It is costly to rescue or evacuate from remote part of Nepal where there are no alternative methods of transportation. Among them Everest Base camp trek is one where there is lack of easy transportation. If anything, serious happen, Heli rescue is only an option. Therefore, you must have emergency evacuation, medical and treatment insurance. Make sure that your current insurance cover all these things and fully covered. It’s also crucial to understand how much insurance you have and when your medical coverage kicks in.

Medical Evacuation Insurance is most crucial and vital. This actually essential to rescue from helicopter if you get serious illness into the mountains. During the Everest base camp, it is not possible to have road way transport facilities. One & only option is helicopter rescue incase of emergency evacuation which is very costly.

Therefore, recommend to look best travel insurance company that provide the services for trekking up to 6000m. Because, Everest base camp is around 5550 meter above the sea level. If you don’t have insurance, your personal expenditures might potentially approach $10,000 or even $100,000. So, you have to think about this either you want bear yourself or purchase insurance.

Travel Security or Trip Cancellation Insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek

Sometimes, you will compel yourself to cancel the trip which has already confirmed and paid for the trek. This will happen due to sudden unexpected issue such as, loss of family member or business reason or any other reason. I think nobody wants to lose the money you’ve paid for the trip. As a result, obtaining travel insurance that cover trip cancellation is highly advisable.

As everybody know, things don’t always go as planned & you may need to cancel or alter your trip due to unforeseen circumstances. Because almost majority of the national and international agencies terms and conditions is that trip deposits are non-refundable. Having these coverages included in your insurance policy is advantageous.

There may be various reason comes out that cause you to cancel the trip. For Instance:

  • Missing flight connection & flight delayed due to inclement weather, natural disaster etc.
  • Unexpected business conflicts
  • Sudden changes in mind
  • Illness that causes a delay in the processing of your visa or passport
  • Concerns about the weather
  • Terrorist activity
  • On the route to the airport, there is an emergency or an accident.
  • In your neighborhood, there has been a fire or a flood.
  • Loss any of your family member due to unexpected circumstances.

The terms and conditions are different according to insurance company. Therefore, please read the policy carefully before purchasing, because this coverage may change depending on the insurance company.

Other (Loss of luggage or delayed, activity level etc.)

If your baggage that has been lost or delayed, some travel insurance policies will cover with particular small amount of money. Better to check the limit of coverage & protected that insurance company offers.

This Everest base camp trek going up to height of about 5550 meter above the sea level. There are best travel insurance policies covering up to 6000 m. Before you buy, be sure your insurance covers your Everest base camp level of trekking/hiking activities.

There are many exceptions to travel insurance, any specific events or things that are not covered by your policy should be noted.

Best travel insurance for Everest base camp trek

In my point of view the best travel insurance for Everest base Camp Trek is World Nomads . The following are some of the reason why I suggest World Nomads for Everest base Camp trek Insurance.

  • The world Nomad is best travel insurance for trekking/hiking up to 6000m. There are many travel insurances companies which policy cover up to 4000 to 5000 meters only. This is actually, insufficient for Everest base Camp trek. The reason is that, EBC trek goes up to around 5550 m. Therefore, select appropriate hiking/trekking insurance company that cover & fulfill your demand.
  • Actually, this insurance company cover over 130 countries people. They offer Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical Expense, Emergency Evacuation, Trip cancellation, Baggage & personal effect, Baggage Delay, Non-Medical Emergency Transportation, Trip interruption & many more.
  • This world nomad is highly recommended by lonely Planet, Tourradar, Intrepid, National geographic, Rough guides etc. If you really trust those companies then you can obtain insurance based on their recommendation.

The Special Facilities Provided By World Nomad For The Travel Insurance In Nepal.

  • They have a 24-hour emergency assistance (Keep the Number Saved). In the context of Everest base camp trek, if you have any serious illness due to high altitude. World Nomad travel insurance can cover your helicopter emergency evacuation.
  • It takes less than 5 minutes to obtain a quotation & you can buy it online. Doesn’t matter where you are at the moment. It is not very expensive to take out a policy for the duration of EBC trek. You can obtain anytime before commencing the trek. Do not forget to read the company terms and condition carefully.
  • World Nomad Insurance – Coverage even for medical expenses and medical evacuation / repatriation expenses if you’re accidentally injured whilst participating in over 200 adventure sports and activities while traveling abroad or over 100 miles from home.
  • There are many insurance companies we can see in the market place. Each company have their own benefits and drawbacks. However, in my opinion, World Nomad is the best travel insurance for any travelers or backpackers those who want to trek in Nepal. Actually, it includes all the main features of travel coverage. I admire the company leadership, low pricing, giving benefit to the ethical communities, Social Work, Corporate culture of providing the insurance for all travelers around the world.
  • World Nomad is a respected insurance company that offers excellent service, including 24-hour help and even coverage for natural disasters (earthquake, landslide, avalanche, and so on).

About Everest Base Camp Trek Insurance Cost

EBC insurance cost differ depending on the options an individual traveler chooses. Definitely the price value will be ups & down. Although a potentially lower insurance cost may appear attractive. Thus, carefully read the Policy Terms to verify your needs that are adequately covered in the case of an emergency. The following factor determine the cost of travel insurance:

The number of persons covered by the policy: a larger number of persons means more probabilities, which means higher risks.

Age of the Person: The older the person, the more expensive the policy will be.

The place of travel destinations: The cost of an insurance varies substantially based on the nations and areas it covers. Because of the high expense of medical treatment in the United States, vacations to Europe, for example, are frequently less expensive than vacations to the United States.

Length of Your Trip: The cost of the insurance is also depending on length of your trip. Single trip coverage costs are around half of a multi – trip coverage. For the regular traveler, it will be more cost effective. As you know, shorter journey provides a lesser chance of medical emergencies and travel disruptions. As a result, the cost will be cheaper.

Current Health Situations: If a traveler medical history indicates more probability of medical action need while traveling, their insurance cost will be higher.

Amount of coverage: There are various types of people or individuals like to choose between cheap & comprehensive costly travel insurance policy. Nevertheless, company try to offers as many insurance policies to their different customers that benefit to both, the company & Individual (who want to obtain insurance).

Recommended Travel Insurance for Trekking in Nepal

Trekking is the most popular activity in Nepal. This is a home to the world’s highest mountain and the world’s deepest canyon. Almost all of the world’s most stunning mountain peaks lies in this Himalaya country, which provide spectacular natural beauty along each hiking trail.

Moreover, trekking in Nepal need not be considering a risky affair, as far as your health is concern. There is not any specific health requirement for entry into Nepal. Consult to your doctor carefully about your health condition before trekking in Nepal.

However, you need travel insurance that covers cost of Heli Himalayan evacuation and medical charges in Nepal hospitals. Your travel insurance should have a minimum value of USD 10,000 to USD 100,000. If possible, you also can do the insurance of trip cancellation, flight incidents, medical expenses, loss of luggage, and other travel-related losses.

While trekking in Nepal, you must pick a travel insurance coverage that covers the cost of mountain helicopter rescue. Because, know body knows what will happen in high mountains. If you become ill or suffer from serious mountain accidents, rescue from helicopter is only an option.

Here are some recommended travel Insurance companies that covers trekking /hiking activities: (Read Insurance Policy Carefully Before obtaining & Travelling in Nepal).

travel insurance for trekking in Nepal

Trekking Travel Insurance with Helicopter Rescue – Worldwide

World Nomads: Coverage; Trip Cancellation – Trip Interruption – Trip Delay – Accidental Death & Dismemberment – Emergency Accident Medical Expense – Emergency Sickness Medical Expense – Emergency Evacuation – Repatriation of Remains – Non-Medical Emergency Evacuation – Baggage/Personal Effects Baggage Delay.

Global Rescue: Offers; Field Rescue – Medical Evacuation – Security consultation and evacuation services – Medical & security advisory services – Destination Reports & Event Alerts – Global Rescue Mobile App.

Insurance for Trekking in Nepal from Europe

Europe Assistance: They have a 50 + years of expertise in travel, medical and security insurance and support. They assist and preserve your holiday investment, such as loss of luggage or delayed, medical emergency or if cancelled your trip due to unforeseen circumstances. Thus, Europe Assistance able to provide broad range of services to both leisure & corporate travelers.

