+1 612 869 4949Yes, but only if your policy explicitly includes High-Altitude Emergency Evacuation. Standard travel insurance policies often exclude activities above 2,500 or 3,000 meters, which makes them insufficient for most treks in Bhutan.
For any trek involving high mountain passe, your insurance policy must cover search and rescue (SAR) and medical evacuation up to 6,000 meters (approx. 19,700 feet).
Medical Necessity vs. Convenience
Insurance providers only cover helicopter costs if the evacuation is deemed medically necessary by a professional.
The “Guarantee of Payment
Royal Bhutan Helicopter Services and Heli Bhutan, requires a Guarantee of Payment before a helicopter is dispatched.
Recommended Coverage Features : When shopping for a policy for Bhutan, ensure it includes:
- Emergency Medical Evacuation: Minimum of $100,000 USD.
- Medical Repatriation: To fly you back to your home country if needed.
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance: A dedicated hotline that can coordinate with our Thimphu office.
Wind Horse Recommended Providers
While we do not sell insurance, most of our successful claims and smooth rescues have been managed through:
- Global Rescue: (The gold standard for high-altitude evacuation).
- World Nomads: (Explorer Plan specifically).
- Allianz / Travel Guard: (Only with specific “Adventure” or “High-Altitude” riders).
Check your policy before you fly! Always email your insurance company and ask: “Does this policy cover helicopter evacuation for medical reasons at altitudes up to 6,000m in Bhutan?” Keep their written confirmation in your email.