Can I buy Travel Insurance in Nepal for Trekking? Insurance Plans

So, you’ve packed your boots, booked your flight to Kathmandu, and the excitement of the Himalayas is finally setting in. But then it hits you: “Did I forget the travel insurance?” Or perhaps you’re wondering if it’s better and cheaper to just buy it once you land in Nepal.

At Best Heritage Tour, we’ve seen thousands of trekkers pass through our doors. We know the trails, and we know the risks. If you’re asking, "Can I buy travel insurance in Nepal for trekking?" the answer is a resounding yes - but with a few critical cautions you need to know before you lace up.

In this guide, we’re going to break down everything from the new 2026 legal requirements to why a local policy might actually be your best friend in an emergency.

The Short Answer: Yes, You Can!

Historically, most trekkers bought their insurance from international providers before leaving home. However, the landscape in Nepal has shifted.

As of 2026, there are specialized local insurance products - like the CTG (Comprehensive Tourism Guard) plans - specifically designed for foreign tourists. These can be purchased right here in Kathmandu and activated within 24 hours.

Why the Rules Changed: The "No Insurance, No Trek" Policy

If you were planning to "trek" without insurance, think again. Starting in April 2025, the Government of Nepal, alongside the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), enforced a strict rule: all foreign trekkers must have valid travel insurance to obtain a trekking permit.

Whether you are heading to the Everest Base Camp, the Annapurna Circuit, or the remote Manaslu trails, you will be required to show proof of insurance at several stages:

• TIMS Card Issuance: You cannot get your Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card without a valid insurance certificate.

• Restricted Area Permits: Immigration offices now require insurance verification (often with a minimum $15,000-$25,000 evacuation limit) for regions like Upper Mustang or Manaslu.

• Park Entry Gates: Your digital trekking permit now often features a QR code linked to your insurance profile, which is scanned at national park checkpoints.

In short: No Insurance = No Permit = No Trek.

Buying Local: The CTG Advantage

While international insurance is great, buying a policy in Nepal has become an increasingly popular and practical choice. Local providers like Himalayan Guardian Nepal offer policies that ensure transparency and rapid response.

Benefits of Local Insurance (e.g., CTG Plans):

1. Instant Activation: You can walk into a local office in Kathmandu or book through your trekking agency and have coverage live within 24 hours.

2. Direct Billing: This is the biggest "pro." Many international plans require you to pay for a $5,000 helicopter rescue out of pocket and then file for reimbursement. Local plans often have direct coordination with rescue operators and hospitals (like CIWEC or Grande), meaning no massive upfront cash payments for you.

3. GPS Monitoring: Newer local policies, such as the ones from Himalayan Guardian, often include a GPS tracker with an SOS button. If you’re in trouble, they can pinpoint your location even in signal-blind areas.

4. Affordability: Local plans are often priced by "risk tiers" rather than a flat international rate.

5. Faster Processing: Local support teams lead to faster claim processing and offer 24/7 multilingual assistance.

CTG Insurance Plans for 2026

Each plan includes 24/7 emergency support, direct coordination with rescue operators, and fast hospital billing in Kathmandu.

Local Advantage: CTG Insurance Nepal

Choosing a local insurance provider can be a smart move for trekkers already in Nepal.

Here’s why:

• Instant policy issuance within Kathmandu

• Direct coordination with rescue helicopter operators

• Partner Hospitals in Kathmandu:

  • CIWEC Clinic

  • Grande International Hospital

  • Mediciti Hospital

  • Norvic International Hospital

• No upfront payment required for emergency evacuations

• Faster claim processing through local support teams

• 24/7 multilingual customer assistance

What Your Policy Must Cover (Don't Skip This!)

The Himalayan environment is unforgiving. A standard "travel insurance" policy will not cover you at 5,000 meters. Ensure your policy explicitly includes:

1. Medical Coverage

Your insurance must cover high-altitude conditions such as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), HAPE, and HACE. This should include doctor consultations, oxygen therapy, hospital admissions, and medications.

2. Helicopter Evacuation

There are no roads in the high Himalayas. If you suffer from altitude sickness, the only way out is an airlift from the trail to a hospital. Your policy should also cover medical team coordination and ground ambulance services once you arrive in Kathmandu.

3. Trip and Gear Protection

Look for plans that cover cancellations or delays due to weather, lost or delayed baggage, and emergency gear replacement.

How to Buy Trekking Insurance (Step-by-Step)

1. Identify your trek details: altitude, region, and duration

2. Compare coverage: check evacuation and medical limits

3. Prepare documents: passport, itinerary, and contact info

4. Purchase timing:

   • International plans: buy at least 1 week before travel

   • CTG plans: available in Kathmandu with 24-hour activation

5. Share policy: with your trekking agency (like Best Heritage Tour) and group leader

Recommended Plans CTG Plans by Trek

• Everest Base Camp Trek (5,545m): Needs a minimum of $35,000 medical and $10,000 evacuation coverage. Recommended: CTG-Plus.

• Manaslu Circuit Trek (5,213m): Being a restricted area, specialized evacuation support is essential. Recommended: CTG-Plus restricted area plan.

• Annapurna Circuit Trek (5,416m): Requires at least $25,000 medical coverage. Recommended: CTG-Plus.

Top International Travel Insurance Providers for Nepal Treks

International vs. Local: Which is Right for You?

Still can’t decide? Here is a quick breakdown to help you choose.

Choose an International Provider (World Nomads, IMG, etc.) if:

• You want coverage that begins the moment you leave your front door (covering flight delays, lost luggage, and trip cancellations before you even reach Nepal).

• You are visiting multiple countries on the same trip.

• You prefer a brand you are already familiar with in your home country.

Choose a Local Nepal Provider (HGN - CTG) if:

• You are already in Kathmandu and realized your current insurance doesn't cover high altitudes.

• You want the security of cashless rescues and direct billing.

• You are on a budget and only need coverage for the specific days you are on the trail.

• You want the added safety of local GPS monitoring and 24/7 local support.

Final Thoughts

At Best Heritage Tour, your safety is our top priority. The Himalayas offer the experience of a lifetime, but they demand respect. Buying travel insurance in Nepal is now easier than ever, and with the mandatory laws of 2026, it is no longer an optional expense - it’s your ticket to the trail.

Whether you choose a global giant like World Nomads or a local specialist like CTG Insurance, make sure you are covered for the altitude, the rescue, and the unexpected.

Ready to start your adventure? Contact us today to secure your trek and insurance through our trusted partner, Himalayan Guardian Nepal.

Phone / WhatsApp / Viber: +977-9851149197 / +977-9810043046

Email: info@bestheritagetour.com / bestheritagetour@gmail.com

Website: www.bestheritagetour.com

Office: Thamel Marg, Kathmandu, Nepal

Author: Best Heritage Tour

Date: 28th January, 2026