I was trekking the Annapurna Circuit. At 4,500 meters, HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema) set in. My guide called for a helicopter. The pilot demanded to see my insurance policy. He looked at it and shook his head. “This policy caps at 3,000 meters. Cash only.” $5,000 charged to my card instantly.
Key Takeaways
- The Altitude Cap: Standard travel insurance (like World Nomads Standard) often excludes activities above 3,000 or 4,000 meters. Everest Base Camp is 5,364m.
- Helicopter Scams: In Nepal, “Rescue Scams” are rampant. Pilots and guides sometimes collude to call unnecessary rescues. Insurers have fought back by requiring strict pre-authorization, leading to delays.
- “Search” vs. “Rescue”: Insurance pays for the medical rescue (you are hurt). They rarely pay for Search (you are lost). If they have to spend 10 hours looking for you, you pay for the flight time.
- Upfront Payment: In Nepal, pilots almost always demand payment guarantees before rotors turn.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Elevation Exclusion.”
Insurers know that Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is common above 3,000m. To limit risk, they add a fine-print exclusion: “No coverage for trekking above 3,000m.”
- The Trap: You buy the policy thinking “Hiking” is covered. You didn’t check the altitude of your hike.
The Investigation: I Called Them
- World Nomads (Explorer): Explicitly covers trekking up to 6,000 meters. This covers EBC and Kilimanjaro. The “Standard” plan does NOT cover this height.
- Global Rescue: The gold standard for climbers. They have boots-on-the-ground partners in Nepal. They cover high altitude.
- SafetyWing: Covers “Hiking” up to 4,500 meters. If you go to 4,501m, you are uninsured. (Note: Check current 2026 terms, as this fluctuates).
Comparison Table: Altitude Limits
| Policy | Max Altitude | Everest Base Camp (5,364m) | Kilimanjaro (5,895m) |
| World Nomads Standard | ~3,000m | NO | NO |
| World Nomads Explorer | ~6,000m | YES | YES |
| SafetyWing | ~4,500m | NO | NO |
| Global Rescue | No Limit | YES | YES |
[IMAGE: Graphic of a mountain showing altitude lines. 3,000m marked ‘Standard Limit’. 6,000m marked ‘Explorer Limit’]
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Google the Max Elevation: Find the highest point of your trek. (e.g., Thorong La Pass is 5,416m).
- Match the Policy: Do not guess. Read the policy PDF for “Elevation” or “Altitude.”
- Carry the Policy Number: In Nepal, give the guide your policy number and the 24/7 emergency number on Day 1.
- Register Your Trek: In some regions, registering allows insurers to track you faster.
FAQ
What if I get sick at 2,000m but the peak is 6,000m?
Some policies deny you just for planning to go above the limit. Others only deny if the accident happens above the limit. Read the fine print carefully.
Does Garmin inReach insurance work?
Garmin offers “SAR 100” (Search and Rescue). It pays for the Search. It pairs well with medical insurance that pays for the Rescue.
Can I pay cash?
Yes, if you have
5,000−5,000−
10,000 limit on your card. Helicopters in Nepal are cash businesses.