You need travel insurance for Kilimanjaro. Tour operators insist on you showing proof of this insurance prior to climbing Kilimanjaro. However, you must ensure this travel policy covers high altitude trekking because the summit of Africa’s tallest mountain is nearly 6,000 meters.
If you have yet to purchase this type of insurance, there is one company that I always recommend to family and friends. As an ex-tour leader in Africa, I have experience dealing with many clients who used different insurance providers and this company was always the most competent. I even used this company for my recent hike on the Appalachian Trail and this is because I believe they provide the most comprehensive cover and the best customer service, and at an affordable price too!
Now: Maybe you don’t want to read on and just want a quick quote? It takes just a few seconds to get a quote from World Nomads…
Let’s take a closer look at why you need travel insurance for Kilimanjaro…
Travel Insurance for Kilimanjaro: Do You Need It?
Travel insurance for Kilimanjaro is essential because it covers the unique risks associated with high-altitude trekking. Altitude sickness, injury, or sudden changes in weather can lead to emergencies that require immediate medical attention or even evacuation. The mountain is also remote and conditions can be extreme near the summit. If you have Kilimanjaro insurance, this cover can ensure you’re protected financially in the case of emergency care, evacuation, or if your trip is unexpectedly canceled or interrupted. Most tour operators require that you have personal travel insurance, so it’s not just a smart choice—it is necessary for your adventure.
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What Your Kilimanjaro Insurance Policy Must Include
You will need a specialized travel insurance for Kilimanjaro. I know that many travelers have insurance through their job etc but this type of insurance is unlikely to be sufficient. For instance, you need to make sure the policy has cover for high altitude trekking up to 6,000 meters. Please note this does not need to specify mountaineering activities but rather cover for trekking at this altitude. Your travel insurance for Kilimanjaro should also cover medical and repatriation costs and trip cancellation.
Here’s some more points to consider:
- Altitude Coverage: Make sure your Kilimanjaro travel insurance covers trekking up to 6,000 meters, as the summit is 5,895 meters. Many hikers succumb to altitude sickness and this is one risk with which you simply cannot take any risks.
- Medical Evacuation: Your travel insurance policy for Kilimanjaro should cover medical evacuation. This might refer to any costs associated with being airlifted off the mountain and transferred to your home country. In case you might be asking yourself, hikers so sometimes need to be airlifted due to serious injury and altitude sickness.
- Trip Cancellation: Look for coverage that includes trip cancellation, delays, and interruptions, especially due to unforeseen circumstances like extreme weather. The cost of a Kilimanjaro tour is high and if something goes wrong, neither the tour operator or airline are going to reimburse you for this unforeseen event. Your travel insurance for Kilimanjaro can help protect you in such events.
- Adventure Activities: Confirm the policy specifically covers trekking and any other adventure activities you plan to do in Tanzania. Most travel insurance policies exclude adventures they might consider extreme and climbing to the summit of Kilimanjaro is certainly an extreme thing to do!
- Read the Fine Print: Insurance policies always come with restrictions and exclusions. You should always do your own due diligence to ensure your travel insurance for Kilimanjaro is adequate.
Why I Use the Same Company for All of My Adventures
It doesn’t matter whether or not you are based in Australia, United Kingdom or United States, I always suggest getting a quote from World Nomads. This is not just because of the comprehensive cover in their policies. I have first-hand experience making a claim with this company and then also through feedback from clients on my overland tours in Africa.
I’m just not sure you will get the same service elsewhere. I won’t name any names but even if a certain company offers sufficient cover, they may not provide the same level of customer support. You should also keep in mind that travel insurance for Kilimanjaro does not need to cost a small fortune and World Nomads provide comprehensive cover at a very affordable rate.
It takes just a few seconds to get a quote if you click the link below…