IHI Bupa: This insurance company also have different packages for European people that give 100% of eligible cover for hospitalization, medical evacuation & Repatriation. Others; Luggage theft, loss, damage, or delay – Passport and cash theft – Personal liability for property damage and bodily harm – Delay in travel/missed flight connection – Daily hospital benefit – Legal and security help – Bupa Global Assistance is available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Insurance for Trekking in Nepal to Australian / New Zealand Citizen

Cover-More Travel Insurance: Coverage; Unexpected medical emergencies – Overseas Medical and Dental – Amendments or cancellation costs – Luggage and travel documents – Delayed luggage allowance – Money – Travel delay – Resumption of journey – Special events – Hospital incidentals – Disability – Accidental death – Personal liability – 24 hour emergency assistance – They also cover for Everest Base Camp Trek & Annapurna Circuit.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance: Coverage: Travel Assistance – Medical Evacuation & Rescue – Security Evacuation – Trip Cancellation – Trip Interruption – Missed Connection – Trip Delays – Baggage & Personal effects – Accidental Death & Dismemberment – Emergencies Accident – Emergency Sickness Medical Expenses – Pre-Existing Conditions Waiver.

Allianz Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance; Adventure Pack Benefit (3,000 meters up to 6,000 meters) – Overseas Emergency Assistance – Overseas Medical & Hospital Expenses – Accidental Death – Permanent Disability – Trip Cancellation cover – Travel Delays – lost, stolen or damaged luggage, personal effects & valuables – delayed luggage – lost, destroyed or stolen travel documents – theft of cash – Personal Liability.

I-Trek Travel Insurance: Coverage; Medical & Evacuation – Overseas Emergency Medical Assistance – Emergency Rescue – 24/7 emergency medical assistance – Medical & Hospital Expenses – Theft, accidental loss, or damage to your luggage and personal items – Cancellation & curtailment – Family Emergency & resumption of your journey – Lost or stolen passport, credit cards & travelers’ cheque.

Travel Insurance for Nepal to American & Canadian Citizen

Travel Guard: Package Includes; pre-existing medical condition waiver – Emergency medical expenses – Emergency evacuation and repatriation – Emergency dental – Lost, damaged & stolen luggage/personal effects – Trip cancellation – Trip interruption – Trip delay – 24/7 Emergency Travel Assistance.

IM Global: Benefits; Trip cancellation & interruption – Benefit for travel delay – emergency medical evacuation and repatriation – 24/7 Emergency Travel Assistance.

Tugo: This is specifically for Canadian people those who want to travel abroad and looking for best travel insurance then Tugo is go for you. They give benefit of Emergency Medical Insurance – COVID-19 Insurance – Trip Cancellation & trip Interruption – Accidental Death & Dismemberment – Non-Medical Package – All Inclusive Holiday Package – Emergency air transportation (must be pre-approved) – Remote evacuation – Baggage Insurance.

Atlas Travel Insurance: This company is design for all type of travelers looking for; Unexpected medical expenses coverage – including COVID-19-related expenditures – Emergency Medical Evacuation benefit – Additional travel advantage including Trip Interruption, Travel Delay, and Lost Checked Luggage.

Travelex Insurance Services: Benefits; 24-hour travel and emergency medical assistance – Trip Cancellation & Interruption – Trip Delay – Emergency Medical & Dental – Baggage & Personal Effects – Missed Flight Connections – Primary Coverage – Pre-existing Conditions – Accidental Death & Dismemberment – Medical Evacuation & Repatriation etc.

Travel Trekking Insurance for Nepal to Malaysian / Singapore Citizens

AIG Travel Insurance: Comprehensive coverage for overseas medical expenses – trip cancellation – travel interruptions and delays – emergency medical & accidental expenses – medical evacuation costs and lost – damaged or delayed baggage – Travel inconvenience – Natural Disaster – Global Assistance Service 24 Hour.

FWD Insurance: Benefit of Coverage; Unlimited Medical Evacuation – Overseas Medical expenses – Theft or damage of personal belonging – Baggage Delay – Travel Delay – Personal Liability – 24 hours emergency assistance – Trip disruption – Insolvency protection – Missed flight connection – Trip Diversion – Lost of passport & other travel documents – theft of money & many more.

Insurance for trekking in Nepal to British / UK Citizens

British Mountaineering Council (BMC): The Insurance policy of this company are for all sorts of hiking over 5000 Meters including climbing & mountaineering on most peaks up to 6500 meters. Under the heading of all activities travel, trek / hiking, rock climbing is covered.

Dog Tag UK: Dog Tag Extreme add benefit; Cancellation – Emergency Medical Expenses- Cutting short your trip – Personal possessions, money or travel documents – Departure delay, Abandonment – Personal Accident – Personal Liability – trekking up to 6,000 meters to 7000 meters.

Big Cat Travel Insurance: Key benefits of trekking Insurance include: Emergency Medical and Repatriation Expenses up to £10 million – Helicopter emergency rescue – Emergency Dental Cover – Cover duration of up to 24 months – Baggage Cover – Gadgets & Valuable Cover – No altitude limits with extreme activity pack. (For trekking in Nepal, the Nepal Trekking Pack add-on will need to be included. A 7,000m altitude limit is applied to this.) – One Way Travel – No return ticket requirement – Free Home visits – 156+ Sports and Activities – Loss of Passport & Visa replacement costs – Facility to arrange or extend Insurance anytime even you are already travelling.

Adventures Insurance: Peace of Mind Protection from this company includes Trekking up to 4000 m to 6000 m; Medical & Emergency Expenses – Search & Rescue Costs – Personal accidents – Personal Liability – Activity equipment – Legal Expenses – Curtailments – Cancellation – Loss of deposit – Travel delay & many others.

Campbell Irvine: This insurance company also coverage for trekking / hiking up to 7000 m. Emergency Medical Expenses – Personal Liability – Personal accident – cancellation or curtailment – travel delay – personal effects – legal expenses – 24 hours Emergency Assistant.

Must know about Everest base Camp Trek Insurance

The Everest Base Camp is located at a height of almost 5364 meters above the sea level. You must be confident that your adventure will be covered by your insurance policy. Just make sure it covers the cost of a helicopter/air ambulance rescue if it’s needed for medical reasons.

If you are going through any national or international agencies, you must give a copy of your travel insurance & emergency contact number. Otherwise, if you are trekking alone and need emergency helicopter rescue, then you must cope with yourself about travel insurance & authorization for an evacuation.

The reason is that, Himalayan Rescue Associations must be absolutely certain that you’ll will pay for the helicopter rescue. Never hide the problem you have at an altitude. If you get ill while trekking to EBC, tell to the hotel person that you need an emergency assistance. They are help you as much as they can.

If you are in guided trip, inform to your tour leader or guide about the symptom and condition you are facing in EBC trek. Don’t push your body to ascend, otherwise more serious symptom can occur which can even cause death within a few hours.

Keep in Mind that helicopter will not able to come for your rescue in the night time, it takes few hours to come even in the day time. Your type of illness & weather condition should match equally to get rescue from helicopter. Therefore, please be aware about all these things, either you’re trekking solo or guided trip.

Everest Base Camp Trekking

Everest Base Camp Trek

If you have a few extra days, Everest base camp trekking is there. The path will provide you with unspoiled mountain scenery. The trail combines the best of all worlds & infinitely more satisfying itinerary of EBC trek. The views along the route & from the peak of Kala Patthar in the Everest area is far superior.

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Everest Base Camp Insurance

While only the very few ever get to scale the mighty 8,848m peak of Everest, the next best thing for the seasoned adventurer is the classic route to Everest Base Camp. A tough but rewarding challenging, this trek reaches the dizzying heights of 5,545 metres, so even with the solid assistance of some ever-reliable Sherpa guides, you need to be extra fit, an experienced hiker, and with all the right gear, clothing and footwear.

Most tackle the route from the Nepalese side of Everest, known as the South Base Camp. But if you want to tackle the North Base Camp in China you’ll need a Tibet Entry Permit and Aliens’ Travel Permit from the Chinese government. Accommodation is in local family-run teahouses which are simple but comfortable lodges with basic facilities.

Everest base camp insurance - Annapurna Circuit Insurance

The classic Everest South Base Camp trek spans around 14 days of travel to the base and back again. The trek is not as remote as you might imagine as the trail is dotted with teahouses, tiny villages and monasteries as well as other trekkers sharing this popular expedition. It usually begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu and a thrilling landing on the remote mountain airstrip of Lukla. The route begins gently, following the Kosi River, passing through Himalayan villages and well tended fields before a long steep climb to Namche Bazaar, a colourful market town clinging to the side of a hill, to spend a couple of days exploring the locality while acclimatising to the 3,440m altitude. From Namche Bazaar, the route ascends through rhododendron forests to Tengboche and then on to Dingboche, the highest permanent Sherpa village in the region for another day of acclimatisation. From there, the route passes through the Pheriche Valley and along the Khumbu glacier with its superb views of the nearby Himalayan peaks to reach Lobuche. Finally the routes crosses the Changri Glacier to Gorakshep to arrive at Everest Base Camp.

Everest Base Camp is best visited from April to June, and September to December, the dry season in Tibet when Everest is more likely to be viewed in clear weather. High season for tourism is July to August but this is also the rainy season so the mountain can be shrouded in cloud and mist.

