Do I need accident insurance?
Yes.
Health coverage in the USA is very expensive. In Glacier National Park expect to pay something for evacuation should you need it.
Hikers should check the insurance policy to ensure hiking is covered. Include also emergency evacuation service so you can catch the next flight home, if necessary.
US$50,000 is maximum coverage in most cases.
Insurance providers:
Who administers First Aid?
In your hiking group, someone should be assigned the role of First Aider. This person must be confident, competent & certified in First Aid, preferably in the speciality of Wilderness First Aid. It's worth having someone in your group take a course before your hike.
Do not count on help from Park Rangers. We saw only one during 7 days hiking.
Who rescues me in case of emergency?
The injured hiker should first try to reach a trailhead:
- Many Glacier
- Goat Haunt (catch boat to Waterton)
- Logan Pass
- Belly River Ranger Station
All ranger & warden stations are equipped for first aid.
You might get help too at Granite Park Chalet, when it is open.
If the injured hiker cannot move, they should remain in a safe place. Don't leave them alone. Send other hikers to try to find help.
The emergency phone number for Glacier is 911 but most mobile phones did not work on the trail in 2005. In Waterton, call (403) 859-2636 for medical and all other emergencies.
For medical treatment on the west side of Glacier, contact Kalispell Regional Medical Center, (406) 752-5111, Whitefish's North Valley Hospital, (406) 863-2501 or the West Glacier Urgent Care Clinic at (406) 888-9005 (open seven days a week at 9 a.m., summer months only). At Browning, on the east side of Glacier, Blackfoot Indian Health Service will treat non-tribal persons on an emergency basis only; please call (406) 338-6164. Kalispell and Great Falls provide helicopter medical teams in emergencies. In Canada, full hospital facilities are available in Cardston, (403) 653-4411, or Pincher Creek, (403) 627-3333.
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