For information relating to policies purchased prior to October 23 2024, please check the Policy Wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For policies purchased after October 23 2024, please see below.
We are often asked, “If I become sick or injured while trekking in Nepal, is helicopter evacuation covered?” and "How does it all work if I need helicopter evacuation?"
Let’s say first that YES, medical evacuation from the mountains by helicopter may be covered by travel insurance* when it is a necessary treatment.
BUT you will only be fully covered if you contact the Emergency Assistance team BEFORE any helicopter evacuation can be arranged.
Why must I contact the Emergency Assistance team first?
The Emergency Assistance team are experts in what to do if you need to be evacuated down the mountain. They know which helicopter companies are reputable and who should be avoided. They can also guarantee the payment to the helicopter company ahead of time.
Be aware of scams!!
Wherever possible, contact the Emergency Assistance team yourself or ask a friend to do it for you. This is because we have had cases where some unscrupulous operators and guides say that they’ve received our go-ahead when they haven’t. You need to be sure the Emergency Assistance team is a part of your evacuation process.
To add to the worry, some helicopter operators will inflate flight hours to get more money. Also, some guides of trekking companies gain commission payments as a result of calling for the helicopter evacuation of insured hikers. All of this results in the insurer paying unnecessary bills, and hikers being taken off the mountain when they didn’t need to be evacuated in the first place.
So remember ALWAYS contact the Emergency Assistance team if helicopter evacuation is medically necessary. This way, you're in safe hands and coverage can be determined. Expenses must be authorized and arranged by the travel assistance provider.
*All information we provided here is a brief summary. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, and termination provisions of the plans described. Please carefully read your state specific plan documents for a full description of coverage. Travel insurance is included as part of your travel protection plan which contains both insurance benefits and non-insurance assistance services. Material included on this page does not represent, nor is it specific to, United States Fire Insurance Company or travel insurance benefits provided on United States Fire Insurance Company’s travel protection plans.
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