Travel insurance is not provided by Nomads of Altitude — you are responsible for arranging your own policy before your expedition. This page explains exactly what your insurance must cover, and gives you practical tips for choosing the right plan.
Your policy must include the following four areas as a minimum:
Helicopter evacuation and emergency rescue must be covered. In remote mountain environments, this is the most critical element of your policy — costs can reach tens of thousands of dollars.
Coverage for medical expenses in high-altitude and remote locations, including hospitalisation, emergency treatment and altitude-related conditions (AMS, HACE, HAPE).
Reimbursement if you are forced to cancel before departure or leave the expedition early due to illness, injury or a covered unforeseen event.
Covers the cost of returning you to your home country in the event of serious illness, injury or death — including medical escort if required.
These additional coverages are not mandatory but can save you significant out-of-pocket costs:
Always confirm the maximum altitude covered. For Kilimanjaro, your policy must cover at least 5,900m. For Aconcagua or Denali, it must cover over 6,900m.
Some standard travel policies exclude "adventure activities". Make sure your policy explicitly covers trekking or high-altitude mountaineering.
Purchase your insurance as soon as you confirm your booking. Cancellation cover typically only applies to events occurring after the policy start date.
Pre-existing medical conditions, alcohol-related incidents and solo unauthorised detours are commonly excluded. Read the fine print carefully.
Save your policy number, emergency contact number and insurer details on your phone and in a printed copy you carry on the mountain.
Specialist adventure travel insurers (World Nomads, True Traveller, Campbell Irvine, etc.) often provide better mountain coverage than standard travel policies.
We reserve the right to request proof of valid insurance before or at the start of your expedition. Your proof should clearly show:
— Your full name · Policy number · Coverage dates · Emergency assistance phone number · Confirmation that helicopter evacuation is included
If you are unable to provide proof of adequate insurance when requested, your participation may be cancelled without refund, in accordance with our Terms & Conditions.
Not sure whether your current insurance is suitable? Drop us a message and we'll help you figure out what you need.
Send us your policy summary and we'll let you know if it meets the expedition requirements.
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