Update on Helicopter Rescue in Nepal
In 2018, we looked at reports of helicopter rescue scams in Nepal and how they were affecting insurance availability.
Eight years on, the situation has improved. Insurers now have a better understanding of the risks and stronger controls are in place to reduce overcharging and fraud.
However, one thing hasn’t changed: rescue costs in Nepal are higher than almost anywhere else in the world. As a result, insurance premiums, and often policy excesses, remain higher for Nepal than for many other trekking destinations.
Why Is Rescue So Expensive in Nepal?
A common question is:
Why are helicopter rescues more frequent and more expensive in Nepal compared to places like Kilimanjaro or South America?
There are several reasons:
1. Altitude
The main cause of rescue is illness related to altitude. This may involve:
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
An underlying medical condition made worse at altitude
Gastro or viral infections picked up before or during the trek
AMS alone affects:
Up to 25% of trekkers at 3,000m
Around 50% at 4,500m
Up to 60% at 6,000m
Many popular treks in Nepal reach well above 4,000m. At these heights, symptoms can worsen quickly and evacuation is often the safest option.
2. Remote Terrain
Trekkers are often several days’ walk from the nearest road. In serious cases, ground evacuation is simply not practical. Helicopters become the quickest and safest solution.
3. A Commercial Rescue Industry
Nepal attracts large numbers of international trekkers every year. Over time, helicopter rescue has developed into a significant commercial industry.
Unlike some countries where rescue services are state-operated, Nepal relies largely on private helicopter operators. Insurers have expressed concerns that, in some cases, helicopters are used more readily than strictly necessary.
Regardless of the debate, the impact is clear: higher rescue costs are ultimately reflected in higher insurance premiums and excesses.
Snowcard’s Advice to Trekkers
We have spoken with our emergency assistance providers, and this is their key advice to help ensure claims are accepted for genuine medical emergencies:
1. Contact Your Insurer as Soon as Possible
Signal can be poor in remote areas, but the earlier the assistance team is involved, the sooner they can manage and authorise costs.
2. Avoid Paying Full Rescue Costs Upfront
Where possible, let your insurer deal directly with the rescue provider.
If payment is demanded upfront, offer a small deposit and explain that your insurer must authorise the remaining costs. Rescue companies are used to this process. Resistance may be a warning sign.
3. Understand That Insurance Is Not a Credit Card
All major costs must be authorised.
Claims may not be covered if:
A pre-existing medical condition was not declared
The wrong level of cover was purchased
Policy terms were not followed
Insurance covers costs that fall within the policy wording, it is not an automatic guarantee of payment.
Additional Practical Tips
If sharing a helicopter with other trekkers, ensure invoices are only for your share of the flight.
Make sure you or someone travelling with you contacts the 24-hour emergency number as soon as you are hospitalised.
Download your eSnowcard to your Apple or Google Wallet so the emergency number is always accessible.
Consider buying an eSIM before or on arrival. Many claims are delayed because travellers cannot use their UK mobile plan abroad. eSIMs are inexpensive and easy to activate (apps such as Airalo work well).
Helicopter rescue in Nepal remains expensive due to altitude, remoteness and the commercial nature of the rescue system.
Understanding how it works and how insurance responds can help reduce complications if you ever need assistance.
Compiled by Freddie D, Base Camp Snowcard!