Buying Travel Insurance in Nepal

So, you’ve packed your boots, booked your flight to Kathmandu, and the excitement of the Himalayas is finally setting in. But then it hits you: “Did I forget the travel insurance?” Or perhaps you’re wondering if it’s better and cheaper to just buy it once you land in Nepal.

At Best Heritage Tour, we’ve seen thousands of trekkers pass through our doors. We know the trails, and we know the risks. If you’re asking, "Can I buy travel insurance in Nepal for trekking?" the answer is a resounding yes - but with a few critical cautions you need to know before you lace up.

In this guide, we’re going to break down everything from the new 2026 legal requirements to why a local policy might actually be your best friend in an emergency.

The Short Answer: Yes, You Can!

Historically, most trekkers bought their insurance from international providers before leaving home. However, the landscape in Nepal has shifted.

As of 2026, there are specialized local insurance products - like the CTG (Comprehensive Tourism Guard) plans - specifically designed for foreign tourists. These can be purchased right here in Kathmandu and activated within 24 hours.

 

Why the Rules Changed: The "No Insurance, No Trek" Policy

If you were planning to "trek" without insurance, think again. Starting in April 2025, the Government of Nepal, alongside the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), enforced a strict rule: all foreign trekkers must have valid travel insurance to obtain a trekking permit.

Whether you are heading to the Everest Base Camp, the Annapurna Circuit, or the remote Manaslu trails, you will be required to show proof of insurance at several stages:

• TIMS Card Issuance: You cannot get your Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card without a valid insurance certificate.

• Restricted Area Permits: Immigration offices now require insurance verification (often with a minimum $15,000-$25,000 evacuation limit) for regions like Upper Mustang or Manaslu.

• Park Entry Gates: Your digital trekking permit now often features a QR code linked to your insurance profile, which is scanned at national park checkpoints.

In short: No Insurance = No Permit = No Trek.

 

Buying Travel Insurance in Nepal

While international insurance is great, buying a policy in Nepal has become an increasingly popular and practical choice. Local providers like Himalayan Guardian Nepal offer policies that ensure transparency and rapid response.

Benefits of Buying Insurance in Nepal

1. Instant Activation: You can walk into a local office in Kathmandu or book through your trekking agency and have coverage live within 24 hours.

2. Direct Billing: This is the biggest "pro." Many international plans require you to pay for a $5,000 helicopter rescue out of pocket and then file for reimbursement. Local plans often have direct coordination with rescue operators and hospitals (like CIWEC or Grande), meaning no massive upfront cash payments for you.

3. GPS Monitoring: Newer local policies, such as the ones from Himalayan Guardian, often include a GPS tracker with an SOS button. If you’re in trouble, they can pinpoint your location even in signal-blind areas.

4. Affordability: Local plans are often priced by "risk tiers" rather than a flat international rate.

5. Faster Processing: Local support teams lead to faster claim processing and offer 24/7 multilingual assistance.

 

Trekking & Climbing Insurance Breakdown: Costs, Coverage & Fine Print

Note: All the price mention below is excluding 13% Government Tax and 10% Service Charge (All required).

1. Nepal Trekking Insurance

Premiums for trekking are structured around maximum elevation, trip duration, and age bracket.

Premium Rates (USD)

Altitude	Duration	Age 18-60	Age 61-65	Age 66-70
Up to 3,500m Related Treks:  Poon Hill Panchase Mohare Danda Australian Camp	7 Days	$14	$28	$52
	14 Days	$18	$40	$76
	21 Days	$28	$64	$125
	28 Days	$33	$76	$149
	35 Days	$44	$88	$173
Up to 5,500m Related Treks: EBC ACT ABC Manaslu Circuit Mardi Himal Langtang Trek Tsum Valley Upper Mustang khopra Trek	7 Days	$90	$143	$255
	14 Days	$109	$180	$331
	21 Days	$159	$275	$519
	28 Days	$199	$350	$670
	35 Days	$267	$474	$920
Up to 6,000m	7 Days	$114	$169	$286
	14 Days	$169	$272	$491
	21 Days	$227	$379	$706
	28 Days	$286	$491	$930
	35 Days	$340	$592	$1,132

Maximum Coverage Liabilities (USD)

Liability Type	3,500m Limit	5,500m Limit	6,000m Limit
Accidental Death & Disability	$35,000	$35,000	$17,500
Accidental & AMS Medical Treatment	-	$3,500	$3,500
Accidental Medical Only	$2,000	-	-
Emergency Medical Transportation	$3,000	$4,500	$6,000
Repatriation of Corpse	$2,000	$2,000	$2,000

Key Policy Terms & Conditions

• Accidental Medical Deductible: USD 100 per incident.

• AMS Evacuation Co-payment: Emergency medical transport for Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) requires a 15% co-payment from the insured. Emergency transport for accidental injury carries no deductible or co-payment.

• Upper Dolpo Note: Upper Dolpo falls under the 5,500m category. Due to extreme remoteness, actual rescue costs can exceed the $4,500 limit; trekkers are responsible for paying any amount above this policy limit.

 

2. Peak Climbing Insurance (Nepal)

Technical peak climbing requires specialized coverage. Rates vary by peak and duration.

