backpacking europe travel insurance

The Best Backpacker Travel Insurance – 17 Options Compared

In this guide to the best backpacker travel insurance we compared the 17 most popular providers –  you’ll be surprised which was the best!

Do you really need to get travel insurance?

It’s probably a familiar question. It’s certainly one I ask before every single trip.

Even as a cyclist, hiker, climber, traveller and general accident-prone backpacker, travel insurance is something I’ve always been dubious of. I don’t like insurance companies and the concept of paying for something you may never use has always seemed alien.

Then, at some point or another, you have a personal experience where travel insurance quite literally saves your life. 

Whether it’s lying in a hospital bed in Indonesia with Dengue Fever, filing for a stolen bag in Barcelona, having a bot fly cut from your head in Panama or needing to return home to visit ill family… there comes a point in every trip I realise yes, yes you definitely do need travel insurance (and, yes, they are all things I’ve had to claim for). 

Unfortunately, it’s not that easy finding the right policy and travel insurance companies don’t make it any simpler. There are SO many different options, so many different prices and the small print is too often clouded behind technical jargon. Altogether it can be very hard to know what you’re getting and which policy is best for you.

Should you pay an extra £50 and get added cover?

Is it worth paying for a lower excess?

What even is liability insurance?

In this guide to backpacker travel insurance, we’ll explain all the jargon and the nitty-gritty stuff you need to consider when finding a policy. We’ve also compared 17 of the most popular backpacker insurance policies to see which is the best – y ou’ll be happy to know it’s not always the most expensive!

In this article, you’ll find:

• What is the difference between backpacker and travel insurance
• Why you should never travel without it
• Insurance terminology explained
• Things to look out for when finding a policy
• Picking the best travel insurance for YOU
• Travel insurance activity packs
• When to buy backpacker insurance
• How to make an insurance claim abroad
• 17 popular backpacker insurance options compared
• The best insurance policies in detail

What is the difference between backpacker and travel insurance?

First things first, backpacker travel insurance is specifically designed for backpackers going to multiple destinations over a longer period of time. It is also sometimes under the same umbrella as long-term travel insurance. 

Compared to regular travel insurance policies, backpacker insurance can be used for trips ranging from 3-18 months (sometimes more). It covers a wider range of activities like hiking , diving, skiing, working with animals etc and has extra precautions for things more likely to occur on a backpacking trip.

The best travel insurance policies will include:

• Medical and dental cover  ranging from small prescriptions to major surgery
• Baggage, electrical and documents cover also covering things like bicycles, outdoors or camera equipment
• Legal cover and advice  paying for lawyers’ fees to political support if there is civil unrest
• Cover if you cancel or change your trip  also includes transport delays
• Home visits  if you need to return home during your trip
• Hostage cover  everything from ransom fees to paying for negotiators
• Natural disaster cover  hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes, wildfires etc
• A good level of sports and activities this is often included in the price rather than an additional cost

Note. most of the insurance policies in this article require you to be currently in the UK and not already travelling

Do you even need backpacker travel insurance?

The simple answer is, yes.

Whether you’re a disaster-prone adventurer cycling from England to India,  a couple planning on Interrailing through Europe or you’re going to be backpacking Asia on a gap year, insurance is a no brainer. 

These are just some things which could easily happen to anyone on any journey

• You lose your passport and need a replacement
• You get sick or injured during your trip
• You miss a train and end up stranded
• There is political unrest and you need legal support
• A family member becomes ill and you have to return home

Many of these things could be out of your control when you’re travelling and an accident might be no fault of your own. Overseas legal or medical fees are outstandingly high so having insurance as a safety net can be life-saving. It can also protect you from the crippling financial hardship you’ll face after paying fees from your own pocket.

And, if you’re a renegade thinking “I’ll be fine” then think of your friends and family. If you need emergency medical treatment it will likely be them having to pay for it. Ask many backpackers around the world and they’ll likely have a number of tales where travel insurance has saved their skin!

Why we’ll never travel without backpacking travel insurance again

At some point during all of my backpacking trips, I’ve needed some kind of medical attention, police support or legal advice. However, during our year in Vietnam 3 things happened which made me realise I’d never travel without comprehensive insurance again. 

• We met a friend who had developed a serious leg infection whilst hiking in China. This infection had him hospitalised, close to the point of a leg amputation and nearly death. He did have cheap backpacker insurance but it didn’t cover hiking. His family had to pay tens of thousands of pounds and start a crowdfunding campaign to get him medically transferred to a Thai hospital and then back to his home in Ireland. With the right insurance policy, this would have been covered. 
• Whilst living in Hanoi there were constant stories of travellers and expats having fatal motorbike accidents. Without insurance, it can cost friends and family more than £10,000 to have the body sent home. Morbid I know, but a game-changer for us. 
• The thing which really hit home was when my mum became extremely ill during our time living in Hanoi. We had very little money but we were able to immediately return to the UK and claim for our flights and possessions left in Vietnam. Mum is much better now!

Bottom line is, you might have dozens of trips without needing to make a claim but it’s worth the money for the one trip you do. Need some more convincing? Check out these travel horror stories !

The Best Backpacker Insurance Buyer’s Guide and Tips

As mentioned there are many different types of policy options, some which might be useful to you, others which might not. In this section, we’ll go through all of the things you need to look out for to find the right policy. 

1. What does it all mean? Travel insurance terminology

Before we get into things it’s probably best to go over some travel insurance terminology. It can be seriously confusing reading through the small print and policy wordings so this should help explain some of the confusing parts. 

Baggage cover

This generally covers the baggage and belongings you take with you, including travel documents and bank cards. This sometimes covers electronics and outdoors equipment too but you will need to check the small print. 

Cancellation

Cover if you have to cancel your trip before you travel.

Cooling off period

The length of time you have to cancel your policy.

Curtailment  

Cover if your travels are changed or disrupted during your trip. This often includes travel delays, like missed transport or travel changes due to injury, illness or from returning home. 

Deductible or excess fees

The amount of money you will need to pay before your travel insurance starts to make payment. This may be shown as “Baggage cover – £3,000 (£50 excess)”.

Cover for any legal costs resulting from accidents with other people or their possessions. 

Personal accident

This is a compensation payment made if you have an accident, resulting in death, loss of limbs, loss of sight etc. 

Repatriation

The costs of sending an ill or deceased person to their home country. 

Single trip Vs. Multi-trip insurance

Most travel insurance policies cover you from when you leave the country to the point you return home. Multi-trip travel insurance covers you for multiple trips taken over a certain period of time. This may be useful for business people with a number of trips in the space of a few months but is less useful for backpackers.

Single trip vs. long-term vs. backpackers travel insurance

Single trip insurance is often available for shorter trips and won’t cover as many activities. Long-term insurance is regularly aimed at travellers visiting one country for a longer period of time whilst backpacking insurance is for multiple countries, varying lengths of time and with additional cover for activities. 

Sometimes the terms  backpacker  and  long-term  are actually given to very similar policies so you need to check to see what they provide. 

Single article limit

The most you’re covered for a single item e.g. if your single article limit is £500 and you have a £1,000 camera stolen your insurance provider will only pay up to £500.

Any other terms you found confusing when you were looking for insurance? Tell us in the comments so we can add it in for other readers 🙂 

2. What to look for when buying travel insurance

• Medical, cancellation and curtailment, legal, liability and repatriation are the most important aspects – find the policy that has the best cover
• Always read the policy wording and small print so you know what is included 
• Check you’re covered for any existing medical conditions you may have
• Make sure you’re covered for all the destinations you’re visiting and the activities you’re doing (sometimes they’re an add-on)
• Check all of your baggage is covered and that gadgets cover isn’t additional
• If you’re travelling with expensive gear or equipment make sure the single article limit is high enough
•  A 24-hour emergency helpline is very useful to have
• If hiking or climbing make sure you don’t go above the altitude you’re covered for, for campers check your baggage is covered whilst in the tent
• Find out how much cash you are covered for and try not to carry more than that on you
• See what the excess is and decide what you would be able to pay
• Some insurance policies won’t cover periods of voluntary or paid work – check the policy
• Age restrictions may apply and if you have pre-existing medical conditions then make sure you state them
• It’s great having the option to return home – some providers include this

Things which are generally not covered – cruises and winter sports, alcohol or drug-related accidents, failure to declare medical conditions, stolen items which weren’t reported. 

3. What’s the best travel insurance policy for backpackers?

Everyone’s travel plans are different – if you’re planning on hiking the Dolomites your activities will be very different to someone city hopping, for example. T hink of what type of trip you’re going on and what is most important for you.

As an example, we no longer take flights and instead cycle so curtailment cover isn’t very useful. We do a lot of outdoor activities and travel with expensive camera equipment so it’s important we have good medical and baggage cover. 

Think of the where you’re going, what you’re going to be taking and what you’ll be doing. If you’re planning a city trip then having adventure activities covered probably isn’t a necessity. If you’re going to be hiking Everest Base Camp then check to see if you’re covered. 

4. Travel insurance activity packs

If you know you’ll be doing lots of potentially ‘hazardous’ activities (climbing, hiking, rafting, skiing, bungee jumping, sky diving, cage diving, martial arts training etc.) then it’s especially important to find a fitting policy. Commonly these will be covered in different ‘activity packs’ for you to choose from. 

Typically, insurance providers have a base range of activities which are automatically covered, with backpacker insurance being more comprehensive than other insurance types. Take a read through the policy to see what’s included and works for your trip. 

If you’re not covered with the base activities then you’ll normally have two options depending on the company.

Firstly , with some policies, you can buy an add-on pack which will include a larger range of more serious outdoor activities. For things like hiking and climbing, this may cover you for higher altitudes or diving for deeper water.

Secondly , other policies have the option to pay for each activity as an add-on which may be cheaper than upgrading a whole pack. If you are planning something deemed as potentially very hazardous you may need to get an individual quote from the provider. This may include technical climbing, alpine hiking, adventure races etc. 

5. When to buy your backpacking travel insurance – IMPORTANT!

As soon as you make a payment towards the trip.

If you’ve booked accommodation, tours or transport and your plans change then your insurance can cover it, even if you’ve not left the country yet. Many providers will actually require you to buy insurance within a certain window of making your first travel payment. 

6. How to make a travel insurance claim whilst you’re abroad

It’s very important to keep a copy of your insurance policy with you when you travel as each provider will have different claiming procedures . Keep a hard copy and one backed-up online just to be safe.

When making a claim for any policy you should…

• Get a police statement if it’s relevant – if you have items stolen or broken, have been assaulted and need medical treatment etc. then make sure you have a police statement to confirm it
• Contact your insurer  to see what they advise and to check what’s covered in your policy
• Try and collect evidence  this may be receipts for bought items, travel tours, transport or medical bills etc. to give to your insurance provider

Backpacker Travel Insurance Comparison – 17 Popular Options

There are hundreds of insurance options out there, many with similar policies but very different prices. Finding out which is the best can be tough work so we’ve put it all into one place for you to compare. 

We looked at the 17 most popular options to see how they faired against each other. For the best options, you’ll also find a more detailed breakdown at the bottom so you can decide which one is best for you. 

What we searched for

To find these policies we looked for the best-rated backpacker and long-term travel insurance options in the UK on public review sites like Trust Pilot and Feefo . We also collected suggestions from Google, travel agents, insurance comparison sites and user reviews. 

