Inca Trail Travel Insurance for Machu Picchu (Best Options)

Inca Trail travel insurance for Machu Picchu is a must. In fact, most tour operators will require you to have ‘adequate’ cover.

But what does adequate mean?

What it doesn’t mean is standard travel insurance, as these policies don’t cut it at ‘high altitude’. So, do not waste your time looking at them as they will be useless if an accident happens while you are on the Inca Trail, or indeed any of the alternative trails.

In this detailed article, I will explain the main clauses that should outline what your Inca Trail travel insurance policy covers.

Please Note: This article is based on my personal experience, extensive research on high altitude insurance providers and on feedback from hundreds of previous Machu Picchu trekkers. However, I am not an insurance expert, so please read all small print on policies that you consider and if in doubt, always consult a qualified insurance expert.

Inca Trail Travel Insurance - Trekking Insurance for High Altitudes

The main consideration for your Inca Trail travel insurance is that it covers you for trekking over 4,000 meters (13,123 feet). Most, if not all standard travel policies, will not cover you up to this altitude.

When it comes to Inca Trail travel insurance, the highest altitude you will reach is Dead Women’s Pass (an ominous name, but it’s not that scary) situated at 4,200 meters (13,780 feet). Alternative Machu Picchu trails like the Salkantay, Lares and Vilcabamba go even higher than this. 

Here is a quick breakdown of the various altitudes of alternative Inca Trail treks: 

I recommend using Inca Trail travel insurance from Worldnomads.com which includes cover for trekking over 4,000 meters (13,123 feet).

Accidents, Evacuations and Medical Treatment

Accidents on a Machu Picchu trek are rare, but do occasionally occur. If you are unfortunate and experience bad altitude sickness symptoms, a serious or even minor fall (like a twisted ankle), or indeed any other number of issues that can go wrong when trekking on a remote mountain and exerting your body at high altitudes, then you will want good evacuation and medical treatment cover. The routes to Machu Picchu are remote and getting stuck in a small village with even the most innocuous ailment can spell disaster and be very costly.

The key thing to look for is that your Inca Trail travel insurance policy covers the cost of evacuation and proper medical treatment in the country you are trekking through.

I recommend writing down your policy number and any emergency numbers and keeping this information on your person whilst trekking. Also, don't forget to inform your trekking partners or guide where this information is kept, and give the information to your tour operator so that they can act on your behalf if you are incapacitated.

Lost, Stolen, Damaged and Delayed Baggage

There are always a number of trekkers who suffer the irritation and unnecessary cost of lost, stolen, damaged or delayed baggage issues, either in Lima, or more often, in Cusco. If this unfortunate event happens to you, it can result in delaying your trek. More importantly, it will cost you quite a lot of money, as you will need to rent or buy trekking equipment in Cusco. Most travel insurance policies include this cover as a standard.

If you are carrying expensive equipment like a camera, make sure that your policy limit exceeds this value. What’s the point of trekking to Machu Picchu without the means to capture the experience on your camera?

Top Trekking Tip: Make sure to wear your trekking boots on all flights to Cusco, including your international flight to Lima. Also, keep valuable items like your GoPro or camera on you at all times. This way, if your baggage gets lost or stolen, you will have the most important piece of gear (your boots) and your most valuable item (your camera) kept safe and sound. Wearing your boots will help lighten your baggage.

Flight or Tour Cancellations, Interruptions and Delays

Flight and tour cancellations are rare, but flight interruptions (particularly delays) are actually quite common in Cusco. If you are on a tight schedule with connecting flights, then proper travel insurance that covers you for flight or tour cancellations, interruptions and delays is important.

Most importantly, you should check that your tour operator is registered with ABTA, ATOL, or an equivalent agency.

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We are covered with our insurance for medical expenses but not personal liability for over 2000its, can we get a quote to cover this for the 4 days we are doing it. 2 people aged 64

Hi Brenda, thanks for getting in touch. We’re not an insurance provider but if you use the quote tool above, from World Nomads, they will be able to provide you with a price and suitable product. All the best!

The agency is not asking for passport info or anything. Is that normal?

Whitney

Hi Whitney, you only need to provide your passport details if you are planning to do the Inca Trail. Permits are not required on the alternative trails. You will need your passport to access Machu Picchu. All the best!

I don’t see where you add the clause about being covered for trekking over 4000 meters. Which plan do I need to get with World Nomads to have this covered?

Hi Sara, on the quote page click ‘View full description of coverage’ and then scroll to section 17: Work, Sports and Activities. You should see the coverage there or what is required to upgrade the coverage if it is not included as standard. Cheers!

I read the ‘View full description of coverage’, but could not find section 17: Work, Sports and Activities. Can you please clarify if we need to go with Standard or Explorer plan for 4D Inca Trail hike?

Thanks, Shalabh

Hi Shalabh, it really depends on your country of origin. If you are unsure I recommend contacting World Nomads directly. Cheers!

FYI: We’re hiking the Inca Trail this September. I spoke w AIG Travel Guard Insurance & was told they have NO exclusions for high altitude. Are you aware of this?

Hi Rosalie, yeah I believe Travel Guard also provide adequate high altitude trekking insurance. Good luck on your hike!

We are Spanish citizens, my husband is 69 and VERY fit, however I cannot find an insurance company that will cover him for the trek. We go in 3 wks! 😒

Hi Clare, you might have some luck using the comparison website: https://www.insuremytrip.com/

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