The Cost of a Rescue: How Much Will It Set You Back Without Insurance?

A Reality Check for Every Adventurer

You're trekking through a high-altitude pass in Himachal, biking through a remote forest trail, or diving off the Andaman coast—and then something goes wrong. A sprained ankle. A severe case of altitude sickness. A fall. A medical emergency that needs immediate evacuation.

That’s when reality hits you hard. Please remember rescues aren’t free. One does not even realise how quickly costs add up—and how devastating they can be without insurance. 

Here's a look at what it really costs to be rescued and why having adventure insurance is not just smart—it’s vital. 

Real-World Rescue Costs: Numbers You Can’t Ignore

1. Helicopter Evacuations in the Himalayas

• Average Cost: ₹3.5 to ₹6 lakhs (~$4,000 to $7,500)

• Example: A trekker on the SahastraTal Trek in Uttarakhand had to be evacuated due to acute mountain sickness and other issues.. The chopper ride to the nearest medical facility cost ₹5 lakhs out of pocket. (But, in this case, the trekkers did not pay. It was sponsored.

2. Ambulance & Ground Transport in Remote Regions

• Average Cost: ₹20,000 to ₹50,000 for basic transport

• Add the cost of paramedic support, and the bill will climb higher.

• Example: A mountain biker in Spiti Valley needed evacuation from a trail inaccessible by regular vehicles. The final cost? Approximately  ₹40,000 for a four-hour extraction.

3. Scuba Diving Mishaps – Decompression Sickness

• Hyperbaric chamber treatment: ₹1.5 to ₹3 lakhs

• Often located far from the dive site, transport adds to the cost

• Example: A diver in Thailand racked up a ₹2.7 lakh bill due to emergency transport and oxygen therapy.

4. Repatriation to Home Country or City

• Cost: ₹4 lakhs to ₹15 lakhs, depending on location and medical assistance required

• Includes flight cost, medical escort, and documentation

• Example: A European tourist injured in Ladakh needed an air ambulance transfer to Delhi and then home. Final cost? Approximately ₹13 lakhs.

But That’s Not All...

• Lost equipment during an emergency? Replacing high-end gear (like technical jackets, boots, climbing gear, or underwater cameras) can add another ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh.

• Trip cancellations due to injuries or rescues mean you lose your prepaid bookings, such as stay permits, guides, etc.

Without Insurance, It’s All on You

One rescue can wipe out your savings or bury you in debt. Worse, many adventurers delay calling for help because they’re worried about the cost—which can be a life-threatening mistake.

At ASC 360, we cover:
✔️ Helicopter rescues
✔️ Ground evacuations
✔️ Medical emergencies
✔️ Repatriation
✔️ Gear damage
✔️ Trip interruption

And because we’re adventure-specific, we understand the terrain, the risks, and what it takes to bring you back safely.

Why ASC 360 Exists

We started ASC 360 because too many adventurers were getting caught off guard. Not by the terrain, but by the aftermath. Our goal is simple: You chase the thrill—we’ve got your back.

So before you hit the trail, take a moment. Ask yourself:
If something goes wrong, who’s coming to get me? And at what cost?

With ASC 360, you don’t have to wonder.

Lastly, Be Prepared, Not Sorry

Adventure is about embracing the unknown. But the most brilliant adventurers are the ones who prepare for it. A rescue shouldn’t ruin your life—or your bank account.

Let ASC 360 be your safety net.

Because when every second counts, the last thing you want to think about, is the cost.