The short answer
Strongly recommended. Check cover for medical expenses, emergency evacuation, altitude limits and trip cancellation, and read the policy wording carefully.
Standard policies often exclude trekking above a set height or adventure activities, so match your cover to your real route, not just to the country.
Key facts
- Medical
- Cover and evacuation
- Altitude
- Limits for Muktinath or Kailash
- Other
- Cancellation, baggage
How it works
- Check medical and evacuation coverIncluding helicopter evacuation from remote areas.
- Check altitude limitsSome policies exclude trips above 3,000 m, which matters for Muktinath and Kailash.
- Read the exclusionsAdventure sports such as paragliding can void cover if not included.
What to look for in a policy
Look for medical cover and emergency evacuation, including helicopter rescue, at the altitude of your route. Check what is excluded, such as trekking above a certain height, rafting or paragliding, and whether pre-existing conditions are covered.
Also check cancellation and delay cover, baggage cover and the claims process. Keep your policy number and the insurer's emergency contact on your phone and on paper, and share them with your travelling companions and operator.
How insurance works in practice
In an emergency, call your insurer's assistance line as well as your operator. Many insurers need to approve costs or arrange transfers, and may ask for medical reports and receipts. Keep every document.
Insurance supports your trip, but it does not replace good planning. Choose realistic itineraries, listen to your guide and tell them early if you feel unwell. See the helicopter evacuation answer for more on how rescue works.
Insider tip
Cover is only worth as much as the exclusions allow.
Avoid this
Do not buy a policy without checking its altitude limits.
Related questions
Is insurance mandatory?
Not for general tourism, but strongly recommended.
Does it cover cancellation?
Check the wording. Some policies cover only specific causes.
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