Safety & Insurance for Travelers in Nepal
Nepal is renowned for adventure sports and spectacular natural beauty, but there are certain risks associated with travel here. Mountaineering, rafting, canyoning, bungy jumping, and paragliding are just some of the exhilarating activities that call for thorough preparation.
Travel Risks & Safety
While safety can be considered highly relative in Nepal, certain challenges would have to be faced by travelers, particularly in the Himalayan region. These include:
Altitude sickness at higher elevations
Landslides or avalanches in the mountainous terrain
Petty theft or occasional harassment (assaults on tourists are rare)
Most risks can be managed by well-trained trekking staff, yet others need additional protection- hence travel insurance and absolute necessity for every visitor to Nepal.
Travel & Medical Insurance
While trekking in the high Himalayas, your insurance should include helicopter rescue up to the highest trekking altitude. Due to the absence of proper medical facilities in many remote areas, evacuation remains the most vital life-saving strategy in case of emergencies.
Several organizations in Nepal like the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) and the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) assist in rescue operations, but suitable insurance needs to be got at the earliest.
Your Travel Insurance to Nepal Must Cover:
- Injuries & altitude sickness
- Emergency evacuation & helicopter rescue
- Trip cancellation & loss of goods
Taking Out Insurance
Travel insurance has to be obtained from your country of origin before setting foot in Nepal. Always carry the policy number, the contact details for the insurance provider, and the insurance coverage specifications as well. Most rescue services operate on cash basis or will require assurance of payment before the rescue.
If you're trekking with Discovery World Trekking, we cover the arrangement of helicopter evacuations for altitude sickness, injury, or any other sort of health emergency.
With some proper precautions and right insurance, you can rest assured of having a thrill-filled adventure in Nepal!