What if this happened to you?
What would it cost?
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The days of foreigners being “covered” for health costs in nations with socialized medicine are ending. In Switzerland you would pay the full cost of helicopter rescue if you are not a citizen.
Even in the developing world, hospital costs could crush you:
… Aussie tourist took an unlucky fall off a steep mountain track in India and ended up paralyzed in a hospital in New Delhi. And yes, you guessed it, this guy was traveling without any insurance, even though he was 64 years old and should have known better.
The result of this stumble is that his family back in Oz have maxed out their credit cards to pay the hospital bills and so far can’t afford to get him on a plane and home. …
A Traveling Without Insurance Nightmare For Aussie Man In India
You must buy travel insurance if hiking out-of-country. Most policies allow trekking, but do not cover climbing nor mountaineering. Double check your coverage.
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On a related issue, posted in Gadling – Should a medical exam be required before a major trek?
Physicians and politicians in Australia are calling for mandatory physicals for any trekkers preparing to hike the Kokoda Track according to Aussie newspaper The Age. The Kokoda is a difficult and remote trail in Papua New Guinea, which has claimed the lives of three hikers this year alone. …
read more – Should a medical exam be required before a major trek?
My gut feeling is that regulation is going too far. The normal “release” form should be enough.
Adults must be responsible to make their own decisions in so far as adventure sport is concerned.
If a company voluntarily requires a medical, no problem. But a government should not impose this requirement.
For example, A Sierra Club Upper Dolpo Trek in Nepal requires a full medical and approval by the trip leader, but not because the government requires it.
… I’m personally shopping for travel insurance right now. Leave a comment if you have a recommendation.