The importance of Everest Base Camp Insurance

Travel insurance is essential for any journey, but is particularly important when undertaking potentially hazardous activities such as trekking in remote regions where medical facilities or assistance may not be close at hand. You’ll enjoy your adventure better with the peace of mind that comes from knowing you have the right insurance cover in place should a mishap occur. This can be anything from lost or stolen luggage to a full helicopter rescue off a mountain.

For trekking you need to ensure that your travel insurance covers you for altitude. Most standard policies provide cover for walking up to a maximum of 2,500 metres.

The Nepal Trekking Activity Pack add-on extends cover to include trekking between 4,600m and up to 7,000m within Nepal and also includes all activities in the Extreme Activity and Activity packs.

Where do you live

All persons to be insured must reside at a permanent address within the EEC ( Excluding Switzerland, Russia, Belarus, Montenegro and the Ukraine) to be eligible for cover.

Can I take out this insurance if I am already travelling?

When cover is purchased after an Insured Person has departed their home to commence their journey, there is a fixed period of 48 hours prior to cover commencing. Any illness arising during this initial 48 hour period will be an excluded Pre-existing Medical Condition. In the event of serious injury in connection with an accident, you will be covered from the date you take out cover subject to the accident being independently witnessed and also verified by a Medical Practitioner.

There is no 14 Day Cooling off Period and no premium refund will be made if the insured Person has already travelled.

family family 

Definition of a couple

A couple is defined as 2 adults who have been permanently living together at the same address for more than six months, who intend to travel together.

If you do not qualify as a couple, please select individual(s)

Annual Multi-Trip Durations

Annual Multi Trip policies are designed for multiple short holidays leaving from and returning to your home country.

Annual Multi Trip trip limits:

Standard policy - 30 days

Premier policy - 70 days

If you need continuous cover for a year (home visits allowed on policies over 4 months long) select Single Trip or One Way. You can travel around as much as you like, to as many different countries as you like, with a Single Trip or One Way policy.

One Way Trip

Please note a Single Trip policy can cover travels with no return ticket booked, a One Way policy is intended for:

Emigrating to new country where you intend to permanently live

Returning to your home country permanently

All cover ceases upon arrival at final destination

Select the type of policy most suitable for your needs.

Single Trip: A flexible policy with no limits on how many countries you visit or how long you’re away for. Suitable for all types of travel whether it be short term/long stay or backpacking. No return ticket required and unlimited home visits offered on policies over 4 months long.

One Way Trip: Means you are Emigrating to a new country where you intend to live permanently or, returning to your home country permanently. Cover will end upon arrival at your final destination. Please note: There is no cover for emergency return travel expenses if you do not have an original return ticket.

Annual Multi-Trip: This policy covers an unlimited number of trips throughout the 12 month Period of Insurance. Each trip has a maximum stay validity depending on the type of policy chosen. For example, for Standard Policies, the maximum duration of any trip shall not exceed 30 days and for Premier policies, the maximum duration of any trip must not exceed 70 days. 

If you are already travelling it is not possible to purchase the annual multi-trip policy.

Geographical Areas

Europe: Europe means the continent of Europe West of the Ural Mountains, and includes the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands, Iceland, Jordan, Madeira, the Canary Islands, the Azores and Mediterranean Islands as well as all countries bordering the Mediterranean. Australia & New Zealand: a) For any period of cover purchased, a 48 hour stop-over anywhere in the World for both outward and return travel will be included. b) If the period of cover purchased is two months or more, a stop-over of 7 days/nights anywhere in the World will be included. Worldwide excluding North America & Mexico: (North America means the USA, Canada & Mexico.) a) For any period of cover purchased, a 48 hour stop-over anywhere in the World for both outward and return travel will be included. b) If the period of cover purchased is two months or more, a stop-over of 7 days/nights anywhere in the World will be included. Worldwide including North America & Mexico: Worldwide means anywhere in the World including the USA, Canada & Mexico.

Automatic Trip Extension   If the Insured Person is prevented from completing their travel before the expiration of this Insurance as stated under the Period of Insurance on the Booking Invoice or Validation Certificate (as applicable) for reasons which are beyond their control, including ill health or failure of public transport, this Insurance will remain in force until completion but not exceeding a further 31 days on a day by day basis, without additional premium. In the event of an Insured Person being hijacked, cover shall continue whilst the Insured Person is subject to the control of the person(s) or their associates making the hijack during the Period of Insurance of a period not exceeding twelve months from the date of the hijack. Please ensure you arrange cover for the entire duration of your travel

Where you normally reside

Where do you normally reside? Where do you normally reside? Please use the drop down box to choose your country of residence. Note we can only insure residents of the UK & EEA Countries. Can I take out this Insurance if I’m already abroad? If you are normally a resident of the UK or EEA Countries and your insurance has run out, you may take out cover online with us. This is on the understanding that nothing has occurred at the time of taking out the cover which has led to a claim or may lead to a potential claim. Note you cannot take out our Multi-Trip Insurance if you are already abroad. Do you have minimum residency requirements? No. If you are, for example, a British Passport holder and have right of abode in the UK, we are not concerned as to how many months in the past year you have been in the UK provided at the time of arranging this insurance you have a UK residential address.

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Annapurna Circuit

The Annapurna Circuit, a 15 to 20 day trek within the Annapurna mountain range of central Nepal, is prized as one of the best treks in the world. The route encompasses a rich mix of terrain from jungle to paddy fields, waterfalls to canyons, as well as a cultural variety from Hindu villages

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Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro, at 5,895 metres (19,341 ft) above sea level, is the highest mountain on the African continent. It is one of the Seven Summits – the highest mountain peaks of each of the seven continents – that requires no technical climbing skills since all of its trekking routes are pure hiking paths.

Mount Aconcagua

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List of automatically covered medical conditions that do not need to be declared

Acne, ADHD, Allergic reaction (Anaphylaxis) provided that you have not needed hospital treatment for this in the last 2 years, Allergic rhinitis, Arthritis (the affected person must be able to walk independently at home without using mobility aids), Asthma (the diagnosis must have been made when the affected person was under the age of 50, and the asthma be controlled by no more than 2 inhalers and no other medication), Blindness or partial sightedness, Carpal tunnel syndrome, Cataracts, Chicken pox - if completely resolved, Common cold or flu, Cuts and abrasions that are not self-inflicted and require no further treatment, Cystitis - provided there is no on-going treatment, Deafness, Diabetes (which is controlled by diet or tablets only), Diarrhoea and vomiting - if completely resolved, Eczema, Enlarged prostate - benign only, Essential tremor, Glaucoma, Gout, Haemorrhoids, Hay fever, Ligament or tendon injury - provided you are not currently being treated, Macular degeneration, Menopause, Migraine - provided there are no on-going investigations, Nasal polyps, PMT, RSI, Sinusitis - provided there is no on-going treatment, Skin or wound infections that have completely resolved with no current treatment, Tinnitus, Underactive Thyroid (Hypothyroidism), Urticaria, Varicose veins in the legs.

Important information

If you have a medical condition in addition to any of the automatically covered medical conditions, all conditions will be excluded from cover unless declared to the medical screening helpline.

What is classed as a medical condition?

a Any respiratory condition (relating to the lungs or breathing), heart condition, stroke, Crohn’s disease, epilepsy, allergy, or cancer for which you have ever received treatment (including surgery, tests or investigations by your doctor or a consultant/ specialist or prescribed medication).

b Any psychiatric or psychological condition (including anxiety, stress and depression) for which you have suffered which you have received medical advice or treatment or been prescribed medication for in the last five years.

c Any medical condition for which you have received surgery, in-patient treatment or investigations in a hospital or clinic within the last 12 months, or for which you are prescribed medication.

Any premium for medical screening quoted can be paid directly. This can be done either before or after taking out a policy with us. The policy and medical extension connect automatically, no reference numbers need to be exchanged.

Choosing not to declare a medical condition will not invalidate cover, but any costs incurred in relation to an undeclared condition will not be covered.

If making a declaration all medical conditions must be declared, you can't choose to only declare certain conditions.

Medical conditions can only be declared for up to 12 months at a time. A second declaration will have to be made after 12 months if necessary.

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What Insurance do you need for an Everest Base Camp trek?

When it comes to adventure travel and treks like  Everest Base Camp  or other challenges like Kilimanjaro there are always going to be certain risks.

Whether they’re due to sickness, injury or weather delays it’s important that you have the right insurance so you are adequately prepared for them. 

Therefore, when you book an adventure with EverTrek it is a requirement for you to have an adequate insurance policy in place for the duration of your trip. 