All details were taken directly from the provider’s official website, searching with exactly the same details for the same trip.

This is what we searched for:

• 12 months of cover
• Leaving Saturday 27th July 2019
• For one 28-year-old male
• From the UK
• Not already travelling
• Travelling as an individual
• On a single trip
• Travelling worldwide
• With no pre-existing medical conditions
• No cruise, winter sports or business trip options added 

No discount codes were added and if there were multiple choices from one provider the middle tier was chosen. 

Note this information was taken directly from insurers’ websites but may be subject to change. I have not personally used all of these services but have displayed their policies without bias or opinion in the table below. Some of the options may contain affiliate links, meaning if you purchase the insurance through a link on this page it will be of no extra cost to you but we will receive a small commission. This commission enables Veggie Vagabonds to run and grow!

The best travel insurance for backpackers… and some of the worst!

Below you’ll find all of the results, user reviews and policy wordings where possible. As mentioned above, make sure you read the policy wording before making a purchase so you can be sure what’s included.

There were other options which aren’t shown below due to them being either a) pretty rubbish or b) excessively expensive.

Backpacker insurance from the Post Office cost a whopping £1,038, £838 from Flexicover and Voyager, Leisure Guard and Sports Cover Direct also had very high prices. Interestingly, none of these providers offered competitive policies despite costing more than double their competitors… 

Keep reading below the table to see a detailed breakdown of some of the better options!

In some more detail…

World nomads, true traveller, world first & sta 🙁.

Despite these options being by far the most expensive (and often the most widely recommended) they really don’t offer competitive policies, particularly with STA travel insurance or World Nomads. Admittedly for my first long-term trip, I did go with STA gap year travel insurance, but this was 10 years ago before I was aware of other options. Take a look at other policies and save your money, no matter what other travel bloggers might be telling you!

If you have used one of these providers and had good experiences then we’d be interested to hear from you in the comments below

Alpha 100 Longstay – £180 🙂

Considering this is the cheapest option reviewed it is very competitive and you’re getting a very similar coverage to many providers double the price. Their options are easy to understand and you have the choice to pay more for a lower excess or less for a higher excess. 

The medical coverage includes dental treatment and there are good levels of baggage, legal and cancellations protection. I like that extra gadget coverage isn’t too expensive, as well as cheap additional activity coverage. On top of this, it’s also got cracking backpacking insurance reviews. 

Go Walkabout Traveller Plus – £251 🙂

An option I have personally used for a year in Latin America and thought was very professional. I didn’t need to make any major claims besides a few prescriptions but it was all reimbursed very easily. 

Go Walkabout has good levels of cover where it’s most needed without breaking the bank. £10 million medical cover is competitive whilst also having cover for dental services. There’s also up to £500 covered for personal money (higher than many more expensive competitors) and £500 for kidnap, hijack and detention situations. Again Go Walkabout has good reviews online which I can personally vouch for. 

Cover for you Gold £307 😀

Cover for You has no excess charges and £15 million medical cover, that’s the highest medical cover out of all the insurance policies reviewed (and £10 million more than World Nomads travel insurance!). £3,000 is higher than average for cancellation and curtailment and they offer to pay for funeral expenses abroad. There are higher tiers which are more comprehensive and they offer one return flight home. This is an option we also considered before leaving for our current cycle tour.

Holiday Safe Backpacker and Longstay Plus £381.64 😀

Yes, this is slightly more expensive than the others we’ve picked but we think it’s worth it. It’s actually the insurance policy we’re using right now, and I’ll tell you why we went for it…

The medical (£10 million) and legal (£2 million) cover are competitive with other more expensive policies but the possessions (£2,500) and cancellation (£3,000) are higher than average. 

The extra things which sold us are the return journey home, which could make it useful for gap year insurance or new travellers, and Interrailling ticket cover of up to £500. We’re not Interrailing but it’s a nice extra. There is also up to £2,500 for clothes which is especially important if you’re doing outdoor activities with technical clothing. 

It’s also recommended for backpackers with gadgets, as there is £1,000 gadget cover, being one of the only providers to have it included without upgrading. It covers phones, laptops and computers and you are given one return journey home per policy.

I don’t know if it works but if you go for this policy and use this link (at no extra cost to you) we’ll be entered into a prize draw to win… an Amazon voucher!!!

Got your insurance? Here’s some other things to think about

Visa – many countries require a visa to visit, find out if you need one here

Vaccinations  – your insurance won’t cover you if you don’t have the right vaccinations – you can check to see vaccine requirements here

Accommodation  – find cheap deals and a variety of accommodation at  Hostel World , Booking.com or Airbnb ( £35 off your first booking with this code) . You can also use TripAdvisor to see what other travellers think!

Do you know any other great backpackers travel insurance options or tips? Maybe you have some extra questions? Drop us a comment below!

A Guide to the Best Backpacker Travel Insurance

A pretty extensive guide with all the tips needed to help you find the best backpacker insurance. I think we can all agree that finding the right policy is seriously important AND it’s nice to know you can get a great deal without blowing the bank. 

If you’ve used other insurance providers and had a good experience then let us know and we can add them to this article. Alternately if you had a bad experience, tell us in the comments so we can warn other travellers to steer clear!

Keep exploring…

The Best Debit Cards to Use Abroad

10 Super Easy Tips to Planning a Trip

All the Best Budget Travel Tips

There I thought I might find a few new options as we’re currently travelling without insurance… No such luck as your parameters are all different (and wrong for us). That’s always the issue with such recommendations or affiliate post: what fits for one won’t even apply to the next. We’re both 64 years of age (where some policies become very expensive), Australians (limited choices of offerings), travelling full-time (we have left already – years ago), and we don’t need cover for missed flights or lost/stolen technology (we’re travelling in a motorhome, driving instead of flying, and I can’t see the benefit of insuring our old computers, which are usually locked away safely). There simply isn’t a “one size fits all”. We absolutely don’t want to go back to WorldNomads; in 5 years we only had unpaid claims, none was accepted – waste of our time and money! I keep searching.

Hey Juergen, thanks for your comment! Sorry none of them are fitting, we searched based on the general readers for the blog to show a rough idea of what each company provided, but yes won’t be suited to everyone.

Frustrating they become more expensive but I think a few of the options are available for Australians. If they’re not directly I remember some of them having partner companies based in Australia.

We also don’t need cover for flights as we cycle but unfortunately could only find provides with this included. We also looked at getting everything individually (medical, legal, baggage etc) to avoid paying for unneeded flight cover but this worked out more expensive.

Does insurance change dramatically for RVs? We’ve never actually looked into it – though we do hope to get an RV at some point in the future.

Completely agree about World Nomads, I was surprised how little cover they offered considering their high fees. Hope you can find the right policy soon! Where are you currently travelling?

Thanks for the wonderful post!

It’s silly just putting up a load of prices and say “Choose the cheapest”. The reason why people like Nomads and TT have a lot of mentions everywhere is that they do pay claims quickly. Nomads were bought out a few years ago and they have gone a little bit downhill.

The only way to see about these companies is to go onto TrustPilot and just read their 1 star reviews. Holidaysafe has hundreds of 1 star reviews – most of them are about them not paying claims.

We haven’t actually said choose the cheapest, we’ve said that cheaper can sometimes be better. Something both Sarah and I can confirm, having used cheaper and more expensive insurance options.

We haven’t used World Nomads or TT but their coverage is far worse than cheaper companies we have used who have paid claims without any issues. It’s also frustrating to know that Nomads particularly are generally recommended online by bloggers who are trying to make money through affiliate sales and may not be giving completely honest opinions.

We’re yet to make a claim with Holidaysafe but will make sure to update the article if there are any issues.

Which insurance policies have you used in the past? Are there any others you would recommend?

It’s great food for thought which is what you are trying to achieve and sorry you got such unnecessarily unpleasant criticism from people who clearly know all the answers already; I don’t so it helped me! I’ll research further myself but you have saved me a lot of time by removing the first step of my research. Thanks Mark

Hey there Mark! Ahh, you’ve got to take the positive with the negative, ey 🙂 Glad it could be useful to you, are you planning a trip somewhere nice?

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The Backpacker Network

Travel Insurance for Europe – Options for Backpackers, Tourists and Long-Term Visitors!

Buying travel insurance for Europe is far from the most thrilling way to spend an afternoon but it’s time well spent. Europe’s terrain, culture, towns and cities are so varied that you can never predict what your trip will look like. 

While Europe is generally very safe, things can and do go wrong while travelling through the continent. Whether it’s getting hurt in the Alps or pickpocketed in Barcelona, having the right travel insurance will make sure you get home safely without being left financially out of pocket!

Travel Insurance Providers for Europe

Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. We always write our articles before checking if affiliate links are available.

• Available worldwide
• Rolling monthly subscription 
• No return date required
• Check policy wording for full details 

• World Nomads travel insurance policies offer coverage for more than 150 activities.
• Get a quote, make a claim, or buy or extend your policy while on the road.

• Only insures travellers from Europe
• Additional activity packs available

Related : (Opens in new tab)

• Safest European Countries  
• Best Places to Backpack in Europe
• Safest Cities in Europe to Visit

Popular Travel Insurance Providers for Europe – A Deep Dive!

SafetyWing Nomad Insurance

• Takes just 15 minutes to arrange a policy
• Cover for every country in Europe
• Subscription – pay a rolling monthly fee

SafetyWing make travel insurance for Europe a breeze with their subscription-style policies. It takes just 15 minutes to get set up and your insurance rolls over each month at a fixed fee. This means you can essentially set it up and forget about it for the duration of your trip! 

If you’re travelling to more than one EU country, you don’t need to let SafetyWing know where you’re going, they just want to know the first country you’ll visit. After that, you’re free to change your mind and go where the wind takes you! 

They offer $3000USD lost checked luggage cover with a single item limit of up to $500USD, as well as personal liability cover and evacuation for both medical and political reasons. Trip interruption and travel delays are also covered as standard. 

Be sure to read the description of coverage for full details! 

• Policy can be taken out and extended while already travelling
• Subscription-based
• Main focus is on medical cover
• More expensive for older travellers

World Nomads

• World Nomads offer simple and flexible travel insurance
• World Nomads travel insurance has been designed by travellers for travellers

Since 2002, World Nomads have been protecting, connecting and inspiring independent travellers. They offer simple and flexible travel insurance and safety advice to help you travel confidently.

Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

World Nomads travel insurance policies offer coverage for more than 150 activities. Get a quote, make a claim, or buy or extend your policy while on the road.

• No roundtrip ticket needed
• Can purchase a policy while already travelling
• Available to contact 24/7
• Not all activities are covered as standard – add-ons may be required

TrueTraveller

• Backpacker specific plan available
• Different packages so you can get the most relevant plan for you
• Making a claim while abroad is easy

TrueTraveller offer a range of insurance policies depending on your needs. Their Backpacker policy is ideal for travellers wanting to spend extended periods travelling around the world. It covers most countries, including all of Europe with four different activity packages!

The Gap Year policy will see you through extended periods travelling through Europe, even if you want to volunteer or take part in manual labour while travelling. This makes it more comprehensive than the backpacker cover!

They also offer Multi-Trip cover, so if you plan on taking a few small trips, rather than one extended adventure, this is the cover for you! 

