Does Travel Insurance Cover Hiking the Inca Trail?
Planning to trek the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu? You're not alone in wondering whether travel insurance will cover you at such a high altitude. We’ve received many questions about this popular bucket-list hike — and we’re here to help you choose a policy that fits your adventure.
🏔️ Inca Trail Overview:
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Highest elevation: Approx. 4,200 meters (13,780 feet)
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Activity type: Non-technical trekking (no ropes or climbing gear required)
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Risks: High altitude, remote access, potential for emergency evacuation
✅ Coverage Options for the Inca Trail
1. TripWise® Travel Protection Plan
The TripWise plan®, underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company, does cover hiking the Inca Trail, based on current underwriting clarification.
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Altitude Coverage: There is no specific exclusion for hiking at high elevations.
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Mountain Climbing Clause: Exclusions apply only if the activity involves specialized mountaineering equipment, such as:
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Ropes
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Belay devices
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Pick-axes
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Anchors, pitons, or bolts
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Carabiners, crampons, or any lead/top-rope systems
The Inca Trail is classified as a hike, not a climb. As long as travelers do not use technical climbing gear, the elevation itself does not invalidate coverage.
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Emergency Evacuation: Included and especially important in remote mountain areas like the Andes.
✅ TripWise® is a suitable option for travelers hiking the Inca Trail without technical climbing.
2. IMG iTravelInsured Plans (SE & LX)
IMG also provides strong travel protection plans with specific wording about mountain activities.
🟩 iTravelInsured LX
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Recommended for high-altitude hiking and trekking
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No altitude restriction in plan language
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Covers non-technical trekking
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Includes emergency evacuation and trip interruption coverage
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Ideal for travelers seeking comprehensive protection
🟨 iTravelInsured SE
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May exclude coverage for mountain climbing above certain altitudes if technical gear is used
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Generally includes basic hiking and trekking
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Still an option, but less robust than LX for high-altitude trips
⚠️ Because the Inca Trail reaches 4,200 meters — close to thresholds in some policy language — LX is the safer choice among IMG plans.
🧭 Bottom Line: Which Plan Should You Choose?
| Plan | Altitude Coverage | Requires No Technical Gear | Emergency Evacuation | Best For |
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| TripWise® | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Hikers looking for clear, straightforward coverage |
| IMG LX | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Trekking at high altitude with strong medical coverage |
| IMG SE | ⚠️ Possibly | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Casual travel, not optimal for high-altitude treks |
💬 Still Unsure?
Reach out to our team for help selecting the right policy. We’ll walk you through the plan details and ensure you’re properly protected for one of the most iconic treks in the world.
Our support team is here to assist you. Email us at support@insuranceconsultantsintl.com or call (800) 576-2674.
Important Reminder: Always review your policy documents and consult with an advisor before traveling. Coverage eligibility depends on how the activity is conducted and whether specialized equipment is involved.
⚖️ Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not guarantee coverage or benefit eligibility. Plans vary by provider, and all benefits are subject to policy terms and exclusions.
Please note: Insurance Consultants International is not the claims department and does not determine claim outcomes. All decisions regarding coverage and reimbursement are made by the licensed claims administrator named in your plan documents.
It is the insured’s responsibility to review their full policy documents to understand what is and is not covered.