When it comes to insurance we believe that it should be considered amongst the more important parts to tick off your list. Like any item that you purchase, let’s use your hiking boots as an example. If you buy a pair on a budget or get an inadequate pair they won’t hold up when you need them most. Food for thought.

Here are some things to consider when looking at high altitude trekking insurance:

The High Altitude

Trekking to  Everest Base Camp  even via the classic route, involves you reaching what would be considered extreme altitude. At the highest point on the trek, Kala Patthar, you will reach an altitude of 5550 meters above sea level. Due to the remoteness of this region that you're trekking through, your trekking insurance policy should always include helicopter evacuation just in case you get into difficulty. 

Most insurance policies around don’t cover you for anything like this altitude due to the risks of altitude sickness or  Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) . Although our trips are designed to avoid AMS, we can’t ignore it, and if it happens there are only three cures: 

Descend, Descend, Descend. Alternatively, it's time to join the chopper club and get down.

As a result, it’s important you make sure that your trekking insurance company is aware that you are trekking in Nepal and you have helicopter evacuation insurance to the maximum altitude of your trip. 

Note - If you're on  Island Peak ,  Mera Peak  or any trek that goes higher than Everest Base Camp then you will need insurance up to the highest point of your trip. An example would be for the Ultimate Island Peak trip is that you need insurance up to 6189m.

Accidents on the trek

Let’s face it, walking, for the most part, is relatively easy. We are so used to it that it comes as naturally as breathing but slips, trips, and falls are a very serious problem that we need to be aware of on any trek or expedition. 

This can happen to anyone, even me as shown below whilst hiking the Brecon Beacons a year so so back.

When you also add in the altitude factor, walking (and breathing for that matter) becomes a little trickier.

Everest Base Camp is at least an 11 day trek depending on which route you take. When you have been walking for that length of time at high altitude, us humans get fatigued and a little bit clumsy at times. A twisted ankle or a blown knee joint can be a serious trip ending injury and if this happens, again it may be time to, as Arnold Schwarzenegger would say. “Get to the Choppa” 

Delhi Belly or the Nepalese Napalm

I’m sure you’ve heard of Traveller's diarrhea before. Just about anyone that has traveled outside of the UK, especially around Asia has experienced “Delhi belly” or the dreaded "Nepalese Napalm" as it’s known locally in Nepal. No matter what funny name you might know traveler’s diarrhea by, getting it most definitely is  NOT  fun.

We have seen it happen many times. Otherwise fit and healthy people have treated themselves to an extra couple of days in Kathmandu before their trek even starts, and what happens? All hell breaks loose! 

This can result in an aborted trek and at worst a brief excursion to one of Kathmandu’s finest hospitals for some TLC. To avoid a nasty bill make sure your insurance covers you for sickness, medication, hospital stays and return travel back home if you need it. 

Weather delays and other acts of god

If you think the weather in the UK can be unpredictable you should see what it’s like in the Himalayas! This is especially so around the monsoon season where long weather delays can happen. You could get stuck in Kathmandu waiting for a flight out or even worse, stuck at the other end in Lukla. 

If this happens then, unfortunately, you join the dreaded waiting game. We do what we can to help and often move heaven and earth for our EverTrekkers but not even we can control the weather. ( Here's an article with what happens when there are weather delays )

If you run out of time this can mean changes to your trip or worst-case scenario, an aborted trip. If this happens you will need your insurance policy to cover the cost of the cancelled trip and any re-booking of flights etc. 

Lost Luggage

Sometimes, unbeknown to you, your suitcase will go on a little unscheduled adventure, as fun as this is for your bag it’s a nightmare for you. 

Nobody wants to be stuck at the baggage claim overcome with waves of anxiety followed by the sinking reality that your bag has vanished. It’s a real pain in the proverbial having to find it, catch it and get it back when you're off to the Himalayas in less than 48 hours. Once again it’s time to ring that magic number and start the claim for lost, stolen or damaged luggage so make sure the policy covers the total value of your gear and you have specified any expensive special items. 

Insurance company recommendations

When it comes to choosing your trekking insurance provider there are plenty of companies out there but look for a specialist instead of just a general insurance provider as it's likely they won't cover specific things at high altitude. Our first recommendation is to do your research and think of the worst-case scenario then seek cover for it, don’t just go with the cheapest option. 

Some companies we have used personally on several occasions and known to be reliable in our experience are: True Traveler Insurance Visit the Everest Base Camp True Traveller page here

Big Cat Insurance

Visit the Everest base camp Insurance page for Big Cat insurance here

Campbell Irvine

Head to the insurance page here

So which one should you use

Always remember, the choice of which insurance provider you will use is ultimately your responsibility. We can help and offer advice but cannot accept responsibility for an unsuitable policy even if it’s one of the above companies. Any insurance policy is unique to you and ultimately you have to ensure it meets all your needs. 

We don’t write any of this to concern you as it’s very unlikely that you will ever need to use your insurance on the trek or trip with us. It’s a great peace of mind knowing you can just enjoy your trip in the knowledge that if something did happen, you have it covered.  

All done? Peace of mind gained?

Awesome!  Now let’s go trekking!

Everest Base Camp Trek

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Everest Base Camp Trek

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Previous Articles

  • How to Train for the Everest Base Camp Trek
  • How high is Everest Base Camp?
  • How much spending money do you need for the Everest Base Camp trek
  • What's the accommodation like on an Everest Base Camp trek
  • Are showers available on the Everest Base Camp trek?
  • What type of toilets are available on an Everest Base Camp Trek

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What is the best insurance company to provide a high altitude trekking insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek including air ambulance and medical evacuation, other than World Nomads.

World Nomads does not insure trekkers residing in certain countries, such as residents of Egypt. Also many well known insurance companies I found online are limiting their services to nationals of US, UK, Europe and Australia.

Please recommend.

everest base camp travel insurance

I think AIG do high altitude trekking insurance

I have seen much of it.

I found an article regarding this. Check it out.

https://trekroute.com/trekking-in-nepal/everest-base-camp-trek/travel-insurance/#Recommendation_for_Insurance_Company

Re Ponytales: I tried their main website, AIG does not support international trekkers. I also tried their local site in my country of residence, they do not support high altitude trekking

Re Devik Balami: I tried the available options in the article you recommended

(For Other Regions:

Travel Guard Insurance

World Nomads)

Both options do not work for trekkers residing in Egypt :(

If you cannot find full insurance for your situation it may still be worth finding one with partial cover for the most important and practical claim items like perhaps be happy with medical insurance and not worry about helivac or rescue.

Read further here what the practical options are to helivac and rescue https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowTopic-g293889-i9243-k13156480-Corruption_strikes_again_Forced_closure_of_IPPG_clinics-Nepal.html

In other words to a large extent if you are sensible, manage your self well on the trek, follow safe AMS guidelines and be fully informed and aware of what to do helivac becomes less of a worry.

No need to panic about not getting helicopter evacuation coverage for trekking. High altitude trekking was done for over 40 years by hundreds of thousands of trekkers before helicopters became available at all. Trekkers were not dying left and right either.

Now it seems that helicopter rescues have become the norm, people are expecting them, and are worried if there is no choppers warming their engines down valley. During the three past decades we never even though of them and did the best long treks in our lives, and lived to tell the tales.

Just read about acclimatisation and AMS, be informed about the rescue scam situation, walk down one village if feeling unwell.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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everest base camp travel insurance

Travel Insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek

Insurance of your belongings is the best way to feel secure about your valuable items. And if you are a travel enthusiast who is looking forward to trekking in the Everest Base Camp , insurance of your belongings might not be enough for you.

Trekking in the Everest Base Camp means that you deal with the harsh climatic conditions that can be mountains can offer. There can be incidents where you injure yourself. The injuries might be caused by slipping, pulling a muscle or getting down with altitude sickness.

And, in the remoteness of the mountains, getting people to treat your illnesses means that you might have to pay an extremely high amount of money even for the treatment of the simplest of diseases. And if you have to evacuate yourself from a helicopter, you might see your expenses of the trip tripled or even quadrupled.

Besides, you can’t discount other forms where you can have an inconvenience. These forms include petty thefts, luggage damage as well as flight cancellations. With so many things that can go wrong on a bad day, it is a no-brainer that you should get a travel insurance for EBC Trek.

Table of Content

What are the Things That You Need the Everest Base Camp Trek Insurance for?

1. altitude sickness.

Hiring a Guide to Everest Base Camp

If you have read experiences of different people who have been to high altitudes like Everest, or general preparation guides to the Everest Base Camp , you might have heard of Altitude Sickness . And the name itself is self-explanatory.

As you travel to high altitudes, the amount of oxygen that your body gets becomes less as the atmosphere is thin. This means that you might suffer from muscle fatigue, dizziness and in extreme cases hallucinations.

