If you’re backpacking around the world, the last thing you want is to be left out of pocket if something unexpected happens. Get backpacker travel insurance in plenty of time and you can enjoy your trip knowing you’ve got all bases covered.
What does backpacker travel insurance cover?
Backpacker insurance covers everything a regular travel insurance policy does. But your cover will be over a longer period and can include multiple countries.
A good backpacker travel insurance policy should cover:
- Medical treatment
- Your personal belongings
- Delays and cancellations
- Accident, liability and legal expenses
- Extreme and adventure sports
Medical treatment can be expensive abroad, so cover for medical costs and return travel to the UK could be useful if you get ill or injured overseas.
Your personal belongings, money and travel documents could also be covered if they’re lost or stolen. Make sure you report loss or theft within 24 hours and get a police report for proof. You’ll need it to make a claim.
Delays and cancellations if your flights are postponed or if you’re forced to cancel your trip in an emergency.
Accident, liability and legal expenses could be useful if you get into any trouble while abroad.
Extreme and adventure sports are covered as standard under some policies, but not all. Check with your insurer to make sure you’ve got the right cover in place if you plan to do these activities on your trip.
What our travel insurance expert says
Need more help?
What's the best travel insurance for backpackers?
The best travel insurance for backpackers depends on the:
- Destination(s) you’re visiting
- Level of cover you need
- Length of time you want it for
We compare travel insurance from a range of insurers so you can find a policy that suits your needs and budget.
Do you have any extra advice for backpackers?
Here’s what you should think about before going travelling:
- You might need a visa. Check the entry requirements for the countries you plan to visit. Some countries require visas on arrival so make sure you’re prepared with the right documents before you set off.
- Remember vaccinations. As well as covid vaccinations check with your GP for any additional jabs you might need like yellow fever or rabies, you might need to get some well in advance of your trip.
- Tell your bank you’re going overseas, if they flag any suspicious transactions they can block your card.
- Contact your mobile phone provider to check on any overseas charges you might incur. Be careful using free WIFI abroad especially to carry out confidential or banking transactions.
- Show respect to different countries that may have certain customs, research them before your trip and show respect.
- Languages. It’s always polite to learn common phrases like “please” and “thank you” in the countries national language.
When should I buy backpacker travel insurance?
You should buy backpacker insurance as soon as you book your trip. This will help cover you for the unexpected, like flight or tour cancellations, medical costs and your personal possessions for the length of your trip.
Do I need backpacker insurance for interrailing?
If you’re interrailing around Europe for the summer, backpacker travel insurance will cover you for multiple countries over an extended period. It can provide peace of mind that if your belongings get lost or stolen you won't be out of pocket.
Do I need single trip travel insurance or backpacker insurance?
If you’re going away on one trip for no more than 31 days, a single trip policy should provide you with enough cover. If you’re planning on travelling for more than 31 days to multiple locations, then a backpacker policy will provide you with the appropriate level of cover for your trip.
Does backpacker insurance cover working abroad?
A backpacker insurance policy should cover you if you end up working on your trip, but not all policies do as standard. Check your policy details before you buy to make sure you’re covered.
What isn’t covered by backpacker travel insurance?
A backpacker insurance policy won't normally cover you for any of the following:
- Failing to declare any pre-existing medical conditions
- Travelling against FCDO advice
- Failing to report any lost or stolen possessions in time
- Any incidents that happen while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
What are the different types of travel insurance?
European travel insurance
it will cover you for any holidays that you've got planned in Europe this year.
Long stay travel insurance
is the perfect policy for those who plan to travel for an extended period.
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Our service is free and compares a wide range of trusted household names. Confused.com is an intermediary and receives commission from theidol.com if you decide to buy through our website which is based on a percentage of the total annual premium. We pride ourselves on impartiality and independence – therefore we don't promote any one insurance provider over another.
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