Trekking and Expedition Insurance in Nepal is a mandatory requirement for all trekkers and climbers in Nepal. In the event of a health emergency, accident, or serious illness at altitude, evacuation by private helicopter is often the only option, and the cost of a single rescue can exceed USD 5,000 to USD $15,000 without coverage. Comprehensive travel insurance protects against unexpected incidents and the significant financial exposure that comes with remote high-altitude trekking.
Proper insurance coverage also enables trekking and expedition operators to arrange emergency rescue quickly and without delay, since operators are generally not permitted to confirm a helicopter without verified insurance or a deposit. Several reputable insurance companies offer specialised coverage for high-altitude trekking and mountaineering in Nepal, each with different altitude limits, rescue procedures, and policy structures. You may also consult your trekking or expedition operator for guidance on selecting suitable insurance, as their field experience with various providers is a valuable resource.
Please note that insurance costs, rescue procedures, and claim processes vary by provider and are governed by each company’s individual policy terms and conditions. The information below is a summary guide only and should not replace a full review of your chosen policy document before departure.
Trekking and Expedition Insurance in Nepal Providers
Quick reference comparison for high-altitude trekking and mountaineering expeditions in Nepal.
| S.N. | Insurance Company | Maximum Altitude | Estimated Cost Base | Essential Remark |
| 1 | ASC360 | 8000 m and above (no limit, by peak) | $110 to $190 (Trek), $634 to $1,243 (Peaks) | Cashless helicopter evacuation system built specifically for Nepalese rescue operations. |
| 2 | Global Rescue | 8000 m and above (with High-Altitude Package) | $135 to $170 (Trek), $530 to $995 and above (Expedition) | Premium crisis medical membership that deploys high-camp helicopter rescues directly to the point of injury. |
| 3 | BMC Insurance | 8000 m and above (with High Altitude Policy) | $180 to $320 (up to 7,000 m), $1,000 to $2,500 (8,000 m peaks) | The global standard for technical mountaineers. |
| 4 | World Nomads | 6,000 m (Explorer Plan only) | $120 to $220 (Explorer Plan) | Flexible policy that can be purchased on the road; excludes peaks above 7,000 m. |
| 5 | Tin Leg Insurance | 6,000 m (Adventure Trekking Plan only) | $150 to $350 (Adventure Plan) | Strong value with a $1,000,000 emergency evacuation limit; excludes all technical peaks above 6,000 m. |
The top insurance companies for adventure travel in Nepal are as follows:
1. ASC360 Adventure Insurance
For trekkers and climbers planning high-altitude journeys in Nepal, ASC360 is one of the most reliable and locally integrated insurance providers available. Standard travel insurance policies typically exclude activities above 2,500 m, making ASC360 a practical choice for routes such as Everest Base Camp, the Annapurna Circuit, and peak climbing expeditions across the Nepal Himalayas.
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Packages and Costs
ASC360 offers tailored adventure packages covering trekking up to 6,000 m, with coverage for Acute Mountain Sickness, accidents, and medical emergencies. Standard 15 to 21-day trekking policies generally range from USD 110 to USD 190, depending on the itinerary and the traveller’s age.
For peak climbing and expedition activities, ASC360 categorises its plans by specific peak altitude and risk level.
- 7,000 m and above expeditions (peaks such as Ama Dablam or Himlung): packages start at approximately USD 634 per person.
- 8,000 m expeditions (peaks such as Manaslu or Cho Oyu): packages start at approximately USD 953 per person.
- Mount Everest (8,848 m): the dedicated Mt. Everest Safety Rescue Package starts at approximately USD 1,243 per person due to the extreme altitude and extended trip duration.
Facilities and Rescue Procedures
The best feature offered by ASC360 is its cashless helicopter evacuation system, built specifically around Nepalese rescue operations. In the remote Himalayas, a private rescue helicopter can cost upwards of $ 5,000-$15,000. ASC360 maintains a 24/7 emergency response centre that coordinates directly with local helicopter operators and high-altitude clinics across Nepal.
When an emergency occurs, the insured trekker or their guide contacts the emergency hotline. Once medical necessity is verified, a rescue is dispatched immediately without requiring any upfront payment from the trekker. This direct local coordination and cashless system make ASC360 one of the most operationally effective options for rescue coverage in Nepal.
Contact Information
- Phone / WhatsApp (India Emergency): +91 7303800101
- Phone (Nepal Emergency): +977 9702657161, +977 9761801325
- Email: emergency@asc360.com
- Website: https://asc360.com
2. Global Rescue
For extreme mountaineers and remote trekkers in Nepal, Global Rescue operates as a membership-based crisis management service rather than a traditional travel insurance provider. The core distinction is that Global Rescue focuses on direct medical evacuation and security services from some of the most inaccessible locations on earth, rather than financial reimbursement after the fact.
Packages and Costs
Global Rescue offers short-term memberships of 7, 14, or 30 days as well as annual plans. A standard medical membership for a 14-day trek in Nepal costs approximately USD 135 to USD 170. A standard membership covers evacuation costs but does not cover hospital bills; trekkers can add the Signature Travel Insurance option to create a comprehensive package covering both rescue and medical expenses.
