For information relating to policies purchased prior to 8 November 2022, please check the Policy Wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For policies purchased from 8 November 2022, please see below.
What you need to do to be covered!
Simply list hiking (or mountaineering if you're the really adventurous type) as one of the activities you want cover for when getting your quote and buying your policy. It’s that simple! You will need to tell us what altitude you’ll be reaching though – e.g. up to 3000 metres, 4500 metres or up to 6000 metres - so make sure you know this before choosing the activity. You may also be required to pay an additional premium depending on the level of the activity you will be participating in.
You must add all the adventures and activities you plan to try on your trip when you buy it to ensure you are covered. You won’t be able to make changes after your policy is issued.
Depending on the situation you find yourself in, there’s cover for:
evacuation if it’s urgent and medically necessary (by the most appropriate means, including helicopter when necessary and available) and when agreed to by us;
emergency overseas medical expenses for treatment at the hospital or local medical centre; and/or
repatriation home if you’re seriously ill or injured and unable to continue your trip.
If you’re trekking and need emergency medical treatment, evacuation or repatriation, you (or someone with you) must contact the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team immediately. They will then make contact with a suitable assistance/ambulance company close to your location/base camp to arrange for suitable treatment or transport, depending on your situation.
We also suggest that before starting the trip, you inform a local assistance company of your policy details and trekking route, so 1) they are aware when and where you are in the mountains, and 2) you are covered by your insurance in case of any problems. This intermediary can then contact the Emergency Assistance Team if necessary for pre-approval of expenses to send a helicopter to assist you.
If you are unable to contact the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team before arranging emergency transport or medical treatment, then cover may be limited to the cost had they been contacted and your insurer arranged the transportation/treatment.
If a guide or tour operator wants to arrange your evacuation, please get them to contact our Emergency Assistance Team first to guarantee cover. Please be aware your cover may be limited if our assistance team are not contacted.
Who pays for medical treatment depends on what’s happened to you and the necessary treatment required.
Travel insurance is not designed to cover everything, so take the time to read the full description of cover in the policy wording so there are no surprises if you do need to use it.
Here are a few of the things that aren’t covered:
If you hike over 6000 metres, on any plan.
Search and rescue if you’re lost up there in the mountains, or at any other time.
Any expenses related to a pre-existing medical condition suffered before the commencement of your policy.
Medical treatment that can wait until you return home.
If you put yourself at risk by not following local advice, or if you go to a region where there is a Foreign Ministry of your Country of Residence, or government travel warning against travelling there.
Participation in any sports or activities where the appropriate level upgrade was not purchased or it is a sport or activity that is specifically excluded.
Anything else that’s listed in the General Exclusions and Specific Exclusions under Section 8 in the policy wording.
The policy isn’t designed to cover everything so take the time to read the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions in the policy wording for full details, so there are no surprises if you need to use it. If you’re not sure if something is covered get in touch.
We’re here to help if you have a question about travel insurance. We’re available:
For policies purchase on or after 2 December 2018:
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For policies purchased before 2 December 2018: