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.