Photo © Richard l'Anson

Travel Insurance for Nepal

What you need to know when visiting the roof of the world.

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Nepal, with its beautiful Himalayan landscapes, rich culture, and endless opportunities for exploration, is a dream destination for adventurous New Zealanders. However, it’s not without its risks. Whether you're trekking to Everest Base Camp or exploring ancient temples in Kathmandu, travel insurance should be considered during your trip.

Before you visit the Roof of the World, you may want to consider World Nomads travel insurance.


Nepal
A trekker walking passed by Tibetan Prayer Flags at Everest Base Camp, Nepal. Photo credit: Getty Images / Afriandi

What’s covered in Nepal

Our policies can offer cover (up to policy limits) for benefits including:

World Nomads offers New Zealand travellers two plans – Standard and Explorer – each offers different levels of coverage and benefits. It is up to you to choose what plan has the right level of coverage to meet your travel needs.

Why should I consider travel insurance for a trip to Nepal

Travel insurance could help if you land in Pokhara but your baggage doesn’t, if your trek is delayed due to a natural disaster, or if you suffer altitude sickness and need to be evacuated.

Adventuring in Nepal

Our policies can cover injuries and accidents for more than 150 activities, sports and experiences whether you’re cycling the Kathmandu Valley rim or white-water rafting the Trishuli. Be sure to specify the activities you intend to do when you purchase your policy, as you can’t add them afterwards.

Hiking in Nepal

Our policies offer cover for high altitude hiking, trekking and camping up to 6,000 metres including Base Camp and Annapurna. We can also cover medical evacuation if medically necessary. Keep in mind that you may require a policy upgrade to be covered.

Backpacking in Nepal

With plenty of affordable accommodation, delicious food and a rich culture, Nepal is a backpacker's dream. Our policies may cover you if your passport is stolen whilst browsing the Mangal Bazaar, for travel interruptions or if your trip is cancelled.

What to look out for when travelling around Nepal

Keep your valuables safe

Remember to remain vigilant and keep your valuables in sight when exploring Kathmandu and beyond. Our policies may cover you if your valuables are stolen (up to policy limits). We can also cover high-value items with an upgrade.

Staying healthy and safe in Nepal

If you get food poisoning from a dodgy curry or you’re injured on your trek, our policies can cover you for emergency medical treatment. We can even bring you home for treatment if required.

Travel disruptions in Nepal

Nepal's roads, flights, and weather can be unpredictable. If your trekking adventure is cancelled due to a natural disaster, or your flights are delayed due to an unforeseen event our policies can cover you.

What’s not covered

Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything. There are some things we can’t cover, including, but not limited to:

  • Trekking/camping over 6,000 metres in elevation, mountaineering, and ice climbing
  • Participation in any adventure sports activities where you don’t purchase the appropriate level upgrade, or where it is specifically excluded
  • Existing medical conditions . If you do meet the criteria for automatically covered medical conditions you may be covered for 40 automatically covered existing medical conditions.
  • Travelling to, planning to travel to, or choosing to remain in a country or region that is subject to a ‘Do Not Travel’ warning issued by the New Zealand Government (see https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/)
  • Unsupervised baggage or personal items
  • Being intoxicated by alcohol or drugs or acting illegally.

Patan, Nepal
Ancient royal city of Patan, Nepal. Photo credit: Getty Images / Matteo Colombo

Travel insurance and safety tips when visiting Nepal

  • When to visit: Autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) are the best times to visit Nepal. Autumn offers clear skies and moderate temperatures, making it ideal for trekking. Spring brings blooming rhododendrons and milder weather, perfect for cultural sightseeing and adventure activities.
  • Use licensed guides and porters: They are trained to handle emergencies and know the terrain and conditions.
  • Be prepared for altitude sickness: Altitude sickness is a real possibility in Nepal. Read about how to handle altitude sickness while trekking.
  • Keep copies of all receipts, tickets, paperwork: you’ll need to provide these in the event of a claim.

Check out our Explore section that has travel information on Nepal to get up to date information and travel tips. You can also go to our travel alerts page, which has safety information.

Stay protected on your Nepal adventure – Get a Travel Insurance Quote today!

Have more questions

If you have more questions about travel insurance, feel free to contact us.

Top three places to visit in Nepal:

  1. Everest Base Camp
    The ultimate trekking experience, Everest Base Camp offers breathtaking views of the world’s highest peak. The journey is challenging but incredibly rewarding.

  2. Pokhara
    This scenic lakeside town is a gateway to the Annapurna region and offers beautiful mountain views, peaceful lakes, and adventure activities like paragliding.

  3. Kathmandu
    Nepal’s bustling capital is filled with ancient temples, palaces, and rich history. Don’t miss the famous Boudhanath Stupa and Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple).

This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. You should read your Policy Document in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. That way there won’t be any surprises if you need to use it. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

The information provided is of a general nature and is provided for information purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice in any form and should not be relied on as a substitute for obtaining professional advice that is specific to your circumstances. You should seek advice from a financial advice provider if you would like further information about whether a particular product is appropriate for you and your circumstances.

Are you sick in the mountains?

If you are presently in Nepal and suspect you are suffering from Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) you should immediately contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance teamSymptoms may include headaches, nausea, shortness of breath and inability to exercise. Most cases are mild but some are life-threatening.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Protect your trip from unexpected cancellation.

  • Explorer Plan: Unlimited
  • Standard Plan: $5,000
Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalised?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Close relative suddenly dies?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Overseas

Take the pain out of medical costs.

  • Explorer Plan: Unlimited
  • Standard Plan: $5,000,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need meds quick?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transport

We'll get you to hospital in a flash

  • Explorer Plan: Unlimited
  • Standard Plan: $500,000
Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • Medivac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Cover your stolen or damaged gear and tech.

  • Explorer Plan: $10,000
  • Standard Plan: $2,000
Protect your gear
  • Passport or tech stolen?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Bags delayed?

Help starts here.

  • Overseas Medical Expenses
  • Emergency dental treatment
  • 24 hour assistance
  • Emergency medical transport & repatriation
  • Cancellation costs
  • Trip interruption costs
  • Compassionate emergency visit home
  • Resumption of trip
  • Theft or accidental damage to baggage and personal items
  • Baggage delay over 12 hours
  • Funeral expenses overseas or repatriation of remains
  • Personal liability
This is a general summary for New Zealand residents only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Check the policy documents for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

If you need medical assistance or emergency medical evacuation our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

From New Zealand & Overseas:
+61 2 8263 0470 or
+61 2 8292 1470
(reverse charges via an operator from anywhere in the world)

Within Australia (Free call): 1800 611 210

FAQs for travellers going to Nepal

Here are our most frequently asked questions about travelling to Nepal and travel insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask the customer service team