All packages include good medical emergency cover and optional baggage cover.

It’s easy to claim while travelling but this requires you to call TrueTraveller directly. They advise using Skype and buying a small amount of credit – all costs are fully refundable within your policy! 

Unfortunately, TrueTraveller only offer cover to travellers from the UK or Europe. 

• Available if you're already travelling
• Easy to claim while on the road
• 24/7 assistance available
• Only available to travellers from Europe
• Extending your policy while on the road is expensive

Other Insurance Providers for Travel in Europe

Faye — App-based insurer only for US citizens  Heymondo — Insurance broker who works closely with travellers and insurance companies to find you the best deal Passport Card Nomads — Comprehensive travel medical insurance for long-term travellers and digital nomads. 

What to Consider When Choosing Travel Insurance for Europe

Value of medical cover.

The price of medical care for travellers in Europe varies depending on the country you’re in. Some countries ask for no payment in return for medical treatment, others ask for a small fee and a few require that you pay a much larger sum. Germany, Switzerland and Norway all rank among the most expensive countries in the world to get medical treatment . 

Even if you’re not planning to visit any of those, your European travel insurance should include at least $250,000USD of medical cover in case of emergencies. Ideally, you’ll want that number to be higher though, anything upwards of $1,000,000USD is sensible if you can get it. You don’t want to be stuck and unable to afford necessary ongoing treatment if it’s required! 

Emergency Evacuation

From visiting the Alps, relaxing on Spanish islands or exploring Eastern European cities, no matter where you travel in Europe, having emergency evacuation cover is always a good idea.

Evacuation cover can get you to help if you get injured in an isolated location, or somewhere without suitable healthcare. It can also help get you to a safe location if the political situation in a country turns nasty – which can and does happen in parts of Europe!

Repatriation 

Whether it’s for medical treatment or to escape a dangerous situation out of your control, repatriation cover is important for getting you home should the need arise.

Repatriation also tends to cover getting your body home should the worst happen while travelling, saving your family from extra stress and cost during such a hard period – my Mum would be raging distraught if it cost her thousands of dollars to get my body home! 

Personal Liability 

Personal liability coverage protects you financially if you cause harm or damage to someone or something while travelling. This is especially important if you stay in expensive accommodation or hire vehicles while travelling. 

Be aware: There may be exclusions built into your policy about personal liability when using a vehicle. Be sure to read the policy wording carefully to understand exactly what you’re covered for and take out additional hire car insurance if you’re in any doubt about your coverage. 

Trip Interruption and Cancellation Coverage

Although it’s not standard in all travel insurance policies, trip interruption and cancellation cover is a good idea if you’re travelling a long way or are on an expensive trip. 

Cancellation cover means you’re not left out of pocket should medical, or certain nonmedical events, out of your control, prevent you from going on your trip.

Interruption cover is similar but financially protects you should you need to return home during your trip due to certain medical, or nonmedical events. 

Baggage Delay and Lost Baggage Cover

Baggage delay and lost baggage cover isn’t always standard with travel insurance for Europe. However, if you travel with checked luggage, having baggage delay and lost baggage cover is a good idea. This way, you’re covered should the airline lose your stuff. You’ll be reimbursed, up to a certain amount, for any new items you need to buy until your baggage gets back to you or you return home. 

Cover for Lost or Stolen Belongings

As with baggage cover, being protected in case you lose, or have your belongings stolen is a good idea. Some European cities are hotbeds for pickpockets. Having adequate cover for your belongings means you won’t be out of pocket when someone has been in your pocket! 

You should be aware, however, that there are often single-item exclusions built into European travel insurance policies. 

Single Item Limit Exclusions: These usually give a maximum value of cover for any one item. These exclusions tend to apply to lost and delayed baggage cover as well as lost or stolen belongings cover. Essentially, even though you might have cover totalling $5,000USD for your belongings, you’ll likely find that any one item within your belongings is only covered up to $500USD – not enough to replace your MacBook or DSLR camera and lenses! Read your policy wording carefully to ensure you understand exactly how much each item is covered for! 

Cancellations, Missed Transport and Delays 

While not common, strikes at monuments, attractions or public transport systems do take place throughout Europe. This can cause you to miss connections or lose out on tickets you’ve already purchased. It’s often not down to your insurer to cover these events but should those responsible not refund you, you’ll be able to claim the cost back from your insurer. 

This cover can also protect you from hotel closures or transport missed for reasons outside your control – illness etc. This doesn’t protect you if you change your mind or oversleep and miss your transport links though! 

Cancel for Any Reason Cover

Also known as CFAR, this is usually an expensive add-on to your travel insurance policy for Europe. It essentially means you can cancel your trip at any time, for any reason and not lose out financially. The insurance company will reimburse you for any expenses you’ve already paid out. However, this cover isn’t common and can cost A LOT of money to add to your policy. 

Pre-existing Health Conditions

If you suffer from an existing medical condition, you need to be very careful when choosing the right insurance for Europe. Many insurers won’t offer you the right cover for your needs. You need to look for specialist ongoing condition travel insurance to ensure you get what you need!

Do I Need Travel Insurance for Europe?

For some travellers, there is no legal requirement to get travel insurance for Europe. But if you’re applying for a Schengen Visa , having adequate travel insurance for the duration of your time in Europe is a requirement. 

Those who visit Europe without the need for a visa to enter the Schengen area are permitted into Europe without travel insurance.

Do I Need Travel Insurance for a Cruise in Europe?

Whether you need travel insurance for a cruise in Europe depends on the cruise line. Some require you to have adequate insurance, others do not. Always check with the cruise line directly to see what their requirements are. 

If you do require travel insurance for a cruise in Europe, there are several options. 

Some cruise lines offer insurance add-ons. While convenient, these are often expensive and not as all-encompassing as getting a separate policy. 

Some standard travel insurers include add-ons for cruises. So if a cruise is part of a longer trip to Europe, you can add the cruise cover onto your existing policy. Some of our favourite travel insurers for Europe offer additional packages for cruises. 

Specialist cruise insurance is usually the most cost-effective and reliable choice. 

A good insurance policy for a cruise in Europe should include cover for:

• Interruptions
• Medical emergencies 
• Other problems during the cruise

Travel Insurance for Europe FAQs

How much does travel insurance cost.

The cost of travel insurance varies wildly depending on several factors. The most important are your age, medical status, how long you’re travelling for and where you’re going.  Someone young, fit and healthy visiting France for a month can expect to pay much less than someone older visiting the USA or Canada for the same period. 

How long can Americans stay in Europe?

American citizens, who are not residents in a European country, can stay within the European Schengen zone for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period . However, you do not need to leave Europe entirely after the 90 days have elapsed. You can visit any of the non-Schengen countries to extend your trip and begin to reset your 90-day allowance! 

Does travel medical insurance cover COVID?

Some, if not most, travel medical insurance companies offer coverage for COVID-19. The level of cover will depend on your insurance company of choice so be sure to check the policy wording to ensure you understand what is covered. 

Do EU citizens get free healthcare?

No, EU citizens are not automatically entitled to free healthcare. However, many but not all, European nations provide free, or very cheap healthcare to their citizens. If you are a European citizen, you are entitled to an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card). This means you can receive healthcare in any country within the European Union (including Denmark, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) in exactly the same manner as a resident of that country. This often means you get free, or heavily discounted healthcare. It’s worth noting that the EHIC can only be used for emergency treatments, not ongoing treatment or therapy, and is only designed to be used if you’re on a trip. It cannot be used if you are living in another European county. 

For Brits: As of 31st December 2020, the UK left the EU. This meant giving up the EHIC. In its place came the GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card). This card means British citizens are entitled to healthcare in European Union countries in the same manner as locals. However, it doesn’t stretch to Denmark, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

Travel Insurance for Europe – A Round-Up

While many visitors travel to Europe without insurance each year, it’s not advisable to do so. Having the right travel insurance ensures you’re protected both financially and physically, should something go wrong on your trip. 

So, whether you plan to tackle Spain’s Caminito del Rey , or visit some of Europe’s best museums , make sure you have the right insurance for your trip to Europe, you never know what’s waiting just around the corner!

Tim Ashdown | Writer and Gear Specialist

After a life-changing motorcycle accident, Tim decided life was too short to stay cooped up in his home county of Norfolk, UK. Since then, he has travelled Southeast Asia, walked the Camino de Santiago and backpacked South America. His first book,  From Paralysis to Santiago,  chronicles his struggle to recover from the motorcycle accident and will be released later this year.

The Best Travel Insurance for Backpackers

Copacabana Beach, Brazil

Having the best travel insurance behind you during your travels is a safety net you can't afford to pass up.

Imagine this: you’ve just landed at a foreign airport far from home.

Next, you have to rush to your connecting flight.

You’re in a hurry, but in the corner of your eye, you see that your connecting flight has been delayed.

You feel relieved as you no longer have to run, but as you near the gate, you realize this slight delay will make it nearly impossible to catch the following flight to your final destination.

You start to fret. You’re in a foreign country, and you're going to miss a flight. The only option is to pay for a new one.

A tight budget was already weighing on you, and the thought of this extra burden will make your original plans nearly impossible.

Suddenly, the entire feel of your trip has changed.

But what if there was a way you could have prevented this unexpected problem?

Worldwide travel insurance , like many things on your pre-travel checklist, is necessary.

It’s one of those things you hope you never need, but when you do, it can be a vacation-saver.

Table of Contents

Where to Begin

When to get travel insurance, the cost of travel insurance, find the best travel insurance for you, which travel insurance is best, how do i find the cheapest policy for me, confusing terminology, explained, book the right travel insurance for you today, what is travel insurance.

Travel insurance and health insurance are two different things.

Travel insurance is your protection against unfortunate circumstances that arise while traveling, specifically.

Whereas health insurance typically covers you at home for emergency and non-emergency medical treatment, travel insurance covers emergency and non-emergency medical expenses away from home.

Plus, travel insurance covers additional travel-specific expenses that can result from theft, flight delays, and trip cancellations.

Why Travel Insurance is Important 

Go Backpacking's Community Manager, Adam , shares a story:

I’ve traveled without travel insurance before, and it has come back to bite me when I should’ve expected it.

An unforeseen (but preventable) food-borne sickness bit me on my first week in Thailand.

Without a clue of what it was, I rushed myself to the private hospital in Bangkok (which I didn’t know was private) where I was treated to a bill exceeding my budget by a long-shot.

Since then, I have begun to travel smarter (with insurance), and I’ve been able to capitalize on its advantages with a few canceled flights which have saved my wallet and my trip.

In one instance on a long-haul flight from Paris to Johannesburg, my flight was delayed 12 hours.

I had made a few friends at the gate prior to it being delayed.

I didn’t mind the half-day delay because I had nowhere else to be and it gave me a better chance at sleeping on the plane.

I was given a lounge pass and later told that I could probably file for reimbursement.

To my surprise, my travel insurance covered the cost of the flight and one night in a hotel. It was a blessing for someone not in a hurry.

Adam's not the only one to have experienced misfortunes with and without travel insurance.

Given enough trips taken and time spent traveling, these kinds of unfortunate circumstances can and will happen to you, so you may as well prepare for them.

First, find out if your regular health insurance includes international coverage.

