Insurance Policy
OVERVIEW
All ShePeaks trips require valid travel insurance. Some journeys involve physical activities such as high-altitude trekking, road cycling, or ski touring. While the level of challenge may vary, every participant must hold insurance that fully covers the activities and destinations of their trip.
Standard travel insurance will not be sufficient for trips that include these activities, in such cases, comprehensive adventure travel cover is mandatory.
MINIMUM INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
All insurance policies must include at a minimum:
• £100,000+ emergency medical expenses
• Trip cancellation and curtailment
• Emergency evacuation and repatriation
• Adventure activity cover (e.g., trekking, road cycling, ski touring)
• Search and rescue, including helicopter evacuation, where applicable
• Personal liability cover
Proof of insurance must be submitted no later than four weeks prior to departure.
Although we don’t personally recommend or sell insurance, the following providers offer policies that meet all these requirements above at a reasonable price. Here’s a summary to help you decide what’s right for you.
British Mountaineering Council (BMC)
UK-based insurer tailored for mountaineers, trekkers, and adventure travellers.
Pros:
Emergency medical cover up to £10 million
Search and rescue included, up to £100,000
Trekking cover up to 6,500m and ski touring
Optional trip cancellation (up to £5,000) and baggage cover (up to £2,500)
Annual or single-trip policies for UK residents
Cost: From approx. £60–£100 for single trips, depending on destination, activity, and optional cover levels. Annual policies start from around £150.
Snowcard
Flexible UK policy designed for outdoor sports and adventure travel.
Pros:
Emergency medical cover up to £10 million
Altitude options available up to 7,000m
Mountain rescue included
Cancellation and baggage cover customisable
Suitable for UK and some EU residents
Cost: From approx. £70–£140 for single trips. Annual policies start around £170, depending on cover levels and altitude.
Austrian Alpine Club (ÖAV – UK Section)
Club membership that includes mountain rescue and basic medical cover.
Pros:
Worldwide cover (excluding war zones)
Medical, rescue and repatriation up to €25,000
Includes hiking, ski touring, road cycling, and climbing
Valid up to 6,000m altitude
Excellent value for regular mountain travellers
Annual cost approx. €65
Note: This policy does not include trip cancellation or baggage cover.
AXA Schengen Add-On
Can be combined with ÖAV membership to cover cancellation, delay and baggage.
Pros:
Flexible single-trip pricing
Cancellation and baggage cover included as optional extras
Ideal for EU or Swiss residents
Approximate cost €20–30 per trip
Just Travel Cover Add-On
This UK provider offers standalone or top-up policies that include:
Trip cancellation cover up to £12,500 per person
Baggage cover, travel delay and missed departure
Designed to work alongside existing rescue/medical cover like ÖAV
Policies start from around £5–£10 per travel day, depending on cover level
Other providers offering similar top-up style cover include Staysure and CoverForYou
Please check all terms carefully and ensure your chosen policy covers your destination, activities, and the full duration of your trip.
POLICY SUBMISSION
Once you have booked your trip, you will receive a link to upload your insurance policy details. This must be submitted at least 4 weeks before departure. Failure to do so may result in your place being forfeited without refund.
NEED HELP?
If you have any questions about insurance or need advice, contact support@shepeaks.com. We’re happy to review your policy before you purchase to ensure it meets our requirements.