Latvian insurers assess coverage for tourists missing in Nepal
One Latvian insurer holds a group travel insurance policy covering 33 people missing after floods in Nepal, 28 of them Latvian nationals.
The Latvian Insurers Association (LAA) has told the LETA news agency that one Latvian insurer issued a group travel insurance policy covering 33 people currently listed as missing in Nepal. Of that group, 28 are Latvian nationals, while five are citizens of other countries. Six more travelers hold individual travel insurance policies with two other insurers — three people with each.
According to the LAA, no other individual accident or life insurance contracts linked to these people have been identified so far. Where a policy listed an emergency contact, insurers have already reached out to explain coverage details and invited relatives to contact them with any questions.
Coordination with the Foreign Ministry
The LAA is urging relatives of the travelers to follow official updates and stay in close contact with the Consular Service of Latvia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Insurers say they are in touch with the ministry, monitoring the situation, and ready to provide support and coverage as soon as possible.
The association explained that coverage applies to the consequences of the event — the floods in Nepal — since the insured event occurred while the policies were active. This means related expenses and compensation will be covered even after the policy term ends. However, being reported missing is not itself an insured event; it must first be established which specific insured event has occurred.
If the insured individuals are found alive, travel insurance will cover emergency medical assistance and subsequent repatriation. If Latvian nationals are not found, a death benefit payout would become possible once authorities officially declare the person dead and issue a death certificate. If remains are found in Nepal, insurers will assist with organizing repatriation, though the exact process will depend on decisions made by Nepalese authorities, rescue services and the Foreign Ministry given the extraordinary circumstances.
As previously reported, a glacier collapse in Nepal on August 26 triggered a glacial lake outburst flood, causing widespread damage in both Nepal and China. The disaster has killed more than 1,000 people, with over 4,700 still missing. A group of Latvian tourists organized by the yoga community "Yantra," as well as a smaller group traveling with local company "Mighty Himalayan Trek," were near the epicenter. The Foreign Ministry has confirmed that three Latvian residents in the region were unharmed, while 33 are currently listed as missing.
