Trekking and mountaineering at high altitudes can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to be prepared for the risks involved. One of the biggest risks is altitude sickness, which can cause a range of symptoms, from mild headaches and nausea to more serious conditions like pulmonary edema and cerebral edema.
If you’re planning on trekking or mountaineering at high altitudes, it’s important to have travel insurance that covers you in the event of altitude sickness. Not all travel insurance policies cover altitude sickness, so it’s important to read the policy carefully before you buy it.
This blog post will introduce you to the best travel insurance for altitudes up to 6000m. We’ll discuss the different types of coverage available and help you choose the right policy for your needs.
Why Do You Need Travel Insurance For High Altitude Trekking?
There are a few reasons why you need travel insurance for high altitude trekking:
1.Medical coverage: High altitude trekking can be a dangerous activity, and there is a risk of serious injury or illness, including altitude sickness. Medical treatment in remote mountainous areas can be very expensive, and travel insurance can help cover the cost of treatment and evacuation.
2. Emergency evacuation: If you become seriously ill or injured while trekking at high altitude, you may need to be evacuated by helicopter. Helicopter evacuations can be extremely expensive, and travel insurance can help cover the cost.
3. Trip cancellation and interruption: If you have to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unforeseen circumstances, such as illness, injury, or bad weather, travel insurance can help reimburse you for your lost expenses.
4. Other benefits: Many travel insurance policies also offer other benefits, such as lost luggage coverage, rental car insurance, and coverage for personal belongings.
What To Look For In Travel Insurance For High Altitude Trekking
When choosing travel insurance for high altitude trekking, there are a few things you should look for:
1.Altitude coverage: Make sure the policy you choose covers you for altitude sickness at the altitude you’ll be trekking at. Not all policies cover altitude sickness, and some have altitude exclusions.
2. Medical coverage: Make sure the policy has adequate medical coverage to cover the cost of treatment for altitude sickness.
3. Emergency evacuation coverage: Make sure the policy covers emergency evacuation by helicopter in case you need it.
4. Reputable insurance company: Choose an insurance company with a good reputation and a history of paying claims.
Best Travel Insurance For Altitudes Up To 6000m
Here are the 5 best travel insurance for altitudes up to 6000m, based on my research and customer reviews:
1.World Nomads Explorer: This policy covers trekking up to 7,000 meters, including altitude sickness. It also offers a wide range of other coverage, such as medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation and interruption, and lost luggage.
2. Global Rescue: This membership-based service offers emergency rescue and medical evacuation services for its members. Global Rescue has no altitude cap, so it’s a good option for trekkers and mountaineers who are planning on trekking above 6,000 meters. It also offers a variety of other benefits, such as medical expenses, travel assistance, and security services.
3. Garmin SAR HR: Garmin SAR HR is a satellite-based emergency response service that offers search and rescue services to its members. Garmin SAR HR has no altitude cap, so it’s another good option for trekkers and mountaineers who are planning on trekking above 6,000 meters. It also offers a variety of other benefits, such as medical expenses, travel assistance, and security services.
4. Allianz Travel Insurance: Allianz Travel Insurance offers a variety of travel insurance policies, including one that specifically covers trekking up to 6,000 meters. This policy offers comprehensive coverage for medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation and interruption, and lost luggage.
5. Zurich Travel Insurance: Zurich Travel Insurance also offers a variety of travel insurance policies, including one that specifically covers trekking up to 6,000 meters. This policy offers similar coverage to the Allianz policy, including medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation and interruption, and lost luggage.
Who Should Not Go To High Altitudes?
The following people should not go to high altitudes:
- People with pre-existing medical conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, or sickle cell anemia.
- Pregnant women.
- Children under the age of 5.
- People who are not physically fit.
- People who are taking certain medications, such as sedatives or diuretics.
If you have any doubts about whether or not you should go to high altitudes, it is important to consult with a doctor.
What is The Best Medicine For Altitude Sickness?
The best medicine for altitude sickness is descent to a lower altitude. However, there are some medications that can help to relieve symptoms and prevent altitude sickness.
- Acetazolamide (Diamox) is a prescription medication that helps the body acclimatize to high altitudes more quickly. It is typically taken 1-2 days before ascending to high altitude and continued for 2-3 days after reaching the desired altitude.
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be used to relieve headache and other symptoms of altitude sickness.
- Nausea medication, such as ondansetron (Zofran) or promethazine (Phenergan), can be used to relieve nausea and vomiting.
- Oxygen can be used to treat severe altitude sickness. It can be administered through a nasal cannula or a face mask.
It is important to note that these medications are not a substitute for descent to a lower altitude. If you are experiencing symptoms of altitude sickness, it is important to descend to a lower altitude as soon as possible.
Conclusion
When choosing travel insurance for high altitude trekking, it’s important to read the policy carefully and make sure it covers the things that are important to you. The policies listed above are all good options for trekkers and mountaineers who are planning on trekking above 6,000 meters.
I hope this blog post has helped you learn more about the best travel insurance for altitudes up to 6000m. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below.
FAQs
Does travel insurance cover high altitude?
Not all travel insurance policies cover high altitude. Some policies have altitude exclusions, and some have altitude limits. It’s important to read the policy carefully before you buy it to understand the coverage it offers.
What is considered high altitude travel?
Altitudes above 2,500 meters (8,202 feet) are considered high altitudes. At this altitude, the air is thinner and contains less oxygen.
Can you get altitude sickness at 6000 feet?
Yes, it is possible to get altitude sickness at 6,000 feet. Altitude sickness is a condition that can occur when your body does not have enough oxygen at high altitudes.
What is the oxygen level at 6000 feet?
The oxygen level at 6,000 feet is approximately 16.6%.
How long does it take to acclimate to 6000 ft elevation?
It typically takes 1-3 days to acclimate to 6,000 feet elevation. This means that your body will start to adjust to the lower oxygen levels at that altitude after 1-3 days. However, it is important to note that everyone is different and some people may need more time to acclimatize.
Is 6000 feet considered high altitude?
Yes, 6,000 feet is considered high altitude. The Mountain Sickness Network defines high altitude as 2,500 meters (8,202 feet) or above.
Is it harder to breathe at 6000 feet?
Yes, it is harder to breathe at 6,000 feet. The air is thinner at higher altitudes, which means there is less oxygen in each breath. This can make it more difficult to get enough oxygen into your body, especially if you are exercising or moving around.
What is the fastest way to adjust to high altitude?
The fastest way to adjust to high altitude is to ascend gradually. This gives your body time to produce more red blood cells, which carry oxygen to your tissues. It is also important to stay hydrated and avoid alcohol and caffeine, as these can dehydrate you and worsen altitude sickness symptoms.