Helicopter Search & Rescue Insurance for trip Nepal | Trekking & Mountaineering - Lonely Planet Forum

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Sat, 13 Sep 2014 06:56:00 +0000

Namaste !

Any recommandations for buying "good" helicopter search & rescue insurance in Europe or worldwide ? What is your experience with ? is it worth ? Would you buy it from an International provider, rely on what your mountaineering club membership is offering ? I guess mobile coverage in most Nepalese mountain areas isn't much reliable and only big commercial expediations get radio's. So is it worth after all ? Maybe it's worth spending 100-150 USD on insurance if you are in e.g. Solo Khumbu where infrastructure is good and people regulararly get evacuated by chopper but in Annapurna or more remote areas where you are on your own or with 2 ? I guess one of the few ways to get the SOS message out is probably to send a porter or guide to the nearest village with a hopefully working telephone and get a chopper in.

Any recommandations ?

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Sat, 13 Sep 2014 13:06:57 +0000

Have a look at:

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forums/asia-indian-subcontinent/Nepal/emergency-evac-for-us-residents-trekking-annapurna-circuit?page=1#post_21471559

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Mon, 15 Sep 2014 01:31:23 +0000

I join the American Alpine Club, based in the States. I am a US citizen. You can join from anywhere in the world. Regular membership is $80 USD/year. If you are over 66 or 28 or younger, other less expensive memberships are available. With membership, you get a $5,000 USD rescue benefit with no elevation limit. If you want more of a benefit, you can pay for more through Global Rescue.

If you are doing a standard Nepal trek, the odds of needing more of a dollar benefit are very remote. A helicopter rescue from the trail on the Annapurna Circuit is probably in the $5 to 10k range, depending on your location. If you are climbing a remote peak, the cost will be significantly greater. I would imagine that climbing organizations in Europe would have something similar.

A friend actually had to use his benefit on the Annapurna Circuit. He developed an acute case of appendicitis around Manang and had to be rescued. Occasionally, it happens. But, as mentioned above, the odds of needing it for trekking our pretty remote if you know how to acclimate properly.

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