Travel Insurance

Kilimanjaro Travel Insurance – Do I Need it?

Yes, it’s mandatory to have travel insurance that covers you for high altitude trekking up to 6,000 meters if you plan to climb Kilimanjaro.

Due to the high altitude, remote location, and demanding conditions of a Kilimanjaro trek, travel insurance is compulsory for all participants. Anyone taking part in a Kilimanjaro climb will be required to show proof of insurance before the start of the trek.

A trip to Africa is a significant investment and having the right insurance policy can

help mitigate the risk you face should something go wrong.

Travel insurance may cover you in case of:

unexpected trip cancellation
trip interruption
missed flight connections
travel delays
lost baggage

When you take part in adventure activities, you may need specialized insurance.

Your travel insurance will need to cover medical expenses that could arise while traveling abroad. In the case of a Kilimanjaro climb, you’ll need to make sure that it covers you for medical evacuation too.

Unexpected injuries and doctor visits need to be covered, and emergency evacuation expenses should you need to be airlifted off the mountain. Those situations are rare, but they do occur and you need the proper insurance.

When purchasing travel insurance it is important you understand exactly what it does, and doesn’t cover. Most basic plans will offer basic protection for trip cancellation, lost bags, and delayed flights.

However, if you need coverage beyond that (medical expenses, evacuation, etc.) then you’ll likely have to purchase a higher-tier policy.

It’s important that whatever policy you choose also covers high altitude activities. That isn’t the case with every insurance plan, so be sure to ask for it specifically.

For climbing Kilimanjaro, explain to your insurance company that you are not taking part in technical mountaineering, but that you are high altitude trekking up to 6,000m.

Disclaimer: we are not insurance experts. We do not give insurance advice, please consider your own situation carefully when you purchase insurance.

Does Health Insurance cover me for Kilimanjaro?

Most standard health insurance policies do not cover you for adventure activities abroad. It certainly won’t cover you for lost baggage or abandonment of your trip or cancellations.

Take some time to read through exactly what your policy covers, and where you might have liability. Don’t wait until you need to make a claim, make sure you’re clear about what’s covered – and what’s excluded.