Travel Insurance for Trekking in Nepal: What Aussies Need to Know (from Real Trekkers)

So, you’re in Australia and planning to trek in Nepal. You’ve got your boots, your puffer jacket, and your dreams of standing beneath Himalayan giants. But what about travel insurance?

Yeah, we know. It’s not the most exciting part of trip planning. But when you’re hiking up past 5,000 meters with altitude sickness creeping in and a helicopter evac on the line, trust us — it becomes very exciting.

We scoured real replies from Aussie trekkers who’ve been there, done that, filed the claim, and put together this practical, unfiltered guide to travel insurance for trekking in Nepal. No fluff, just what works.

First: What You Need Covered (Don’t Skip This Part)

Before we jump into company names, here’s a checklist of what must be in your policy:

• Altitude coverage up to 5,500–6,000 meters (EBC, Gokyo, and other popular trails hit that range)

• Emergency evacuation (including helicopter rescue)

• Trekking and adventure activity cover (often needs an add-on pack like “Adventure” or “Adventure Plus”)

• Medical cover including pre-existing conditions if relevant

• Trip cancellation or interruption (especially if you’re worried about family emergencies or COVID-related stuff)

• Delays (e.g., stuck in Lukla for days — yes, it happens)

Now let’s talk companies.

Real Trekkers Recommend: What Aussies Actually Use

Here’s what real people from Australia are saying about their insurance experiences:

Allianz Travel Insurance

• Altitude: Up to 6,000m with the right add-on

• Heli Evac: Yes

• Cost: Around AUD 250 for 18 days (as of recent treks)

• Extra Notes: No extra surcharge for Type II diabetes. Many trekkers found it the cheapest with proper coverage. Add the “Trek Pack” and you’re golden.

Verdict: Best value for money if you want altitude, heli evac, and a big-name company.

Covermore

• Altitude: Up to 5,500m with Adventure Pack

• Claim Reputation: One of the highest payout rates

• Price: Increasing, but still a strong contender

• Pros: Fast claim turnaround (one trekker got reimbursed for a heli evac from Lukla within two weeks)

• Cons: Price is rising; some say it’s no longer the cheapest

Verdict: Good track record and solid coverage — just double-check current pricing.

Fast Cover

• Altitude: Yes (check policy tier)

• Claim Feedback: Positive from multiple users, especially for EBC and Kilimanjaro

• Underwriter: Sometimes Zurich

Verdict: Reliable alternative if Covermore and Allianz are too steep. Confirm what’s included in your policy — not all tiers are created equal.

Global Rescue

• Best For: “Cancel for any reason” coverage + pre-existing conditions

• Price: $$$ (it’s pricey)

• Why Choose It: One trekker had elderly family back home and pre-existing knee issues. Global Rescue covered it all, including COVID cancellation and medical evacuations.

Verdict: Expensive but unbeatable for peace of mind if you need flexible cancellation or have health concerns.

NIB Travel Insurance

• Altitude & Heli Evac: Yes

• Price: A little more expensive, but coverage is broad

• Claim Reputation: Reliable

Verdict: A solid choice with wide coverage. Worth a look if the mainstream options don’t quite fit.

Other Mentions (and Warnings)

• Suresave: One user said their claims process was a nightmare. Proceed with caution.

• Medibank: Cheap option if you only want basic medical and helicopter evac. Not always the best for full trekking cover.

• Credit Card Insurance: Most cards only cover up to 3,000–3,500m. Not helpful for EBC. Don’t rely on this alone.

• Freely: Offers affordable plans using Covermore as underwriter. Needs the Adventure+ add-on. Get written confirmation of heli evac and altitude coverage.

Insider Tips from Fellow Aussies

• Always get written confirmation that your insurer covers trekking up to at least 5,500 meters and heli evac.

• Watch for extra excess fees on adventure packs (Allianz adds $500 for the Adventure Plus, for example).

• If you’re considering budget options, calculate total cost after excess. Sometimes the “cheaper” plan ends up more expensive after a claim.

• Coverage for pre-existing conditions like asthma or diabetes varies a lot. Disclose everything upfront.

• Don’t forget delays. Flights out of Lukla are famous for getting canceled for days at a time.

Travel Insurance Comparison Chart for Trekking in Nepal (Australians)

Quick Notes:

• ✅ = Covered

• ❌ = Not covered

• 👍 = Recommended

• 🤷‍♂️ = Limited data

Final Thoughts: What’s Best for You?

There’s no one-size-fits-all winner. If you’re watching your budget and just want to make sure you don’t pay $10K for a heli ride, Allianz or Covermore with an adventure add-on are great bets.

If you’re trekking with health concerns or want the ability to cancel for any reason, Global Rescue might be worth the splurge.

Whatever you pick, read the fine print, get altitude and evac confirmed in writing, and pack that policy like your passport. You never think you’ll need it… until you’re up there.

Need help figuring out what plan fits your trek? Drop us a message or check our updated guide on Trekking Permits and Regulations in Nepal.