Clear information, comprehensive cover and an easy purchasing process.
Mountaineering insurance up to 6,500m
Get specialist mountaineering travel insurance for eligible climbs up to 6,500m.
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Up to 6,500m
On select climbs
Helicopter
Approved evacuation
24/7
Emergency assistance
Is this mountaineering insurance right for my climb?
Yes, if your trip is on one of our specifically covered mountain peaks or routes, stays within the 6,500m altitude limit and meets the applicable guide, safety and technical-climbing conditions.
Add Adventure Extreme when you buy and check that it appears in your policy summary before travelling.
Only the named peaks and routes listed on this page are eligible for mountaineering cover:
Island Peak
Mera Peak
Stok Kangri
Mount Toubkal
Mount Kenya — Point Lenana only
Mount Kazbek
Mont Blanc — Goûter Route only
Monte Rosa
Cotopaxi
Illiniza Norte
Lobuche East
Kilimanjaro — including Western Breach
This is the complete list of peaks and routes eligible for mountaineering cover. Adventure Extreme covers eligible mountaineering up to 6,500m on these named peaks and routes only. No other mountain peaks or routes are included. Guide, recognised-route, safety, technical-grade and other policy conditions apply. Terms, limits, exclusions and excesses apply.
What can our mountaineering travel insurance cover?
Depending on your chosen plan, Rise & Shield can provide cover for some of the most important risks surrounding mountaineering.
What's not included in this policy?
Our mountaineering cover does not extend to:
Altitudes above 6,500m or any mountaineering higher than the Adventure Extreme limit are out.
Solo, unguided or off-route expeditions that wander away from recognised trails.
Helicopter rescues without prior authorisation (and the separate excess unpaid).
Why choose Rise & Shield for mountaineering insurance?
Mountaineering can take you far beyond the risks of an ordinary holiday, from remote routes and changing weather to altitude and emergency evacuation.
Rise & Shield specialises in insurance for adventurous travel, with 24/7 emergency assistance, trusted relationships across the adventure travel industry, and the reassurance of an FCA-regulated insurance provider whose programme is reinsured at Lloydâs of London.
Rise & Shield is trusted by reputable tour operators and adventure companies
Why do I need specialist mountaineering insurance?
Ordinary travel or trekking insurance may exclude climbing that involves ropes, picks, specialist equipment, technical sections or high-altitude mountain routes.
Rise & Shield's Adventure Extreme add-on can cover eligible mountaineering up to 6,500m on specifically named peaks and routes, subject to the applicable policy conditions.
What does Adventure Extreme cover for mountaineering?
Adventure Extreme can cover eligible mountaineering up to 6,500m where ropes, picks or other specialist climbing equipment are required.
Important: Mountaineering cover only applies to the specifically named peaks and routes permitted by the policy. Add Adventure Extreme and make sure it appears in your policy summary before travelling. Adventure Extreme is currently unavailable if you are 65 or older.
Which mountain peaks and routes are covered?
Mountaineering cover is limited to the 12 specifically named peaks and routes shown in the covered-peaks section on this page.
This is a definitive list, not a collection of examples. A mountain is not automatically covered simply because it is below 6,500m. Other peaks, alternative route variants and new or exploratory routes are not included.
What technical climbing limits apply?
Mountaineering cover does not extend to routes requiring free climbing or multi-pitch technical rock or ice climbing above UIAA Grade II or equivalent.
If your planned route includes more technical climbing, an alternative route, or sections close to this grading limit, check the exact itinerary before buying.
Is helicopter evacuation covered while mountaineering?
An eligible helicopter evacuation may be covered when it is medically necessary and pre-approved by the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Centre.
The assistance team decides the appropriate evacuation method and provider based on your circumstances. A separate helicopter rescue excess of £1,000 / $1,250 / €1,200 currently applies.
Do I need a guide, and can I climb solo?
You must be with a professional, qualified and licensed guide, instructor or operator, remain on a recognised route and use appropriate safety equipment.
Solo attempts and route variants are not covered. You must also follow relevant safety procedures, your guide's instructions and weather warnings.
What mountaineering is not covered?
Cover does not include free mountaineering, climbing in remote or inaccessible regions, exploratory expeditions, new routes, climbing above 6,500m or mountaineering expeditions in the Arctic or Antarctica.
