Traveling is a beautiful thing. Whether you’re flying abroad to study, work, go on a religious pilgrimage, explore new cultures, or take a break from daily life travel broadens the mind and brings new experiences. But if there’s one thing that often gets neglected in the excitement of planning a trip, especially by many Nepali travelers, it’s travel insurance.
You might think, I’m good as long as I get my ticket! But what happens if your flight gets canceled, your baggage goes missing, or worse, you fall sick in a country where even a basic hospital visit costs hundreds of dollars?
That’s where travel insurance comes in. It’s like a safety net that quietly travels with you only stepping up when something goes wrong. In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about travel insurance as a Nepali traveler why it matters, what it covers, how to buy it, and tips to choose the right plan.
What Exactly is Travel Insurance?
At its core, travel insurance is a financial protection policy designed to cover unexpected problems that might come up before or during your trip. These can include things like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, flight delays, lost passports, stolen baggage, or even emergency evacuation.
Think of it like this: you wouldn’t drive a car without insurance, right? So why travel halfway around the world without protecting yourself from unpredictable mishaps?
And this isn’t just a suggestion anymore in many countries, travel insurance is mandatory for visa approval. If you’re planning to visit Europe (Schengen zone), Australia, the USA, or Canada, having valid travel insurance with minimum coverage is a strict requirement.
Why is Travel Insurance Important for Nepali Travelers?
While travelers from countries like the US or the UK often buy insurance by default, many Nepali travelers still think it’s optional or even unnecessary. But let’s look at a few real-world scenarios:
Medical Emergencies Abroad
Let’s say you’re visiting Germany and suddenly fall sick or have an accident. A quick visit to a hospital there can easily cost you over €1000. Without insurance, you’ll have to pay that amount out of pocket. With travel insurance? The company takes care of it.
Some policies even include emergency evacuation like flying you back home to Nepal if your health condition demands it.
Visa Requirements
If you’re applying for a Schengen visa, you must submit travel insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000. Without it, your application will be rejected. Similarly, Australia and Canada also strongly recommend travel insurance for all visitors.
Trip Cancellation or Delay
Flights get canceled all the time bad weather, technical issues, airline strikes. If you have connecting flights or prepaid hotel bookings, this can result in big losses. Travel insurance can refund your non-refundable expenses and even provide compensation for long delays.
Lost or Stolen Baggage
You land in London, but your luggage is still chilling in Doha. Or maybe your backpack gets stolen while sightseeing in Rome. These things happen more often than you’d think. Insurance can reimburse you for lost items and cover basic needs like clothes and toiletries while you wait for your bags.
Support During Passport Loss
Losing your passport in a foreign country is a nightmare. Many travel insurance companies offer 24/7 assistance to help you report the loss, get emergency travel documents, and sometimes even arrange transportation.
What Does a Travel Insurance Policy Cover?
Every insurer is different, but here are the most common types of coverage offered in a standard travel insurance plan for Nepali travelers:
Coverage Area What It Covers
Medical Expenses——>Hospital bills, doctor consultations, emergency treatment
Accidental Injury or Death——>Compensation in case of accidental death or permanent disability
Emergency Evacuation——>Transportation costs if you need to return home urgently for medical reasons
Trip Cancellation/Interruption——>Refunds for pre-paid bookings (flights, hotels) if your trip is disrupted
Flight Delay Compensation——>Covers additional expenses if your flight is delayed by several hours.
Lost or Delayed Baggage——>Compensation for lost, stolen, or delayed luggage
Personal Liability——>Covers legal expenses if you accidentally cause damage or injury to others.
Passport Loss——>Helps with the issuance process and covers associated costs.
COVID-19 Coverage——>Some policies now include coverage for COVID-19-related issues, including quarantine and hospitalization
Always read the policy document carefully before buying. Some policies exclude coverage for adventure sports, pre-existing health conditions, or travel to war-prone zones.
How Can Nepali Travelers Purchase Travel Insurance?
Buying travel insurance in Nepal is quite easy these days. You have several options:
Local Insurance Providers
Many Nepali insurance companies offer international travel insurance at competitive prices. Some of the most popular names include:
- Shikhar Insurance
- IME General Insurance
- Everest Insurance
- Neco Insurance
- Sagarmatha Insurance
These companies have branches or authorized agents across Nepal, and most allow online applications now.
Travel Agencies
If you’re working with a travel agency for your visa or ticketing, they can usually arrange insurance for you. Reputed travel agents like Flight Tracker Tours and Travels work closely with insurers and help you get the right documents quickly.
Online Platforms
You can visit insurance comparison websites or directly go to the insurer’s site to fill out a form, make a payment via eSewa, Khalti, or bank transfer, and get the policy emailed to you.
How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?
The cost of travel insurance depends on a few factors:
- Destination Country
- Duration of your stay
- Age of the traveler
- Sum insured (i.e., the total coverage amount)
Here’s a rough estimate:
Trip duration estimates Cost (in NPR)
Up to 7 days NPR 800 – 1,200
15–30 days NPR 1,500 – 3,000
3 months+ NPR 3,000 – 7,000
Schengen visa applicants should choose a plan with at least €30,000 (around NPR 4,500,000) in medical coverage.
Types of Travel Insurance Plans
Depending on your needs, here are the major types of plans available:
Single Trip Insurance – Ideal for short vacations, pilgrimages, or work-related trips.
Multi-Trip Annual Insurance – For frequent flyers; it covers multiple trips throughout the year.
Student Travel Insurance – Covers tuition refund, medical emergencies, and study interruption. Useful for Nepali students going to the USA, UK, Australia, etc.
Group Travel Insurance – For tour groups or families traveling together.
Senior Citizen Plans – Tailored for older travelers with higher medical risk coverage.
Tips to Choose the Right Travel Insurance as a Nepali Traveler
Choosing the right plan can be confusing, especially with so many options. Here are some helpful tips:
Understand Your Destination
Health care in countries like the USA, UK, and Japan is expensive. Always go for higher medical coverage if you’re traveling to such places.
Match Policy to Purpose
If you’re a student, choose a student-specific policy. If you’re going for trekking, make sure your policy covers adventure activities.
Don’t Pick the Cheapest Plan Blindly
A low-cost plan might have very limited coverage. Always read the fine print and look for exclusions.
Choose Reliable Insurers
Go with companies that offer 24/7 support, have quick claim processes, and a good reputation. Online reviews can help.
Keep Digital and Hard Copies
Carry a printed version of your insurance policy with you and save a soft copy in your email or phone in case of emergencies.
How Travel Insurance Helped a Nepali Trekker in France
Manish, a 28-year-old from Pokhara, went to France for a trekking and photography trip. On the fourth day of his hike, he slipped and fractured his ankle. Thanks to his travel insurance, he was airlifted to the nearest hospital, received immediate treatment, and didn’t have to pay anything from his pocket. The insurance company even helped rearrange his flight back to Nepal with wheelchair assistance.
It’s stories like these that show how valuable travel insurance can be.
If you need help getting insured or want recommendations for the best policies based on your trip type, feel free to connect with experienced agencies like Flight Tracker Tours and Travels. Safe travels, and don’t forget to carry that insurance document along with your passport! You can contact them or mail them at:
Location: Chhaya Center Main Gate, Thamel
Contact: +977 014523500 / 980-1177478
Email: trackernepal@gmail.com