Call your health insurance company and ask if your policy covers you while you are traveling, whether it's a different part of your country or internationally.

If yes, make sure to ask what exactly is covered.

In the United States, for example, many health insurance plans will only cover emergency care outside of the country, leaving you paying the cost of anything short of a trip to the emergency room.

You'll also want to ask about the worst case scenario, an injury or illness so severe it requires evacuation via special air ambulance to your home country. This level of medical care can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars.

If you get travel insurance for no other reason, get it to cover in you a worst case scenario. The kind that could bankrupt you or your family, and necessitate a GoFund me campaign from friends.

Don't allow your lack of planning to become your family and friends' financial burden.

Medical coverage is the most important aspect of travel insurance, but it’s not the only advantage included.

Travel insurance will also, in some cases, cover stolen property, booking cancellations, and emergency evacuation.

For most people, finding the best travel insurance is something to take care of months in advance of your trip.

It’s nothing you want to be dealing with the week you leave as your stress level may already be through the roof.

A nice convenience is the ability to schedule your travel insurance to begin on your departure date.

This allows you to check it off your to-do list well in advance of leaving home. It'll be a relief to handle it as soon as possible.

However, if you are the type to procrastinate or are still on the fence about travel insurance, you can book the day you leave and get coverage.

So, it’s flexible. With World Nomads , you can even book during your travels if you initially want to take the risk of traveling without it and later change your mind.

The cost of your travel insurance policy will depend on several variables.

Your quote will depend heavily on how old you are, your home country, where you are going, and how long you'll be gone.

Some companies are more flexible than others when sending quotes.

We'll outline what you need to know depending on the type of traveler you are below.

Whether you’re looking for single trip travel insurance, long term travel insurance, expat travel insurance, or any other type — there’s something out there for everyone.

Insurance is a for-profit industry, so the companies make a variety of options available to serve every kind of traveler.

If you don’t see the type of coverage you are looking for on a company’s website, you can generally call to speak with a specialist who will work with you to tailor a policy to fit your needs.

The important thing to do is acknowledge what type of traveler you are and what kind of trip you are taking before settling in and doing research. There's a policy for everyone.

Through our experience, we have determined there are certain companies that work best for different types of travel, and we’ve taken the liberty to lay them out for you below:

Best Travel Insurance for Backpackers:  World Nomads

Best Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads: SafetyWing

Best Travel Insurance for Gear Coverage:  Clements

Best Travel Insurance for Existing Medical Conditions:  Allianz Travel **

Best Long-Term Medical Insurance for Expats: International Medical Group (IMG)

** Only on certain policies and medical conditions. Confirm with an insurance agent before purchasing.

Through and through, no matter what kind of traveler you are, but especially for backpackers, we have determined that World Nomads is the best bang for your buck. They give you the most coverage at a reasonable price.

Since 2002, World Nomads has supplied travelers with the best policies tailored to backpackers like us.

They are a trusted company and generally the most popular in the budget travel community because of their low rates, flexibility to apply while still traveling, and excellent customer support.

The majority of travelers will be able to find a suitable policy with just a few clicks on their site.

Adam has been using World Nomads for most of his years as a traveler and has had to utilize their coverage on several occasions.

Although all insurance claims processing can be a hassle, World Nomads is relatively straight-forward, making it easier on their customers.

Values to Look For When Choosing Your Policy

Based on a three-week trip to Europe

• Low deductibles (based on your budget)
• High medical coverage ($100,000 on average)
• Repatriation coverage
• Cancellation coverage ($2,000 or more)
• Lost/stolen property coverage ($1,000 on average)

What Will Your Policy Not Cover

• Treatment of pre-existing conditions
• Most extreme sports injuries
• Change of plans (due to personal reasons)
• Alcohol/drug related losses
• Frequent flier rewards losses
• Unideal weather condition cancellation (personal choice)

If you want to find the cheapest, full-coverage policy, it will take some diligent research.

Shop around, play with each company’s quoting tools.

Most websites are very user-friendly and don’t take much effort or time to be quoted.

It's okay to be frugal in what you need of an insurance policy.

If you’re certain you won’t be partaking in any extreme sports while on vacation, look for a policy that doesn’t charge you extra for that kind of coverage.

Do you need $10,000 worth of property protection or will $500 of protection suffice?

Make sure you are considering your situation and what you need.

Don’t overpay for protection that will never do you any good, but don’t talk yourself out of coverage you might need.

Part of everyone's frustration researching insurance is the often confusing terminology used by the industry.

What is a deductible?

If you’re still on your parent’s health insurance plan, chances are, you’re not familiar with deductibles, yet, it is a critical term to understand when choosing the best travel insurance policy.

A deductible is the amount of money you will be responsible for paying at the time of your care before your travel insurance policy will start to pay for the remaining treatment.

In other words, your travel insurance reimbursement takes effect only after you've paid the amount of your deductible out of your pocket.

So let’s say your deductible for medical treatment is $500. If you have to endure a small operation costing $700 total, you will still be responsible for the first $500 and your insurance will cover the remaining $200.

That may seem unfair until you realize medical bills can easily reach tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Think of worst case scenarios, and insure yourself accordingly.

This is important to consider while researching different insurance company policies. Make sure your deductible is of reasonable value, based on your best judgment.

What is a rider? 

Another term worthy of explanation is a “rider.”

A rider is an extension to a policy, which often adds additional coverage and terms.

For example, if you’re an adrenaline junkie, then adding a sports rider to your policy may be a good idea.

This will cost you more, but it will add additional benefits in areas of the coverage that you’re more at risk.

Travel insurance is always a burden until it becomes a lifesaver.

For only a few dollars a day (or less), it can end up saving your trip and your wallet from serious debt.

Trust us; you don’t want to end up in debt from medical bills because you skipped buying travel insurance.

P.S. – All of the companies mentioned here are ones we've used ourselves.

If you found this article helpful and plan to buy a World Nomads policy , please consider buying it after clicking one of the links in this article.

We'll earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you, which will be used to pay our writers.

If you have any questions, we’d love to help. Email [email protected] or find us on social media.

Last Updated on June 21, 2019 by Dave Lee

Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio . He's been to 66 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Read the full story of how he became a travel blogger.

Travelling is ultimately a tool for growth. If you want to venture further, click this banner and take the leap 😉

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Home » Budget Travel » best travel insurance

Are These The Best Travel Insurance Companies? UPDATED For 2024

Our big, beautiful world is truly vast and fascinating. Nothing can replace exploring and experiencing it first-hand and deciding to travel, was certainly one of the best decisions that I ever made. However, when we are preparing for a trip, it can be all too easy to get caught up in the excitement and forget about the boring, but seriously important little details such as checking that our passport is in date, and getting travel insurance.

But, not purchasing travel insurance can  sometimes, sadly prove to be one of the biggest mistakes a person can make. No one is immune from unfortunate accidents when traveling the world and the worst can and does happen out there. I have personally had to claim on mine several times over the years and I never take a trip without it.

If you are reading this, then you probably already know why you need travel insurance so in this post we are simply going to help you try and find the  best travel insurance  for you.

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

Quick Answers – Are These The Best Travel Insurance Providers?

• > Starts at $42 for 28 days
• > Primarily for medical expenses
• > Subscription-based payment system

World Nomads

• > 2 Plans available
• > Can cover over 140 countries
• > Easy to purchase and customize

• > 24/7 worldwide assistance
• > streamlined app for easy claims
• > plans cover people from all over the world

• > Excellen value
• > Instant payouts via e-Wallet
• > Excellent customer service

Insure My Equipment

• > From $350/500 a year
• > Travel insurance for expensive equipment
• > Works with other cheap travel insurance

RentalCover.com

• > Only $7 – $20 a day!
• > Affordable & easy to claim
• > Cover any rental vehicle

Insure My Trip

• > For travelers over 65 years of age
• > Allows you to compare quotes

Columbus Direct Insurance

• > Travel Insurance for residence of the UK
• > Offer some kickass deals

Gadget Cover

• > UK-specific travel insurance
• > Cover your pricey and precious electronics

Best Travel Insurance: Company Breakdowns

More of the best travel insurances, why do you even need travel insurance, travel insurance and covid, top tips for buying and using travel insurance, faq about the best travel insurance, final thoughts on the best travel insurance.

Choosing the  best travel insurance for yourself  is a matter of individual need. Each policy is different and will be more or less catered to different travelers. This in-depth review highlights some travel insurance companies that I personally used and will hopefully help you to make an informed choice regarding what type of insurance you need to cover your specific adventure.

Below I will break down the top travel insurance policies, what they cover, how much they cost, and everything else you need to know to be prepared for your next trip. I have organized each of the best travel insurance reviews by category to try and make finding the right cover for your unique, personal needs that little bit more easy and straightforward. For example, will you need medical evacua tion coverage or gadget insurance?

Each company will be examined and broken down by the following details:

• General Overview of the travel insurance
• What may the travel insurance cover ?
• What are the cons of travel insurance?
• How much does the travel insurance cost?

#1 SafetyWing – Excellent Medical Insurance for Travelers

SafetyWing is a budget, easy-to-use and overall good travel insurance that is meant to be used primarily for medical expenses. With affordable rates, a very convenient payment system, and some notable perks, SafetyWing is a great choice for those who need flexible medical insurance while traveling. It is cover intended for long term travelers who don’t really need much in the way of trip interruption or cancellation cover which makes it ideal for Digital Nomads , and slow travel budget backpackers.

SafetyWing uses a subscription-based payment system , wherein travelers pay for insurance on a monthly basis, as opposed to all at once in the beginning. This method of payment can be easier on a backpacker’s wallet, especially when you consider that rates can be as low $42/month.

Of special note is the fact that SafetyWing may even offer you some medical coverage in your home country ! This means you can visit home for the holidays, a breather, a family reunion, whatever, and may still receive medical support. This sort of provider coverage is unheard of in travel insurance and makes SafetyWing really stand out from the rest. I can personally vouch for how user friendly Safety Wing are, the policy can be set up within minutes, cancelled just as easily and I found their online support to both fast and thorough in their responses.

Convenient monthly subscription model.

Can cover medical expenses when overseas.

Evacuation repatriation, and trip interruption.

Limited medical coverage in home country – 15 days out of 90 for Americans and 30 days out of 90 for everyone else.

Limited travel insurance perks stuff like baggage, disaster-relief, and travel delays.

No coverage for personal electronics e.g. computers, phones, cameras, etc.

How Much Does a SafetyWing Policy Cost?

SafetyWing can cost as little as $42 for 28 days! Compared to some private medical insurance policies, which can cost hundreds of dollars, SafetyWing has definitely earned its spot as a cheap travel insurance.

SafetyWing’s monthly premium varies depending on a set of factors, most notably the age of the applicant. You will also have higher premiums if you visit the USA (probably due to the shitty American healthcare system). Each quote is made on a case-by-case basis though, so we suggest that you go and make your own at the official SafetyWing website . We’d still consider SafetyWing to be one of the best holiday insurances as well as one of the cheapest.

In some cases, you will need to make a co-payment at treatment e.g. $50 when being admitted to Urgent Care. Be sure to consult the policy packet for more details on this.

Need help deciding between Safety Wing or Hey Mondo ? Check out our helpful guide.

