Trekking to Everest Base Camp? Here's How ASC360 Keeps You Safe Every Step of the Way

Everest Base Camp is on just about everyone’s bucket list,  and for good reason. The trail winds through some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes and ends at the foot of the tallest mountain on Earth. But make no mistake, this isn’t your average trekking holiday. At high altitude, everything changes; weather turns in minutes, altitude sickness can escalate fast, and rescue options are scarce and costly.

That’s why having the right safety net matters as much as your gear or training. If you're an Indian national or expat based in India, trekking to EBC with ASC360 insurance, this isn’t just paperwork. This is your lifeline when things go wrong at 18,000 feet. Here's what you need to know,  clearly, and before you take your first step.

What You Need to Do Before You Trek

• Share Your Insurance Details
  Give your medical rescue card or policy document to your trek guide and local tour operator before you begin—no last-minute scrambling in an emergency.
  
  

• Who This Policy Covers
  Indian citizens and expats living in India with a valid PAN and bank account,  and who’ve lived in India for at least six months before travel. We are giving a policy for all nationalities in Nepal for Nepal-based adventure insurance. For FN ( foreign Nationals) clients, the policy will start and end in Nepal and for Indian clients,s from India to India.
  
  

• Connectivity Works
  Most tea houses on the trail have working internet. Keep WhatsApp or other internet calling tools handy to reach ASC360’s support team.
  
  

• Emergency Contacts to Save
  India: +91-7303800101 / +91-8448765102
  Nepal: +977-9810118211

In Case of Medical Emergencies

• Always Call ASC360 First
  Don’t book a helicopter or hospital visit on your own. Evacuations not arranged or approved by ASC360 won’t be reimbursed.
  
  

• Provide Key Information
  When reporting an incident, share the patient’s name, policy number, exact location, vitals (like SPO2, temperature, pulse), and an SBAR report (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation).
  
  

• Doctor-Led Decision-Making
  Only ASC360’s empanelled high-altitude doctors can approve helicopter evacuations. No doctor’s clearance, no chopper.
  
  

• Stay in Communication
  From the first call to evacuation completion, stay in touch. Share regular updates as connectivity allows.
  
  

• Patient Comes First, But So Do Protocols
  In peak season, helicopters prioritise the most critical patients. Weather, air traffic, and technical issues can cause delays, so always keep the patient sheltered and supervised.
  
  

• One Support Person Allowed
  If there's room in the helicopter, a family member or guide can accompany the patient.
  
  

• Follow Medical Advice or Lose Coverage
  If you ignore clear advice to stop ascending or to descend despite symptoms of AMS, any claims linked to that decision will be denied. Climbing higher while unwell invalidates the policy’s AMS coverage.

Evacuation & Hospitalisation: What’s Covered, What’s Not

• Helicopter Evacuation
  Covered, but only in life-threatening situations where there is an imminent threat to life or limb and when approved by ASC360.
  
  

• Outpatient Treatment
  Covered within the OPD limit if done at approved hospitals.
  
  

• Oxygen Reimbursement
  Only from authorised mountain clinics at fixed hourly rates. (Example: Dingboche $45/hr, Gorekshep $75/hr).
  
  

• What’s Not Covered
  Non-emergency travel, self-arranged transport, missed flights due to bad weather, or delays not deemed critical. No cover for helicopter transfers just because flights got cancelled.

Claims Process Made Simple

• Trip Delays Over 8 Hours
  Covered up to $100 for food and lodging (with proper documentation from airlines and tour operators).
  
  

• Trip Cancellation or Interruption
  If you're injured, fall seriously ill, or there's a death or ICU admission in your immediate family, you can claim non-refundable bookings and flight changes (with valid proof).
  
  

• Substance Use = No Payout
  If you're found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs during the trek, your claim is automatically invalid.
  
  

• Filing a Claim
  Email: claims@asc360.com
  Phone: ASC360 Delhi office, /Kathmandu office address and details. Plus, forgien nationals can visit our Kathmandu office in Nepal and can get instant reimbursement for any medical bills.
  Keep all bills and receipts in your name. Claims without proper documents won’t be entertained.

COVID-19 Clause

• COVID-positive claims are covered — but only with a negative RT-PCR submitted 96 hours before your trek starts.
  
  

• Testing, quarantine, or hotel stays due to COVID are not covered.
  
  

Medicine Checklist

Carry these essentials, as advised by ASC360’s high-altitude doctors:

• Calpol 650 (fever), Brufen 600 (AMS headache), Diamox (AMS prevention),
  
  

• Dexamethasone (for severe AMS), ORS, Cifran (antibiotic), Nifedipine (for HAPO), and Cyclopam (for cramps).

Always consult your doctor if you have pre-existing conditions.

Trek Responsibly: ASC360’s Appeal

• Don’t Litter: Carry back all your waste.

• Respect Nature and Locals: Guides, porters, fellow trekkers — they’re all part of the journey.

• Be Kind: A smile or thank-you goes a long way on the trail.

What It Means to Be Safe at 17,500 Feet

Trekking to Everest Base Camp is not just about reaching a landmark. It’s about making it back, safe and well. And for that, your mindset matters as much as your insurance policy. ASC360 isn’t just a back-office safety cover provider; they’re your lifeline when things go wrong. But that lifeline only works if you know the process, follow the protocols, and respect the mountain.

Whether you’re walking in the shadow of Everest for spiritual growth, adventure, or personal achievement, don’t wing it. Stay informed, stay insured, and most importantly, trek responsibly.