Why You NEED Travel Insurance When Travelling At Altitude
From hiking the Inca Trail to trekking to Everest Base Camp, travelling at altitude offers some of the most rewarding experiences a traveller can have. But it also comes with unique risks that us Aussies are not necessarily well accustomed to. These can include but are not limited to, altitude sickness, unpredictable weather as well as the challenge of being far from medical care. That’s why you need travel insurance when travelling at altitude.
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Cover-More Travel Insurance offers specific cover for treks and hikes at higher altitudes, giving you the confidence to explore with peace of mind.
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Understanding the Risks of Altitude
At higher elevations, oxygen levels drop and even fit, experienced travellers can experience altitude sickness. Symptoms range from mild headaches and fatigue to severe, life-threatening complications. When you’re days away from the nearest hospital, the cost of evacuation and medical treatment can be overwhelming without insurance.
Travelling to Altitude WITHOUT the adventure component
Even if you’re not planning to trek, simply being at altitude can place unexpected stress on your body. Flying into high-altitude destinations like Cusco, La Paz, or Lhasa means you can go from sea level to well over 3,000 metres in just a few hours. At these heights, the reduced oxygen levels can cause altitude sickness in anyone – regardless of age, fitness, or activity level. Symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness and even more serious complications can develop without any physical exertion. That’s why it’s important not to assume you’re safe just because you’re not hiking; travel insurance with altitude cover ensures you’re protected if you become unwell simply from being in a high-altitude environment.
Flying into Altitude and Your Health
Arriving at altitude in good health is one of the most important steps you can take to reduce your risk of complications. A weakened immune system makes it far harder for your body to adjust and illnesses like stomach bugs, colds, or food poisoning can significantly increase the likelihood of developing altitude sickness.
I know this all too well from my own experience arriving in Cusco from Lima while suffering from salmonella poisoning. Instead of enjoying the my long awaited arrival, I found myself extremely unwell, with my body struggling to cope with both the infection and the sudden jump in altitude. It was a stark reminder that when your immune system is already compromised, the added stress of thin mountain air can quickly escalate into a medical emergency – highlighting just how important both preparation and adequate travel insurance really are.
Trekking at Altitude and Travel Insurance
Cover-More has structured its policies to provide different levels of protection based on the altitude and type of trek you’re taking on.
Cover-More’s Adventure Activity Options
Here’s how Cover-More protects you when travelling at altitude:
- Automatically included cover: Hiking or trekking under 3,000 metres is covered on all plans.
- Adventure Activities Cover (add-on for an extra premium): Provides cover for trekking between 3,000 – 4,000 metres above sea level, if your trek takes more than two days and doesn’t require specialist climbing equipment.
- Adventure+ Activities Cover (add-on for an extra premium): Provides cover for trekking between 4,000 – 6,000 metres above sea level, again for treks of more than two days without specialist climbing equipment. This also includes cover for fully guided treks to Mount Everest Base Camp and the Kokoda Trail.
Important: Cover does not extend to treks that require specialist climbing equipment, racing, or professional expeditions.
Popular Treks Covered by Cover-More
If you’re planning one of these iconic adventures, Cover-More has an option for you:
- Mount Everest Base Camp – Requires Adventure+ Activities Cover (only if you’re on a fully organised guided tour).
- Kokoda Trail – Requires Adventure+ Activities Cover.
- Machu Picchu / Inca Trail – Depending on the trek, you may only need Adventure Activities Cover (check details based on your route).
- Mount Kilimanjaro – Requires Adventure+ Activities Cover.
24/7 Emergency Assistance
Altitude travel can be unpredictable, which is why Cover-More provides a 24/7 Emergency Assistance team. If you become sick or injured on your trek, their team can arrange medical care, coordinate emergency evacuation and support you and your family back home.
For peace of mind if your trek is interrupted by illness, injury, or unexpected delays, Cover-More’s Additional Expenses Cover can help cover extra costs like accommodation or transport so you can focus on your recovery, without having to stress about the extra costs being incurred!
Travelling at altitude is life-changing – but it requires preparation and the right protection. Whether you’re aiming for Machu Picchu, Kilimanjaro, Kokoda, or Everest Base Camp, Cover-More Travel Insurance ensures that if something goes wrong, you’re not left facing enormous bills or logistical nightmares on your own.
To understand the cost of covering your trek, get a quick online quote from Cover-More before you travel.
Your adventure deserves to be remembered for the views, not the risks.
Erin Parker is a Finnish Lapland specialist, women’s adventure host and founder of Lapland Lowdown & Travel Her Way. She has travelled six continents and brings first-hand experience to every destination she writes about – from the Arctic wilderness of Finnish Lapland to the high Andes of Peru. Based in Melbourne, Australia, Erin helps long-haul travellers plan extraordinary Finnish Lapland adventures and leads small group trips for women who are ready to explore the world boldly.
