Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, focusing on clear, neutral information to help people find health coverage abroad.
Last updated: January 29, 2026
Quick Summary: Health Insurance in Nepal
- Medical evacuation coverage is ESSENTIAL—helicopter rescues from mountains are expensive ($5,000-15,000+) and common.
- Kathmandu has Nepal's only quality hospitals: Grande International, Norvic, CIWEC Clinic for expats.
- India (Delhi, Bangkok) is your backup for complex cases—include these in your coverage area.
- Altitude sickness is a major concern for trekkers—ensure your insurance covers high-altitude emergencies.
- Public hospitals are severely underfunded—private healthcare is the only realistic option for expats.
Do You Need Private Health Insurance in Nepal?
Nepal doesn't require health insurance for visas, but coverage with evacuation is effectively mandatory for safety. The tourist visa is easy (visa on arrival), and non-tourist visas are available for longer stays. Nepal's healthcare is limited outside Kathmandu—serious conditions require evacuation to India or Thailand. For trekkers, helicopter rescue is common and expensive. Insurance with high-altitude and evacuation coverage is not optional.
You likely need private insurance if:
- Everyone in Nepal—quality healthcare is limited and evacuation is expensive
- Trekkers and mountaineers—altitude sickness, injuries require helicopter rescue
- Expats outside Kathmandu—healthcare drops dramatically outside the capital
- Anyone with chronic conditions—reliable care requires Kathmandu or evacuation
- Long-term residents—India evacuation coverage provides safety net
Public vs Private Healthcare in Nepal
Public Healthcare
Government Hospitals (Bir Hospital, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital)
- Access: Anyone can access; very low cost
- Cost: Nearly free ($1-10 for basic consultations)
Severely underfunded, overcrowded, basic facilities. Bir Hospital in Kathmandu is the main public facility—long waits, limited equipment, but has some capable doctors. Outside Kathmandu, public hospitals are very basic. Expats avoid public hospitals except in emergencies. English is limited outside private facilities.
Private Healthcare
International or Local Private
- Access: Open to anyone
- Cost: Kathmandu private: $30-100 per visit. International insurance: $60-150/month.
Kathmandu private hospitals: Grande International Hospital (best overall), Norvic International Hospital, Nepal Mediciti. CIWEC Clinic is the go-to for expats and trekkers—Western-trained staff, travel medicine specialists. Pokhara has some private clinics for basic care. Outside these cities, options are extremely limited. India (Delhi, Kolkata, Bangkok) handles complex cases.
Plan Options to Compare
Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in Nepal. Each has trade-offs depending on your situation.
Cigna Global
Best for: Worldwide coverage and strong customer service
Not ideal for: Budget-focused expats staying only in Nepal
Allianz Care
Best for: High-deductible savings and EU-based service
Not ideal for: Those wanting minimal out-of-pocket costs
BUPA Global
Best for: Pre-existing conditions and mental health coverage
Not ideal for: Those seeking the lowest premiums
IMG Global
Best for: Budget international coverage
Not ideal for: Those wanting premium service levels
Comparison Table: Top Expat Health Plans for Nepal
Compare the leading options side by side. Click "Details" to learn more about each provider.
| Provider | Best For | Coverage Style | Includes U.S.? | Notable Limits | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Global | Worldwide coverage and strong | International comprehensive | Higher cost than local options | Details → | |
| Allianz Care | High-deductible savings and EU-based | International comprehensive | Deductibles apply to savings | Details → | |
| BUPA Global | Pre-existing conditions and mental | International premium | Premium pricing | Details → | |
| IMG Global | Budget international coverage | International standard | 12-month pre-existing exclusion | Details → |
Common Watch-outs for Nepal
Keep these points in mind when choosing coverage:
- Altitude sickness can be fatal. If trekking, ensure insurance covers high-altitude emergencies (above 3,000m) and helicopter evacuation.
- Helicopter rescue costs $5,000-15,000+ without insurance. With proper coverage, evacuations are covered. Verify altitude limits in your policy.
- Kathmandu only. Nepal's quality healthcare is concentrated in the capital. Pokhara has basic private clinics. Beyond that, expect evacuation needs.
- India is your backup. Delhi and Kolkata have world-class hospitals 1-2 hours by flight. For cancer, cardiac surgery, complex cases—plan for India.
- Blood supply is limited and quality variable. If you have a rare blood type, register with your embassy and consider keeping Delhi hospital contacts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How important is evacuation coverage for Nepal?
Extremely important—arguably the most critical coverage. Helicopter rescue from trekking areas costs $5,000-15,000+. Medical evacuation to Delhi or Bangkok for complex treatment costs $10,000-25,000+. With proper insurance, these are covered. Without insurance, you're facing massive out-of-pocket costs or dangerous delays in care.
What is CIWEC Clinic and should I use it?
CIWEC (Canadian International Water and Energy Consultants) Clinic is Kathmandu's premier expat and travel medicine facility. Western-trained doctors, English-speaking staff, travel vaccinations, altitude medicine expertise. First stop for non-emergency care. They can arrange evacuations and hospital referrals. Costs more than local clinics but worth it for quality and communication.
Does insurance cover altitude sickness and trekking?
Many policies have altitude limits (often 4,000-5,000m). If trekking to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) or higher, verify coverage. Some insurers exclude mountaineering entirely. SafetyWing, World Nomads, and specialized trekking policies cover high-altitude. Always verify: helicopter rescue, altitude limits, and adventure sports coverage before booking treks.
When should I evacuate to India instead of treating in Nepal?
For: major surgery, cancer treatment, cardiac procedures, organ issues, complex trauma, serious infections. Nepal's hospitals can stabilize you and handle routine care, but complex cases do better in India. Delhi has Apollo, Fortis, Max hospitals—world-class at a fraction of Western prices. If your condition needs advanced imaging, ICU, or specialist surgery, plan for India.
Is Nepal good for long-term expats' healthcare?
For healthy people who stay near Kathmandu, yes—affordable, pleasant climate, spiritual environment. Challenges: limited specialist care, evacuation needed for serious conditions, and infrastructure issues (power, roads). Retirees with chronic conditions should carefully consider whether Nepal's healthcare limitations are acceptable. Many expats do regular health check-ups in Bangkok or India.
Related: Comparisons and Next Steps
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Healthcare policies, insurance requirements, and visa rules change. We are not insurance brokers, immigration consultants, or licensed advisors. Verify all information with official sources and insurance providers before making decisions.