What is included in the mountain insurance for hiking and trekking?

Mountain insurance is a specialized type of insurance coverage that covers risks associated with activities in mountainous terrain.It is intended for people who do hiking, hiking routes, as well as more extreme sports, such as climbing or ski-touring.While regular travel insurance includes health cover, mountain insurance covers specific incidents specific to the mountain environment.🚶 ♂️

Is additional insurance required for regular hikes?

Yes, in most cases standard travel insurance does not cover mountain rescue operations, including the use of a helicopter, mountain rescuers or other specialist resources.If you are planning a walk around Rila, Pirin, Stara Planina or the Rhodopes, including marked hiking trails, it is recommended to have active mountain insurance with specific coverage.

Learn more aboutmountain insurance here!

What risks does mountain insurance cover?

Mountain insurance covers several main categories of events that occur frequently during treks:

• Medical expenses in the event of an accident– fractures, sprains, frostbite, snake or insect bites;
• Rescue operations– including mountain rescuers, helicopter transport, search for a lost person;
• Hospital treatment costs– both in Bulgaria and abroad (if the insurance is international);
• Telemedicine assistance and consultation– providing contact with a medical specialist during an incident;
• Lost luggage or equipment– in case of sudden evacuations or relocation from the scene of the accident;
• Compensation in case of permanent disability or deathfollowing an accident.

❌ What does standard mountain insurance NOT cover?

• Deliberately caused incidents;
• Alpinism, rock climbing, freeride skiing, no special coating;
• Off-trail activities (unless otherwise agreed);
• Accidents under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
• Chronic diseases, if not declared.

📊 Examples of expenses in various mountain incidents

Accident	Description	Typical cost without insurance	Mountain insurance coverage
Slip injury in Pirin	Fractured leg + evacuation	BGN 2,500	Up to BGN 3,000
Lost during transit in Rila	6-hour search operation	BGN 1,200	Up to BGN 1,500
Viper bite in the Rhodopes	Antivenin + hospital stay	BGN 1,800	Up to BGN 2,000
Helicopter rescue operation	Off the marked route in Stara planina	BGN 7,000	Up to BGN 10,000 (with extended coverage)
Overnight stay after evacuation	Hotel + transport back	BGN 300	Up to BGN 500

Is the insurance only valid in Bulgaria?

No.There are mountain insurances that cover activities abroad - most often in countries such as Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia, Italy, France and Montenegro.With such insurances, one must be aware of the currency limit, local rules and the requirement to contact the insurer before starting a rescue operation.

How is mountain insurance activated in the event of an accident?

In the event of an accident, you must:

1. Call the insurer's phone number immediately;
2. To provide accurate location;
3. Contact the PSS on phone 1470;
4. Keep all documents from medical examinations, hospitals and rescue teams;
5. To notify the insurer of any change in condition or travel plan.

How to choose the right mountain insurance?

When choosing insurance, pay attention to:

• What activities does it cover?– pedestrian only or extreme;
• Coverage limit– minimum BGN 2,000 – 5,000 for Bulgaria, more for abroad;
• Duration– one-day, weekend or annual;
• Geographical scope– only Bulgaria or international coverage;
• Age restrictions– some policies do not cover people over 70 years of age.

Mountain insurance is not an expense, but a necessity - especially with the increasingly frequent accidents in the Bulgarian mountains.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need mountain insurance for a simple hiking trip?

Answer: Yes, even when hiking on marked trails, standard travel insurance often does not cover mountain rescue.Mountain insurance includes costs for search, transport and medical assistance in difficult terrain.Even a minor accident in the mountains may require specialized intervention.Therefore, additional policy is highly recommended.

What risks does mountain insurance cover?

Answer: It covers accidents such as falls, fractures, sprains and frostbite.It also includes rescue operations with mountain teams and helicopters.Provides hospital treatment and medical transport.International policies also include mountain accidents abroad.

What are the most common exclusions in mountain insurance?

Answer: Deliberate actions and incidents under the influence of alcohol are excluded.Certain extreme sports are not covered without an additional extension.Deviation from the route can also exclude coverage.Chronic diseases are subject to declaration.

Is the insurance valid outside Bulgaria?

Answer: Yes, many mountain policies include international coverage.This applies to popular destinations such as the Alps and the Carpathians.The geographical scope and limits should be checked.Advance notice to the insurer is usually required.

What should I do in case of an accident?

Answer: First call the emergency number and the mountain service.Then notify the insurer.Keep medical records and all expense records.This facilitates prompt payment of compensation.