And if you are trekking without a porter or a guide, the problem only multiplies as there is no one to give you physical as well as mental support. There have been some incidents where people did not treat the problems of altitude sickness seriously which eventually lead to a few deaths in the Everest Base Camp region.

And even when you want to get help in the form of a helicopter to take you to hospitals in the middle of the treks when your health breaks down, the costs can range anywhere between 5000 US$ to 10,000 US$. Isn’t that simply breaking your bank?

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2. Accidents

Everest Base Camp Trek

Accidents are a part of our lives. They can take place anytime. But, the probability of accidents increases when you are looking to trek in challenging regions such as Everest Base Camp.

Good trekking boots help you have a firm grip and make trekking a pleasurable experience. Despite that, you might slip or pull a muscle. And when you are ascending a mountain, the muscle sprains actually get worse.

You might also be someone who gets thrilled about trekking in unpopular trails. Since this not recommended, there might also be rocks where you cut yourself open. And losing blood means losing energy.

A travel insurance will come in very handy in case such accidents take place while trekking to EBC.

jiri to everest base camp trek altitude profile

Baggage is the most vital part of your trek. It carries all your personal belongings. The belongings that you carry are expensive too.

Down jackets, trekking boots, and other water and snow resistant wearable items are the things that you carry while trekking in the Everest Base Camp. And these items are expensive, to say the least.

In case your bags get stolen due to petty theft or you misplace your baggage and are unable to retrieve it, a travel insurance will come in handy.

4. Illnesses

everest base camp travel insurance

There are also other illnesses that you have to consider while trekking to the Everest Base Camp Region. If you are not careful with drinking pure water or don’t pay attention to personal hygiene, problems such as diarrhea will affect you.

And such sanitation problems will result in dehydration which might be turn out to be fatal in the high altitudes. A travel insurance helps you take care of such illnesses.

5. Flight Cancellation

everest base camp travel insurance

Modern life runs on a tight schedule. So, most people have a limited amount of time they can spend while traveling. A flight cancellation insurance will help you keep the problem of flight cancellation away.

Flights can be canceled for a variety of reasons. Bad weather conditions lead the way for the cancellation of trips. Other problems include some maintenance work in the flight itself or problems in the runway.

Besides, there will generally be two different flights to take. One of them will be your international flight while the other one will be the domestic flight you take to the Lukla Airport, the airport in the Everest Base Camp region.

So when you take a flight cancellation insurance, you need to check if your insurance covers the international flight, domestic flight or both.

These many problems you can encounter in the Everest Base Camp trek. Therefore the answer to question, “Should I have a travel insurance while trekking to the Everest Base Camp?” is a definite Yes.

Recommendation for Insurance Company

There are many travel companies that give you the safety and comfort of a travel insurance. These companies are located in various locations around the world. Here’s a list of the travel companies according to the various geographical locations:

For Canadians and Americans:

  • Travel Guard Insurance
  • World Nomads
  • Travelex Insurance Services
  • Tugo Travel Insurance
  • Atlas Travel Insurance

For Australians and New Zealanders:

  • Cover More Travel Insurance
  • Allianz Insurance
  • I-Trek Travel Insurance
  • 1Cover Travel Insurance

For British:

  • British Mountaineering Council
  • Direct Travel Insurance
  • Essential Travel (Select Grade 4 cover – Sports Cover)

For Europe:

  • Europ Assistance

For South-Africa:

For other regions, is travel insurance for everest base camp trek compulsory.

No, insurance is never compulsory. But every type of insurance is recommended. And the same is true for a travel insurance. Insurance is just a precaution to enjoy your trek freely.

If you are coming to any foreign country, you will be out of your comfort zone. There will be people you don’t know and places you have never been. Although Nepal is a very safe country to travel for all the travelers, male and female alike, you can’t always guarantee that nothing will happen to your health or belongings.

Getting insured will take your mind off all the worry that you might have about the safety of your belongings. A relaxing trip is often a result of getting insured and forgetting your problems.

Will I Need Guides and Porters If I Am Insured?

Guides and porters will always come in handy. The problems you encounter along your way will be greatly reduced if you have a guide/porter by your side. They will have pleasant conversations with you and give you much-needed guidance and physical as well mental support in the case of emergencies.

Hiring a guide to the Everest Base Camp  can be done with the help of various travel companies in Nepal .

Will my travel insurance cover all the problems discussed above?

When you choose to get insured while trekking to the Everest Base Camp, you need to check with the insurance providing company what services they provide. Some cover only a few of the problems discussed above while others can give you comfort from all the types of problems.

Importantly, make sure you choose an insurance policy that covers up to the height of 6,000 meters and a helicopter evacuation in case of emergencies.

Your health, your belongings, the fear of cancellation of flights are some things that play in your mind whenever you are planning a trip. The constant worry about these things often results in bad moods that prevent you from relaxing while trekking.

Trekking companies providing so much of freedom and so much of protection and safety to you and your belongings. It should not be any surprise that many people are getting a travel insurance for their treks to the Everest Base Camp. You should get one too.

Alpine Ramble Treks Pvt. Ltd.

Travel Insurance

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Precaution is always better than cure.

Are you traveling to Nepal for adventure trekking or climbing in The Himalayas? If your answer is yes, then be sure that you have reliable travel insurance. Travel Insurance is mandatory   for all customers looking to travel in Nepal with the Alpine Ramble Treks. However, The Travel Insurance that you are looking at must cover both the medical and emergency evacuation costs. Somehow, we would like to recommend to our valuable clients that your insurance is worth a minimum of USD 100,000.

The beauty of the mighty Himalayas comes with great risks. It is always best to prepare for any unforeseen risks that may arise while traveling in the Himalayas. There are many insurance companies that offer travel insurance services over the Internet- you can find them easily to buy at any time. There are a wide variety of insurance companies based in the region. Especially when it comes to trekking in the Himalayas region of Nepal, there is always a narrow chance of minor health issues, injuries, and most importantly – altitude sickness, etc.

It is essential that you choose an insurance policy that covers the cost of the helicopter rescue from the mountains in case of major accidents and acute mountain sickness (AMS). During such extreme cases of emergency evacuation, a helicopter service is the only way out of the mountains. This includes a rescue team for both – ground evacuation and rescue. This is why we require your travel insurance to cover the cost of helicopter services and evacuation from the Himalayas (up to 6000m).

It is always better to be safe than sorry.

Before you plan your trip with us, make sure that your travel insurance from a reliable travel insurance company covers all the costs mentioned above. We have made a note that the names of the recommended Travel Insurance Companies,

For Travelers from the USA and CANADA

  • Aetna (S. American)

Note: Your travel insurance has to cover the medical evacuation up to the maximum height elevation that you are going on this trek in the mountain!

For Travelers from England

  • Specialty Group (UK) Limited
  • Allianz (High-class level)
  • TMA/ Natwest/Directline

For Travellers from EUROPE and SLOVENIA/German

  • Assistance CORIS/TUNIA
  • Alpenverein
  • Europ Assistance 
  • MAIF/FRANCE

For Travellers from AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND

  • ZOOM- (Covering the Medical evacuation up to 6000 m)
  • Allianz (High Level- Adventure Package)

For Travellers from SOUTH AFRICA

  • BRYTE (high level)

For Travellers from Malaysia

  • Tokiop Morine
  • world Nomad

For Travellers from Singapore

  • Axa (WN) /Allianz
  • Global Underwriters

For Travellers from Dubai

  • Nexcare 
  • Mafre 

For Travellers from Germany

  • Hanse Merkur
  • Deutsche assistance

For Travellers from Sweden

  • Folck assistance

DECLARATION : These Travel companies were recommended by our previous travelers and are for recommendation purposes only,

We at Alpine Ramble Treks present our special offers of the following trekking tours for this year and next year, 2024-2025, as given below,

Everest base camp trek ,  

Annapurna base camp Trek , 

Langtang valley trek . 

  • Altitude acclimatization for trekking – 10 golden rules
  • Altitude Tips
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  • Regarding Lukla flight for Everest trek
  • Safety and Security in Nepal
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Travel Insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek

Travel Insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek

Everest Base Camp trek is one of the most adventurous and lengthy treks in Nepal. And, is a high altitude trek in Nepal.

So, travel insurance is considered as mandatory for such a trek that involves various risk factors including altitude sickness.

As the trekking routes get more remote, the risk factors increase while chances of getting medical attention get scarce.

If you are at higher altitude and you happen to suffer from any medical illness, rescue via land can be quite impossible. You might not get immediate medical care.

In such cases, you will need a helicopter evacuation. It’s far faster and better than a painful ride down on a mule or in other cases, a Sherpa or a porter carrying you down.

