Head in the Clouds? Here's What You Need to Know About Altitude Sickness and Insurance

Category: Safety And Insurance

You’ve decided to chase the mountains — maybe it's the majestic Stok Kangri, the raw beauty of Annapurna Base Camp, or the holy heights of Kailash Mansarovar. Your boots are broken in, your backpack's packed, and your Insta caption is ready. But wait… have you thought about altitude sickness and whether your insurance will have your back if things go south?

If that question just made you pause, good. Let’s talk about something most people don’t think about until it’s too late.

What Is Altitude Sickness?

Altitude sickness, or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), kicks in when your body struggles to adjust to the lower oxygen levels at high altitudes — typically above 2,500 meters (8,200 feet). And no, being fit doesn’t make you immune.

Symptoms to Watch Out For:

Headaches that don’t go away with hydration or rest
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Trouble sleeping
Shortness of breath even while resting

In more serious forms, it can escalate to:

HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema): Fluid in the lungs
HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema): Fluid in the brain

These can be life-threatening and require immediate descent and sometimes air evacuation — and that’s where things can get financially scary too.

Why Insurance Coverage Matters (And Why Most People Get It Wrong)

Here’s the hard truth: most regular travel insurance policies don’t cover high-altitude trekking or mountain rescue. And if you’re heading to elevations above 3,000–4,000 meters (which most Himalayan treks do), you need a policy that explicitly includes high-altitude adventure activities.

Look Out For These Key Clauses:

High-Altitude Activity Cover
Check if your policy covers treks at the elevation you’re going to. Some policies cap at 3,000 meters, others may go up to 6,000+ — read the fine print!
Emergency Evacuation
Helicopter rescues aren’t cheap. In places like Nepal, a heli-evac can cost anywhere from $3,000–$10,000. Ensure your policy covers this without too many conditions.
Pre-existing Conditions
Got asthma, high blood pressure, or any other condition that could flare up with altitude? Disclose it. Non-disclosure can void your claim.
Adventure Sports Rider/Add-on
Some policies require you to opt into coverage for trekking, mountaineering, or other outdoor sports. Don’t skip this thinking it’s just upselling — it’s often the very thing that covers you!
Trip Cancellation/Interruption
If you have to abandon your trek mid-way due to AMS, weather, or injury, a good policy will reimburse your unused trip costs.

What Happens Without Insurance?

Let’s say you’re trekking to Everest Base Camp. You start feeling unwell at Dingboche (4,410 m). A guide recommends a helicopter evacuation. You hesitate — because you’re not insured. Now you either shell out thousands of dollars or risk it and try descending on foot, which could worsen your condition.

That’s not an adventure story you want to tell.

Quick Tips for Trekking Smart at High Altitudes

Acclimatize gradually — follow the "climb high, sleep low" principle
Stay hydrated (but go easy on caffeine and alcohol)
Don’t ignore symptoms — communicate with your guide or team
Carry a basic AMS medication kit (after consulting a doctor)
Keep your insurance emergency numbers handy
Always trek with a buddy or group

Trek High, But Think Smart

Reaching high-altitude trails is a thrill like no other. The views are unmatched, the sense of achievement — indescribable. But safety isn’t something to figure out when things go wrong.

Altitude doesn’t care if it’s your first trek or your fiftieth — and neither does your insurance provider if you didn’t read the policy.

So before you lace up your boots, do one thing: choose the right insurance, understand what it covers, and trek with your head in the clouds but your feet firmly planted in preparedness.

Because the mountains are calling — and it’s always better to answer when you’re insured.