Redpoint Destinations

Nepal

Nepal Travel Insurance: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Reach the Pinnacle of Adventure in Nepal, with the best trip insurance from Redpoint

Nepal is the ultimate adventure travel destination, and it's not hard to see why. Everyone knows about Mount Everest, of course — the highest peak in the world, it attracts hundreds of trekkers each year to base camp and beyond.

But there are also amazing off-the-beaten-path hikes in places like Langtang Valley, as well as more popular routes in the Annapurna Region. And don't forget the vibrant capital of Kathmandhu, as well as countless holy and spiritual sites, such as Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha.

That said, a trip to Nepal certainly comes with some elevated travel risks — especially if you plan on doing any high-altitude trekking or exploration while you're there. There are numerous situations where you might need travel insurance, such as emergency medical insurance and emergency evacuation coverage if you have an accident during your climb.

Read on to learn about the unique health and safety risks in Nepal to know before you go — and the travel insurance you'll need for the best coverage on location.

Health & Safety in Nepal

For travel tips and the most up-to-date information on Nepalese health and safety, consult the U.S. Department of State’s travel advisory for Nepal before you go, as well as the country-specific guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

To enable the State Department to reach out in case of emergencies, and to receive timely updates on health, weather, safety, and security in your destination, U.S. travelers should also register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) before departure.

In general, Nepal is a safe country with low violent-crime rates. However, petty crime does occur in tourist areas, like Thamel and Pokhara, as well as on popular trails. Travelers should also be aware of popular scams, such as overpriced taxis and fake or inexperienced guides. It’s always best to always use licensed, reputable guides that have been recommended by someone you trust.

Before your trip to Nepal, make sure you’re up-to-date on routine vaccinations, including measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), tetanus, hepatitis A and B, rabies, and typhoid. Waterborne illnesses, like diarrhea, cholera, and giardia, are common. To minimize your risk, drink only bottled or purified water, and avoid raw or undercooked food.

However, the primary health risk to adventure travelers in Nepal is altitude sickness, so make sure you’ve adequately prepared for high-altitude climbs at home to avoid a serious oops on location. Once you’re there, gradually ascending to higher altitudes is essential, as is staying hydrated. If you experience symptoms of serious altitude sickness — such as shortness of breath at rest, chest pain and tightness, or extreme fatigue — seek medical attention immediately.

In Nepal’s jungles and national parks, you may encounter tigers, rhinos, elephants, and leopards. Trained guides will advise you on how to stay safe in these encounters, so always seek out and follow their guidance. You’ll also want to take preventative measures, such as insect repellent and long-sleeved clothing, to avoid mosquitoes and leeches in forested areas.

When it comes to natural disasters, you should also be aware that Nepal is prone to earthquakes, landslides, and floods, especially during the monsoon season (June to September). Familiarize yourself with earthquake safety procedures, and avoid trekking in risky weather conditions.

Finally, when it comes to road safety in Nepal, most visitors opt out of driving rental cars, due to chaotic road conditions and dangerous roads. Accidents involving buses, motorcycles, and taxis are also common. You can reduce your risk of road accidents by avoiding travel at night, hiring reputable drivers, and taking domestic flights for longer distances instead of making those journeys by car.

Insurance Benefits & Coverage for a Trip to Nepal

The components of any good travel insurance policy are the same. Before you purchase travel insurance, you’ll want to make sure whatever plan you hold includes each type of coverage benefit listed below. That way you’ll be covered, no matter what unforeseen circumstances might come your way in Nepal.

Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance:

Trip cancellation insurance reimburses your nonrefundable trip expenses if your trip to Nepal is canceled or cut short due to covered reasons, like illness, severe weather, or family emergencies. For extra trip cancellation coverage, cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance is usually available as an add-on. If you have been preparing for a Nepalese trek for a long time and are interrupted by poor weather or conditions, trip cancellation insurance means you won’t miss out on your up-front trip investment.

Travel medical insurance:

This covers emergency medical expenses for injuries or illnesses incurred during your trip. Your health insurance coverage from home will not be accepted for medical care in Nepal, and clinics and hospitals usually charge for treatment up front. Trekking and mountaineering do come with elevated safety risks, so emergency medical benefits are essential if you’re planning to do these activities. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, consider tacking on a waiver to your medical coverage when you book.

Emergency medical evacuation insurance:

Emergency evacuation coverage will cover you for transportation to the nearest medical facility (such as in Thailand) or back to the U.S. in extreme or emergency situations. High-altitude and rural areas of Nepal tend to lack high-quality medical facilities, so if you have a serious accident while trekking, there’s a high likelihood you may require medical evacuation by helicopter. This coverage is essential in these higher-risk scenarios.

Baggage and personal belongings insurance:

This benefit covers loss, theft, or damage to your belongings should they go missing during your trip.

Trip delay insurance:

Travel delay benefits compensate you for additional expenses incurred if your trip is delayed before it starts, or during any connections or transfers. Weather can be highly variable in Nepal, so travel delays happen regularly, making this coverage important to have.

Redpoint has a selection of travel insurance plans that offer crucial coverage for every type of trip to Nepal, no matter your activity level or travel needs.