There are a lot of things that might and can go wrong at such a high altitude. These risks factors can include a simple leg injury like sprained ankles or knees; life-threatening high altitude sickness like AMS ( Acute Motion Sickness ), HAPE ( High Altitude Pulmonary Edema ) or HACE ( High Altitude Cerebral Edema ); or natural disasters like earthquakes, avalanches, and rock-falls.

Thus, all these risk factors make it more than important to have the right Travel Insurance for Everest Base Camp.

Table of Contents

Why Do You Need Travel Insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek?

Trip cancellation insurance, travel medical and major medical insurance, emergency medical evacuation insurance, accidental death and flight accident insurance, avoid true traveller insurance:, why world nomads, additional note.

Some medical emergencies that might occur when you go trekking would include common injuries like sprained ankles or broken bones.

The most fearful and worrisome medical emergencies are altitude sickness, food poisoning, hypothermia , appendix ruptures , skin infections, and respiratory infections.

But, these medical conditions can not be easily cured if you are at around 5364 meter/ 17600 feet above sea level. At this height, you can not be carried to a nearby hospital on foot, on a mule’s back; therefore helicopter is definitely needed.

Another scenario may include suffering from bad weather, crossing difficult terrain and even encountering wild animals.

Most of the altitude sickness occurs in higher altitude at night. So, if you cannot cope with the altitude it is advisable that you return back ASAP.

In such cases, help will be available at lower altitude it won’t be a problem unless you try to push yourself.

If you are trekking over 4000 meters, most of the insurance policies will not cover it. It might be a big problem, so choosing the right insurance company is a must.

Thus, we still stress that “Everest Base Camp lies at an altitude of 5300+ meters and most travel insurance companies will not cover you for trekking at that altitude.”

So, be sure to choose wisely when booking a Travel Insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek .

People suffering from high blood pressure or a heart condition are advised not to take part in EBC trekking. The high-level altitude and less oxygen put you at a risk of having stress on your heart, thus increasing your blood pressure.

The most common injuries and health issues while trekking to the Everest Base Camp include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Hypothermia
  • Elevated heartbeat
  • Lack of coordination
  • Loss of appetite
  • Swelling of hands and feet
  • Excessive flatulence
  • Sprained ankles
  • Sprained knees
  • Irrational behavior and depression
  • Lack of performance (no walking coordination)
  • Breathlessness
  • Heart palpitations
  • Coughing with frothy or bloody sputum
  • AMS (Acute Motion Sickness)
  • HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema)
  • HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema)

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What To Expect From a Travel Insurance Company

Here are the five main categories of travel insurance that you need to know before choosing an insurance company:

Trip cancellation insurance is simply a trip interruption insurance or trip delay insurance. It covers you in the case when you or your traveling companions need to cancel, interrupt or delay your trip.

Different insurance companies have different terms and conditions. But, most of them do cover cancellation or interruption for the following reasons:

  • Sudden business conflicts
  • A sudden change of mind
  • Delay in processing your visa or passport
  • Illness or injury
  • Weather-related issues
  • An act of terrorism
  • The vendor (mostly airline) going out of business
  • An emergency or an accident on the way to the airport
  • Fire or flood in your area

The insurance usually pays the difference between the refund you get from the vendor and the amount you originally paid for the trip.

These types of insurance provide medical insurance if you become ill or injured while trekking. The difference between these two types of insurance is the duration of coverage.

Travel medical insurance provides only short-term medical coverage. While major medical insurance is for travelers who are planning to take longer trips of six months to one year or longer.

This type of insurance will help you cover medical expenses. It also helps locate doctors, hospitals, healthcare facilities, and foreign-language services if you become ill or injured while trekking.

This is one of the most important and main insurance. This insurance provides coverage for medically necessary evacuation and transportation to medical facilities.

These costs can easily reach $10,000 to sometimes $100,000 if you don’t have insurance coverage.

This is one of the most important insurance if you are stranded in a remote rural area while trekking and access to medical facilities aren’t easy. You will then have to be evacuated by a helicopter.

Be on the lookout for an insurance company which offers its services at around 6,000 meters above sea level as EBC covers grounds at around 5500+ meters.

Accidental death and flight accident insurance actually pays benefits to a trekker’s surviving beneficiaries. It is same as a life insurance policy. Benefits are paid out in case of an accident resulting in the death or serious injury to the trekker.

When you buy travel insurance, it’s better to avoid getting it from True Traveller. They might not be very helpful in an emergency situation, and they will charge you an extra fee of GBP 750 if you need to be evacuated.

Instead, it’s better to choose an insurance provider that is more trustworthy and won’t charge you extra for emergency evacuations while trekking in Nepal. Go for WorldNomads , we do not recommend True Traveller insurance.

Mosaic Adventure always recommends World Nomads to start your adventure in the Himalayas!

Here’s why we recommend World Nomads for our Everest Base Camp trek insurance:

  • Most of the World Nomads plans can cover hiking/trekking up to 6,000 meters on recognized routes. So, you need to make sure to choose the correct plan for hiking/trekking cover. Most insurance companies cover up to around 4,000 to 5,000 meters only which isn’t good enough for Everest Base Camp trekking as you will be above 5,000 meters.
  • World Nomads covers you for activities arranged in-country. Many travel insurance companies’ terms & conditions require that you trek with a Western operator. It is so that, rather than paying out, they can claim from the operators’ insurance.
  • They will cover you for helicopter evacuation, provided you contact them before you book the helicopter and their 24-hour assistance providers agree that it is medically necessary.
  • You can book your insurance coverage even if you have left your home country. Another thing is, no matter how long you have been traveling, you will get insured. Read their Terms & Conditions for more.
  • Nationals of most countries can buy a policy that covers against natural disasters, such as earthquakes, avalanches , rock-falls, and other natural calamities.
  • World Nomads is backed by reputable insurers and 24-hour assistance providers – the point is to ensure that you’re covered in the event of a disaster.

All travel insurance plans are different. The cover will vary, depending on the incident, your country of residence, the plan you choose and any options or upgrades you buy. So be sure to look out for Terms and Conditions and get full information correctly before purchasing the insurance.

Everest Base is at an altitude of 5300+ meters above sea level. Rest assured, you will have the best possible insurance for your trek. Just make sure it includes Helicopter/Air Ambulance rescue charges if necessary on medical grounds.

When you arrive in Nepal , register your insurance with our Trekking Company. Give us a copy of the Insurance Certificate and point out the Emergency Telephone numbers.

This helps our guides to contact for authorization for an evacuation directly. It is because the Himalayan Rescue Associations will not dispatch a helicopter unless they are 100% sure that they will receive payment for the rescue.

The main thing to do is not lie. If you become ill while trekking and if you are not sure if it is altitude sickness, go directly to the team leader or your guide and notify them. Do not go higher as the symptoms may get worse if you ascend in such condition.

Even the travel insurance will not help as it might get worse with time and it takes a while to get help at that altitude and weather.

We hope you have a wonderful time at the Everest Base Camp trek. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions related to Travel Insurance for Everest Base Camp or any other inquiries.

Madhav Prasad

Madhav started working as a porter in 2001 and then moved on to work as a trekking guide. After working in the trekking and tourism industry for eight years, he co-founded Mosaic Adventure in 2009.

Madhav has trekked to most of the trekking destinations in Nepal, including Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Poon Hill Trek, Jomsom Muktinath Trek, Indigenous Peoples Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, and all of the day hikes around Kathmandu.

He has also extensively traveled to other countries such as Australia, the USA, the UK, France, Hong Kong, Japan, China, the Philippines, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Thailand, Turkey, and India. Madhav is the one who answers most of your questions about trekking and tours and helps to plan your trip by giving a personal touch.

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Trekking Everest Base Camp Travel Insurance

If making the Trek to Everest Base Camp is becoming increasingly popular, you must have the right Travel Insurance policy before you leave your home country. Everest Base Camp (South) is in Nepal at an altitude of 5,364 metres, whilst Everest Base Camp (North) is in Tibet at 5,150 metres. To contact us by telephone or email, 0800 043 0020 / 01273 092 757

Read More..

If making the Trek to Everest Base Camp is becoming increasingly popular, you must have the right Travel Insurance policy before you leave your home country.

Everest Base Camp (South) is in Nepal at an altitude of 5,364 metres, whilst Everest Base Camp (North) is in Tibet at 5,150 metres.

To contact us by telephone or email,  0800 043 0020 / 01273 092 757 [email protected]

  • Summary of Cover

Trekking Travel Insurance FAQs

Prepare before you go, reputable trekking companies, vaccinations, visa requirements, pre-existing medical conditions, useful websites, summary of cover (per person).

* Excess  payable does vary depending on the claim benefit.

Please read the  Policy Wording  for the complete list of Benefits.

