Tourist travel insurance is an essential part of planning any trip to Nepal—especially if you intend to trek, climb, or explore remote regions. Here’s what you need to know:
Why You Need Travel Insurance in Nepal
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Medical emergencies can arise from altitude sickness, accidents, or illness. Local facilities outside Kathmandu/Pokhara may be basic, so evacuation could be necessary.
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Emergency evacuation & search‑and‑rescue by helicopter or ground team is extremely costly without insurance—often several thousand USD per hour.
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Trip interruption/cancellation cover can reimburse you if weather, political unrest, or personal emergencies force you to change or cancel plans.
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Loss of baggage, passport, or personal belongings is common in busy transit hubs like Tribhuvan International Airport or tourist lodges.
1. Recommended Minimum Coverage
| Coverage Type | Suggested Minimum Limit |
|---|---|
| Emergency medical expenses | US $ 50,000 – 100,000 |
| Emergency medical evacuation | Paid in full |
| Search & rescue (helicopter) | Paid in full* |
| Repatriation (return home) | Paid in full |
| Trip cancellation/interruption | US $ 3,000 – 5,000 |
| Baggage loss/delay | US $ 1,000 – 1,500 |
*Some plans treat “search and rescue” separately—confirm it’s included.
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2. Major Providers & Plans
International Insurers
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World Nomads (Standard & Explorer)
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Covers altitude trekking up to 6,000 m (Everest Base Camp, Annapurna) with policy upgrades.
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Allianz Global Assistance, IMG (Patriot Platinum), Travelex, AXA
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Many offer 24/7 multilingual emergency assistance.
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Nepali & Regional Insurers
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Shikhar Insurance, IME General, Everest Insurance, Neco Insurance, Sagarmatha Insurance
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Local branches & online portals; payment via eSewa/Khalti/bank transfer
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Reliance General (India)
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Plans from INR ₹306/week; covers medical, evacuation, personal accident, baggage
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Specialist Trekking Coverage
If you’re trekking above 3,000 m, consider add‑on plans that explicitly cover:
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Altitude illness (AMS, HAPE, HACE)
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Porters’ & guides’ liabilities
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Helicopter evacuation above 4,000 m
Typical premiums for altitude trekking:
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Below 3,000 m: US $ 50–100
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3,000–6,000 m: US $ 100–300
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Above 6,000 m: US $ 300–1,000+
3. Estimated Costs for Nepali Residents
| Trip Duration | Approx. Cost (NPR) |
|---|---|
| Up to 7 days | NPR 800 – 1,200 |
| 15–30 days | NPR 1,500 – 3,000 |
| 3 months+ | NPR 3,000 – 7,000 |
Schengen visas require at least €30,000 (≈NPR 4.5 million) medical cover.
4. How to Purchase
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Online: Visit insurer’s website or comparison portals. Fill out details, pay via eSewa/Khalti/bank, and receive your e‑policy instantly.
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Through Travel Agencies: Many Thamel‑based agents (e.g., Flight Tracker Tours) can arrange and print documents for you.
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At Insurer Branch: Walk into any major insurer’s office in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Tip: Always carry both a printed copy and a digital PDF of your policy.
5. Key Points to Verify
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Search & Rescue: Helicopter rescue must be explicitly covered—some plans exclude it.
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Altitude Limits: Check maximum covered altitude and whether trekking requires an upgrade.
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Exclusions & Waiting Periods: Review whether pre‑existing conditions, adventure sports (white‑water rafting, paragliding), or pandemics are excluded.
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24/7 Assistance: Ensure the insurer has an English‑speaking helpline reachable from Nepal.
With the right plan, you can focus on the beauty of the Himalayas, not the “what‑ifs.” Safe travel