When you join a trekking trip with Ian Taylor Trekking, you’re signing up for the adventure of a lifetime. Our trips have more acclimatization and support, led by experts, award-winning teams and supported by our world-class safety standards. However, even with the best preparation, unexpected events can sometimes affect your travel plans.
That’s why we recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance before your journey. The right policy can protect your investment and allow you to trek and climb with total confidence.
One of our Recommended Travel Insurance Partners
While you’re free to choose any provider that meets your needs, we’ve partnered with Travelex to offer a trusted and convenient option for our clients.
For more than 25 years, Travelex has been a leader in travel protection, earning an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and recognition as the #1 Travel Insurance Company by U.S. News & World Report.
Why Choose Travelex Travel Protection?
Travelex offers coverage and benefits designed to help protect you—and your trekking investment—before and during your trip. Coverage may include:
- Emergency medical expense and evacuation for unexpected illness or injury in remote destinations
- Trip cancellation coverage for eligible reasons such as severe weather, illness, or natural disasters
- Trip interruption benefits for delays, missed connections, or the need to return home early
- Lost, delayed, or damaged baggage coverage—including trekking and climbing equipment
- 24/7 emergency travel assistance and support anywhere in the world
Our Recommendation: Ultimate Plan + Adventure Activities Upgrade
Due to the nature of our high-altitude treks and climbs, we recommend the Travelex Ultimate Plan with the Adventure Activities upgrade. This combination offers the highest level of medical and evacuation coverage, especially for activities involving ropes, guides, or specialized climbing equipment—activities typically not covered under standard plans.
For more information, or to get a quote, visit this page and get a quote today.
If you have questions about plan details, coverage limits, or eligibility, please contact Travelex Insurance Services directly: 1-800-228-9792.
Most Relevant FAQs for Trekking & Climbing Clients
1). Does Travelex cover pre-existing medical conditions?
Why it matters:
Altitude and remote travel increase the risk of complications, especially for trekkers with prior heart, lung, or blood pressure issues. The waiver of pre-existing medical conditions can help ensure clients with stable health histories can still be protected if something flares up on the mountain.
2). Is there a “Cancel for Any Reason” (CFAR) option?
Why it matters:
Treks can be affected by strikes, political changes, or personal readiness (injury, illness, or family issues). The CFAR Upgrade1 can give trekkers maximum flexibility and partial reimbursement even when the reason for cancellation isn’t covered under a standard plan.
3). When does my coverage begin?
Why it matters:
Understanding when cancellation and medical benefits take effect is critical for those booking months ahead — especially when planning international travel with connecting flights and multiple nonrefundable payments.
4). What is primary vs. secondary medical coverage
Why it matters:
Primary medical coverage is essential for fast response in remote rescue or evacuation scenarios (e.g., helicopter evacuations from Everest Base Camp or Kilimanjaro). Clients won’t need to wait for other insurance to process before Travelex pays.
5). Why should I buy travel insurance?
Why it matters:
This question reinforces the value proposition for all trekkers — emphasizing coverage for lost gear, altitude-related medical needs, delays, or early returns. It ties perfectly into your messaging about safety and preparedness.
6). When is the best time to purchase insurance?
Why it matters:
Buying early (within 21 days of your initial trip deposit) helps ensure coverage starts immediately and enables the pre-existing condition waiver2 — a major point to emphasize during your booking process.
7). Does my policy cover personal belongings and baggage?
Why it matters:
Clients carry valuable trekking gear and climbing equipment. Coverage for lost or delayed baggage helps replace critical gear (boots, crampons, clothing) if airlines lose bags before the climb.
8). If I have U.S. health insurance, do I still need travel coverage?
Why it matters:
Many U.S. health plans do not cover international medical care or evacuation, which is crucial on high-altitude expeditions. This FAQ directly addresses a common misconception among clients.
9). What is not covered under travel insurance?
Why it matters:
It’s important to clarify that high-risk climbing activities (ropes, technical ascents, or use of specialized equipment) require the Adventure Activities upgrade3 on the Ultimate plan. This sets proper expectations and reduces misunderstandings.
10). How much does travel insurance cost?
Why it matters:
Clients often underestimate how affordable coverage can be compared to their total trek cost. Highlighting pricing transparency helps position insurance as a smart, standard part of expedition preparation.
Travel Insurance for Trekkers: What You Need to Know
1). Purchase requirements apply; Cancel for any Fortuitous Reason for New York residents.
2). Other purchase requirements apply and purchase timeframe can vary by state. Pre-existing conditions exclusions not applicable to residents of NH.
3). Exclusions on adventure activities not applicable to IL residents. Search & Rescue and Security Evac coverage not available to IL.
The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex Insurance Services, Inc. CA Agency License #0D10209.
Insurance coverages underwritten by Zurich American Insurance Company (NAIC #16535, state of domicile: New York), 1299 Zurich Way, Schaumburg, IL 60196. Coverages available to residents of U.S. States and the District of Columbia only. Certain coverages are not available in all states.