Hiking and trekking travel insurance

What is hiking travel insurance?

Love to walk, hike or trek? You’re in good company. According to Sport Ireland’s Get Ireland Walking campaign, 2.77 million of us regularly hit the trails.

There’s no reason to stop doing what you love when you’re abroad. But whether you’re close to home or tackling the Inca Trail, trekking isn’t risk-free.

Hiking travel insurance is designed to cover you if something goes wrong – from strains and sprains to something more serious. It can also protect you from classic holiday mishaps, too. Things like lost or stolen bags, trip cancellations and delays.

What are the benefits of travel insurance for hiking?

Walking holiday insurance is your safety net if your trek takes an unexpected turn. Here’s why it matters:

• Covers emergency medical expenses. Ankle sprains and lower limb injuries are common hiking injuries. In the Alps alone, half of all emergency calls from hikers aged 50 to 70 are due to falls. Our travel insurance policies cover hikes below 3,000m as standard. And our 24-hour emergency assistance team is available to call, day or night.‍
• Covers trip cancellation. Multi-day treks often involve prepaid guides, food and accommodation. If illness or injury forces you to cancel, hiking travel insurance can cover your non-refundable costs.
• ‍Covers repatriation. Hiking in the Himalayas? Medical evacuation from this part of the world can cost thousands, and it’s not covered by the EHIC scheme. Hiking insurance ensures you’re not left high and dry.
• ‍Covers your equipment. Trekking insurance can also protect your kit, from boots to backpacks. Taking something more valuable? Our gadgets extension can cover that, too.

Which types of hiking are covered?

With JustCover, over 100 low-risk sports and activities are included as standard. No extra paperwork, no extra cost. That includes hiking, rambling and trekking on recognised routes up to 3,000m. 

If you're heading for higher ground or doing something more extreme, you’ll need to add hazardous activity cover to your policy. Some high-risk adventures may not be covered at all, so it’s worth checking our Policy Wording before you book your trip.

Which types of hiking and trekking are considered low-risk and covered as standard? 

Hiking and trekking on recognised trails under 3,000m is classed as low-risk and included in our standard policies, even if it’s the main purpose of your trip. That covers most popular walking holidays, including:

• Ben Nevis, Scotland – 1,345m
• Tour du Mont Blanc, Alps – peaks around 2,500m
• Camino de Santiago – the highest elevations typically range between 1,000m and 1,500m.

We can also cover other walking activities, such as fell walking, orienteering and rambling. Some come with full cover for the entire time you're away. For others, we only provide cover if the activity isn't the main reason for your trip. You'll find these listed as ‘activity holidays’ in the Policy Wording. 

Here are a few examples of the kind of hiking and walking activities we cover as standard. Can’t find yours in the list? Take a look at the Policy Wording, or give us a call. We’ll tell you if it’s covered

Which hiking and trekking activities are considered hazardous or extreme sports?

If you’re hiking between 3,000m and 6,000m, you’ll need to add hazardous activity cover. These routes involve higher altitudes, thinner air and more demanding terrain. Examples include:

• Schönbichler Horn, Austria – 3,134m‍
• Hochfeiler, Alps – 3,510m

Some trekking activities carry a higher level of risk than others. If you're planning something more extreme, let us know before you go. 

Here are a few examples of common trekking activities that require hazardous activities travel insurance. For a full list, have a look at our Policy Wording.

Which hiking or trekking activities won’t be covered?

Some high-risk hiking activities are excluded from cover altogether. If your route goes above 6,000m or involves mountaineering, we won’t be able to cover you. That’s even with the hazardous activity add-on. Always check the Policy Wording before you go.

Examples include:

• Mount Everest summit – 8,848m‍
• Aconcagua summit, Argentina – 6,961m‍
• Ama Dablam, Nepal – 6,812m‍
• Lobuche East, Nepal – 6,119m

What does hiking and trekking travel insurance protect for?

