Travelling the globe on a budget with your belongings in your backpack can be a great way to see the world but, like all types of travel, comes with certain risks. Here’s how to pick a backpackers insurance policy to protect you and your belongings.
For many people, especially students, backpacking is a favourite way to travel.
Backpacking gives you the chance to really experience the culture of the countries you visit, whether you choose Europe, Australia, America or Asia.
However, before you set off, it is essential to think about backpacker travel insurance compare online quotes and look for suitable cover to keep you protected on your travels.
Hopefully while you are travelling you will spend all your time soaking up the adventure of visiting exotic countries, but remember you may be visiting strange places, very different from the UK, where you may not even speak the language.
Finding the best backpacking travel insurance is a good way to feel confident that if you fall ill or have an accident you will be able to get the medical treatment you need. Most countries do not have a free health service similar to the NHS, so you could find yourself facing a considerable medical bill if you fall ill abroad without backpacker travel insurance.
Equally, you also face the risk of losing your personal possessions or having them stolen on your travels. Backpackers insurance will allow you to replace them or will ensure that your loss does not become a financial crisis too.
When looking for cheap backpacker travel insurance you will need to check you meet the cover criteria - most UK travel insurance for backpackers has an upper age limit, usually mid to late thirties.
So, for older backpackers, you may need to look for insurance companies that provide a long stay policy which will cover you worldwide.
The majority of insurance companies offer all-inclusive travel insurance whilst backpacking, including trip cancellation insurance and holiday insurance.
However, other features such as temporary car insurance, health insurance, medical insurance and prescription services are likely to vary from policy to policy so weigh up exactly what type of cover you need.
Some insurance policies may also provide the backpacker with an international assistance card, which doubles up as an international phone card if required.
Backpackers can also receive a card that will provide them with discounts in hostels and adventure sports around the world.
You can compare the best backpackers travel insurance policies and the different levels of cover they including using our backpacker insurance comparison table.
