Products You May Like
Backpacking can mean every adventure is the trip of a lifetime. Your excursions can be exciting and unpredictable. And, that’s why the backpacker travel insurance you choose is important. Whether you’re travelling locally or abroad, you’ll want the best insurance protection for your trip.
Here’s what you need to know about insurance options for backpackers.
We recommend World Nomads travel insurance (find out more here) and the travel insurance with Safety Wing (find out more here).
Backpacker Travel Insurance Coverage
Planning a globe-trekking adventure? You’ll want the best insurance for your journey. Insurance for backpackers can provide added reassurance for any trip you take.
With backpacker insurance:
- Visit more than one destination: Backpackers tend to pick worldwide policies that can cover them anywhere they go. This is where multi trip travel insurance comes in handy.
- Have flexible terms: Backpacking trips can vary. Some will travel for a few months at a time so they select a coverage that covers shorter excursions. You no longer have to shop for an extended, one-year policy. Look for coverage for 30-days, 60-days or 90-days.
- Select your activities: Certain activities like white-water rafting, mountain climbing or skiing have more associated risks. Hence, you needed to pay more for coverage. These are standard in some backpacking insurance policies.
What’s Included in Backpacker Travel Insurance?
Backpacking insurance has different types of coverage options for travellers. Policies can vary so ensure you read all the inclusions and exclusions in your plan. Read more about what is covered in World Nomads travel insurance here.
Your policy should include:
Trip interruption and extension coverage
If your flight is delayed or cancelled you may be covered for rebookings, meals and hotel accommodations with flight cancellation insurance. You may also want coverage for repatriation back to your tome country. Most backpackers choose a policy that offers at least $1,000 coverage in the event that you have to book flights home immediately for an emergency or if there’s a loss in your family. Most excursions and tours won’t let you cancel and they may not reimburse your money. Your insurance can cover this.
You might want a policy includes hotel coverage so you’re not stranded at the airport in a foreign country. You should also look for a policy that lets you extend your coverage if you want to stay in a destination area longer. Or, have to stay due to unforeseeable circumstances like bad weather.
Baggage coverage
Your bags, all travel gear and documents should be included if they are lost, stolen or damaged. You may also want a policy that covers high-value items like your laptop and camera and any climbing gear or other sports equipment. Typical backpacker insurance policies might have set limits on coverage amounts. You might want to pay a little more if it’s going to give you added coverage for expensive gear, electronics or equipment – more than just backpack cover.
Claims assistance
If you need to file a claim for a loss or damage to your belongings, your legal expenses may be included. The policy should also include a 24-hour toll-free number for emergencies or questions when travelling abroad.
Liability coverage
Your policy should cover any legal expenses and include specific liability coverage. Some plans include up to $1 million in personal liability coverage in the event you hurt another person or damage their property. An example is if you are climbing a mountain like Mount Everest and you slip on the ice and injure another climber.
Medical coverage
Your provincial health plan doesn’t include travel overseas. Look for a policy that includes medical insurance and offers up to $1 million in medical coverage.
You want coverage for:
- Illnesses and injuries
- Lodging for your family if they visit you because you’re injured and in the hospital
- Medical and dental appointments
- Urgent care, medical evacuations and emergency room visits
- Dental appointments
- If you have a pre-existing medical condition, look for a policy that will cover this or exclude it if the price is a factor
Who Buys Backpacker Travel Insurance?
Backpacker travel insurance is a type of travel insurance that’s ideal for the traveller who might go on a camping or wilderness adventure. It’s also for anyone that wants to visit a different country or several countries.
Medical costs can be high overseas and a huge financial burden for a visiting traveller. Backpacker insurance can safeguard your trip and your finances. What you pay in insurance costs will likely be much cheaper than what you may have to pay if you’re injured or damage someone else’s property.
With backpacker travel insurance, you may have liability coverage. The policies can include coverage for a single traveller, couple or group depending on the plan you select. You can also get specific travel insurance pre existing conditions, family travel insurance, over 50 travel insurance and nomad travel insurance (Safety Wing is specific for nomads).
When Should You Purchase Backpacker Travel Insurance?
When planning your trip, it might be best to purchase your insurance at the same time so you don’t forget. You don’t want to wait until the last minute because the policy may have specific stipulations about a medical exam prior to your trip if you have a pre-existing condition. There are limited last minute travel insurance options.
It’s also good to buy your insurance early and before you purchase your airline and hotel tickets. That way you are covered if there’s an interruption in your trip and you need to delay it or cancel it. Your backpacker insurance coverage is there to protect you if you need to cancel or change your plans. An illness, unexpected injury or bereavement are a few reasons why you might need to change or cancel your travel plans.
Which Travel Destinations are Included in My Coverage?
Your coverage can vary depending on the destination you visit and the insurance provider you select.
What Factors Affect Your Policy Rates?
You may be wondering how much is travel insurance? Before you buy your insurance, you have to let a potential insurance company know about the type of trip you’re taking and what you plan on doing. Be as detailed as possible to ensure you have adequate coverage for your travels.
Factors that can affect the rates you pay include:
- Your health and if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.
- Your age and risk factors for travel.
- Your gear, any instruments, gadgets and equipment.
- The type of trek or adventure you will be on the and the type of activities, i.e., hiking, skiing.
- The length of your trip(s) and the destinations.
Are There Any Exclusions with Backpacker Insurance?
Yes, several types of exclusions that can affect whether you will be covered..
These include:
- If you have alcohol or drugs in your system and do something reckless
- If you commit an illegal act or act in a way that shows malicious intent
- If you don’t adhere to the advice given by law enforcement in the country you’re visiting
- If you don’t take required or recommended vaccinations
- If you don’t fill out the medical questionnaire correctly or if you lie about pre-existing medical conditions
Choose the Best Backpacker Travel Insurance for Your Trip
Selecting backpacker insurance can help to safeguard your trip. While some travellers are on a budget and may not want the added costs, it’s important to weigh potential financial risks when you travel. You don’t want to be stranded and stressed during your trip. And, most backpacker travel insurance plans include medical, flight, baggage and hotel coverage. We recommend World Nomads travel insurance (find out more here) and the travel insurance with Safety Wing (find out more here).
