Helicopter evacuations

We know that the last thing you want on your next adventure is having to be rescued by helicopter.

At Rise & Shield we provide cover for helicopter evacuations for medical reasons.

Here are the most FAQs we get.

Does Rise & Shield cover helicopter evacuations?

• Yes, Rise & Shield travel insurance provides cover for helicopter evacuations as long as it's for medical reasons and has been pre-approved by our 24/7 emergency support team, Healthcase Services. If you choose to abandon your adventure for non-medical reasons, this is not a valid claim, and you will be responsible for all helicopter costs.

Is there a policy excess for a helicopter evacuation?

• Yes, there is a policy excess of £1000/$1,250/€1,200 if you require a helicopter rescue.
• This excess only applies to the helicopter evacuation. Additional excess fees may apply for other services like medical bills etc. You can see all benefits and excesses on page 3 (Summary of Benefits) of our policy document. The helicopter excess can be paid directly to the helicopter company or to our 24/7 emergency support team, Healthcase Services, after you've been rescued and are safe.

Why is this policy in place?

• Helicopter evacuations, especially in high-altitude regions like Nepal and Kilimanjaro, have increased significantly, with the majority due to Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) or foodborne illnesses. Unfortunately, in some regions, weak regulations and fraud have led to cases of unnecessary evacuations, where inexperienced trekkers are taken to altitude too quickly by local guides who earn a kick-back of $1000s for getting their clients rescued by helicopter. In some cases, these dubious guides give contaminated food to induce illness—resulting in costly helicopter rescues.

What must you do if you need a helicopter evacuation?

• You or your tour operator must call our experienced 24/7 emergency support team (the contact details are on your policy certificate) to speak with our medical practitioners and get official clearance for an evacuation. They will guide you through the process and ensure you’re well cared for.
• To avoid a costly bill, do not agree to a helicopter evacuation before speaking to our emergency team. This may invalidate your claim.
• Once Healthcase Services agree to the evacuation, they will provide a guarantee of payment to the helicopter company.

How can you avoid unpleasant and costly evacuations?

• Don’t book extremely low-cost treks or adventures through unverified local operators. Instead, book with a reputable international operator or a well-reviewed local company. It may cost more upfront but significantly reduces the likelihood of requiring emergency rescue.
• If you’re planning to hike at altitude, make sure your itinerary builds in acclimatisation days. Fast routes to Everest Base Camp or up Mount Kilimanjaro may look cheap, but end up being very costly and dangerous.
• If you’re feeling very unwell, don’t push on. Take the advice of your guide and descend.

Important

The information above is subject to our full policy terms and conditions. We strongly recommend reviewing your coverage details to ensure it meets your needs before setting off on your adventure.

What to do in an emergency