For adventure travelers looking to summit Everest or trek the famous Annapurna Circuit, Ripcord is an extensive travel plan with high coverage limits and enhanced coverage, including $100,000 per person for medical bills related to emergency accidents and sickness and $25,000 for search and rescue.

Redpoint’s other policies provide comprehensive and tailored trip protection for a wide range of situations too, from travel delays to trip interruptions to unexpected medical fees. If you’re sticking to exploring the amazing culture of Kathmandu or exploring Nepal’s religious and cultural sites, Cavalry is particularly suited for urban travel and luxury experiences, while Harbor offers robust coverage for the budget-minded leisure traveler.

You can buy travel insurance for a single trip to Nepal, or purchase an annual policy for multiple trips. Check out our plan options and get a quote today.

FAQs for Nepal Travel Insurance

1. Is travel insurance mandatory for Nepal?

Travel insurance is not mandatory to enter Nepalese borders. However, if you're planning on doing any high-altitude trekking, then travel insurance is required in many cases.

For areas including Everest Base Camp, the Annapurna Circuit, and Langtang, the Nepalese government requires travel insurance that covers high-altitude medical evacuation and rescue. Many trekking permits — such as the TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card — will not be issued unless you have adequate proof of coverage.

2. How much is travel insurance for Nepal?

The cost of travel insurance for Nepal varies based on multiple factors, including the length and nature of your trip, your age, and the total trip cost. As a general guide, most of Redpoint's plans for travel insurance to Nepal range from 6% to 15% of the total trip cost.

3. What should your travel insurance cover for a trip to Nepal?

A comprehensive travel insurance policy for Nepal should include coverage for a range of travel-related expenses, including adequate medical coverage (at least $100,000 for unexpected medical costs), emergency medical evacuation, trip cancellation and interruption coverage, and baggage loss protection. You should also look for a policy with 24/7 assistance services, which all of Redpoint's policies offer if you're a member.

4. Are there any COVID-19 restrictions for travelers to Nepal?

As of now, there are no COVID-19-related entry requirements for travelers to Nepal. However, if you are worried about a coronavirus infection upsetting your travel plans, it may be a good idea to add cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage to your travel insurance policy.

5. What happens if a tourist gets sick in Nepal?

If you get sick or have an accident in Nepal, the first step is to seek medical care at a local clinic or hospital. In cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara, there are private hospitals with international standards, although medical facilities are less available in rural areas.

Because Nepal is popular for trekking and climbs, many tourism-related accidents happen in remote areas at high altitude, where facilities tend to be limited. If you need urgent care while on a trek and there are no adequate medical facilities nearby, you may have to be evacuated by helicopter. This can cost upwards of $10,000, which is why you need travel insurance with emergency evacuation coverage.

If you need emergency services in Nepal, dial 100 for police and 102 for ambulance. Redpoint can also be reached for round-the-clock assistance at +1-415-481-0610.

6. Are the hospitals good in Nepal?

Nepal has a mix of public and private hospitals, but the quality of care varies depending on where you are. In Kathmandu, you'll be able to find high-quality care with English-speaking doctors in private hospitals. However, rural and government hospitals may lack resources, equipment, and specialized care.

If you have a serious condition, or if your medical emergency occurs in a rural or remote area, medical evacuation to a nearby country, like India or Thailand, may be necessary. This is why comprehensive travel insurance is essential for Nepal.

7. What documentation is needed to visit Nepal?

In order to visit Nepal, you need several kinds of documentation, starting with a passport with one empty page and six months' validity at the time of entry. You'll also need a tourist visa, which can be obtained upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or online via Nepal’s official eVisa system.

If you're planning to do any trekking while in Nepal's national parks, you may also need a TIMS card and/or a restricted-area permit, depending on your planned route.

8. Is Nepal safe to visit?

The risk level of traveling to Nepal depends on what you plan to do while you're there. It’s generally considered a safe destination for tourists, although the State Department does currently have a Level Two advisory in place for the country, urging visitors to exercise increased caution due to the potential for isolated political violence.

Violent crime is rare in Nepal, especially towards travelers, but pickpocketing and other types of petty crime do occur in Thamel, Kathmandu's tourist district.

If you plan to do any high-altitude trekking — as most tourists to Nepal do — there are other risks involved. Altitude sickness, unpredictable weather, landslides, and medical emergencies in remote areas are all risk factors, so it's essential to have travel insurance for your trip to Nepal.

9. Is Nepal safe for female travelers?

Many female travelers enjoy trips to Nepal without any incidents. However, it's important to be culturally aware during your trip, including dressing modestly in rural areas and avoiding walking alone late at night. If you are trekking, it's best to join group treks, and/or hire a reputable guide that has been recommended to you.

10. How do I contact the U.S. Embassy in Nepal?

The U.S. Embassy in Nepal is located in Kathmandu. You can seek help there with emergencies, legal matters, or passport-related issues. The contact information is below:

U.S. Embassy Kathmandu

Maharajgunj, Kathmandu

Tel: +977-1-423-4000

Redpoint Travel Protection Is Here to Help

Redpoint is known for comprehensive and easy-to-understand policies to suit any trip, from soaking up urban culture to conquering the world’s highest mountains, so you can travel with confidence. Explore our travel insurance plans — Ripcord, Cavalry, and Harbor — and get a quote for your next trip today.