Backpackers are typically young, unemployed, and healthy. So, if you’re looking for backpackers travel insurance, you most likely want a plan that fits your demographic and not that of a wealthy couple going on a cruise to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.
So, we’ve put together this guide to help you choose the best backpackers travel insurance.
Backpackers Travel Insurance: What to Consider
Price
Obviously the price of the travel insurance policy matters. Compare several cheap backpackers travel insurance plans to find a price that works with your budget. (If you can’t find a travel insurance plan that you can afford, you probably can’t afford to travel.)
Medical Coverage and Evacuation
When comparing backpackers travel insurance take a close look at the medical coverage policy. Does it cover pre-existing conditions? (Most don’t. So if you know you have asthma, and you suffer from an attack, you’re not going to be covered. You’ll need a separate policy.) Hospital costs for emergencies are extremely expensive. Take a close look at the maximum coverage limits. Also look at what happens for an emergency medical evacuation.
Your Stuff, Baggage, and Theft
What happens if you accidentally break your camera? If your luggage gets lost in transit? Or if someone steals your backpack out of your hostel locker? What if someone takes your backpack while you’re looking the other direction? Most travel insurance policies won’t cover theft if your bags are unattended – and “unattended” can mean if you’re looking the other way.
photo credit: ToastyKen
How to Make a Claim
How easy is it to make a claim if you need coverage? Do you have to call a number? Is it a 24 hour hotline? Can you file a claim online? What sort of proof do you need?
Countries Covered
Most backpackers travel insurance companies will provide coverage for the majority of the countries of the world. (World Nomads covers 150.) But, if you’re planning on going someplace obscure or dangerous, double check that you’ll be covered while you’re there.
Cancellation
See if your policy has trip cancellation insurance. If a family member dies or you get extremely ill, will your policy repay you for unused tickets? To get this coverage you have to buy the policy when you book your tickets and not wait until you’re leaving and suddenly need to cancel.
Liability
Accidents happen. What if you knock over a case of expensive wine while browsing a hole-in-the-wall-specialty-wine-shop in Bernkastel, Germany? Someone has to pay for this. Read this section of your policy carefully to know if you have personal liability coverage.
Activities Covered
What sort of traveler are you? Do you like extreme sports? (Or even regular sports?) Not all policies cover injuries incurred from sports – or certain types of sports. For instance, if you’re hurt while cave diving, World Nomads won’t cover it. But hang gliding? You’re covered. If you know you’ll be participating in some exciting adventures, make sure your policy covers you.
Best Backpackers Travel Insurance
If you’re looking for cheap backpackers insurance, to find the best backpackers travel insurance policy you need to consider your needs. Go through the list above and see what your policy needs to include. Carefully compare insurance policies. We recommend World Nomads and use them for our travels. (Lonely Planet and Rough Guides also recommends World Nomads, in case their endorsement is more important than ours.)
SquareMouth is a solid website for comparing travel insurance plans. However, they don’t cater to the backpacker the same way World Nomads does. So, there isn’t a best backpackers travel insurance, there’s only the best backpackers travel insurance for you.
Note: We will only recommend products or services that we believe, based on our experience, are worthy of endorsement. We link through affiliate links when they are available. We are not compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites, or other topics. Any product claim, statistic, quote, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider.
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
your endorsement counts just as much! I too use World Nomads. Great staff too!
Another exciting destination to backpaker tourists is Indonesia. With attractions like beach, dive, Temple & planned ambience of villas, hotels & residences being created for attracting backpaker tourists, it’s one super journey to cherish. Bali Indonesia is a very beautiful island to travel to. It is nice to experience local life and customs when possible. A nice local personal guide will be helpful and make the trip more interesting. So let’s spend your vacation in Indonesia
I have used World Nomads in the past but they are just soo expensive. I now use Doununder insurance as they are about half the price but with the same cover. They only cover people from the UK or Oz though.
Of all the backpacker insurance articles I’ve ever read, this is the most informative and personable. I like the structure of the article. Many of its points are interpreted through questions and I find that a more effective way to let the reader understand the essence of travel insurance. I also commend the goodness of the article in providing useful tips and guidelines with regard to considering insurance. The article even manages to provide links for recommended products and services that the reader can choose from. What else can an undecided traveler ask for? This article seems to be a one-stop shop.
Thank you for these wonderful tips! This would be very helpful for us travelers. I would certainly put these in mind. It’s a good thing that I came across your site. Now I know which things should I consider when deciding for Backpacker insurance. Maybe we should try the one you suggested. I’ll do more research and think about it. And aahh, pen pals, those were the days. Haha! Your article really helps me a lot. I enjoyed reading it too. Thank you very much! Hope I’ll see more interesting post from you. I’ll be happy to read about it.
A great and detailed article on buyin the cheapeast travel insurance for backpackers. Thanks for pointing us travelers in the right direction.