Coverage for Summit Expeditions vs. Trekking
Insurance for trekking to Base Camp is different from insurance for climbing the Mount Everest summit. Getting the wrong policy can be a financial disaster.
Trekking policies usually cover up to 6,000m (enough for EBC and Kala Patthar). If you are climbing Island Peak or attempting the Everest summit, you need a 'Mountaineering' policy that covers technical climbing and higher altitudes.
Ensure the policy covers 'Search and Rescue' up to the max cost (often $10k+). Helicopter evacuations are the only way out of a Mount Everest expedition in an emergency.
For serious climbers, memberships like Global Rescue are the gold standard. They provide evacuation services that standard travel insurance might dispute. Crucial for any Everest expedition.
If you can't afford insurance, you can't afford to climb. Ensure you are covered for every meter of altitude you plan to gain.
