Travel Insurance for Your Kilimanjaro Climb

Overview

Trekking to the summit of Kilimanjaro is the adventure of a lifetime, and it's also a genuine high-altitude expedition. Before you book flights, make sure you're covered by the right travel insurance, it isn't optional on this mountain.

Below are five providers I regularly see climbers use for Kilimanjaro-specific coverage: helicopter evacuation, emergency medical care, and the rest. Which one you choose is entirely your call, this is a comparison, not an endorsement of one over another.

Key Features to Look For

Whatever provider you choose, check the policy against these five points before you buy:

• Altitude coverage: the policy must explicitly cover trekking at Kilimanjaro's height of 5,895 metres.
• Helicopter evacuation: confirmed cover for emergency evacuation, not just standard medical transport.
• Medical coverage: look for a limit between $100,000 and $500,000 for emergency medical expenses.
• Trip cancellation and interruption: protects the money you've already committed if the trip is delayed or cancelled.
• Gear coverage: some policies cover damaged or stolen equipment, check the fine print to be sure yours is included.

World Nomads

Coverage: comprehensive travel insurance, including trekking up to 6,000 metres, comfortably covering Kilimanjaro. Includes emergency medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and gear coverage.

Helicopter rescue: yes, covers helicopter evacuation for emergencies.

Best for: climbers who want one robust policy covering both the trek and their wider travel.

Global Rescue

Coverage: specialised in medical and security evacuations, with a focus on remote areas like Kilimanjaro. Includes helicopter evacuation and emergency response services.

Helicopter rescue: yes, with a focus on high-level medical and rescue support.

Best for: travellers who prioritise top-tier medical and rescue support over standard travel insurance.

Allianz Travel Insurance

Coverage: general travel insurance with optional trekking coverage, make sure your plan includes high-altitude trekking before you buy.

Helicopter rescue: yes, included as part of medical evacuation.

Best for: travellers who want traditional travel insurance with comprehensive medical evacuation options.

True Traveller Insurance

Coverage: tailored for adventure travellers, with trekking coverage up to 6,000 metres. Offers protection for trip interruption, cancellation, and equipment coverage.

Helicopter rescue: yes, included as part of emergency evacuation.

Best for: European travellers, and anyone who wants a customisable adventure policy.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance

Coverage: focused on adventure travel, offering coverage for rescue, evacuation, and medical emergencies, along with trip cancellation and interruption.

Helicopter rescue: yes, with a specialisation in remote-area evacuations.

Best for: high-risk adventurers who prioritise rescue and evacuation services above all else.

Contact Us for Any Enquiries

I'm committed to making sure your Kilimanjaro trek is as safe and enjoyable as possible. If you have questions about travel insurance, or need help choosing the right coverage for your adventure, don't hesitate to reach out. I'm here to help at every step of your journey to the Roof of Africa.