When I was a backpacker, my low-budget lifestyle often took me off the beaten path, and rarely did I follow a fixed itinerary. Anything could happen, and that was the whole point.
In that same vein, it’s important that backpacker travel insurance coverage fits a lower budget yet is flexible enough to work with changing plans.
Within my fourteen years of travel, I’ve cashed in a travel insurance policy more than a few times. And while the industry has certainly changed in that time, general policy and coverage needs haven’t.
Based on years of travel, first-hand experience, extensive industry knowledge and deep research, I believe the following five companies offer the best insurance for backpackers because they are both flexible and affordable.
Why Backpackers Need Travel Insurance
When it comes to planning your once-in-a-lifetime backpacking trip, travel insurance may be the last thing on your mind. Honestly, isn’t it more fun to spend time picking out the right backpack or booking the coolest hostel?
Well, your health and safety is also something to consider. That’s why travel insurance is the single most important thing to bring on your trip. It protects you against any unforeseen accidents or emergencies that you may encounter on your journey.
- Broken leg from a scooter crash? Your backpacker insurance policy covers your medical bills.
- Stolen camera on the train? Backpacker insurance reimburses the cost of your belongings.
- Tropical thunderstorms cancel your flight to Thailand? You’ll be reimbursed and scheduled on the next flight out.
It’s easy to see why travel insurance is worth it how insurance can protect you in a variety of unfortunate situations. It can also save you thousands of dollars in medical expenses. For this reason alone, travel insurance is absolutely worth it.
What to Look for in Backpacker Insurance
From digital nomads to adventure seekers, everyone traveling abroad needs good insurance to cover unexpected events on their backpacking trip. However, there is not a recommendation for a single plan that’s good for everyone.There are several key factors to consider when looking at backpacker insurance.
Some travel insurance providers offer specific benefits that cater to adventurous backpackers and long-term travelers, while others specialize in medical protection for folks with a pre-existing condition. Maybe good baggage cover and cancellation cover are important to you, or maybe you just want low-cost travel insurance policies that cover the basics for your backpacking trip.
Take the time to look for a plan that fits your travel plans.
Flexibility is Key
Backpackers, digital nomads, and long-term travelers often don’t stick to a fixed itinerary for their backpacking trips. Just like your plans, your backpacker insurance should be flexible.
Let’s look at an example.
You decide at the last minute to go skiing in Germany and Austria, two countries that weren’t originally on your itinerary. Or perhaps you spontaneously decide to extend your vacation by a few months.
In these situations, you’ll be thankful to have insurance that you can adjust on the go. You might look for backpacker insurance that is paid in installments, or that can be updated and changed midway through your trip.
This flexibility is great, and it lets you travel on your own terms.
Coverage for Medical Expenses
Your health is your most important asset, and it’s important to take care of it, especially when you’re traveling. The most important thing to look for in good travel insurance is solid coverage for medical emergencies. If you get sick or injured while traveling, you don’t want to be stuck with hefty hospital bills.
Most travel insurance will provide cover for up to specified benefit limits. I like to look for an insurance policy that provides at least $100,000 in medical care and $250,000 for emergency evacuation and repatriation cover. More is always better in this case.
Of course, no one expects to get severely ill or injured on their backpacking trips, but the worst can (and does) happen. Good medical coverage is an absolute essential. That way you know that if anything goes wrong, you’ll be taken care of and not have to foot the bill.
Coverage for Extreme Sports and Adventures Activities
Let’s face it; backpackers love their extreme (and sometimes reckless) activities. Did you know that most travel insurance won’t provide medical cover if you’re injured in what they deem extreme sports or other risky activities?
That’s why you should look for backpacker insurance that provides protection for whatever adventure you may encounter on your trip. From scuba diving in Indonesia to rock climbing in Morocco, you’ll want coverage for all those fun and exhilarating moments.
However, many traditional travel insurance companies don’t offer protection for these events. So if you plan on doing any extreme sports, make sure your backpacker insurance provides activity coverage.
Some quick safety advice: never participate in an activity that isn’t covered by your insurance, or you may end up paying potential hospital bills with your own money.
An Affordable Price Point
Finally, good backpacking travel insurance should be affordable. Flights, hostels, and food costs quickly add up. This can make price a big factor when choosing a plan.
Even if you’re hoping to keep your trip low-cost, you should still invest in travel insurance. Fortunately, there are several backpacker insurance companies that offer comprehensive insurance that won’t break the bank.
Final Thoughts on the Best Travel Insurance Companies for Backpackers
Besides your passport, backpacker insurance is one of the most important things to take with you on your trip. It’s there to protect you against unexpected incidents from bike accidents and food poisoning to stolen luggage and misplaced smartphones. It can save you serious money on hospital bills, legal expenses, and lost stuff.
One of my top travel tips for anyone is to buy good insurance.
And you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to protect, well, your arms and legs! There are plenty of companies and policies that offer decent coverage for just a few dollars a day.
With affordable and comprehensive coverage, World Nomads is our backpacker insurance provider of choice. However, you may find that there are other companies that are better suited for your trip.
Check out different policies, compare companies, and shop around for good deals. But at the end of the day, just make sure you purchase insurance from somewhere. Because if you can’t afford travel insurance, you really can’t afford to travel!
