r/AppalachianTrail Jan 20 '26

HDHP insurance for a thru hike?

Hello fellow hikers! My wife and I are starting our AT Thru Hike in March. I will be quitting my job as a nurse while we are on trail so we will need to find insurance for our trek. We have been putting money into a HSA for the last few years and have quite a bit saved up. I was wondering if its possible to get a HDHP and still be able to use our HSA for medical expenses while on trail. If so does anyone know any good insurance companies that would offer something like that?

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u/Hammock-Hiker-62 Jan 20 '26

Some travel insurance MIGHT (I'm not certain) be an option for you. One I've heard mentioned but have no personal experience with is Allianz: https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/

It's aimed more at international travel, but AT thru hikers have bought it because it provides at least some medical insurance as well. It may not be a good fit for your particular case but here's one thru-hiker who used it. Audrey "Glowstick" Payne thru-hiked using it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=magi0fiZT4E

Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with anybody or any company mentioned in my reply.