#2 World Nomads – The Travel Insurance for Backpackers

We’ll go ahead and save you some precious time and energy: World Nomads travel insurance  has been designed by travelers for travelers, with coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

World Nomads provides travel insurance in over 100 countries and if you leave home without travel insurance or your policy runs out, you can easily buy or extend while on the road – and that’s a big bonus!

World Nomads Travel Insurance Plans

World Nomads keeps it pretty simple. There are two plans to choose from: the  Standard Plan  and the  Explorer Plan . Depending on your country of residence, age, and travel destination(s), the prices will vary accordingly.

For the full list of what is covered under each insurance plan  click here .

How Much does World Nomads Travel Insurance Cost?

Good news! Each World Nomads insurance policy is customizable for each person. You can choose the exact dates and countries you want coverage for, and bam, you’re insured! Easy. Price is determined by your age, intended destination(s), length of trip, and what type of plan you go with.

#3 My Global Shield – Bargain Cover

My Global Shield is a travel insurance product that focuses on the specific needs of long-duration, frequent, and special-purpose international travelers.

My Global Shield provides insurance coverage tailored for international travelers, students, immigrants, and others. They offer a range of comprehensive options including visa traveler medical insurance, visa health insurance, visitors insurance, international travel medical insurance, trip insurance, and study abroad insurance??.

Some specific coverage details include medical coverage for accidents or illnesses while outside one’s home country, travel coverage for travel delays, lost checked luggage, emergency response, natural disasters, and personal liability. The medical coverage extends to hospital room and board, intensive care unit costs up to the overall policy limit, and local ambulance services. 

Their policy prices are very reasonable but in terms of downsides, they don’t seem to offer a multi-country “backpacker” cover at this time.

Competitive prices on cover

Plans available for short or long trips

COVID-19 coverage included

Serves travelers from most countries in the world

Not offering multi-country/backpacker policies

Some high risk activities not covered

How Much does My Global Shield Insurance Cost?

Prices vary depending on where you are going and when as well as the travellers age, health and all kind of factors. However My Global Shield do offer some good, competitive rates of cover including a 4 week premium cover that starts at $23.52.

#4 Faye – The Next Generation of Travel Insurance

Faye Travel Insurance provides whole-trip travel coverage and care that brings out the best in each journey with industry-leading technology that enables smarter and smoother assistance with faster  claims resolutions. Their app based travel insurance covers your health, your trip and your gear all via an app that provides real-time proactive solutions, quick reimbursements and 24/7 customer support.

If you ever do need to make a claim, then you simply log in to the app and the claim will be assessed super quickly from anywhere in the world!

Best of all, if the claim is successful then the funds will be immediately credited to the smart wallet on your phone or device and ready for you to spend.

In summary, we have tried and tested a lot of different insurance policies and we have never found anything one like this. The only downside we have found so far is that they can only offer cover to residents of 43 US States although there are plans to go nationwide in the future.

100% Digital Travel Insurance

Get a quote in 60 seconds

24/7 customer support

Quick claims processing – potential payouts within hours

Pre-existing condition & COVID-19 coverage included

Available in the US only

Not the cheapest provider

#5 Heymondo – Effective and Efficient

Heymondo are up-to-date when it comes to combining travel insurance with technology for a quick and easy experience. What truly sets them apart is their assistance app offering a 24-hour medical chat, free emergency assistance calls and incident management. How reassuring is that?! They also have a complication-free way to make a claim straight from your phone. No deductibles are also an added bonus.

Medical expenses are covered up to $10,000,000 USD so try not to damage yourself anything over that amount… If you’d like travel insurance that operates with that little extra swiftness and ease, give these guys a go.

24/7 help-line for medical chats, free emergency assistance calls and incident management

plans available for long, short-term and annual multi-trip travel

COVID-19 coverage included in each plan

Serves travelers from any country in the world

Baggage/personal property, travel disruption are NOT covered in the medical insurance plan

You’ll have to pay extra for more “extreme” activities such as white-water rafting, deep water sports, high altitude trekking, mountain biking, horse-riding etc…

How Much does Heymondo Travel Insurance Cost?

Each Heymondo insurance policy is customizable by date, countries you want coverage for, length of trip, and what type of plan you go with.

Here’s an example price quote for a person taking a 4-week trip to Europe from the USA.

There you have it. Heymondo offers coverage up to higher amounts compared to other insurance companies, but may be a little more expensive. It may not be the best for adventure activities, as you have to pay more for those, but overall, we find Heymondo to be great value for money with the premium plan being our top pick (you get a lot more for a little extra money).

The price above INCLUDES our exclusive 5% off pricing for Broke Backpacker readers.

#6 World First – Good Cheap(ish) Travel Insurance

World First is provides excellent budget travel insurance for UK residents (and they only cover UK residents). Whether you are going on a short trip or a  multi-month odyssey, World First offers a decent policy coverage starting at just a few bucks a day.

I appreciate how many different aspects of a trip they cover. Similar to World Nomads, World First offers coverage for a medical emergency, trip delay, lost or stolen cash and gear, legal advice, and dental treatment.

As is the case with budget travel insurance, the coverage benefits are somewhat limited (and I will cover that in the cons).

If you are looking to buy cheap travel insurance to buy yourself some travel protection, or you just need to appease your mother by obtaining insurance, buying World First travel insurance is a great choice.

Sometimes the best travel insurance for you, is the cheapest travel insurance.

Can be tailored to your own needs, budget, and intended activities.

The “Platinum” policy option can cover personal belongings up to £4000.

Maximum excess charge is just £50.

Poor dental coverage.

The reimbursement in case of death is minimal.

Only available for UK residents. Sorry…

How Much Does A World First Insurance Policy Cost?

The example below is for a 2-month trip to the USA for someone 25 years of age.

For a little over £1.16 a day you can have decent travel insurance. That’s awesome! For what you get in return, World First is an excellent coverage option and certainly one of the best travel insurance providers for budget backpackers.

Once again, Travel Insurance Terms and Conditions do vary from time to time and depending on the individual. Make sure you read the policy T & C’s very carefully.

#7 Insure My Equipment – Best Travel Insurance for Covering Electronics

Insuremyequipment.com is a website providing comprehensive travel insurance for expensive equipment (like camera gear). You can get specific pieces of gear insured so you know exactly what will be covered. I have had separate cover for my MacBook for years now and was very glad that I had it when the Mother board blew back in 2018…

Ok so an Insure My Equipment  policy works well in combination with another cheap travel insurance that covers medical expenses. That way you can have the best of both worlds; Completely protect your expensive electronics as well as yourself.

Insure My Equipment policies are excellent for professionals and backpackers with more than $3000-$4000 worth of camera equipment.

Offers the option to insure equipment that is rented or owned For owned equipment, there is a $750,000 maxlimit.

Easy to set up and clear about what is covered.

Good customer feedback.

No medical or trip protection benefits.

Not ideal for the average backpacker: Insure My Equipment specialize in protecting high-end gear.

How Much Does an Insure My Equipment Policy Cost?

Each policy offered by Insure My Equipment is tailored to the items and coverage you need.

The best way to find out travel insurance prices for your gear is to build a custom quote on their website. That way, you can find out what the insurance costs are in relation to your own equipment.

For insuring several high-end cameras lenses, a laptop, and other electronic bits, you are looking at between $350/500 a year.

Remember, Travel Insurance Terms and Conditions do vary from time to time and depending on the individual. Make sure you read the policy T & C’s very carefully.

#8 RentalCover.com – Vehicle Insurance for Travelers

Ever had a small accident on the road that turned into an expensive and nightmarish holiday? So have we. We know the pain of interrupting your travels to deal with your rental company, the repair mechanics, and your bank all at once whilst staying in a dodgy motel because you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere. There goes your holiday (sigh).

That’s why if you plan on renting a vehicle , we suggest you arm yourself with car rental insurance for your travels! You’ll avoid being stuck in a very unpleasant situation and will not only save time but also heaps of money, and most importantly, frustration.

Our top pick for rental car insurance for travel is RentalCover.com . Heard of them before? They’re super affordable and easy to purchase and claim from – what you see is what you get, so you can sit back and relax knowing that they’ve got your back.

RentalCover.com is a global independent rental insurance provider that may be able to cover any rental vehicle (cars, 4x4s, motorhomes, minibuses, etc.) from any rental company, anywhere around the world. That’s not all. On top of this, RentalCover.com may be able to cover everything excluded by rental companies. This includes, but isn’t limited to:

All these benefits make RentalCover.com our top pick for car insurance for backpackers on the market.

Policies around $10 – $15 a day.

Valid claims usually paid within  3 business days .

Policies all have  zero excess . If you’re in trouble, they refund you – end of the story.

Customizable policies to cater to every traveler.

Unfortunately, some rental companies don’t yet recognize them and insist you buy THEIR cover.

Only insures the car, not you and not the rest of your trip.

How Much Does RentalCover.com Policy Cost?

RentalCover.com policies cost only $7 – $20 a day on average depending on the destination, the vehicle type, and the driver’s age. Their price is a lot cheaper than the ones we’ve seen at the rental desk, which usually charge you around $15 – $30 a day. Also, as everything’s covered, you’ll get every penny back on what you’ve spent on repairs.

Policies around $17-$22 a day for premium

You can qualify for coverage of pre-existing medical conditions if you buy the policy prior to or within 24 hours of making your final trip payment.

Interruption coverage of up to 175% of your trip costs (Premium)

High level of baggage loss coverage at $2,000 per person (Premium)

They are one of the more expensive providers on the market.

Only their premium policy offers coverage for pre-existing conditions

We’ve gone over all of the main travel insurance companies of 2022 already, but there are a few more unique ones that need to be mentioned as well. For a more specific travel insurance, choose from these ones:

#9 Insure My Trip – Travel Insurance for Older Travelers

For travelers over 65 years of age, Insure My Trip is one of the travel insurance companies on the market.  Their website allows you to compare quotes and prices from various policies so that you can easily find the one that works for you. If for some reason you are unhappy with a plan you have purchased, you may be able to get a refund.

Overall, consider a specialized senior travel insurance to enjoy your travels fully.

#10 Columbus Direct Insurance – Travel Insurance for Ozzies and Kiwis

These guys offer some kickass deals on backpacker travel insurance for residents of the UK. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, be sure to read the terms and conditions thoroughly before taking up the insurance.

#11 Gadget Cover – Electronics Travel Insurance for UK Residents

Well, that didn’t last long. We’re back with another UK-specific travel insurance specifically for protecting your gadgets and electronics.  Cover your pricey and precious electronics while on the road. Particularly suited for people who take numerous trips per year, returning to the UK often. Gadget Cover’s Total Transparency Manifesto  makes understanding their policies plain and simple.

To us travelling with a proper insurance seems like a no-brainer, but we had to learn the hard way as well. You might be thinking:

• Why do I even need travel insurance?
• Am I wasting my time thinking about travel insurance?
• Is it important anyway?
• Where did I leave my goddamn keys?

We can answer three of those questions.

Let’s be honest. None of us wants  to pay for travel insurance. That said, nobody wants to lose a ton of money in general… and that can easily happen when you are on any given backpacking adventure.

Buying travel insurance is an investment and a safety net to guard against the unplanned craziness of traveling. Maybe you won’t use it on your first trip, or your second, or third, but you will eventually need it, and you’ll want to be ready.