An extreme-altitude rescue requires a standard travel membership plus a High-Altitude Evacuation Package, which adds approximately USD 495 to the base membership cost. Total baseline costs typically range from USD 530 to USD 995, depending on trip duration, with comprehensive premium packages reaching USD 2,500 to USD 5,500.
Facilities and Rescue Procedures
The defining capability of Global Rescue is its field rescue service. Many insurers will only evacuate from a local hospital or clinic, but Global Rescue deploys helicopters directly to the point of injury, whether that is Everest Base Camp, a remote pass in the Dolpo region, or an off-trail accident site.
In an emergency, members contact the 24/7 Operations Centre via phone or app. The company’s team of paramedics and special operations veterans coordinates the entire rescue mission directly, without outsourcing to a third-party claims adjuster. No out-of-pocket payment is required for the evacuation at the time of rescue, which is a significant operational advantage in remote mountain environments.
Contact Information
- Phone (Primary Operations Centre): +1 (617) 459-4200
- Phone (US Toll-Free): (800) 381-9754
- Email: ops@globalrescue.com
- Website: https://www.globalrescue.com
3. BMC Insurance
The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) offers some of the most respected specialised insurance policies available for climbers and trekkers. BMC coverage is widely regarded as the most comprehensive option for those heading to the Himalayas due to its deep understanding of mountain risk and its high medical coverage limits.
Packages and Costs
BMC provides tiered coverage based on activity level. For Nepal, trekkers typically choose between the Trek policy covering up to 5,000 m, or the High Altitude and Remote policy, which has no altitude limit and covers technical climbing. For a standard three-week expedition to peaks such as Island Peak or Mera Peak, costs typically range from USD 180 to USD 320 (GBP 150 to GBP 260).
For elite peaks above 7,000 m, including Manaslu, K2, or Mount Everest, the highest-tier custom policy is required, with costs ranging from USD 1,000 to USD 2,500 (GBP 800 to GBP 2,000) depending on age and expedition duration.
Key Coverage Limits
- Emergency medical and repatriation cover: up to USD 12.5 million (GBP 10 million).
- Search and rescue: up to USD 125,000 (GBP 100,000), which covers the typical USD 8,000 to USD 15,000 cost of a high-camp helicopter rescue in Nepal.
Facilities and Rescue Procedures
BMC provides 24/7 emergency assistance staffed by specialists with direct knowledge of high-altitude rescue logistics. Their policies include search and rescue costs as a primary benefit, meaning that even if a trekker is missing rather than injured, the search process is covered. BMC coordinates with established local helicopter agencies in Nepal to ensure a prompt response, and their policies cover both helicopter evacuation and specialised medical repatriation.
Contact Information
- Phone: +44 161 445 6111
- Email: insure@thebmc.co.uk, office@thebmc.co.uk
- Website: https://thebmc.co.uk
4. World Nomads
World Nomads is a globally recognised insurance provider popular among independent travellers for its flexibility and adventure-friendly coverage structure. A key practical advantage for Nepal trekkers is that World Nomads policies can be purchased or extended after the traveller has already departed their home country, which is not possible with most standard providers.
Also Read: The Ultimate Mountaineering Gear Guide for Nepal Expeditions
Packages and Costs
World Nomads offers two main tiers: the Standard Plan and the Explorer Plan. For a typical three-week trip to Nepal, costs range from USD 120 to USD 220 depending on the traveller’s age and country of residence. Trekkers heading above 4,000 m must select the Explorer Plan, as it is the only tier designed to cover high-altitude trekking up to 6,000 m. The Standard Plan has significantly lower altitude limits and is not suitable for the majority of Nepal trekking routes. World Nomads is generally not appropriate for expeditions to peaks above 7,000 m or any 8,000 m summit.
Facilities and Rescue Procedures
World Nomads provides 24/7 emergency assistance through a dedicated multi-lingual team. Coverage includes emergency medical evacuation by helicopter to the nearest adequate medical facility, typically in Kathmandu. In an emergency, the insured trekker or their guide must contact the emergency assistance team before a helicopter is dispatched, as pre-authorisation is required for expensive rescue operations. Trekkers should have their policy details immediately accessible in the field to avoid delays in authorisation at the time of an emergency.
Contact Information
- Phone (Ireland Emergency Assistance): +353 21 237 8009, +353 21 237 8003
- Email: assist@worldnomads.com
- Website: https://www.worldnomads.com
5. Tin Leg Travel Insurance
Tin Leg is a highly rated American travel insurance provider known for comprehensive coverage at competitive price points. For Nepal trekkers focused on routes below 6,000 m, such as Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) or the Annapurna Circuit (5,416 m at Thorong La Pass), Tin Leg offers strong emergency evacuation limits without the premium pricing of boutique adventure insurance firms.
Packages and Costs
Tin Leg offers several plan tiers, including Economy, Standard, and Luxury options. For Himalayan trekking, the Tin Leg Adventure Plan is the only suitable tier, as standard plans exclude mountaineering and activities involving technical gear such as ropes and ice axes. For a two- to four-week Nepal trek, a typical Adventure Plan policy costs USD 150 to USD 350, depending on the traveller’s age and total insured trip value.
