Trekking to Everest Base Camp? Here’s the Real Insurance Guide for Canadians

You’ve got your ticket to Nepal, your down jacket is puffed and proud, and your calves are already twitching with anticipation. But before you lace up those boots and fly off to chase Himalayan dreams, there’s one box you absolutely need to check: insurance that won’t abandon you at 5,000 meters.

If you’re a Canadian heading to Everest Base Camp (EBC), you’ll need more than your average travel insurance. You’ll need coverage that works above 5,000 meters, includes helicopter evacuation, and ideally works well with your provincial health plan.

We combed through real trekker reviews, Canadian travel sites, and the fine print to bring you this no-nonsense, slightly cheeky guide.

🚁 Why EBC Insurance Matters (Especially for Canadians)

Let’s keep it real. If you get altitude sickness in Gorakshep or slip on a muddy descent, the only way out is a helicopter — and that thing is not cheap. Like, $3,000–$5,000 not cheap. Some trekkers even pay upfront and cross their fingers that insurance reimburses them.

Now toss in the usual altitude risks: breathing issues, frostbite, gastrointestinal surprises. Bottom line? You don’t want to cut corners here.

🧭 Top Canadian Insurance Companies for EBC (According to Actual Trekkers)

Here’s the roundup of providers that real Canadians have used — with highlights, complaints, and how much they actually paid.

1. Tugo

“Used Tugo for EBC and Kala Patthar. They didn’t care how high I went, just that I wasn’t using ropes or mountaineering gear.”

• ✅ Covers up to 6,000m

• ✅ Includes helicopter evacuation

• 💰 ~CAD 200–300 for a 2-week trek

• 📝 No fuss about elevation if you’re hiking, not climbing.

• 💡 Popular among Quebec-based trekkers

This is one of the easiest, no-nonsense options for Canadians. Just check that you don’t need “technical equipment” — which you won’t on EBC.

2. Blue Cross (Canada)

“Used them for Kilimanjaro last year, and they were excellent.”

• ✅ High-altitude friendly (ask for trekking or adventure add-ons)

• ✅ Ties into your provincial health coverage

• 💰 Competitive pricing (~CAD 200–300)

• 🏥 Claims can be direct-billed in Canada

• 💡 Great if you already have Blue Cross benefits through work

Blue Cross is a solid, reputable option — but make sure your plan includes high-altitude trekking and heli evac. Some plans don’t by default.

3. CAA (Ontario/Quebec/etc.)

“Try CAA. You’ll need to add the ‘Adventurous Air Rider’.”

• ⚠️ Requires add-ons for altitude or helicopter rescue

• 💡 Can be cheaper when bundled with membership

• 🏥 Works well with your provincial plan

• 💰 Cost varies by province and length of trip

You’ll likely need to call and request EBC-specific adjustments. The good news? They’ll actually help you sort it out.

4. RBC Travel Insurance

“They gave me solid quotes and covered everything I needed.”

• ✅ Well-rounded coverage for medical, baggage, cancellation

• ⚠️ Altitude and evac coverage must be confirmed per policy

• 💰 Pricing varies (typically CAD 200–400)

• 💡 Convenient if you bank with RBC

It’s bank-backed peace of mind — but always, always confirm that your plan goes above 5,000m and covers emergency chopper rides.

5. World Nomads (Explorer Plan)

“I got 17 days of EBC coverage for CAD 200. Just don’t pick the basic plan.”

• ✅ Up to 6,000–7,000m (Explorer plan only)

• ✅ Includes helicopter rescue, emergency, baggage, etc.

• 💻 Easy to buy online

• ⚠️ You must pick the right activity category

World Nomads is the go-to for digital nomads and gap year adventurers. Just double-check that you’ve selected the correct policy tier — Standard won’t cut it for EBC.

6. Austrian Alpine Club (UK membership available for Canadians)

“Recommended by Alpine Club of Canada. Covers rescue up to 6,000m.”

• ✅ Covers helicopter rescue

• ⚠️ Doesn’t include regular travel insurance (combine with another plan)

• 💰 ~CAD 100–150 annual membership

• 💡 Ideal for experienced climbers or regular trekkers

Great for those doing multiple trips a year or combining EBC with climbing.

🚨 What NOT to Do

• Don’t rely on your credit card insurance — most don’t cover trekking beyond 3,000–3,500m.

• Don’t buy insurance without reading the altitude limit — if it cuts off at 4,000m, it’s useless for EBC.

• Don’t forget about heli rescue — it must be written clearly in your policy.

• Don’t assume work insurance covers everything — many work plans exclude adventure sports.

EBC Trekking Insurance Comparison for Canadians

🧭 Highlights & Notes

• Altitude management: Providers vary—Tugo, Blue Cross, RBC, World Nomads (Explorer), and Travelex are solid for up to 6,000m. CC and basic medical don’t cut it.

• Helicopter rescue: Must confirm explicitly in policy. Tugo, CAA (with riders), Blue Cross, and Travelex cover it.

• Cost range: Expect CAD 200–400 for a 2–3 week trek; annual/membership add-ons apply.

• Integration with provincial/ workplace plans: Blue Cross and CAA often bill your provincial health plans directly, saving you hassles.

• Reputation: Tugo used by Quebec trekker; Blue Cross used for Kilimanjaro; CAA strongly recommended by travel communities.

✅ What to Watch For

1. Altitude limits — Don’t assume “mountain trekking” includes 5,000+m.

2. Heli evacuation — Must be explicit in coverage.

3. Plan type matters — E.g., World Nomads Explorer vs Standard.

4. Work vs private — Some use work benefits just for heli, but that’s risky without full trip protection.

5. Riders and add-ons — CAA’s Adventurous Air Rider, Blue Cross altitude add-ons — they matter!

📌 Bottom Line for Canadian Trekkers

• Budget & Simplicity → Tugo or World Nomads Explorer

• Comprehensive Medical + Air Rescue → Blue Cross or CAA with riders

• All-in-One Convenience → RBC Insurance – check plan details

• Backup Option → Travelex (~CAD 350, covers 6k rescue)

💡 Final Tips Before You Click “Buy”

• ✅ Double-check altitude coverage (minimum 5,500m)

• ✅ Make sure helicopter evacuation is included

• ✅ Ask about exclusions — especially for solo trekking or guides

• ✅ Add buffer days in case of Lukla flight delays

• ✅ Print your policy and keep emergency numbers handy

✈️ In Conclusion: Buy Smart, Trek Smarter

Everest Base Camp is one of the greatest adventures on earth — but you’ll enjoy it way more knowing you’re fully covered if things go sideways. Canadians have several great insurance options for EBC. Whether you go with Tugo, Blue Cross, World Nomads, or CAA, just make sure your policy is crystal clear on the stuff that really matters.

No stress. No second guessing at 5,000 meters. Just you, the mountains, and peace of mind.