Travelling to Nepal

Beneficial in providing tourist indemnities against certain emergencies and crisis, travel insurance is considered important for overseas as well as domestic travel. The major benefit of travel insurance while travelling to Nepal is that it provides cover for loss of luggage, cancelled or delayed flights and medical emergencies in Nepal.

Accidents can occur in Nepal with activities like mountaineering, trekking and white water rafting. For covering the risks of accidents during vacation, accident insurance is important. Medical or health insurance provided by different firms assures reimbursement of expenditure during medical emergency on the trip. Availability of this insurance is most important for hikers, trekkers and backpackers.

Adventure travellers should ensure that their personal travel insurance covers trekking in mountain regions, evacuation and any other activity they may want to undertake in Nepal. In certain cases, it is also possible that one is not allowed to indulge in trekking and other activities such as rafting and paragliding without travel insurance. Thus, one should get a comprehensive insurance when one planning for adventure activities in Nepal.

Travel insurance also covers all expenses in other cases like cancellation of holiday or curtailments in the same. Holders of trip cancellation insurance can get cash back in case of flight cancellation and even delayed flights. In case of loss, theft or damage of luggage and personal belongings, travel insurance proves to be beneficial. Documents like tickets, visas and passports are also insured against loss or theft.

Irrespective of its type, travel insurance is available for a period ranging from 5 days to 365 days. However, the benefits available are subjected to terms and conditions, depending upon the purpose of travel and type of insurance cover. There are different types of travel insurance for families, frequent travellers, corporate business houses, students, adventurers and others.

Filing an application for travel insurance is easy and one can fill an online application or file it in person. However, it is advisable to read the policy documents and coverage carefully before deciding on a policy.

At the time of claim, one should initially check the coverage provided by the insurance policy. Thereafter, tourist should follow the claims procedure as defined by the insurance company.

Travel insurance can be claimed within the suggested time period, which is usually within 28 to 31 days after return. With the submission of claim, a written notification from airlines, hospital, police or respective authorities is often required.

Insurance Providers
Travel insurance companies in India provide various policies catering to different requirements. Almost all policies provide coverage against medical emergencies, loss, damage or theft of baggage and other such crisis. Those intending to indulge in mountaineering should ensure that their insurance policy provides cover for the same. Most of the insurance companies often do not provide cover over 2,500 metre.

TATA AIG Insurance is one of the leading Indian companies providing travel insurance for Nepal. The company offers a global protection policy, which is valid for single as well as annual multi-trips. This policy covers personal accidents, hospitalisation, lost baggage, baggage delay and even lost passports. The company also offers a Travelguard Gold plan for tourists between 56 to 70 years of age.

ICICI Lombard Travel Insurance policies are also some of the best available ways to cover uncertain non-medical or medical expenses while travelling to Nepal. Available for single as well as multi trips, travel insurance policies of ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company is suitable for people below 70 years of age. For people between 71 and 85 years of age, a special policy called 'salt and pepper' is available.

Cholamandalam MS General Insurance Company Limited is another Indian organisation offering insurance for short term and corporate travel to Nepal. Among other popular insurance companies in India providing cover for Nepal tourism are Bajaj Allianz and United India Insurance Company Limited. Several plans are offered by each company for protection against medical expenses and other travel related risks.

Emergency Contact Numbers in Nepal:
Police: 100, 103
Ambulance: 102

Major Hospitals in Nepal:
Bir Hospital
Kathmandu, district Kathmandu
Tele: +977-01-422-1119, +977-01-422-3807

Dhulikhel Hospital
Dhulikhel, district Kavrepalanchok
Tele: +977-11-490-497