Professional or semi-professional participation and competitions are also excluded. Personal Accident and Public Liability cover do not apply while participating in activities covered under the policy.
How to buy mountaineering insurance with Rise & Shield
Getting a free quote with Rise & Shield is easy. Follow these simple steps to secure your trip:
1. Start your quote
- Go to go.riseandshield.com
- On the first screen, under “What type of trip are you planning?”, select: Single Trip (for your specific climb), Then click Next.
2. Add your trip details
On the Destination step: Country of residency: Choose your usual country of residence from the drop-down (e.g. United Kingdom).
Where are you going?
Choose the region that matches your itinerary, for example:
- Worldwide (excluding North America)
The key is: pick the region that covers every country you’ll set foot in on the way to and from your trek.
When are you going?
Select your start date as the day you leave home, not just the day your trek starts.
Select your end date as the day you arrive back home.
This makes sure flights, hotel nights and delays around the trek are all covered.
How many people are travelling?
- Choose the number of adults and children.
- Enter each traveller’s date of birth when prompted.
Click Next to move on.
3. Choose your base cover (Essentials / Classic / Elite)
On the Cover step you’ll see three options:
- Essentials
- Classic
- Elite
Your ability to trek at altitude depends on the Adventure Extreme add-on, not which of these three you pick.
However, because high-altitude treks are remote and can be pricey, many trekkers go for Plus or Elite to get higher limits for:
- Emergency medical expenses
- Emergency evacuation and repatriation
- Trip cancellation/curtailment
Click the card for Essentials, Classic or Elite (whichever suits your budget and risk appetite).
Hit Next.
4. Add mountaineering cover (Adventure Extreme add-on)
This is the crucial step for mountaineering.
On the Extras page you’ll see several tiles:
- Adventure: automatically included for a wide range of standard activities.
- Adventure Plus: for mid-level adventure (e.g. lower-altitude trekking, certain dives, etc.).
- Adventure Extreme: for mountaineering.
- Winter Sports, High Value Items, etc.
For mountaineering you must:
- Find the Adventure Extreme tile.
- Click ADD on that tile.
- Check the policy summary box on the right:
The price updates.
Adventure Extreme appears under your cover/extras.
Remember: If Adventure Extreme is not listed, your climb is not correctly covered, even if you’ve chosen a base policy.
Leave other extras (Winter Sports, High Value Items, etc.) off unless you specifically need them.
Click Next once Adventure Extreme is clearly shown in your summary.
5. Enter traveller, contact and address details
On the Checkout step:
Traveller details
- Enter your first name and surname exactly as they appear on your passport.
- Confirm your date of birth (auto-filled from earlier).
- Select your nationality from the drop-down.
Contact information
- Add an email address – this is where your policy documents are sent.
- Add a mobile number, including the country code if needed.
Address details
- Fill in your home address, town/city, postcode and confirm your country.
6. Payment & final checks
At the bottom of the Checkout page:
- Enter your card details securely.
- Tick the checkboxes to confirm.
- When you’re ready, click Confirm Purchase to complete the policy.
That’s the moment the policy is actually bought, so double-check:
- Dates are correct from leaving home to returning home.
- The destination region matches your full route.
- Adventure Extreme is still listed in your policy summary.
7. After you’ve bought the policy
Check your email for:
- Policy schedule (shows your dates, regions, add-ons like Adventure Extreme, and benefit limits).
- Full policy wording.
And then...
- Save a copy to your phone/tablet and/or print a copy to keep with your travel documents.
- Make a note of the emergency assistance number so you have it handy on the climb.
Mountaineering insurance FAQs
What is mountaineering insurance?
Mountaineering insurance is travel insurance designed to cover eligible climbing activities that ordinary holiday or trekking insurance may exclude.
Rise & Shield’s Adventure Extreme cover can include eligible mountaineering with ropes, picks or specialist climbing equipment up to 6,500m on specifically named peaks and routes, subject to the policy conditions.
Does Rise & Shield offer travel insurance for mountaineering up to 6,500m?
Yes. Adventure Extreme can cover eligible mountaineering up to 6,500m on the specifically named peaks and routes listed in the policy. Guide, recognised-route, safety and technical-climbing conditions apply.
