Best Travel Insurance for Mountaineering & High Altitude Trekking
Written by Antonio Cala.
Table of Contents
Whether you’re a seasoned mountaineer, nature enthusiast, or an avid adventurer, securing the appropriate insurance is crucial. In this article, we will explore the best travel insurance for mountaineering and high-altitude trekking. We’ll delve into the distinctive aspects of insurance for these adventurous pursuits, emphasize important features to take into account, and showcase our top recommendations for 2024.
For a comprehensive exploration of insurance options designed specifically for adventure travelers, be sure to explore 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 high altitude & mountaineering trips.
Mountaineering Travel Insurance Overview
What is Mountaineering & High Altitude Trekking Insurance
Many insurance providers incorporate coverage for trekking and mountaineering into their standard policies, often labeling it as regular travel insurance or “adventure travel insurance.” Occasionally, opting for an adventure package may be necessary to ensure coverage at high altitudes.
Nevertheless, the primary limitation of these insurance policies lies in the altitude at which coverage ceases. Most companies impose a cap at 15,000 – 20,000 feet (4,500 – 6,000 meters), although some may not have a cap at all.
In the following section, we will delve into the specifics of what a typical insurance policy for mountaineering trips covers and does not cover.
What Does It Cover?
The majority of insurance policies typically provide coverage for the following four categories:
Medical Expenses
Should an unexpected injury or illness occur during your mountaineering or high-altitude trekking expedition, reliable insurance designed for these specific adventures provides coverage for overseas emergency medical expenses incurred at a hospital or medical center.
This comprehensive coverage caters to various medical needs, from essential treatments to more intricate procedures. Whether it involves immediate first aid or extensive medical care, a well-structured insurance plan ensures financial support for your well-being while navigating the challenging terrains of high altitudes and the great outdoors.
Equipment Coverage
In the unfortunate event of damage, theft, or loss of your mountaineering or trekking equipment, such as trekking poles or backpack, specialized insurance for these adventures typically offers coverage. The coverage amount can vary, ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. This provision allows you to file a claim to offset the costs associated with repairing or replacing your essential mountaineering gear.
Trip Cancellation or Interruption
Should the need arise to cancel or cut short your mountaineering or high-altitude trekking expedition due to injury, specialized insurance for these activities offers the flexibility to claim reimbursement for the missed portions of your adventure.
Emergency Evacuation
Arguably the most crucial coverage for a mountaineering or high-altitude trekking expedition, it facilitates emergency medical evacuation to the most suitable medical facility for treatment or repatriation back to your country of residence.
What Doesn't Cover?
Every insurance provider has its own limitations on what they cover and what they don’t. Here are the most common exclusions:
Very High Altitude: Trekking at an altitude over 19,500 feet (6,000 meters) is normally not covered by some insurance companies, unless you purchase an add-on. If you plan to go higher than that, make sure you choose a company that doesn’t have an altitude limit.
Traveling contrary to government advice: If you choose to travel against the recommendations of the U.S. Department of State, it is unlikely that your policy will provide coverage.
Extreme activities: Some companies might not cover activities like free mountaineering, climbing in remote or inaccessible regions, exploratory expeditions or opening new routes. Verify if your chosen activities require additional coverage or specialist insurance.
Remote Regions: Activities in remote locations such as Antarctica, the Arctic Circle, or Greenland might not be covered by certain insurance companies.
Best Travel Insurance for Mountaineering in 2024
Our Pick For
Remote Locations + High Altitude + Any Nationality
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).
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.
High Altitude Evacuation.. This is for individuals traveling above 15,000 ft (4,600 m) during any part of their trip (excluding airplane travel). It also includes emergency physical transport due to injury or illness.
Global Rescue is the most comprehensive travel protection available worldwide. It has the least restrictions and biggest coverage than any other medical insurance.
This medical-only protection covers individuals of all nationalities and offers options for individuals aged 75 and above. When purchasing the high altitude evacuation add-on, there’s no altitude limit.
Global Rescue is our preferred option for mountaineering and high altitude trekking trips.
Our Pick For
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.
Reasons To Buy
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
Reasons To Avoid
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.
There’s no age limit and, with the Adventure & Extreme Sports Protection, you can get cover for high altitude trekking over 9,000 feet (2,700 meters).
We recommend Faye for Americans who want a complete travel protection for their mountaineering trip in high altitude, including high medical coverage, trip protection cancellation & interruption, and baggage coverage.
Our Pick For
Non Americans + Budget
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.
Groups: Insurance policies for solo travelers, couples and families are available.
Reasons To Buy
The price is competitive.
Reasons To Avoid
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.
Their altitude limit is 19,500 feet (6,000 meters).
We recommend World Nomads Explorers plan for mountaineering and high altitude trekking trips if you are not American, your maximum altitude is below 6,000 meters (19,500 feet) and want the trip & baggage protection that Global Rescue doesn’t provide.
Comparison Table
Company |
Plan |
Medical Expenses |
Emmergency Evacuation |
Trip Cancellation |
Trip Delays |
Equipment Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Travel |
$100,000 |
$500,000 |
None |
None |
None |
|
|
Adv Sports |
$250,000 |
$500,000 |
100% |
150% |
$2,000 |
|
|
Explorer |
$100,000 |
$500,000 |
$10,000 |
$3,000 |
$3,000 |
Conclusion
When it comes to finding insurance for your mountaineering trip, everything boils down to what’s the maximum altitude you plan to go and how remote is the area you’re traveling to.
If you plan to go trekking over 19,000 feet or remote areas, the absolute best choice is Global Rescue. Its robust medical evacuation system is simply unmatched by any other provider.
If you are not planning to go very remote and you are a US resident, 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 don’t plan to go trekking in remote areas, 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.
Insurance for Specific Hiking Trails
If you would like to read 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
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:
- Skiing & Snowboarding
- Hiking Trips
- Mountaineering & High Altitude Trekking
- Mountain Biking, Bike-touring & Bike-packing
- Rock Climbing, Ice Climbing & Bouldering
- Kayaking, White Water Rafting & Paddle Boarding
- Fishing & Spearfishing
- Diving Liveaboards & Freediving
- Sailing, Kite Surfing & Surfing
- Adventure Cruises
- Adventure Motorcycling
Mountaineering & High Altitude Trekking Insurance Reviews Online
During your research, you might want to consider checking out articles from various publications that provide insights into the best insurance companies for mountaineering trips and trekking at high altitude.
Below are a few articles that caught my interest.
3 Best Trekking Travel Insurance Policies for high Altitude Trekking & Expeditions – We Seek Travel
The Ultimate Guide to Travel Insurance for High Altitude Trekking – The Bucket List Company
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