Let’s get straight to the point: travel insurance isn’t just one of those “nice to have” add-ons—it’s absolutely essential. Whether you’re trekking to remote mountain summits or just exploring unfamiliar cities, things can go wrong. And when they do, travel insurance is the safety net that stops a hiccup from becoming a financial nightmare. We speak from personal experience—trust us!
Rob’s Story: Leishmaniasis in Colombia
Picture this: I’m in Colombia, having the time of my life, when I pick up a nasty tropical disease—leishmaniasis. Fast forward to me travelling on to South Africa, unaware that things are about to take a turn for the worse. What started as an innocent (if unpleasant) bug bite turned into a serious medical condition requiring treatment. Cue medical evacuation back to the UK—just as thousands of England fans were desperately trying to get home after the World Cup. The irony was real.
I ended up spending a month as an outpatient, hooked up to an IV. If it hadn’t been for my travel insurance, the costs would have been astronomical—not to mention the logistics of getting back to the UK for treatment.
Jules’ Story: Gastro on Toubkal
Jules, on the other hand, found himself trekking up Mount Toubkal in Morocco when disaster struck. There’s nothing like a bout of food poisoning at altitude to make a difficult climb even harder. He ended up needing a hospital visit and a long list of meds which luckily did the trick.
Both of us walked away from these experiences with a very clear message: travel insurance is an absolute must-have.
Why We Mandate Insurance on Our Trips
At Earth Dog Travel, we mandate travel insurance for all our trips, and here’s why:
- Altitude Cover: You’re often trekking at altitude, which carries its own risks. You need a policy that covers every step of the way—including the summit.
- Medical Emergencies: Whether it’s a bout of gastro, altitude sickness, or something more serious, the cost of medical treatment abroad can add up quickly.
- Evacuations: When you’re in remote regions, getting evacuated to the nearest hospital—or even flown home—can cost a fortune without insurance.
What to Look for in a Good Travel Insurance Policy
When you’re shopping for travel insurance, here are some things to keep in mind to make sure you’re properly covered:
1. Altitude Coverage
Make sure your policy covers you at the highest point you’ll be reaching, including the summit. Some policies will cover trekking but not at certain altitudes—check the small print.
2. Medical Evacuation
You want coverage for evacuation in case you need to be flown out of a remote area. Trust us, a helicopter ride off the side of a mountain isn’t cheap!
3. High Medical Limits
Check the total amount covered for medical treatment. Healthcare costs can skyrocket, so aim for a policy that covers at least £1 million or more in medical expenses.
4. High Excesses
Be aware of high excesses that could leave you out of pocket for smaller claims. Some policies look cheap until you realise you’re paying a lot upfront before they step in.
5. Single Item Limits for Valuables
If you’re bringing expensive kit like cameras or electronics, check the single item limit. You don’t want to find out too late that your gear isn’t fully covered.
6. Cancellation and Delay Cover
Missed connections, flight cancellations, or delayed baggage can throw your plans into chaos. Make sure your policy covers delays and cancellations that could affect your trip.
Final Thoughts
No one likes thinking about worst-case scenarios, especially when you’re planning an exciting adventure. But the reality is, things can go wrong, and when they do, travel insurance will be your best friend. It gives you the peace of mind to fully immerse yourself in the experience, knowing that if something happens, you’re covered.
At Earth Dog Travel, we’re all about safe, responsible travel, and that includes making sure you’ve got the right insurance in place before setting off on one of our trips. If you’re not sure where to start, feel free to ask us—we’ve got plenty of experience (too much, maybe!) when it comes to navigating the world of travel insurance.
And remember, having travel insurance isn’t just about ticking a box. It’s about ensuring you can focus on the adventure ahead, no matter what happens along the way.