Why is it crucial to have insurance on International treks?

Trekking in international destinations, such as Nepal’s Everest Base Camp or the Atsunta Pass in Georgia, is an adventure of a lifetime. However, these treks come with their own set of risks, including unpredictable weather, high altitude sickness, and remote locations. Having proper insurance coverage is not just an added safety measure; it’s an essential part of your trek preparation.

Here’s an incident that will tell you why

A few weeks ago, one of our trek leaders returned from the Everest Base Camp trek and he shared an experience that left us all in deep thought.

During the trek, one of the trekkers started feeling unwell at Namche Bazaar. Within a few hours, the severity of the symptoms forced the trekker to descend immediately. He had to opt for a helicopter evacuation to Kathmandu via Lukla. 

The cost? A staggering $740 (Roughly Rs 62,000). To put it in perspective, it is double our trek fee.

Surprisingly, a regular flight from Lukla to Kathmandu usually costs around $100-$120. But in emergencies, helicopter services in Nepal operate in an unregulated market. Prices can skyrocket depending on the urgency and demand.

This incident underscored a vital point: trekking, especially in remote international locations, comes with its risks and unpredictabilities. Having trek insurance could have significantly offset this sudden expense, easing both financial and emotional strain during a stressful situation.

Understanding the cost of emergencies

Emergencies in remote locations are expensive. Helicopter evacuations, medical treatments, and logistical support in high-altitude regions are not just costly—they're exorbitant. Without insurance, these expenses can burn a deep hole in your pocket.

For example:

• A helicopter evacuation from Namche Bazaar to Kathmandu costs around $700-$800, as in the story above.
• A hospital stay in Kathmandu for treatment can add another $500-$1000, depending on the severity of the condition.
• With trek insurance, most of these costs are covered, sparing you the financial burden during an already stressful time.

What Kind of Insurance Should You Opt For?

Not all travel insurance covers adventure activities like trekking. Many policies exclude high-altitude treks or any activities labeled as “extreme.”

This is why you must opt for adventure-specific insurance.

Which Insurance Company Covers Trekking and Adventure Sports?

At Indiahikes, we have been working with ASC 360 to insure our trekkers for several years now. Their policies cover:

• Helicopter evacuations (via air or land)
• Cashless hospitalization for injuries and altitude sickness
• Medical expenses for accidents or sickness like AMS, frostbite, and hypothermia
• Emergency repatriation
• Home-to-home coverage

We recommend going with ASC 360 for the following reasons:

Easily Accessible Support

ASC 360 offers exceptional service. Whether you’re in the middle of your trek or back home, they’re available 24/7 via call or email to assist you. Our trekkers have experienced this every time. 

Quick and Hassle-Free Paperwork

Unlike most insurance providers, ASC 360 ensures that your insurance papers are processed swiftly. This is especially crucial in emergencies when time is of the essence.

Comprehensive Coverage

ASC 360 doesn’t just offer adventure insurance—they also include travel insurance in the cost. This means you’re covered for both your trek and your journey to and from the destination.

Trusted Partnership

Indiahikes has worked with ASC 360 for years, and they’ve consistently delivered excellent service. Their experience in trekking-related emergencies makes them our go-to insurance provider. We are yet to see another insurance company do the same for trekking as a sport.

Specialized Services

ASC 360 offers several unique services, such as:

• Cashless medical services and treatment for AMS, frostbite, or hypothermia
• Field rescue teams for local ground evacuations
• Oxygen therapy and treatment
• Instant reimbursements for eligible claims
• Deployable medical teams and an Emergency Response Center

How to Apply for ASC 360 Insurance

To get in touch with ASC 360, write to info@asc360.com

Their team will guide you through the entire process.

Once you book an international trek with Indiahikes, your experience coordinator will share a brochure with you, explaining the insurance process and benefits. You can then directly email ASC 360 to apply.

Cost of ASC 360 Insurance for an international trek

The cost of insurance for an international trek starts from ₹6,000, depending on the altitude, region, and country of your trek. Considering the comprehensive coverage and peace of mind it offers, this is a small investment compared to the potential costs of emergencies.

In conclusion

Trekking insurance is not just about financial protection—it’s about ensuring your safety and peace of mind. We highly recommend purchasing insurance before embarking on your trek.

This isn’t just a recommendation; please consider it an essential part of your journey. It ensures that you can focus on the adventure, knowing that you’re covered in case of emergencies.

If you have further questions on insurance for international treks, write to info@indiahikes.com, and we’ll be able to help you.