
Travel Insurance for Hiking & Trekking
Get cover for your hiking & trekking adventure with Redpoint protection
Whether you're heading out on a leisurely loop or doing some high-altitude trekking or mountain climbing, hiking connects you to the natural world and offers an unparalleled sense of adventure. But like any other type of adventurer, hikers and trekkers need travel insurance too.
Hiking insurance serves as a backup in case something goes wrong on the trip, from cancellations and delays to accidents on the trail requiring emergency medical attention or evacuation. Extreme weather and natural disasters can also complicate matters, both of which hiking and trekking travel insurance can cover.

Medical, health, & safety for hiking trips
Hikes range from casual outings to multiday or weeks-long treks, so your level of preparation will vary depending on how ambitious your itinerary is.
Whatever your plans, always research trails ahead of time to understand the difficulty levels and know how well a trail is maintained and signposted. Be sure to carry downloaded or paper maps rather than relying on GPS, as you may not have a signal, particularly in another country. And, of course, you should always inform someone of your plans, including your route and estimated return time.
When it comes to your pack, you’ll want to bring the essentials, like an extra battery for your devices, a compass, a first-aid kit, and sufficient water and snacks. You should also carry emergency equipment, such as a whistle, emergency beacon, and/or means of communication (like a satellite device), depending on the risk level of your hike.
Hiking gives you great exposure to wildlife and nature, and while that’s part of its appeal, it also comes with some risks. Learn about local wildlife before you go, especially any potentially dangerous animals, and know how to react if you come across them. Avoid feeding animals, stay on marked trails to reduce the risk of encounters, and protect yourself from insects with repellents and proper clothing.
Weather conditions can change rapidly when you’re hiking, and natural disasters can strike without much warning. Sudden storms, flash floods, and extreme heat can pose serious problems, so always monitor conditions and check in with local sources or guides for up-to-date alerts.
Road safety and transportation should also be considered. If you’re driving to a trailhead, park in a designated area or parking lot and secure your vehicle. Be mindful of traffic if your hike requires walking near roadways, and use proper crossings where available.
Trip insurance benefits & coverage for hiking
You may be wondering: Does my travel insurance cover hiking? We’re happy to report that the answer is yes. Many travel insurance companies — including Redpoint — offer cover for hiking and other adventure activities as part of a comprehensive travel insurance policy.
However, these hiking and trekking travel insurance plans do tend to have exceptions. Some exclude mountaineering expeditions or have a maximum elevation for coverage, for example, so be sure to read the fine print and do your own research before you buy.
Here are the core coverage areas you should look for when purchasing travel insurance for hiking and trekking, no matter which insurance company you choose.
- Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance: Trip cancellation insurance reimburses your nonrefundable trip expenses if your hiking trip is canceled or cut short due to a covered reason, like illness, severe weather, or family emergencies. For extra flexibility, you may also want to add on cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage to your policy.
- Travel medical insurance: Travel health insurance covers unexpected medical expenses if an unexpected injury occurs or you fall sick during your hike or trip. In most cases, your health insurance from home will not be accepted, so you’ll likely be paying out of pocket for any medical costs or medical bills incurred if you don’t have travel insurance. Keep in mind that if you have any preexisting conditions, you’ll probably need to apply for a waiver when you buy your hiking insurance.
- Emergency medical evacuation insurance: Emergency evacuation coverage reimburses you for transportation to the nearest medical facility or back to the U.S. in extreme or emergency situations. This kind of coverage is essential if you plan to do any hiking or trekking in remote areas or at high altitudes, where medical facilities and transportation options are limited.
- Baggage and personal belongings insurance: This covers loss, theft, or damage to your belongings during your trip. If you’re taking expensive or specialist gear on your hike or trek, make sure your policy covers the maximum value of your climbing equipment.
- Trip delay insurance: Travel delay benefits provide coverage for additional expenses if your trip is delayed before it starts or during any connections or transfers.
For adventurous travelers, Ripcord is the best trekking insurance option offered by Redpoint. An extensive plan with high coverage limits and enhanced coverage, it includes generous benefits for search and rescue, evacuation in case of medical emergencies and natural disasters, and medical expenses related to emergencies, accidents, and sickness.
If your plans mainly include a casual day hike or two outside of a city center, Redpoint’s other travel insurance policies, Cavalry and Harbor, are probably a better fit.
Both provide international coverage and comprehensive protection for a wide range of situations. Cavalry is particularly suited for urban travel and luxury cultural experiences, while Harbor offers robust coverage for the budget-minded leisure traveler.
For hiking and trekking insurance costs and more information on our travel plans in general, check out our purchase page for a quote today.
Frequently asked questions about hiking travel insurance

What is insurance for hiking?
Most travel insurance companies include coverage for casual or moderate hiking as part of a standard policy, but check the fine print for specific exclusions or coverage limits.
Does travel insurance cover hiking?
How much is travel insurance for hiking?
What should your travel insurance cover for a hiking trip?
What happens if a tourist gets injured while hiking?
If you're injured on a hiking trip and are struggling to access care, contact Redpoint's 24/7 emergency line at +1-415-481-0610. Our customer service team is always there to help you locate care that’s included under your travel insurance policy's medical coverage.
Protect your trip with Redpoint travel insurance
Redpoint is known for comprehensive, easy-to-understand travel insurance policies that offer coverage to suit any type of trip, from a family-oriented outdoor adventure to a more strenuous solo trek. Explore our three international travel insurance plans — Ripcord, Cavalry, and Harbor — and get a quote for your next trip today.