Whilst hunting for the best travel insurance can be a pain in the ass, don’t worry, we have done all of the hard work for you (including learning lessons the hard way).

Things that happened to The Broke Backpacker team on the road…

• My backpack was stolen with all worldly possessions inside.
• Needed stitches in the head after crashing a motorbike in Thailand.
• Strikes in Bucharest meant getting stuck in traffic for hours and missing a flight.
• Spending two weeks in a hospital in Costa Rica after nearly dying in the jungle.
• Needed to go on an IV in Pakistan after being sick for days.
• Dengue fever in Thailand and grounded for a week in a clinic; there was no hospital nearby.

We want to point out that this all happened over nearly a decade of traveling the world. Most of the time, when you travel, nothing goes wrong. But it only takes one poor decision, a misjudged bend in the road, one sneaky-bastard thief, or plain bad luck to change everything.

A question we often get asked is whether you can buy travel insurance after departure . The answer is yes!

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Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

What Makes a Good Travel Insurance Policy?

When trying to decide what the best travel insurance company is for you, you need to first assess your own needs. Every type of trip and traveler requires a different level of travel insurance. What may be the best travel insurance for you might not be best for the next person.

You’ll need to start asking some questions about your planned destination and what you may be doing whilst your backpacking there.

• Do you have high-end electronics you need to protect?
• Are you traveling to a dangerous country with the potential for civil unrest, political strife, or armed conflict?
• Do you plan on undertaking risky activities abroad like skiing, mountaineering, or rock climbing?
• Are you traveling long-term and just need basic protection?

Once all of these questions are answered, you can start looking for the right travel insurance for your travel needs. And let us tell you, simply going for the cheapest one might not cut it for everyone…

When COVID-19 first rocked the world in 2020, most travel insurers were quick to invoke their cancellation clauses and pull all cover relating to either illness, cancellation or disruption caused by the pesky pandemic.

These days, most insurance providers are offering some form of COVID insurance coverage included within their policies, but some are more useful than others. Whilst many now cover hospitalisation caused by COVID infections, fewer are offering any kind of cover for disruption or cancellation such as being refused boarding on a flight for displaying symptoms, or having to cancel your trip because of a positive test.

Whilst the pandemic has largely subsided, COVID is still able to severely disrupt travel plans. Therefore do consider paying close attention to the finer details of any insurers COVID-19 cover.

There are some tips and tricks when purchasing a travel insurance. To make sure that you won’t have to go through all the hassle we went through, we’ve listed our insider knowledge below.

How to Make a Claim on your Travel Insurance Policy

This is the best piece of advice we can give you: if you need to make a claim, get all your documents in order as soon as possible.

If you have been robbed you will need a police report. In general, getting a police report tends to vastly speed up payment on your claim. Most insurance companies require a report.

Keeping receipts of all the valuables you take traveling is a really good idea – the insurance company will want to see that you actually bought the items in the first place before they payout.

You need to be patient when it comes to actually getting paid as even the best insurance companies sometimes drag their feet. If the first offer that the travel insurance company makes you is ridiculously low then dispute it – the second offer is usually a lot better.

Point being, the more documentation you have regarding the items you are traveling with, the better. It’s not a bad idea to have a date-marked picture of all of your stuff before setting off on a trip.

If you do have expensive electronics, register the items with the company. That way, you can easily look up the exact model you had before you broke/lost it. If registering the equipment isn’t an option, write down the serial numbers or barcodes and stash that information somewhere safe. Jotting down the serial numbers of your phone, laptop, and camera might seem tedious and a bit overkill, but you should only have to do it once. If the time comes when you actually need that information on hand, you’ll sure be happy to have it.

Declaring Pre-Existing Conditions

First off, read all of the fine print of any travel insurance policy you buy. Almost all insurance companies will not issue payment for medical treatment you receive as a result of a pre-existing condition. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, then you should seek out recommended travel insurance that will cover you with full knowledge of that condition.

If you make a claim with a travel insurance company and they uncover your medical history (which they inevitably will), they will most-likely declare your insurance void and you will be stuck with the bill.

Insurance companies will usually do anything to avoid paying you. Having a secret pre-existing medical condition that you fail to report is a sure way to get your policy nullified. Be honest. Read the fine print. Do your homework on what is covered and what is not (especially with regard to pre-existing conditions).

Do everything in your power to ensure you get paid by the insurance company when you need to be.

Still have some questions? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, you do. Whether it’s a short trip or a long one, it’s better to be safe than sorry. You never know what could happen.

What is the best travel insurance for long-term travellers?

Long term travellers might have a harder time finding the right insurance. Luckily, Alpha Travel Insurance offers the best coverage for being on the roads for a long time.

What is the most reliable travel insurance for backpackers?

We can only speak from experience and we’re more than happy with the services of World Nomads travel insurance.

How do you make a travel insurance claim?

If you need to make a claim, the most important thing you need to do is have all of your documents ready BEFORE you reach out to them. That means police reports, receipts, personal information, etc.

Shopping reviews for the best travel insurance is nobody’s idea of a good time. That said, it does pay to research prices and policies and find the right company that will cover all of your needs whilst not breaking the bank.

Travel insurance is just one of those things that we would never travel without. Whichever company you end up traveling with, get to know the policy intimately. Read it yourself very carefully. We can’t emphasize that enough! The more you know your insurance policy, the more you will know about how and when to use it. Make sure you read the policy T & C’s very carefully.

As I have said before, my favorite go-to travel insurance is  World Nomads . They are affordable and may be able to insure backpackers for 100+ countries. For many travelers, World Nomads is a great company to go with.

We sincerely hope that you stay safe whilst having amazing adventures over the course of your traveling career! Happy travels… see you down the road. If you’re insured.

World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Aiden Freeborn

Share or save this post

Thank you for sharing your insights on the best travel insurance.

I was wondering if you had any recommendations for companies that also include coverage in your home country. My husband and I have quit our jobs and are planning internationally for 6-8 months; Since we are no longer covered by our employers, we are trying to figure out how to get primary health coverage at home in addition to travel coverage – any suggestions?

Sorry, but we are not familiar with personal health insurance policies in specific countries. We can only offer advice for travel insurance. cheers

I was going to register the domain insuremycrap.com

You beat us! :p

You didn’t mentioned but the First Allied has $250 Excess. From the policy:

Section C: Medical Expenses Conditions

1. From each claim shall be deducted USD 250 being the amount of the Excess under this insurance.

Yes, you are correct. Thanks for the additional info.

Three years ago I bought travel Ins for first time ever in case luggage was lost. After buying airline ticket, bought travel ins on same website. I got sick abroad. AIG paid urgent care, tests, hospitalization 4 days, medicines, upgraded my airline ticket from coach to first class, provided nurse to travel with me from abroad to Los Angeles, wheelchair at airports, car pick up at both ends of trip, faxes, calls, portion airline ticket coach I did not use,.. Took 2 months to process full claim but I got excellent service for $50 travel insurance.

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The Best Backpacker Travel Insurance (2024)

Explore our top picks for travel insurance for backpacking trips and compare options to find the right coverage below.

with our partner, Travelinsurance.com

Alex Carver is a writer and researcher based in Charlotte, N.C. A contributor to major news websites such as Automoblog and USA Today, she’s written content in sectors such as insurance, warranties, shipping, real estate and more.

Tori Addison is an editor who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over five years. Her experience includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.

The best travel insurance for backpacking trips is Travelex due to its affordable coverage for mult-destination trips. Travelex offers three plan options and a Travel America plan for backpackers making their way across the states.

From beachfront hostels in Thailand to campgrounds in Europe, a backpacker insurance policy can help you enjoy your adventure with peace of mind. Whether you’re traveling as a digital nomad or launching into adventure sports like trekking or scuba diving, travel insurance can cover the cost of unforeseen events or accidents during short or long-term backpacking trips.

Key Features To Look For in Backpacker Travel Insurance

Backpacker travel insurance is subject to your individual needs. According to the U.S. Department of State, the government does not cover medical bills overseas. Therefore, the agency recommends travel medical emergency insurance, especially if you’re participating in adventure activities. However, not all travel insurance companies cover adventure sports.

Trip interruption insurance can help you prepare for potential cancellations and flight delays, offering reimbursement of prepaid costs if interruptions occur for a covered reason. Emergency evacuation coverage is important in the event of natural disasters or civil unrest, especially if you plan on adventuring in rural areas. Ensuring your policy offers baggage and personal effects coverage also offers a financial safety net for lost or stolen belongings, including sporting gear.

While you may be able to find basic travel insurance with these features, the benefit limits may vary. It’s also important to note that not all policies cover adventure sports gear or medical expenses. Make sure to look for a plan with this coverage if you plan on adding sporting events to your backpacking trip.

Top 5 Travel Insurance Providers for Backpackers

Here is our list of travel insurance plans and providers to suit backpackers:

• Travelex Insurance: Our top pick
• AIG Travel Guard : Our pick for families
• IMG Travel Insurance : Our pick for medical coverage
• Allianz Global Assistance: Our pick for concierge services
• World Nomads: Our pick for adventure travelers

Compare Backpacking Travel Insurance Companies

We requested online quotes for our top travel insurance providers so you can see how much coverage costs . The chart below includes estimates for a 25-year-old backpacker from New York taking a three-week trip to Mexico, with a total trip cost of $2,500. Quotes are for basic plans with travel medical insurance, trip cancellation coverage and more. We also included unique coverage options, including cancel for any reason or CFAR coverage.

Why Trust MarketWatch Guides

Our editorial team follows a comprehensive methodology for rating and reviewing travel insurance companies. Advertisers have no effect on our rankings.

Companies Reviewed

Quotes Collected

Rating Factors

Best Backpacker Insurance in Detail

You can choose from three plans with Travelex Insurance: Travel Basic, Travel Select and Travel America. Travel Basic is a budget-friendly option for backpackers with sufficient coverage. Five optional upgrades are available with the more comprehensive Travel Select Plan, with a $50,000 limit for emergency medical costs.

If you are planning to backpack around the U.S., the Travel America plan provides emergency medical expenses and reimbursement for canceled events, such as ski resort closures.

Pros & Cons

Coverage & cost.

Add-On Options

Travelex offers a variety of add-on options, depending on the plan you choose. Upgrades include:

• CFAR coverage
• Car rental collision
• Adventure sports coverage
• Additional medical coverage
• Flight accidental death and dismemberment

Based on our quote process, the Travel Basic Plan costs $87 for a 25-year-old traveler on a 20-day trip to Spain worth $3,000.

If you’re looking for a travel insurance policy for backpacking as a family, AIG Travel Guard plans include coverage for one child under age 17 with the rate for a paying adult. The Deluxe Plan offers high-level medical evacuation and healthcare coverage up to $100,000, while

the Preferred Plan features up to $50,000 for travel medical costs.

If you are on a budget during long-term backpacking trips, the Essential Plan covers the basics, with 24/7 emergency assistance and medical care coverage up to $15,000. The Pack N’ Go Plan is available if you plan a trip last minute and don’t need cancellation coverage.

AIG Travel Guard provides a range of add-ons depending on your chosen plan. Some examples include:

• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage
• Rental vehicle damage coverage
• Security evacuations and interruptions bundle
• Adventure sports bundle
• Medical bundle
• Wedding bundle
• Baggage bundle

Based on the quote we requested for a 25-year-old backpacker traveling to Spain for 20 days on a $3,000 trip, the Essential Plan would cost $134.

