The Critical Need for Altitude-Specific Coverage
The Annapurna treks involve significant elevation gains, with points like the Thorong La Pass reaching 5,416 meters and ABC at 4,130 meters. At these heights, the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), or High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) becomes very real. Standard travel insurance often caps coverage at a low altitude, sometimes as low as 3,000 meters, leaving you exposed when you need help most.
Your Annapurna Insurance must explicitly cover:
- Emergency Helicopter Evacuation: Due to the remoteness of the region, the only way to treat severe altitude sickness is rapid descent, often requiring a costly helicopter rescue. This expense can run into the tens of thousands of dollars. Ensure your policy covers rescue up to at least 6,000 meters to be safe.
- Medical Treatment: Coverage for hospitalisation and local medical expenses related to injuries or high-altitude illness while in Nepal.
- Trip Cancellation and Interruption: Protecting your non-refundable booking costs in case you must cancel before your trip or cut it short due to an emergency or illness.
The Altitude Check: Don't Get Caught Out
Before purchasing, check the fine print for the maximum covered altitude. The altitude of your policy must meet or exceed the highest point of your trek. If you are doing the Circuit, this is Thorong La Pass. If you are only doing ABC, the coverage needs to reach that height. A quick check of your policy’s stated limits is the single most important step in securing the right Annapurna Insurance.