Travel insurance for Nepal

Similar to other destinations, the benefits of your travel insurance cover for Nepal will depend on the level of cover you choose, and whether you add any optional extras to your policy. With a comprehensive travel insurance policy, you may be covered for:

• 24/7 emergency assistance
• Medical expenses including emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
• Trip cancellations, disruptions and delay costs
• Natural disasters
• Lost, stolen or damage luggage.

You can find the full details of what’s included in a policy in the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS). For determine whether a policy is suitable to you and your trip, read the Target Market Determination (TMD).

Mountaineering and trekking over certain altitudes may not be covered by a standard travel insurance policy. An add-on for adventure activities will typically include trekking up to a certain altitude (e.g. 6,000M), but this means you may not be covered if you’re seeking the highest peaks of the Himalayas.

However, if you’re planning to hike only to the Mount Everest base camp, or attempt the Annapurna circuit, you may be covered. So if you need medical treatment or even helicopter evacuation due to injury, altitude sickness or illness, your travel insurance may cover you.

If possible, confirm with your travel insurance provider yourself that they cover evacuations before agreeing to the costs, as some trekking guides may try to scam you by encouraging a helicopter evacuation you don’t need or aren’t covered for.¹

It’s important to understand not only what your policy covers, but also what scenarios you won’t be covered for. You should keep in mind the following exclusions when planning a trip overseas:

• Unattended luggage. If your belongings are left unsupervised and are stolen, your insurer may find you did not take responsibility of your property and not accept your claim.
• War, terrorism and civil unrest. You typically won’t be covered for acts of terrorism, invasion, civil disturbance or acts of war.
• Reckless, illegal or intoxicated behaviour. If you claim for an incident that may have been avoided if you had been acting legally or responsibly, you may not be covered.
• Changing of mind. Most travel insurance policies won’t cover you if you change your mind before departing on or during your trip and decide you no longer wish to go.
• Search and rescue costs. Medical evacuation is covered if your location is known, but if you get lost while trekking and need a search and rescue team, this will typically have to be paid from your own pocket.
• Trekking above covered altitudes. Your travel insurance company will only cover you up to certain altitudes. Some insurers may cover you up to a certain height (e.g. 3,000m) automatically, or up to 6,000m if you take out adventure cover.

Always check the PDS for the full details on what can and can’t be covered for your travel insurance policy, as well as any limits and sub-limits that may apply.

As of September 2024, the Australian Government places Nepal at the second travel advice level: ‘Exercise a high degree of caution’.¹ This doesn’t mean you can’t have a great time in Nepal, but it does mean it’s a good idea to remain vigilant in public spaces (especially in tourist areas like Kathmandu and Pokhara) and keep an eye on the local news. Potential risks in Nepal include:

• Drink spiking
• Bag snatching and pickpocketing
• Natural disasters (e.g. earthquakes, landslides, flooding and storms).

If you plan to go mountaineering, check that it’s covered for trekking and high altitudes by your travel insurance first. You should also check that the tour company you’re using has experienced guides and meets safety guidelines.

Yes, if you’re an Australian visiting for any reason, you will need a visa to enter Nepal. You may be able to get a Visa-on-arrival, but conditions may apply, so it’s worth planning ahead and contacting a Nepalese embassy for more information before departing on your trip.