The short answer
Buy travel insurance that covers medical care, evacuation from altitude, and any activities such as trekking or climbing at your planned heights. Check pre-existing conditions are covered, and keep your policy number and emergency contacts in your phone and on paper. Tell your tour operator or guide where the documents are.
In an emergency, tell your guide or hotel, stay calm, descend if altitude-related and call your insurer's emergency line. Helicopter evacuation depends on weather and communication, so insurance and a clear plan matter.
Key facts
- Cover
- Medical + evacuation + altitude
- Check
- Pre-existing conditions
- Keep
- Policy and contacts
- Act
- Tell guide, descend, call insurer
How it works
- Check the altitude clauseIn the policy.
- Confirm evacuation coverHelicopter.
- Save contactsOffline.
- Tell your guideWhere documents are.
- Know the emergency stepsBefore you go.
Choosing cover
Look for a policy that covers medical care, evacuation and the altitude and activities you plan. Read the exclusions carefully, particularly for pre-existing conditions and maximum altitude.
Keep the policy number, emergency phone number and a copy of the policy on your phone and on paper. Share them with your operator.
If something happens
Tell your guide first, since they know the local options. Follow the insurer's steps for claims and approvals, and keep receipts and reports.
Rescue by helicopter depends on weather and location, and may need approval from your insurer. Ask your operator how emergencies are handled on your route.
Insider tip
Photograph your policy and keep it offline on your phone.
Avoid this
Do not buy insurance that excludes your trek altitude.
Related questions
Is a helicopter rescue automatic?
No, it depends on weather and insurance.
Should I buy insurance before booking?
Buy soon after booking to cover cancellation.
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