Bhutan travel insurance 2027

Bhutan travel insurance: what cover you really need

Insurance is no longer required for the Bhutan visa, but medical care is limited and evacuation is expensive. Here is what your policy should cover, and why.

The rule

Is travel insurance mandatory for Bhutan?

No. On 23 April 2024 the Department of Tourism withdrew the requirement for travel insurance when processing visas. You can visit Bhutan without a policy.

We still recommend one for every guest, and strongly for anyone trekking. Bhutan’s hospitals cover the basics well, but complex cases are usually moved to India or Thailand. Helicopter evacuation from a remote valley is arranged only once payment is guaranteed. A good policy turns a frightening situation into a phone call.

Your checklist

What your Bhutan travel insurance should cover

Medical treatment

Hospital care in Bhutan and in the country you may be moved to, usually India or Thailand.

Emergency evacuation

Including helicopter evacuation. Many specialists suggest at least USD 100,000 of evacuation cover.

Altitude

Many standard policies exclude activities above 2,500 or 3,000 metres. Treks need cover to the highest point, up to about 6,000 metres.

Cancellation and curtailment

Covers your deposit and tour costs if illness or emergency stops you travelling or cuts the trip short.

Travel delay

Useful when Paro flights wait for weather and you miss a connection.

Baggage

For delayed or lost bags, especially on separate tickets via hub cities.

24-hour assistance

A phone line that can authorise treatment and guarantee payment for evacuation.

Repatriation

Getting you home if you cannot continue.

Activities

Rafting, mountain biking and trekking are often listed separately. Check they are included.

Healthcare in Bhutan

What happens if you get ill or hurt in Bhutan

Bhutan has a public health system with hospitals in district towns and basic health units in villages. The Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital in Thimphu is the main hospital for surgery and emergencies. For complex treatment, patients are usually referred to India or Thailand. The emergency number is 112.

If something happens on the road

Your guide takes you to the nearest hospital or health unit and calls our office in Thimphu. We contact your insurer, arrange transport and keep your family informed if you want us to. Keep your policy number and the insurer’s 24-hour number on your phone and on paper.

On a trek

Trekking crews carry first aid and can call for help by phone where there is signal. Helicopter evacuation is possible from many trek routes, operated by Bhutan’s helicopter services, but a guarantee of payment is needed before a helicopter is sent. That is where your insurer’s assistance line matters. Ask your insurer to confirm in writing that it covers helicopter evacuation in Bhutan up to your highest altitude.

Altitude sickness

Most cultural trips stay between about 1,200 and 3,100 metres, and serious altitude illness is rare. Treks such as Jomolhari and Laya climb much higher. We plan acclimatisation days, and guides watch for symptoms. Descending is the main treatment, which is another reason evacuation cover matters.

Which policy

Matching your cover to your trip

Trip type	Highest point	What to check
Classic cultural tour	About 3,100 m at Dochula, 3,000 m or so at Tiger's Nest	Medical, evacuation and cancellation. Most standard policies are fine.
Haa or Phobjikha	Chele La about 3,990 m, Phobjikha about 3,000 m	Check the altitude limit covers short visits to these heights.
Druk Path trek	About 4,200 m	Trekking cover to at least 4,500 m and helicopter evacuation.
Jomolhari or Laya trek	Passes near 5,000 m	Trekking cover to at least 5,000 m, ideally 6,000 m.
Snowman trek	Several passes above 5,000 m	Specialist high-altitude trekking cover.
Rafting, biking	Low to mid altitude	Make sure the activity is listed in your policy.

Altitudes are approximate. We give you the exact high point of your itinerary so you can check your policy.

Buying tips

Tips for buying travel insurance for Bhutan

Buy when you pay the deposit

Cancellation cover protects you from that moment.

Read the exclusions

Look for altitude limits, excluded activities and pre-existing conditions.

Get it in writing

Ask the insurer to confirm Bhutan, helicopter evacuation and your highest altitude are covered.

Declare conditions

Undeclared medical conditions are a common reason claims fail.

Check your card

Some credit cards include travel cover, but often with low medical and evacuation limits.

Share the details

Send us your policy number and assistance line so we can act quickly if needed.

Fine print

Common gaps in travel insurance for Bhutan

Most claims that fail do so because of the policy wording, not the event. Before you buy, look for these gaps.

An altitude limit lower than your trek or even the Chele La pass
Trekking classed as a hazardous activity that needs an add-on
Evacuation covered only if "medically necessary", decided by the insurer
No cover for missed connections on separate tickets
Pre-existing conditions that were not declared
Cancellation cover that starts only when you buy the policy, not when you booked

For Indian visitors

Indian travellers often drive in through Phuentsholing and stay in the western valleys. Many domestic travel policies do not cover Bhutan, so check that your policy lists it. Cover for medical treatment and transfer back to India is the most useful part.

For visitors from far away

If you are flying from Europe, North America or Australia, cancellation and medical cover matter most, because your trip costs are high and treatment abroad is expensive. Make sure your policy covers transfer to a hospital in a third country, such as India or Thailand.