INSURANCE POLICY
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 trekking the Everest Base Camp 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.
We have also provided a insurance quote calculator at the end of this article from our recommended insurance provider, Worldnomads.comEBC Trek Insurance
Altitude
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 5500m 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 do not 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 6000m you will be covered for the entire course of the trek and will not have to worry about exorbitant evacuation or medical assistance costs.
EBC Trek Insurance
Accidents
As with any mountain trek, accidents remain uncommon but are never completely unavoidable. Once again, remoteness and high altitude can complicate a minor injury, 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.
EBC Trek Insurance
Illnesses
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!
EBC Trek Insurance
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!
EBC Trek Insurance
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.
EBC 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. Make use of their quote calculator below buy insurance for your Everest Base Camp Trek.