Premium Rates (USD)

Peak	Age Group	14 Days	20 Days
Mera Peak	18-60 Years	$174	$314
	61-70 Years	$314	$594
Island Peak	18-60 Years	$205	$376
	61-70 Years	$376	$718
Lobuche Peak	18-60 Years	$267	$501
	61-70 Years	$501	$967

Peak Climbing Coverage Liabilities (USD)

• Accidental Death & Disability: $20,000

• Accidental & AMS Medical Treatment: $3,500

• Emergency Medical Transportation: $8,000

• Repatriation of Corpse: $2,000

 

3. Kailash Manasarovar Yatra Insurance

Specialized policies are required for pilgrimage routes into Tibet. Coverage liabilities are standard across all age brackets and plans.

Plan Options & Rates (USD)

Plan Details	Age 12-17	Age 18-60	Age 61-70	Age 71-80
Manasarovar Plan (4,600m max altitude)	10 Days	$145	$125	$145
Kailash Plan (5,630m max altitude)	14 Days	$185	$155	$185

Coverage Liabilities (USD)

• Personal Accident Liability: $15,000

• Accidental Medical Liability: $3,000 (subject to $100 deductible)

• Rescue Operation Liability: $2,000 (includes 24/7 coordination)

• Repatriation of Remains: $2,500

 

Local Advantage

Choosing a local insurance provider can be a smart move for trekkers already in Nepal.

Here’s why:

• Instant policy issuance within Kathmandu

• Direct coordination with rescue helicopter operators

• Partner Hospitals in Kathmandu:

  • CIWEC Clinic

  • Grande International Hospital

  • Mediciti Hospital

  • Norvic International Hospital

• No upfront payment required for emergency evacuations

• Faster claim processing through local support teams

• 24/7 multilingual customer assistance

 

What Your Policy Must Cover (Don't Skip This!)

The Himalayan environment is unforgiving. A standard "travel insurance" policy will not cover you at 5,000 meters. Ensure your policy explicitly includes:

1. Medical Coverage

Your insurance must cover high-altitude conditions such as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), HAPE, and HACE. This should include doctor consultations, oxygen therapy, hospital admissions, and medications.

2. Helicopter Evacuation

There are no roads in the high Himalayas. If you suffer from altitude sickness, the only way out is an airlift from the trail to a hospital. Your policy should also cover medical team coordination and ground ambulance services once you arrive in Kathmandu.

3. Trip and Gear Protection

Look for plans that cover cancellations or delays due to weather, lost or delayed baggage, and emergency gear replacement.

 

How to Buy Trekking Insurance (Step-by-Step)

1. Identify your trek details: altitude, region, and duration

2. Compare coverage: check evacuation and medical limits

3. Prepare documents: passport, itinerary, and contact info

4. Purchase timing:

   • International plans: buy at least 1 week before travel

   • Local plans: available in Kathmandu with 24-hour activation

5. Share policy: with your trekking agency (like Best Heritage Tour) and group leader

 

Recommended Plans CTG Plans by Trek

• Everest Base Camp Trek (5,545m): Needs a minimum of $35,000 medical and $10,000 evacuation coverage.

• Manaslu Circuit Trek (5,213m): Being a restricted area, specialized evacuation support is essential.

• Annapurna Circuit Trek (5,416m): Requires at least $25,000 medical coverage. 

 

Top International Travel Insurance Providers for Nepal Treks

Company	Altitude Limit	Evacuation Coverage	Price Range	Ideal For
World Nomads	Up to 6,000 m	USD 100,000	USD 150-250	Budget backpackers and adventure travelers
IMG Global	7,000 m and above	USD 1,000,000	USD 150-250	High-altitude expeditions
Allianz Travel	Up to 5,500 m	USD 50,000	USD 100-200	Short treks and general travelers
True Traveler (UK)	Up to 6,000 m	GBP 10,000,000	GBP 80-150	UK and EU travelers

 

International vs. Local: Which is Right for You?

Still can’t decide? Here is a quick breakdown to help you choose.

Choose an International Provider (World Nomads, IMG, etc.) if:

• You want coverage that begins the moment you leave your front door (covering flight delays, lost luggage, and trip cancellations before you even reach Nepal).

• You are visiting multiple countries on the same trip.

• You prefer a brand you are already familiar with in your home country.

Choose a Local Nepal Provider if:

• You are already in Kathmandu and realized your current insurance doesn't cover high altitudes.

• You want the security of cashless rescues and direct billing.

• You are on a budget and only need coverage for the specific days you are on the trail.

• You want the added safety of local GPS monitoring and 24/7 local support.

 

Final Thoughts

At Best Heritage Tour, your safety is our top priority. The Himalayas offer the experience of a lifetime, but they demand respect. Buying travel insurance in Nepal is now easier than ever, and with the mandatory laws of 2026, it is no longer an optional expense - it’s your ticket to the trail.

Whether you choose a global giant like World Nomads or a local specialist like CTG Insurance, make sure you are covered for the altitude, the rescue, and the unexpected.

Ready to start your adventure? Contact us today to secure your trek and insurance through our trusted partner, Himalayan Guardian Nepal.

Phone / WhatsApp / Viber: +977-9851149197 / +977-9810043046

Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Website: www.bestheritagetour.com

Office: Thamel Marg, Kathmandu, Nepal