*AM Best ratings are accurate as of June 2023.

From rafting to skydiving and bungee jumping, extreme sports fans can take advantage of IMG’s iTravelInsured Travel Sport Plan. It includes sports equipment rental reimbursement and natural disaster evacuation coverage.

For long backpacking trips, the most affordable option is the iTravelInsured Travel Lite Plan, which includes benefits for trip cancellation, travel delays and emergency medical assistance. You can also opt for more comprehensive options with the iTravelInsured Travel SE and iTravelInsured Travel LX plans.

IMG offers the following add-ons with the iTravelInsured Travel LX plan:

• Interrupt for any reason (IFAR) coverage (up to 75% of trip costs)
• CFAR coverage (up to 75% of the trip costs)

Based on our quote, the iTravelInsured Travel Lite Plan would cost $83 for a 25-year-old traveler backpacking around Spain for a 20-day trip worth $3,000.

Allianz offers a range of affordable plans for backpackers, including the AllTrips Basic Plan, a multi-trip policy with year-long protection. Or, if you’re primarily looking for health insurance and have a flexible itinerary with minimal prepaid expenses, you can save money with the OneTrip Emergency Medical Plan. It only covers post-departure benefits, including unexpected events after your trip begins.

While Allianz also provides comprehensive insurance policies, budget travelers may prefer the OneTrip Basic plan for affordable, all-around coverage.

Allianz Global provides the following add-on options, which you can add depending on your plan:

• OneTrip Rental Car Protector
• Terrorism Extension cover
• Required to Work cover

Based on our quote, the OneTrip Basic Plan would cost $91 for a 25-year-old backpacker taking a 20-day trip to Spain for $3,000.

Whether you love Alpine skiing or rock climbing, World Nomads is a popular choice for adventurous backpackers. Its two policies, the Standard Plan and Explorer Plan, cover over 200 adventure activities and sports. The main difference between the plans is the Explorer Plan offers higher coverage limits.

World Nomads offers rental car damage coverage with the Explorer Plan.

We pulled quotes for both plans for a 25-year-old backpacker taking a 20-day trip to Spain. You could expect to pay $96 for the Standard Plan and $180 for the Explorer Plan.

Factors To Consider When Choosing Backpacking Insurance

Everyone’s different, so choosing the best insurance for your backpacking trip means considering your personal needs. Ask yourself the following questions as you consider travel insurance policies:

• Does the travel insurance cover all the destinations you want to visit?
• How long is your backpacking trip and if needed, does the policy suit long-term travel?
• Does the policy include sufficient medical coverage for potential health issues or participation in sports?
• Are there adequate coverage limits for baggage, gear and high-value equipment?
• Does the policy sufficiently cover missed activities and flight cancellations ?
• Do you require coverage for a pre-existing conditio n and if so, does the policy include a waiver?

If you are planning a long-term backpacking trip, pay attention to the duration of your travel insurance policy. For example, if you apply for a multi-trip plan with six months versus a year of coverage. And if you plan to trek around the globe, make sure your policy includes your intended destinations.

It also helps to check the coverage you already have before purchasing a policy. For example, your credit card may include rental car coverage or other forms of travel insurance.

What Does Travel Insurance Not Cover?

Most travel insurance plans cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations and delays , and baggage loss or theft. However, most policies don’t cover the following:

• Alcohol and drug-related incidents
• Extreme sports such as cliff diving
• Non-emergency medical treatment
• Flexibility in trip cancelation, such as changing your mind about flights or destinations
• Incidents due to negligence

Some providers may offer add-on coverage for extreme sports, non-emergency medical treatment and cancellation flexibility (CFAR coverage).

Travel Tips for Comparing Backpacker Insurance

Before buying travel insurance, it’s important to shop around, compare prices and read customer reviews. We suggest obtaining online quotes from at least three providers before selecting a policy.

Once you’ve found a few options that suit your coverage needs and budget, read the policy documents to ensure the coverage is right for you. Look for any exclusions or limits that may impact your coverage, such as a lack of adventure sports protection. If you don’t understand something, speak to the provider directly before making your decision.

Is Backpacking Travel Insurance Worth It?

Backpacking is often an adventure of a lifetime, but it is also an investment. Safeguarding your prepaid and nonrefundable costs, along with having financial safety nets for unforeseen medical emergencies, can help you enjoy a stress-free journey.

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide if backpacking travel insurance is worth it . If you’re planning to launch into adventure activities, top providers such as World Nomads, IMG and Travelex offer extra coverage. You can also opt for a basic plan from Allianz or choose AIG Travel Guard if you need coverage for a child. Regardless of your choice, each of our top providers can provide affordable options with sufficient coverage for backpackers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Insurance for Backpacking Trips

Should i purchase travel insurance for a backpacking trip.

While your need for travel insurance is up to you, purchasing a policy can be worth it. Travel insurance for backpacking can cover medical costs in an emergency. Policies can also safeguard you against financial loss by providing reimbursements if your trip is canceled or delayed or your baggage or gear gets stolen. Some providers offer add-ons to cover rental car damage, highly valuable items and more.

What type of insurance do you need for backpacking?

The type of insurance you need depends on your destination, the duration of your trip and the activities you plan to do. At a minimum, backpackers should consider a policy with the following coverage:

• Trip cancellation , interruption and delay
• Emergency medical expenses
• Emergency evacuation and repatriation
• Lost or stolen baggage

Consider policies with adequate add-on coverage, like if you plan on participating in adventure sports or need a rental car.

What is the difference between backpacking insurance and travel insurance?

Backpacking insurance is simply a type of travel insurance with coverage tailored to backpackers. While some providers offer adventure-specific policies, you may find that a standard travel insurance plan suits your backpacking trip. Researching policy options can help you find coverage for your unique needs, including annual multi-trip plans for long-term trips.

Methodology: Our System for Rating Travel Insurance Companies for Backpacking Trips

• A 30-year-old couple taking a $5,000 vacation to Mexico.
• A family of four taking an $8,000 vacation to Mexico.
• A 65-year-old couple taking a $7,000 vacation to the United Kingdom.
• A 30-year-old couple taking a $7,000 trip to the United Kingdom.
• A 19-year-old taking a $2,000 trip to France.
• A 27-year-old couple taking a $1,200 trip to Greece.
• A 51-year-old couple taking a $2,000 trip to Spain.
• Plan availability (10%): We look for insurers with a variety of travel insurance plans and the ability to customize a policy with coverage upgrades.
• Coverage details (29%): We review the baseline coverage each company offers in its cheapest comprehensive plan. A provider with robust coverage earns full points, including baggage delay and loss, COVID-19 coverage, emergency evacuation and medical coverage, trip delay and cancellation coverage, and more. Companies also receive points for offering a variety of policy add-ons like accidental death and dismemberment, extreme sports, valuable items, cancel for any reason coverage and more.
• Coverage times and amounts (34%): We compare each company’s waiting periods and maximum reimbursement amounts for baggage, travel and weather delays. Companies that offer customers reimbursement after fewer than 12 hours of delays earn full points in this category. We also reward travel insurance providers that cover more than 100% of trip costs in the event of cancellations or interruptions.
• Company service and reviews (17%): We look for indicators that a company is well-prepared to respond to customer needs. Companies with an established global resource network, 24/7 emergency hotline, mobile app, multiple ways to file a claim and concierge services score higher in this category. We assess reputation by evaluating consumer reviews, third-party financial strength and customer experience ratings, specifically from AM Best and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

For more information, read our full travel insurance methodology.

A.M. Best Disclaimer

More Travel Insurance Guides

• Best covid travel insurance companies
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• Best travel insurance companies
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• Best group travel insurance companies
• Health insurance for visitors to usa
• Best senior travel insurance
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• Best student travel insurance plans
• Travel insurance for parents visiting USA
• Best travel medical insurance plans
• How much does travel insurance cost?

If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team at  editors@marketwatchguides. com .

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• Backpacker Travel Insurance

Backpacker travel insurance

For travellers aged 18 – 60

Covers one trip of up to 18 months

Return home for up to 7 days on 3 occasions

Make sure you’re properly prepared for your adventure overseas

You've worked out where you're going, sorted out the passport and visas, and taken your vaccinations. Now you're ready to take on the world. Add backpacker cover to our economy travel insurance, and you’ll be good to go.

Medical Assistance Plus: 24/7 holiday health support

Have peace of mind when you travel knowing health professionals are just one click away.

Medical Assistance Plus, powered by Air Doctor, comes free with all our travel insurance policies (1). It gives you access to outpatient medical support while you’re away.

Through the service you can book an in-person or video consultation with a doctor. You can also get prescriptions delivered to your nearest pharmacy.

We’ll send you an SMS reminder about the service the day before you travel (for single-trip and backpacker cover) or the day before your policy begins (for annual multi-trip cover).

What’s covered?

Here’s a summary of the cover our backpacker policies provide. For full details check our policy documents.

An accident abroad

Few countries have total universal healthcare like the UK’s NHS. Most countries outside of the EU don’t have mutual healthcare agreements with the UK. This means the cost of getting treatment can be very expensive. Travel insurance is there to protect you and help when you’re at your most vulnerable

Lost valuables

Some holiday mishaps are down to sheer bad luck. Getting pickpocketed on a busy street. Your airline mislaying your bags. Or someone picking up the wrong rucksack at the bus stop. You just can’t plan for losing your valuables. But you can plan to get help with the replacement costs by getting a backpacker travel insurance quote with us

Sporting activities included

If you’re off travelling the world with a backpack, we’re willing to bet you can be tempted by the odd adventure sport or two. We cover over 100 sports and activities free of charge, but there are some we don’t cover at all. Check your policy wording for the full list and our terms and conditions, as some aren’t covered for personal injury or personal liability

How much cover do you get?

Our backpacker travel insurance comes with our economy cover. Here are some of the cover highlights.

Policy wording

Upgrade your cover with ease

Need cover for your policy that's not included as standard? Just pay a little more to add these upgrades – optional or mandatory depending on the trip type.

This optional extra helps protect you from the impact of airspace disruption, natural catastrophes, terrorist acts or Covid-19 (5)

If you’re happy with the cover offered, but worried about excess fees, you can opt for an excess waiver. For an additional premium, you can add it to any Post Office level of cover for zero excess fees (5)

Insure all your devices with our easy-to-add gadget cover. It’s perfect to protect all your smartphones, tablets, laptops and consoles (5)

Specialist cover is mandatory for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. There’s greater risk of emergency costs. Make sure you’re protected on the pistes (5)

If you're going on a cruise, specialist cover is both important and mandatory. It covers missed departure due to breakdown, falling ill on board, being confined to your cabin, lost baggage and more (5)

Trip extensions are available up to 45 or 60 days, increasing from the standard 31 days (5)

All medical conditions considered

Living with a medical condition shouldn’t stop you seeing the world. And, with the right travel insurance in place, you can enjoy peace of mind on your adventures – just in case something unfortunate happens.

At Post Office, we cover most pre-existing conditions. Contact us for a quote to see if we can cover you. It’s important to declare upfront all your medical conditions and any medication you're taking.

If we can't help and yours is a serious pre-existing medical condition, check the  Money and Pensions Scheme (MaPS) directory. It lists companies that may be able to help you. Or call 0800 138 7777 .

