Kilimanjaro Travel Insurance: What You Need to Know Before You Climb

Not all travel insurance is created equal. When purchasing a policy for your Kilimanjaro trek, make sure it includes the following:

✅ 1. High-Altitude Coverage

Your plan must cover trekking up to at least 6,000 meters (some policies stop at 3,000–4,000 meters by default). This is crucial because standard travel insurance usually excludes high-altitude adventures.

Tip: Look for plans that specifically state “Kilimanjaro” or “trekking up to 6,000m” in the policy wording.

✅ 2. Emergency Medical Evacuation

Helicopter evacuation from Kilimanjaro can cost over $10,000. Choose a policy that covers emergency air evacuation and transport to a hospital, including medical treatment and stabilization.

✅ 3. Trip Cancellation or Interruption

Unexpected events like illness, injury, or family emergencies could force you to cancel your trek. Make sure your insurance reimburses you for non-refundable costs, including trek fees, flights, and hotel bookings.

✅ 4. Delayed or Lost Baggage

Lost luggage can ruin your trek. Insurance should cover delayed gear (especially cold-weather clothing or hiking boots) and reimburse you for the cost of replacement or rental.

✅ 5. COVID-19 and Infectious Disease Coverage

Choose a provider that includes COVID-related cancellations, quarantine, and medical expenses if relevant to your travel dates.