As much of a fun as trekking is, we -- as wise beings -- should also be safe from the potential perils that trekking entails.

Trekker’s Insurance has not yet had its chance to shine in the Nepalese insurance market. However, this insurance policy is an underdog that is rapidly graining importance amongst national as well as international trekkers.

The numerous benefits of this insurance are incredible but before we discuss them, we need to know what this insurance is all about.

Basically, a Trekker’s Insurance is just a modified version of the regular Personal Accident Insurance, which is an annual insurance policy that compensates us against event of injuries, disability or death caused solely by violent, accidental, external and visible events. The only difference is that Trekker’s Insurance covers us against the dangers that we might face during the course of our trekking.

This insurance policy is applicable to anyone within the age range of 16 years to 60 years, regardless of nationality. For national trekkers, the insurance period is one year at maximum on both individual and group policy. Nevertheless, each trekking journey can only be for a maximum of ninety days. For international, trekkers, however, only individual policy issue is available that too for a maximum of only ninety days and a minimum of seven days.

Another important thing about this insurance policy is that while all foreigners have to be named ahead of a trek, national trekkers can just give the name of the trekking route and the period of the trek right before the trek. And, all national trekkers, including Tour Guide, Assistant Tour Guide, High Altitude Sherpa, Cook, and Liaison Officer come under named insured people.

Now that we have a fair degree of information about what Trekker’s Insurance is, we should understand that, this insurance, like all of the other insurance policies, has its own rules and limitations on the events it can cover. As of now, the events that this insurance policy covers are as follows:

  • High altitude sickness
  • Frost bite
  • Death or injury due to blizzards

There are a few events that are exceptions to this complex insurance policy but the policy has its own commendable share of benefits. When we are trekking at the highest altitudes in the world, we obviously more vulnerable than when we are at our home. Therefore, we need an extra layer of protection during the trekking period. After all, we want our trekking experience to be a success story and not a tragic news headline, don’t we? That is why we should make a smart move and get Trekker’s Insurance for our own and our loved ones’ benefits.

As an insured person, there are entitled to benefits in three varied forms from the insurance company: Personal Accident Benefits, Medical Expenses Benefits, and Search and Rescue Benefits. Both domestic and foreign trekkers can be beneficiaries of these benefits, although the benefits might be a little different from each other.

 1.    Personal Accident Benefits

National

Compensation provided in the following events: 

•   Death

•   Permanent total/partial disablement

•   Temporary total disablement

Compensation amount: US $ 20,000 at maximum

International

Compensation provided in the following events: 

•   Death

•   Permanent total disablement

Compensation amount: US $ 20,000 at maximum

2.    Medical Expenses Benefits

 National

Compensation amount:  US $ 4,000 at maximum

International

Compensation amount: US $ 25,000, but can claim US $100 in each transaction if excess required.

 3.    Search and Rescue Benefits

 National and International

Compensation amount: US$4000 – per accident or event, or US$10,000 – per policy period.

The insurance company will take care of all the required bills incurred while making air search or while moving the injured insured from the site of injury to the nearest medical institution within Nepal. However, to receive this benefit, one of the hospitals, or nursing homes, or appropriate authorities has to certify that the rescue is mandatory to prevent the insured from the risk of immediate death.

With all these benefits, Trekker’s Insurance is indeed your partners in mountain heights.

Bon Voyage!