Healix Insurance Services Ltd, on behalf of Hamilton Insurance DAC, arranges this Travel Insurance policy for Jade Stanley Ltd. Healix Insurance Ltd is registered in England and Wales under No. 5484190 and authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under No. 437248. Hamilton Insurance DAC is registered in Ireland No. 484148, authorized by the Central Bank of Ireland, and subject to limited regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority in connection with their UK branch. Jade Stanley Ltd is registered in England and Wales under No. 03570857 and authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under No. 306205.

1. How high can I trek with this Travel Insurance policy to Everest Base Camp?

This policy will allow you to trek up to 6,000 metres above sea level.

There are two Everest Base Camps; one is situated on the mountain's north side in Tibet and is known as North Base Camp ; the other lies in Nepal on the south side of the hill and is called South Base Camp .

If you have plans to trek between 6,000 and 9,000 metres, then contact us, and we can give you a quote at [email protected]

If you are already out in  Nepal and decide to go above 6,000 metres, please contact us, and we can upgrade your policy to provide insurance for this altitude.

2. Does this travel insurance policy cover me if I am injured or taken ill and must be brought home for further medical treatment?

Our policies cover Repatriation back to your home country if the treatment locally is insufficient; the Medical Assistance Service must authorise this and your policy details have all the details.

If you need to be treated in Nepal, you will be covered for Medical and Emergency Expenses up to £5,000,000.

3. Is Helicopter recovery covered if I get severe mountain sickness?

Yes, you will be covered under the Search and Rescue section of the policy up to £50,000. As you may know, many scams regarding helicopter evacuation in Nepal exist. The most common benefit requested by reputable tour operators and guides is that the policy includes Search and Rescue as a unique benefit.

4. I have an Annual Travel Insurance policy already for worldwide travel. Can I get cover just for the Trekking days?

Yes, you can cover yourself just for the days you will be Trekking Everest Base Camp; the premium often works out cheaper doing it this way.

Note the maximum duration of each trip is 31 days. 

If you are looking at an Annual Trekking policy, you can include Everest Base Camp and Trekking to 6,000 metres, allowing you to trek in Nepal , Morrocco or Peru .

You must state this on your policy if you are  Trekking to Kilimanjaro . 

If you are already away and decide to go Trekking to 6,000 metres again, you can purchase a policy from us. You must confirm in writing that you have no claims pending and the days you will be trekking, and we can provide a policy for you. You must email us or call us first. 

5. Should I be guided when Trekking to Everest Base Camp?

We can only cover you if you are Trekking Everest Base Camp on a fully organised tour with qualified and repeatable tour guides.

The policy will be invalid if you are Trekking to Everest Base Camp alone with no guides, and it is hazardous!

It is a requirement that you register your Travel Insurance with the guide company before you set off. That way, they will have the policy number and Emergency Assistance number. 

6. The tour organiser I am using requests the policy to state Trekking Everest Base Camp and Search and Rescue. Is this possible?

Yes. You have to make sure that this is stated in the policy. When getting a quote, please select Trekking Everest Base Camp (thoroughly organised tours only)

Do not select Trekking 4,000 to 6,000 meters, as you will not be covered, and the tour operator will most likely request you to cancel and reissue the policy. 

7. What do I need to provide my tour organiser once I have purchased a policy?

Most reputable Trekking Everest Base Camp Tour Operators will ask for the following information before you start your Trek.

Policy Certificate

Travel Insurance Provider

Policy Number

Emergency Assistance Number

Once you have obtained a policy, you should share these details with the company immediately. 

If a Trekking company does not ask for travel insurance details, I would be suspicious of them as it is mandatory.

8. What happens if I book my Travel Insurance and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advises not to travel to Nepal?

You should always check with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office before booking any trip and confirm that travel to the area you plan to travel to is not restricted.

If you take out a Policy before the FCO advises it's unsafe to travel, then you are covered for cancellation if this changes before you travel.

9. How can I avoid Altitude Sickness?

It is recommended that on the first day, you are at a high altitude; you should not try to walk or over-exert yourself. Drinking up to 3 litres of water is also recommended.

Top 10 Tips for Avoiding Altitude Sickness 

10. Challenging part of the  Everest Base Camp Trek 

a) Lhotse Face - this is the final part of the Everest Base Camp trek: a steep climb to get to Base Camp   

b) Western Cwm - a wall of ice and rock that towers over the Camp

c) Khumbu Icefall - a valley below the Western Cwm and is steep and subject to changing weather conditions. 

11. Can I get cover if I plan to go to Everest Summitt?

Yes, we can provide cover for this and you would need to contact us for a quote as each case does need to be referred to the underwriter.

Top 10 tips before you travel and Trek Everest Base Camp 

Register your Travel Insurance

When you reach your destination, provide a copy of your Travel Insurance Policy with the Trekking Company you booked and point out the 24-hour Emergency Assistance Number.

If you request Mountain Rescue by Helicopter, the Mountain Rescue Services in Nepal will need your Travel Insurance details.

Travel Insurance companies have their preferred Operators, so ensure that you call (or have someone call on your behalf) the 24-hour Emergency Assistance Service listed in your Policy Documents.

Trekking up to Everest Base Camp can be strenuous, and the lack of oxygen after 2,500 metres makes trekking challenging.

You should always keep to your fitness levels and not go beyond your limits, especially if you are not comfortable or confident at this altitude.

Acclimatisation is important. Here's a link to a retailer that provides products to help you acclimate before leaving your home country:  https://www.altitudecentre.com .

Trekking Gear

Pack light! One of the biggest mistakes is taking too much gear and not using half of it but being burdened with the weight of it.

  • Lightweight Hiking Boots (wear them before you go to avoid getting blisters)
  • Thick Wool Socks
  • Trekking Pants (waterproof), Thermal Tops (long sleeve), Therma Bottoms, Windproof Jacket, Lightweight Rain Jacket and T-shirts
  • Woollen or Peaked Hat, Sunglasses, Water Purification Tablets, Sunscreen, Chapstick, Quick Dry Towel, Bungee Cord, Karabiners, Head Torch, Washing Powder, Water Bottles, and First Aid Kit.
  • As of March 2024, it is a requirement to have a Recco Reflector, make sure you have one.  

It is best practice to book your Trekking experience through a reputable UK company - look for reviews and recommendations and choose a company that will provide a safe and well-thought-out experience.

If choosing a company not registered in the UK, pick one registered with an Authorised Trekking Agency and holds proper licenses and registration from the Authorities. An agency has to have registration with the Nepal Government Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) to operate.

If the Trekking Agency does Climbing, they must also be registered with the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) .

Vaccinations sometimes require jabs across an extended period (sometimes over three months), so see your doctor as soon as possible to schedule your vaccines.

You can check the NHS website for all current Vaccinations required for Nepal.

Standard Vaccinations required include:

  • Japanese Encephalitis (especially if you are going between August and October)
  • Hepatitis A and B
  • Diphtheria, Tuberculosis, Polio & Tetanus

There are specific entry requirements for Nepal - visit the UK Government website for information.

A valid Permit   and TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System) are needed to enter the Trekking Regions.

Suppose you are participating in an Activity, such as Trekking to Everest Base Camp, and you have a pre-existing medical condition. In that case, it is advisable to declare the medical conditions before your trip.

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This policy will provide cover up to the age of  75 years.

With such a physical and exhilarating activity, your peace of mind to have the medical conditions covered means you do not need to worry about any medical claims you may need to make during or after the trip

www.iantaylortrekking.com/top-10-tips-for-a-trek-to-Everest-base-camp

www.bookmundi.com/t/top-12-best-treks-in-Nepal-snapshot-overview

www.everestassistance.com

www.excitingnepal.com/trip/everest-base-camp-helicopter-tour

www.outfitternepal.com/everest-base-camp-trekking

www.sublimetrails.com/everest-base-camp-helicopter-tour

www.marveladventure.com/everest-base-camp-trekking

Related Pages

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Nepal Everest Base Camp Trek

EBC Group Trek

Travel Insurance

Personal Travel Insurance is highly recommended while travelling to Nepal. There are different global sites which provide the Holiday Travel Insurances at a reasonable cost. While buying a Travel Insurance for Nepal, you got to be sure about the Insurance policy that covers the mountainous regions, rescue cost, evacuation, and others activities depending on your preferences. Buying comprehensive package is highly suggested as it loaded with various options, and saves money at the same time. If you fall ill or met with an accident during your trip in Nepal, the personal cost could be very expensive for the tourists. In this case the travel insurance can cover all your costs, and also bears responsibility to manage the trip further accordingly. If you decide to opt out from the trip due to illness, the travel insurance is liable to make arrangements of your departure to your country.

Likewise, if your luggage gets stolen or your money gets pickpocketed, the travel insurance can cover your further costs depending on the situation.

Moreover, if you decided to cut short your trip due to some genuine personal reasons, the travel insurance can make necessary arrangements of your early departure.

