I HAVE A MEDICAL CONDITION… CAN I GO ON A HIGH-ALTITUDE EXPEDITION?

Mountains are for those who are young… at heart. Unfortunately, spiritual youth does not always match physical health. If your life involves taking regular medications and frequent check-ups with a specialist, this is not a reason to give up on high-altitude adventures.

Below is a list of essential tasks you should complete before embarking on a high-altitude expedition.

VISIT YOUR DOCTOR

Ideally, six months before the expedition, visit your doctor to assess the risks associated with your medical condition at high altitude. If possible, consult a high-altitude medicine specialist – this is called a pre-expedition medical consultation.

EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN

Prepare a plan of action in case your health deteriorates during the expedition. The plan should take into account local medical facilities and potential rescue procedures.

MEDICAL INSURANCE

Ensure you have insurance that covers treatment for flare-ups of your condition. Without adequate coverage, the costs of emergency medical intervention at high altitude can be extremely high.

EXPEDITION MEDICAL KIT AND MEDICATIONS

Prepare a personal expedition medical kit containing all the medications you regularly take. It’s wise to bring double the amount of your medications, split into separate portions, and store them in different locations – in your backpack, but also with the expedition leader, a medical officer, or a climbing partner.

INFORM THE ORGANIZER AND GROUP

During an expedition, your health is no longer a private matter. Inform the organizer and the expedition leader about your condition so others know what symptoms to watch for and how to assist you.

It’s recommended to include a laminated instruction card in your medical kit detailing your medications and dosages. In case of an emergency, this allows your companions to act quickly and safely.

Remember, deteriorating health in challenging conditions can endanger not only you but also other members of the group.

TRAIN YOUR COMPANIONS

Train your teammates on how to assist you if symptoms appear. Clear instructions increase the safety of the entire group.

HEALTH INFORMATION CARD

Obtain a medical information card from your doctor, ideally translated into English. Keep it in an easily accessible place, for example, alongside other expedition documents.

MONITOR YOUR HEALTH DURING THE EXPEDITION

During trekking, carefully observe your body and keep a record of all medications you take. If your health deteriorates:

➤ Immediately inform the expedition leader,

➤ Do not hide any problems,

➤ Stop further climbing until concerning symptoms subside.

-------

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

If you want to better prepare your health for trekking or a high-altitude expeditions, check out the expanded guide in the ebook "High-Altitude Medicine for Trekkers and Climbers" >>

-----

Gain practical skills for handling emergencies in the mountains through our online training "High-Altitude First Aid" >> - prepared for those planning trips to high altitudes.

-----

For a detailed list of what to include in your expedition medical kit and step-by-step instructions for assembling your personal first aid set, see the ebook "High-Altitude Expedition Medical Kit Guide" >>

PLANNING A TREK OR A HIGH-ALTITUDE EXPEDITION?

If you would like to check whether your health condition allows you to safely participate in a trek or high-altitude expedition, consider booking a medical consultation >> or using a telemedical expedition package >>

This allows you to assess potential health risks in advance, prepare properly fot altitude, and increase your safety during the expedition.

07 March 2026

The company was established in 2004. The goal of MedEverest is education in the field of mountain medicine and the dangers of high altitudes. I deal with all medical aspects of staying at high altitude. I organize medical support for trekking and high-altitude expeditions.

Specialist Medical Practice Medeverest Robert Szymczak based in Gdańsk (80-360), at ul. Bolesława Krzywoustego 19F, NIP: 5841943576, REGON: 220148318.

Also checkStore regulations >> Implementation: ColinMedia.eu >>