Can I get mountaineering insurance above 6,000m?
Yes. Rise & Shield can cover eligible mountaineering above 6,000m and up to 6,500m with Adventure Extreme, provided your climb is on one of the specifically covered peaks or routes and meets all applicable conditions.
What is the maximum altitude for Rise & Shield mountaineering insurance?
The maximum altitude for Adventure Extreme mountaineering is 6,500m. High-altitude climbing above 6,500m is specifically excluded.
Which mountains are covered by Rise & Shield mountaineering insurance?
Adventure Extreme mountaineering cover is limited to Mera Peak, Island Peak, Lobuche East, Stok Kangri, Mount Toubkal, Mount Kenya (Point Lenana only), Mount Kazbek, Mont Blanc (Goûter Route only), Monte Rosa, Cotopaxi, Kilimanjaro including the Western Breach route, and Illiniza Norte.
Are other mountains covered if they are below 6,500m?
No. Being below 6,500m does not by itself make a mountain eligible for Adventure Extreme mountaineering cover. Your climb must be on one of the specifically named peaks or routes listed in the policy and meet the other mountaineering conditions.
Is Mera Peak covered by mountaineering insurance?
Yes. Mera Peak is specifically named for Adventure Extreme mountaineering cover, subject to the altitude, guide, recognised-route, safety and technical-climbing conditions.
Is Island Peak covered by mountaineering insurance?
Yes. Island Peak is one of the specifically named peaks eligible for Adventure Extreme mountaineering cover, subject to all applicable policy conditions and exclusions.
Is Lobuche East covered by mountaineering insurance?
Yes. Lobuche East is included on the named-peak list for Adventure Extreme mountaineering, subject to the required guide, route, safety and technical conditions.
Is Stok Kangri covered by mountaineering insurance?
Yes. Stok Kangri is specifically included on the Adventure Extreme named-peak list. Cover remains subject to the policy conditions and compliance with applicable local laws and access requirements.
Is Mount Toubkal covered by mountaineering insurance?
Yes. Mount Toubkal is specifically named for Adventure Extreme mountaineering cover. The applicable mountaineering conditions still need to be met for your particular climb.
Is Mount Kenya covered by mountaineering insurance?
Rise & Shield’s named-peak list covers Mount Kenya – Point Lenana only. Other Mount Kenya summits or routes should not be assumed to be covered under Adventure Extreme mountaineering.
Is Mount Kazbek covered by mountaineering insurance?
Yes. Mount Kazbek is specifically named for Adventure Extreme mountaineering cover, subject to the applicable guide, recognised-route, safety, altitude and technical conditions.
Is Mont Blanc covered by mountaineering insurance?
Yes, but only via the Goûter Route. The policy specifically names Mont Blanc with the Goûter Route only, so alternative routes should not be assumed to be covered.
Is Monte Rosa covered by mountaineering insurance?
Yes. Monte Rosa is included on the Adventure Extreme named-peak list. Your climb must still comply with the recognised-route, guide, safety and technical-climbing conditions.
Is Cotopaxi covered by mountaineering insurance?
Yes. Cotopaxi is specifically named for Adventure Extreme mountaineering cover, subject to the policy’s altitude, guide, recognised-route, safety and technical conditions.
Is Illiniza Norte covered by mountaineering insurance?
Yes. Illiniza Norte is one of the specifically named peaks eligible for Adventure Extreme mountaineering cover, subject to all applicable policy conditions and exclusions.
Is Kilimanjaro covered for mountaineering, including the Western Breach?
Yes. Kilimanjaro is specifically named, including the Western Breach route, for Adventure Extreme mountaineering cover. The normal mountaineering guide, route, safety and technical conditions still apply.
Are Everest, Aconcagua, Denali or the Matterhorn covered?
No. None of these mountains appears on the Adventure Extreme named-peak list. Adventure Extreme mountaineering is restricted to the specifically listed peaks and routes, and high-altitude climbing above 6,500m is excluded in any event.
Do I need a guide for mountaineering insurance?
Yes. Eligible Adventure Extreme mountaineering must be undertaken with a professional, qualified and licensed guide, instructor or operator.
Do I have to stay on a recognised mountaineering route?