The Adventure Plan provides USD 100,000 in primary emergency medical coverage and up to USD 1,000,000 for emergency medical evacuation, which covers the typical USD 5,000 to USD 10,000 cost of a helicopter rescue in Nepal.
Altitude Limitations
The Tin Leg Adventure Plan is built for high-altitude trekking up to 6,000 m and lower trekking peaks. It strictly excludes all technical mountaineering above 6,000 m, meaning it is not appropriate for peaks such as Island Peak (6,189 m), Lobuche East (6,119 m), Ama Dablam (6,812 m), or any 7,000 m or 8,000 m summit. Trekkers planning to summit any peak above 6,000 m must select a provider with coverage at the required altitude.
Facilities and Rescue Procedures
In an emergency, the insured trekker must contact Tin Leg’s 24/7 emergency assistance line immediately. Their team coordinates with local Nepalese rescue operators and medical facilities, and prior authorisation must be obtained before a helicopter is dispatched to ensure a smooth claim process. Tin Leg’s high evacuation limit of up to USD 1,000,000 makes it a practical choice for budget-conscious trekkers on routes that remain below the 6,000 m threshold throughout.
Contact Information
- Phone (Outside the US, Collect Call): +1 727-264-5657
- Phone (Inside the US, Toll-Free): 844-927-9265
- Email: claims@tinleg.com
- Website: https://www.tinleg.com
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Choosing the Right Insurance Policy for Your Nepal Trek
For most trekkers heading to Nepal, a policy that covers up to 6,000 meters with a minimum of USD 100,000 in emergency evacuation coverage is sufficient. For climbers attempting 7,000 m or 8,000 m peaks, a specialised policy with no altitude limit and direct rescue coordination is essential.
Checklist Before Purchasing:
- Confirm the policy covers your maximum altitude
- Verify that emergency evacuation includes a helicopter rescue
- Check that Acute Mountain Sickness is covered
- Ensure the policy covers search and rescue operations
- Confirm there is a 24/7 emergency contact number
- Carry both digital and printed copies of your insurance documents
Your expedition or trekking operator can provide guidance when selecting suitable insurance. Always read the policy terms carefully and ask questions before you commit.
Important Note: Once you complete the insurance, you have to leave one of its copies for the family and one for the company.
Yes. Travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for all trekkers and climbers in Nepal, and most trekking operators will not confirm a helicopter rescue without verified insurance or a deposit on file.
A single private helicopter rescue in Nepal can exceed USD 5,000, and costs run even higher for rescues from high-camp locations above 6,000 meters, making comprehensive coverage essential before departure.
Yes. Standard travel insurance policies typically exclude activities above 2,500 meters, so any Nepal trek above that altitude requires a specialised adventure or high-altitude policy rather than a general travel plan.
No. Standard travel insurance policies typically exclude activities above 2,500 meters, so trekkers need a specialised adventure or high-altitude policy rather than a general travel plan.
For expeditions on 8,000-meter peaks such as Manaslu or Cho Oyu, ASC360 and Global Rescue both offer no-altitude-limit coverage with direct helicopter rescue coordination, while BMC Insurance offers similarly high coverage limits but is restricted to UK and Irish residents.
Yes, with World Nomads. It is one of the few providers that allows trekkers to purchase or extend a policy after departing their home country, which is useful if your travel plans change once you’re already in Nepal.
Tin Leg Insurance offers strong value for routes below 6,000 meters, such as Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit, with an Adventure Plan providing up to USD 1,000,000 in emergency evacuation coverage starting around USD 150.
Yes. AMS coverage is essential for any Nepal trekking policy, since altitude sickness is one of the most common medical issues trekkers face on high-altitude routes.
Global Rescue operates as a membership-based crisis management service rather than a traditional insurer, focusing on deploying helicopters directly to the point of injury rather than reimbursing costs after the fact.
Yes. ASC360 offers a cashless helicopter evacuation system built specifically for Nepalese rescue operations, with trekking policies for routes up to 6,000 meters typically costing USD 110 to USD 190.
Both peaks reach above 6,000 meters, so trekkers need a policy with no altitude limit or specific high-altitude climbing coverage, such as ASC360’s peak climbing packages or BMC’s High Altitude and Remote policy.
Confirm this directly with your insurer before departure, verify the exact altitude limit stated in your policy document, and always carry both digital and printed proof of coverage while trekking.
Contact your insurer’s 24/7 emergency line immediately. World Nomads and Tin Leg both require pre-authorisation before a helicopter is dispatched, while ASC360 dispatches a rescue once medical necessity is verified through their emergency hotline.
It depends on the provider. BMC Insurance includes search and rescue as a primary benefit covering situations where a trekker is missing rather than injured, while other providers may bundle or exclude this depending on the policy tier.
Your trekking or expedition operator can offer guidance based on field experience with different providers, though the final decision should always come after reading your chosen policy’s full terms and conditions.
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