The short answer
On high routes, helicopters are used to bring ill or injured people to a clinic or hospital when walking or waiting is unsafe. Flights depend on weather, landing sites and daylight, so a request is not always met immediately. Your guide, lodge or operator usually helps coordinate with the insurer and the flight provider.
Before you travel, check that your insurance covers emergency helicopter evacuation at the altitude of your trek, and keep the policy number and the insurer's emergency contact where you can reach them. Ask your operator how they handle emergencies and who makes the call. Written answers are better than verbal ones.
Key facts
- Depends on
- Weather, daylight, landing site
- Check before travel
- Policy covers evacuation at your altitude
- Keep handy
- Policy number, insurer contact
- Ask operator
- Emergency plan in writing
How it works
- Read your policyConfirm altitude limits and evacuation cover.
- Save the contactsInsurer, operator and embassy numbers, on phone and paper.
- Ask the operator for their planWho decides, who calls, what happens next.
- Tell the guide early if unwellEarly action gives more options.
Insider tip
Save the insurer's emergency number on your phone and on paper.
Avoid this
Do not assume a standard policy covers high-altitude trekking; read it.
Related questions
Will a helicopter always come?
Not always, since weather and daylight can stop flights.
Who arranges it?
Usually the guide or operator working with your insurer.
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