Yes. Adventure Extreme mountaineering is restricted to recognised routes or trails, as well as the named peaks and routes specified in the policy.
Can I climb solo with Rise & Shield mountaineering insurance?
No. Solo attempts are specifically excluded from Adventure Extreme mountaineering cover.
Are alternative route variants covered?
No. Route variants are specifically excluded. Your planned climb should follow the recognised route that meets the policy’s mountaineering conditions; this is particularly important where the policy names a specific route, such as Mont Blanc via the Goûter Route.
Do I need to wear a helmet and climbing safety equipment?
Yes. The mountaineering activity carries the policy condition requiring a helmet and/or appropriate safety equipment to be worn.
What technical climbing grade is covered?
Adventure Extreme does not cover routes requiring free climbing or multi-pitch technical rock or ice climbing above UIAA Grade II or equivalent. The current wording gives French Grade 2, PD and YDS 5.1/5.2 as equivalent reference grades.
Does using ropes, crampons or an ice axe count as mountaineering?
Rise & Shield defines its mountaineering activity as climbing involving ropes, picks or specialist climbing equipment. If your itinerary involves specialist climbing equipment, it should be assessed under the mountaineering rules rather than ordinary trekking rules.
Are exploratory or new mountaineering routes covered?
No. Exploratory expeditions and new routes are excluded, as is climbing in remote or inaccessible regions. Adventure Extreme is designed around the specifically named peaks and recognised routes permitted by the policy.
Is mountaineering in remote or inaccessible regions covered?
No. The mountaineering exclusions specifically include climbing in remote or inaccessible regions.
Is Arctic or Antarctic mountaineering covered?
No. Mountaineering expeditions to the Arctic or Antarctica are specifically excluded from Adventure Extreme mountaineering cover.
Does mountaineering insurance cover helicopter rescue?
An eligible helicopter evacuation may be covered when it is medically necessary and pre-approved by the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Centre.
The assistance team determines the appropriate evacuation method and provider. A separate helicopter rescue excess of £1,000 / $1,250 / €1,200 currently applies.
Does mountaineering insurance cover emergency medical treatment and altitude sickness?
Eligible emergency medical treatment for a sudden and unforeseen illness or injury may be covered while undertaking an insured mountaineering activity, subject to the medical benefit limits and policy exclusions. Altitude illness would be considered under those medical provisions rather than as a separate standalone benefit.
Is my mountaineering and climbing equipment covered?
Eligible personal baggage may be covered subject to the limits, single-item limits, security requirements and excesses in your selected plan.
However, breakage or damage to sports equipment while it is being used is excluded, as are items loaned, hired or entrusted to you.
Does mountaineering insurance cover a failed summit or bad weather?
Not simply because bad weather prevents you from reaching the summit. Cancellation and curtailment claims arising directly or indirectly from adverse weather are excluded. However, separate travel-delay or abandonment benefits can apply to qualifying disruption of booked transport caused by adverse weather, subject to their own conditions and limits.
Does mountaineering insurance include Personal Accident and Public Liability while climbing?
No. Personal Accident and Public Liability cover do not apply while you are participating in activities covered under the policy’s activity section, including insured mountaineering.
Can I get international travel insurance for mountaineering?
Potentially, yes. Rise & Shield can insure eligible international trips where your destination falls within the geographical limits of the policy and your mountaineering activity is on one of the permitted named peaks or routes. Destination, eligibility and general policy exclusions still apply.
What should I look for when comparing high-altitude mountaineering insurance?
Check that the policy explicitly covers mountaineering rather than only trekking, that its altitude limit reaches your climb, and that your exact mountain and route are eligible. Also check guide and route requirements, technical-grade limits, emergency medical and evacuation benefits, helicopter rescue conditions and equipment exclusions. Rise & Shield’s Adventure Extreme mountaineering limit is 6,500m and applies to its specifically named peaks and routes.
When should I buy mountaineering travel insurance?
It is generally sensible to arrange insurance once your trip is booked so that eligible cancellation cover can begin.
Before buying, confirm your exact peak, route, maximum altitude, guide arrangements and technical requirements, select Adventure Extreme and make sure the required cover appears on your policy documentation. Cancellation cover begins before the trip for qualifying insured circumstances, subject to the policy terms.
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