However, the policy buyer should always double check what is being covered, and find out if any exclusion might apply regarding different circumstances. Always make sure to inquire about the hidden costs as some insurance companies try to fleece the customers with unnecessary burdens.

If you are travelling in a group, there might be group insurance policies that can help you save money. Usually, the premium gets cheaper for a bigger group.

Some travel insurances have different polices depending on the altitudes you would travel. So, you got to be sure about the place, and the altitude you would travel on. Since, Nepal is a mountain country, while travelling to the base camp of these mountains you have to travel to regions with high altitudes. Finally, always have a printed copy of your policy handy while travelling in Nepal. Also, save an e-copy in your email to retrieve in case the original gets lost or misplaced. If you need any suggestion on finding the Best Travel Insurance for Nepal, please feel free to contact us.

IMAGES

  1. Insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek

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  2. Travel Insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek

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  3. Everest Base Camp Trek Insurance

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  4. 11 Tips for Successful Everest Base Camp Trek [Updated]

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  5. Everest Base Camp Travel Insurance

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  6. Everest Base Camp Trek Insurance

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VIDEO

  1. Yeti Airlines: Kathmandu to Lukla (2840m) Airport

  2. Mount Everest Base Camp (North Face)

  3. EP #18

  4. Everest Base Camp ไปก่อน อย่าพึ่งตาย Day10 Ep9

  5. How much does the Everest base camp trek cost? Full information about fitness, etc II English vlog

  6. Everest Base Camp Trek

COMMENTS

  1. Insurance For Everest Base Camp Trek

    Learn why insurance is essential for the Everest Base Camp Trek and what to look for in a policy. Find out how to cover altitude, accidents, illnesses, flights and baggage for your adventure.

  2. Everest Base Camp Trekking Insurance

    Everest Base is at an altitude of 5364 metres, and the clear majority of travel insurance companies will not cover you for trekking at that altitude. With our cover, you can take out the "Extreme Adventure Pack" and you get cover for any altitude over 4600 metres, so you can rest assured you will have the best possible insurance for your trek ...

  3. Insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek: How to choose a right travel

    So, the travel insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek helps to cover the medical evacuation over 6,000m during emergencies. Flight insurance/flight cancellation: Flight cancellation is a prime issue while trekking in the Himalayas. The flights get canceled or delayed for an uncertain time due to fluctuating climate, technical problems, strikes ...

  4. Insurance For Trekking To Everest Base Camp

    Trekking to Everest Base Camp involves high altitude, in fact at the highest point - Kala Patthar, you'll be over 5,500 metres. Generally speaking, most standard travel insurance policies will not cover you over 3,000 metres. This is fine for most travellers, but not if you're trekking to EBC! The reason most travel insurers don't cover over 3 ...

  5. Everest Base Camp Trek

    For a complete cent-by-cent cost breakdown of our trek to Everest Base Camp in 2020. Cost of trekking to EBC in different ways in a nutshell: Package tour EBC trek with international agency $1700. Package tour EBC trek with local agency $1600. Independent EBC trek with a guide and porter $1370.

  6. Insurance for Everest Base Camp trek

    There are many travel insurance companies that offer coverage for trekking to Everest Base Camp in Nepal. Here are a few examples of insurance companies that offer coverage for high altitude trekking: World Nomads: World Nomads is a popular choice among backpackers and adventure travelers. They offer comprehensive travel insurance coverage that ...

  7. Comprehensive Guide: Choosing Your Nepal Trekking Insurance

    Trekker in Everest Region. For peace of mind during your trek, your Everest Base Camp insurance should cover up to an altitude of at least 19000 feet (roughly 5800 meters). The increased altitude elevates the risk of altitude sickness. Your insurance should provide for helicopter evacuation, ensuring you can receive medical attention promptly if required.

  8. Ultimate Insider's Guide to Everest Base Camp

    Luckily, there's no shortage of insurance companies that offer travel insurance specifically tailored to Everest Base Camp trekkers. When purchasing a policy, make sure you're covered for trekking up to altitudes of 6,000m/19,685ft.

  9. Travel Insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek

    Travel insurance is very important if you plan to trek to the Everest Base Camp. While trekking to Everest Base Camp, you may face numerous problems such as altitude sickness, accidents, harsh weather, and flight cancelation. Purchase travel insurance and trek in peace. Everest from Kala Patthar PC: Samyak Shakya.

  10. Everest Base Camp Trek Insurance: Safe Trekking

    Travel insurance for an Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek is essential for several reasons. Firstly, trekking to EBC involves various risks and challenges, including altitude sickness, accidents, unforeseen illnesses, and theft. Travel insurance provides financial protection and assistance in the event of such incidents, covering medical expenses ...

  11. Best Insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek

    Travel Insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek - Nepal Social Treks. About the Author. Antonio was born and raised in Southern Spain, and quit his job in 2013 to travel the world full-time with his wife Amanda for 10 years straight. Their passion for adventure took them to visit 150+ countries.

  12. Insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek

    Consequently, you need insurance for Everest Base Camp that cover all your risk factor. This Everest base camp goes up to 5550 m (Kalapatthar). It is 12 to 14 days trekking from Lukla (2860 m). Trekkers start to listen their body as they go above 3000 m. Consideration over the high altitude is very essential.

  13. Everest Base Camp Travel Insurance

    Learn why you need travel insurance for trekking to Everest Base Camp and how to choose the right cover for your adventure. Find out the best time to go, the route details, and the altitude limits for different policies.

  14. What Insurance do you need for an Everest Base Camp trek?

    Note - If you're on Island Peak , Mera Peak or any trek that goes higher than Everest Base Camp then you will need insurance up to the highest point of your trip. An example would be for the Ultimate Island Peak trip is that you need insurance up to 6189m. Accidents on the trek. Let's face it, walking, for the most part, is relatively easy.

  15. Travel Insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek

    6. Re: Travel Insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek. 4 years ago. No need to panic about not getting helicopter evacuation coverage for trekking. High altitude trekking was done for over 40 years by hundreds of thousands of trekkers before helicopters became available at all. Trekkers were not dying left and right either.

  16. Travel Insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek

    2 Travel Dates. 3 Contact Details. 4 Trip Details. Travel insurance is a must for Everest Base Camp trek. You need to insure for immediate helicopter evacuations, medical rescue, flight delays/ cancellations, and theft in the mountains.

  17. Travel Insurance for Everest Base Camp and Annapurna trek Nepal Himalayas

    Travel Insurance is mandatory for all customers looking to travel in Nepal with the Alpine Ramble Treks. However, The Travel Insurance that you are looking at must cover both the medical and emergency evacuation costs. Somehow, we would like to recommend to our valuable clients that your insurance is worth a minimum of USD 100,000.

  18. 3 Best Trekking Travel Insurance Policies for High Altitude Hiking

    Everest Base Camp Travel Insurance. No, there's no such thing as specific travel insurance for the Everest Base Camp trek. However, just like above, any of my three recommendations will have you covered for the EBC since the highest elevation that you'll likely reach will be at Kala Patthar (5,644 m).

  19. Everest Base Camp Trek Insurance

    Altitude Sickness: The Everest Base Camp's altitude is 5,364 meters above sea level, while the highest point stands at 5,550 meters in Kalapatthar. even if you are an experienced hiker, this is a significant physical challenge. Furthermore, general trekking insurance only covers you up to 3,000 meters. As a result, you should check with your agency for their recommended insurance to ensure ...

  20. Travel Insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek

    Everest Base Camp trek is one of the most adventurous and lengthy treks in Nepal. And, is a high altitude trek in Nepal. So, travel insurance is considered as mandatory for such a trek that involves various risk factors including altitude sickness. As the trekking routes get more remote, the risk factors increase while chances of getting medical attention get scarce.

  21. Trekking Everest Base Camp Travel Insurance

    To contact us by telephone or email, 0800 043 0020 / 01273 092 757. Read More.. If making the Trek to Everest Base Camp is becoming increasingly popular, you must have the right Travel Insurance policy before you leave your home country. Everest Base Camp (South) is in Nepal at an altitude of 5,364 metres, whilst Everest Base Camp (North) is in ...

  22. ASC360

    Remember adventure 360 for your insurance cover You will get premium insurance for any adventure activity. The service and team are really amazing. ... The ASC360 Everest Base Camp Odyssey. Aug. 3, 2023, 7:59 a.m. ... Latest Travel Advisory; Travel Story; What they Say; Become a Partner; Nepal Office

  23. Travel Insurance

    Some travel insurances have different polices depending on the altitudes you would travel. So, you got to be sure about the place, and the altitude you would travel on. Since, Nepal is a mountain country, while travelling to the base camp of these mountains you have to travel to regions with high altitudes.