Yes, you need travel insurance for Mongolia, and it must include medical evacuation and every activity you plan, especially horse riding. Outside Ulaanbaatar healthcare is limited, and hospitals may ask for payment before treatment. The UK government advises checking that your policy covers local treatment and unexpected medical evacuation (GOV.UK).
Quick answer: Choose a policy with emergency medical treatment, evacuation and repatriation, cover for horse riding and any other activity you plan, and a 24/7 assistance line. Declare remote travel and pre-existing conditions.
Why Mongolia is different
Mongolia is a safe country (see is Mongolia safe?), but it is huge and remote. Most countryside routes are hours from a well-equipped hospital. The UK Foreign Office notes that healthcare outside Ulaanbaatar is limited, doctors may not speak English, there is no reciprocal healthcare agreement with the UK, and hospitals may ask for 80% of the treatment cost in advance (GOV.UK health advice). In a serious case, the realistic plan is a transfer to Ulaanbaatar and sometimes evacuation abroad.
What your policy must include
| Cover | Why it matters in Mongolia | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency medical treatment | Hospitals may ask for payment up front | A 24/7 assistance line that can guarantee payment |
| Medical evacuation and repatriation | Countryside routes are far from full hospitals | Evacuation is included, not an optional add-on |
| Horse riding | Riding is part of most itineraries | Riding is not excluded as a hazardous activity |
| Other activities | Trekking, camel rides, cycling, winter trips | Each planned activity is listed or covered |
| Trip delay and cancellation | Domestic flights and roads depend on weather | Delay and missed-connection cover |
| Baggage and electronics | Dust, river crossings and long drives are hard on gear | Single-item limits for cameras and laptops |
Horse riding: read the small print
Horse riding is the activity most likely to cause a problem with a claim. Some standard policies exclude riding, limit it, or require a helmet. If your trip includes a horse riding tour or a multi-day trek, confirm in writing that riding is covered and whether a helmet is required. Ask your operator whether helmets are available, or bring your own.
Checklist before you buy
- Your full travel dates, including any extra days
- Every activity you plan, especially horse riding
- Medical evacuation and repatriation included
- 24/7 emergency assistance number saved offline on your phone
- Pre-existing medical conditions declared
- Policy documents saved on your phone and printed
In an emergency
Call 103 for an ambulance in Mongolia (GOV.UK), then call your insurer's assistance line before paying large bills. Your driver or guide knows the nearest clinic and can help translate. Bring your own prescription medication and a basic first aid kit: pharmacies mostly stock products from China and Russia, which may be hard to recognise.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need travel insurance for Mongolia?
Yes. Whatever your entry rules say, it is strongly recommended: hospitals may ask for most of the cost up front, and evacuation from remote areas is expensive.
Does travel insurance cover horse riding in Mongolia?
Only if your policy says so. Some policies exclude or limit riding, so confirm in writing before you travel.
What is the emergency number in Mongolia?
Call 103 for an ambulance, then contact your insurer's 24/7 assistance line.
Sources
Planning an active trip?
Tell us your route and activities. We will tell you which parts are remote and which activities to declare to your insurer.
Message us on WhatsAppOr email mugi@emongolia.eu with your travel month and planned route.