At JustCover, we know the best views come after the hardest climbs. But we also know things don’t always go to plan. That’s why our hiking travel insurance is built to keep pace with your plans:

• Covers your equipment. Lost your walking poles in transit? Backpack gone walkabout? Our standard policies cover your kit for loss, theft or damage. Bringing high-tech outdoor equipment? Add our valuables extension for up to €2,000 cover.
• Looks after you. Trips and falls are common when you’re hiking. Knowing you’re covered for medical expenses will help you focus on your recovery. And with our 24/7 emergency helpline, you won’t be on your own.
• Protects your plans. Guided tours and prepaid accommodation can be expensive. If illness, injury or other unexpected events force you to cancel your hiking trip, you could claim back non-refundable expenses.
• Covers curtailment. Twisted your ankle on day two of a week-long trek? If you need to head home early, hiking insurance can help cover the costs.

Why choose JustCover for your hiking holiday travel insurance?

Heading for the trails? Take us with you, and you can focus on exploring. Our walking holiday insurance keeps things simple and flexible. But that’s not the only reason why we’re Ireland’s most-trusted travel insurance provider²:

• Over 100 sports and activities are included as standard
• Cancellation cover starts the moment you book³
• 98% of customers rate us as ‘Excellent’ or ‘Great’
• Up to unlimited medical expenses and repatriation
• 24/7 emergency assistance if you’re injured while you hike

When to buy hiking and trekking holiday insurance

You’ll need to buy your hiking holiday insurance before you depart for your trip. You can’t buy it after you’ve left Ireland. But there are real advantages to not leaving it until the last minute.

The best time to buy your hiking travel insurance is as soon as you book your trip. That way, you’re protected from the start. Buying early can be a real lifesaver if plans change unexpectedly due to illness, injury or other disruptions.

Hiking holidays often involve prepaid accommodation and guided tours. Travel insurance with hiking cover helps you recover those expenses if you need to cancel for a covered reason.

Do you need hiking and trekking travel insurance for domestic trips within Ireland?

From the Wicklow Way to the Burren Trails, Ireland offers some of the most scenic and accessible hiking routes in Europe. But while you may not need emergency medical cover, taking out travel insurance for your Irish hiking trip is still a good plan. It can act as your financial safety net for the things that can go wrong, even when you’re close to home.

Here’s how it can help:

Covers lost, stolen or damaged equipment. 

Hiking equipment isn’t cheap – and it soon adds up. A good pair of boots alone can cost between €120 and €200. If your bag is lost or delayed en route to your destination, trekking holiday insurance can help cover the cost of replacing essentials. That way, your trip isn’t ruined before it begins.

Covers trip cancellation or curtailment

Many hikers pre-book accommodation along multi-day routes like the Kerry Way. A five-day self-guided tour with accommodation can cost between €649 and €919 per person. If you fall ill or need to cancel unexpectedly, travel insurance can help recover those costs. 

Covers guided walking tours

Ireland’s guided hikes range from €35 for a day hike in Tipperary to €369 for a three-day Wicklow tour with meals and accommodation. If your tour is cancelled, insurance can help cover the loss. Some operators may even require proof of cover before you join.

Tips for safe hiking and trekking

Hiking and trekking abroad can be an unforgettable experience. And, with a few smart precautions, it can be a safe one, too. These tips will help you stay protected while you explore:

• Know your route and altitude. Research your trail’s difficulty, terrain and elevation. Stick to trails that suit your fitness and hiking background. 
• Share your plans. Let someone know your planned route and return time. You can also enable location sharing on your phone or smartwatch
• Check your policy will cover your chosen route. JustCover’s policies include hikes, treks and rambles on recognised routes, under 3,000m. If you’re going above 3,000m, or trying something like gorge walking, you’ll need to add the hazardous activity extension.
• Pack smart and stay prepared. Bring essentials like a map, compass, first aid kit, water, snacks and layers. Don’t forget sun protection as UV exposure increases at altitude.
• Respect the weather. Mountain weather can change fast. Always check the local forecast before you set off. Be prepared to turn back if conditions worsen.
• Acclimatise. Altitude sickness can start around 2,500m and become more likely above 3,000m. Ascend gradually, stay hydrated and know the signs – headache, nausea and dizziness. Your hiking travel insurance can cover emergency medical treatment for altitude sickness. But only if you’re hiking on a recognised route, within the covered altitude range.
• Join a guided group if you’re unsure. Guided treks are a great option for unfamiliar terrain.
• Don’t rely solely on tech. Phones and GPS devices are great, until they run out of battery or lose signal. Always carry a map and compass as backup.