What Is Trek Insurance, Why It Is Mandatory On Treks And What It Covers
While most of us are familiar with insurance for vehicles, homes, and valuable items, Trek Insurance is often overlooked. However, it plays a crucial role for trekkers, offering protection against the unique risks and challenges encountered in the wilderness. Trekking involves unpredictable and sometimes dangerous conditions, and having the right insurance can make all the difference. Here’s why Trek Insurance is so important:
Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS):
Trekking at high altitudes poses the risk of developing Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS), which can range from mild symptoms to life-threatening complications. Trek insurance can cover medical expenses related to AMS, including evacuation and treatment, which may not be included in your regular medical insurance.Accidental Injury or Illness:
Trekking often involves navigating rugged and challenging terrain, increasing the risk of injury. Whether it’s a sprain, fracture, or more severe injury, Trek insurance ensures you’re covered for any medical emergencies that arise during your trek. Additionally, if you fall ill during your trek, insurance can help cover treatment costs, including emergency care in remote areas.Emergency Evacuation:
In case of a medical emergency or injury, especially in remote locations, getting evacuated can be incredibly difficult and expensive. Trek insurance covers the cost of emergency evacuations, ensuring that you receive timely and safe transport to medical facilities if needed.Unpredictable Weather Conditions:
The mountains are known for unpredictable weather, which can quickly escalate into dangerous conditions such as avalanches, floods, or landslides. These natural disasters can not only disrupt your trek but may also leave you stranded or in urgent need of medical assistance. Trek insurance can protect you from financial losses and provide coverage for emergencies related to these unexpected weather events.Limitations of Regular Insurance:
While you may have life or health insurance, these policies often don’t cover incidents that happen during outdoor activities like trekking. Regular insurance may not cover the specialized care or evacuation costs needed in remote or high-altitude areas. Trek insurance is tailored specifically to cover these types of risks, ensuring you’re fully protected during your trek.
In conclusion, Trek Insurance is an essential safeguard for trekkers. It offers coverage for Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS), accidental injuries, emergency evacuations, and unexpected weather-related incidents. Without it, you may find yourself unprotected in a dangerous situation. Investing in Trek insurance gives you peace of mind, knowing that you’re prepared for the unexpected during your adventure.
Why is Trek Insurance important?
When trekking at high altitudes, the risk of Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS), including more severe conditions like HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema) or HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema), increases significantly. If you encounter any of these life-threatening situations, an emergency medical evacuation may be required. Trek Insurance ensures that you are covered for such emergencies, giving you peace of mind while on your adventure.
Additionally, trekking involves navigating rough and unpredictable terrain, making trekkers prone to accidental injuries like ankle sprains, ligament tears, fractures, or even falls on wet and slippery trails. Even injuries that happen during recreational activities at your campsite, such as playing games, are covered by Trek Insurance.
The mountains are known for their unpredictable weather, and situations like avalanches, floods, or landslides can disrupt your trek, leaving you stranded or in need of urgent rescue. In such cases, Trek Insurance steps in to help cover the costs of evacuation and rescue.
At Trekup India, we prioritize the safety and well-being of our trekkers, which is why we strongly recommend investing in Trek Insurance. It’s the smart and responsible choice for any trekker, ensuring you’re protected in case of an emergency, so you can focus on enjoying your adventure without worries.
Trek Insurance Cost, Validity, and Insurance Cover
Trek Insurance Cost:
The cost of Trek Insurance depends on your specific requirements, with the base cost starting at INR 210. The final cost may vary depending on the trek’s location, duration, and the level of coverage required.
Trek Insurance Validity:
Your Trek Insurance is valid from the moment you start your trek until you return, ensuring you are covered for the entire duration of your journey.
Trek Insurance Cover:
Upon filling out the Claim Form, you will receive your policy document, which covers the following:
Accidental Expenses for Hospitalization: Coverage up to Rs 100,000 for any hospitalization due to injuries sustained during the trek.
Air or Road Medical Evacuation: Coverage up to Rs 100,000 for medical evacuation by air or road in case of emergencies.
Personal Accident (Death & Disability): Coverage up to Rs 100,000 for accidental death or disability during the trek.
Repatriation of Remains: Coverage up to Rs 15,000 for the repatriation of remains in case of fatal accidents.
Outpatient Expenses for Injuries/Illness: Coverage up to Rs 10,000 for outpatient expenses in case of injuries or illnesses that occur during the trek.
With Trek Insurance, you’re well-covered for a range of potential emergencies, making your adventure safer and more enjoyable.
How to Apply for Trek Insurance
Once you’ve booked your trek with Trekup India, our team will send you a link via the WhatsApp group where you can fill out the necessary form. Follow the steps provided, which will guide you through the process, including the payment gateway. After the payment is successfully processed, you will receive your Trek Insurance Policy. If you have any questions or need assistance with the policy, our team will be happy to help you throughout the process.
How to claim for Trek Insurance
To file a Trek Insurance Claim with Trekup India, please follow these steps:
Fill Out the Claim Form:
Complete the claim form that will be provided to you by the Trekup India team upon request.Consult a Doctor:
Visit a doctor and ensure that you get a medical report within seven days of the incident.Note: Your claim will only be approved if you have consulted a doctor and obtained a medical report.
Submit the Report and Bills:
Once you have the medical report and any relevant bills, you should forward these documents to the insurance issuance company team. You will receive an email from the insurance company as soon as they get the report.Approval Process:
Once the company has received all required documents, including the medical report and bills, the claim will be processed, and the approval should follow quickly after all documents are verified.
If you have any questions or need assistance with this process, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Trekup India team. We’re here to help you with any concerns regarding your claim.
What does Trek Insurance not cover?
Here are the situations in which Trek Insurance will not apply:
Intoxication or Hallucination:
If the trekker is under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or any other intoxicants, causing intoxication or hallucination.Breaking the Law with Criminal Intent:
If the trekker engages in unlawful activities with criminal intent while on the trek.Professional Sports Involvement:
If the trekker is a member of a professional sports team and has special benefits due to their inability to perform.Intentional Self-Injury or Mental Health Issues:
If the trekker intentionally injures themselves, attempts suicide, or suffers from mental health issues such as anxiety, stress, depression, or sexually transmitted diseases.Participation in Riots or Criminal Activities:
If the trekker is involved in riots, civil commotions, or any crimes that violate the law.Pregnancy-Related Incidents:
If the trekker faces death or disability due to pregnancy-related complications.Motor Speed Contests:
If the trekker participates in any motor speed contests.Foreign Nationals:
If the trekker is from a foreign nation and the insurance policy does not cover international trekkers.Pre-Existing Diseases:
If the trekker has any pre-existing medical conditions before the trek that are not disclosed at the time of booking.Trip Cancellation, Rescheduling, or Delays:
If the trekker cancels, reschedules, or experiences delays during the trek, Trek Insurance will not apply.
Please ensure that you meet all the requirements and avoid situations that may invalidate the insurance coverage. If you have any concerns or questions, feel free to reach out to the Trekup India team for further clarification.
About Author
Kanishk
Kanishk has lived in these hills all his life, so every time he wished to travel somewhere, the hills were his calling card. He completed his schooling in Dehradun and graduated with a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. As a result, he was open to sharing in detail his personal experience of exploring with friends and his family. He then looked through different career choices but couldn't find something that made him happy and content. Until he got an opportunity to work in a traveling company and that to trekking. In his mind, this was like the mountains calling, and he began explaining the adventure of going to the hills to people.