Ready to get a quote?

Let’s find the protection that’s right for your travels. Get a quote for Post Office Travel Insurance

Common questions

What is backpacker insurance.

Backpacker insurance is designed for those of us who like to travel the world – and we’ve taken a lot into account. So, you can return home for up to seven days as many as three times. And there are over 100 sports and activities included, so it’s designed with you in mind.

Am I eligible for backpacker travel insurance?

To be eligible for Post Office Backpacker Insurance you must:

• Be aged between 18 and 60 years
• Reside in Great Britain, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man
• Be registered with a GP in one of these places

Conditions and exclusions apply. For full details of what's included with your cover, check the policy wording .

Will I need extra cover with backpacker insurance?

While we’ve included a lot of adventure sports as standard on Post Office Backpacker Insurance, you’ll still need extra cover for winter sports . You can add this to your policy for an additional premium.

You can also add excess waiver cover . With this added cover, you won’t need to pay any part of any claims that you make.

Before you buy travel insurance, you should thoroughly check our policy terms and conditions. This way you’ll be sure that any adventure sports or activities you want to take part in are fully covered. A good example is if you’re planning to do any voluntary manual work while you’re away. Please be aware that if you need to make a claim, the excess will increase to £250, and purchasing the optional excess waiver won’t remove this excess.

What’s covered with backpacker insurance?

Post Office Backpacker Insurance is similar to other forms of travel insurance. It’ll cover you for medical emergency, the cancellation or cutting short of your trip, and loss of your belongings. It’s available with our economy level insurance. It’s a good idea to check our policy documents to make sure it has all the cover you need for your trip.

Is there a discount for students?

Yes, there is. We’ve partnered with Student Beans to offer a student discount. Log in with your Student Beans account to claim your discount code . Or, if you don’t have one, you’ll need to register for a Student Beans account to verify you’re a student.

When getting a quote for Post Office Travel Insurance please enter your discount code into the promotion code box. The discount will be taken off your quote total.

Do you offer a discount for graduates?

Yes, we do. We’ve partnered with Grad Beans to offer a discount to students. To claim it, you’ll need to either register for a Grad Beans account (to verify your graduate status) or log in with your existing account . You’ll be given a unique code, which you’ll need to enter in the promotion code box that appears when getting your travel insurance quote. The discount will be taken off your quote total.

• Read more travel insurance FAQs

Need some help?

Travel insurance help and support.

For emergency medical assistance, to make a claim, manage your account online, find answers to common questions about our cover or get in touch:  

Visit our travel insurance support page

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If you haven’t yet registered your Post Office Travel Insurance policy, enter your details and create a log in so you can access it any time 

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Travel insurance policy types

Backpacker cover.

• Cover for a one-off trip up to 18 months
• Option to return home for up to 7 days on 3 occasions.
• For people aged 18 – 60 wanting to travel the world for a gap year or career break

Single-trip cover

• Cover for a one-off trip in the UK or abroad
• Perfect for one-off trips or longer holidays of up to 365 days (3)
• No age limit

Annual multi-trip cover

• Cover for multiple-trips for a 12-month period
• 31-day trip limit, with extensions available up to 45 and 60 days
• Available for everyone aged up to 75 years

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Policy documents

To access your policy documents, select your cover level then tell us the date you bought your cover.

Policy numbers starting with TC

Policies are underwritten by Collinson Insurance:

• Policy wording - purchased on or after the 28 March 2024
• Policy wording - purchased on or after 31 August 2023
• Policy wording – purchased on or after 17 August 2022
• Policy wording – purchased on or after 31 March 2022

About our travel insurance

Post Office® Travel Insurance is arranged by Post Office Limited and Post Office Management Services Limited.

Post Office Limited is an appointed representative of Post Office Management Services Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FRN 630318. Post Office Limited and Post Office Management Services Limited are registered in England and Wales. Registered numbers 2154540 and 08459718 respectively. Registered Office: 100 Wood Street, London, EC2V 7ER. Post Office and the Post Office logo are registered trademarks of Post Office Limited.

These details can be checked on the Financial Services Register by visiting the Financial Conduct Authority website and searching by Firm Reference Number (FRN).

(1) This service is not available for trips taken in the UK, only for international travel. The service allows up to 3 separate medical events per person, per policy and for each medical event up to 3 appointments per person listed on the policy. All appointment charges are covered by your travel insurance policy. You will not need to pay any excess fees for this service.

For any online appointments or where the appointment was held at your accommodation, where a prescription is issued, you will need to pay for any medication and claim upon your return home. No excess will be applied for any prescription charges. If your appointment takes place at a clinic and they have a dispensing chemist, you will not need to pay for your prescription and all charges will be covered by your policy at the point of appointment. If there is no dispensing chemist at the clinic, you will either be given a prescription, or the prescription will be sent to a chemist by the treating doctor, and you will need to pay for any medication and claim upon your return home.

If your medical situation needs to be handed over from an outpatient case to an inpatient case and requires hospital admission, you will be handed over to our emergency medical assistance team in the UK. For any inpatient cases, no excess will be applicable.

(3) For economy, standard and premier policies, the single-trip policy will cover you for one trip up to:

• 365 days for those aged up to and including 70 years
• 90 days for those aged between 71 and 75
• 31 days for those aged 76 years and above

(5) Terms and conditions apply.

Backpacking Through Europe

How to backpacking through Europe| AXA Travel Insurance

Backpacking through Europe, a journey you will never forget

You have just finished another school year and now it is time to have some fun! You may travel alone or start an adventure with your best friends, in any case, enjoy your trip. Europe receives about 324 million tourists each year, accounting for a large part of the world’s tourism, so plan ahead to save some money for next year’s tuition. 

Europe is a traveler's dream, take the opportunity and cross into this old continent. Visit its impressive architecture, its great culture and its delicious gastronomy, an experience that will remain engraved in your memory. Please keep in mind that if your time in Europe exceeds 90 days, you will need to apply for a Schengen Visa ( Click here for more information ) and a Travel Insurance plan of at least 30,000 EUR in medical coverage, approximately 35,000 USD. 

Before your trip, consider... 

• How you will get around. Interrail is a great way to travel across Europe, keep in mind that seats are subject to availability, so plan ahead. Interrail is perfect if you want to see the big cities in Europe, however in some cities renting a car in advance can be slightly cheaper.
• Europe also has many low-cost flights that if you buy in advance could start as low as 15 USD, this will allow you to travel much faster and in less time! 
• Do not travel without having your accommodation planned ahead of time because during the summer, both hotels and hostels are usually at their maximum capacity and it is generally difficult to find a place to stay. 
• If you are a student, carry your student ID with you. Students can receive discounts in several tourist locations; in addition, if you apply for an ISIC (INTERNATIONAL STUDENT IDENTITY CARD) you may also find discounts at hotels, restaurants and department stores.
• ALWAYS, Always take out a travel insurance policy, it will allow you to enjoy your trip to the maximum and offer you protection while making the most of your trip. 
• Always carry a foreign transaction fee credit card with you. Most establishments in Europe accept credit cards even for small purchases; this eliminates the risk of carrying cash and conversion rate fees. 
• Carry only what you need in your suitcase. Buy a backpack that fits your needs and never carry more than 1/6th of your body weight so that it is not too heavy.

What are you most excited about discovering? The famous Eiffel Tower in Paris , the unique Tower of Pisa , the historic Brandenburg Gate in Berlin , the imposing Colosseum in Rome or perhaps a gondola ride through a Venice canal in Italy ? Take into account your budget and above all how much time you have. If your time is limited, we suggest you book a tour through a travel agency of your choice, this way you will be able to see more in a shorter time frame. 

If you are lucky enough to be able to travel for longer, we suggest you dedicate a few days to each country.  Sometimes in order to see as many destinations as possible we only spend a day or a few hours in certain countries and we only see a fraction of what they have to offer. Making a backpacking trip is not just any adventure, it is an attitude and a mindset that we have to have to get rid of prejudices, enjoy everything that comes and get the most out of every minute you spend traveling, that's why when travelling to Europe, fewer countries means more. 

Dare to participate in activities you do not normally do at home! Try the local cuisine, take trains, visit monuments, enjoy the sunrises, learn a new sport, make friends and take the opportunity to get to know yourself better.  We all smile in the same language, give yourself a chance to show everything you are capable of doing and take all the pictures that your cell phone can store. 

At AXA, we want you to see the world and live your life to the fullest, that is why we offer  several travel protection plans,  which include travel insurance and travel assistance services, so that you can enjoy every minute of your trip, with a feeling of tranquility that only a leader in Travel Assistance can provide. 

Look out for our future post where we will suggest destinations and countries so that you can decide and start planning your next trip in advance, spending less and learning more. If you already have your backpack packed, what are you waiting for? Get a Quote for our travel protection plans today!

" The real voyage of discovery is not about looking for new landscapes, but about looking at new horizons ."  Marcel Proust. 

Get an AXA Travel Protection Plan today !

Disclaimer: Welcome to the AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance Blog! The Travel on Blog is intended to provide you with entertaining and educational information of a general nature. The articles are for editorial purposes only and are not intended to replace the advice of a qualified professional. Please contact AXA Assistance USA if you have any questions.

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Travel Smart with Outbacker!

Working Holidays and a Return Trip to the UK

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Who is going, important conditions.

This policy is only valid for permanent UK residents aged 18 to 40 years old at the time of purchase who are registered with a UK GP and for trips departing from the United Kingdom and returning to the United Kingdom. Cover is not provided for a trip already in progress.

Please note: If you travel to a country where the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) or other regulatory authority advise against travel there will be no cover under this policy, even if the country would be otherwise covered.

This product is designed to meet the demands and needs of those who wish to ensure that they are financially protected in the event of medical emergencies, delayed departures, cancellation and curtailment, lost, stolen or delayed possessions, personal liability, loss of travel money and passport and legal expenses when travelling and if chosen, optional cover can be included if applicable. The levels of cover may vary depending on which options you choose and where you travel to.

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Working holiday, 100+ activities, medical expenses, return trip to the uk.

More than a million checked-in bags get lost forever at airports globally.

Outbacker BagFinder can prevent this from happening to you.

Introducing the Doctor Please! app

For minor medical issues, you can now speak to a UK GP via a video call at a time and place convenient to you.

It's cheaper and more convenient than seeing a local private doctor and in most cases, they'll be able to issue you a local prescription.

Outbacker Travel Insurance policies do not cover ANY pre-existing medical conditions.

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SafetyWing Review: Insurance for Long-Term Travel

Last Updated on November 14, 2023

by Michael Rozenblit

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we make a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, see our privacy policy. This article was originally sponsored by SafetyWing in June 2019 however it has since been updated several times to reflect the latest information. All opinions are our own.

Embarking on a stint of long-term travel comes with a lot of considerations. What type of luggage should you choose? What are the most important items to pack? However, arguably the most important thing to consider is choosing the best insurance for long-term travel. This SafetyWing review will hopefully help you decide if this insurance might be the answer for you!

Taking out an insurance policy for a longer trip comes with a whole set of different considerations compared to short trips. Despite this, until very recently, there weren’t companies that focused exclusively on the longer-term travel market and instead, travellers would take out insurance policies from traditional travel insurance companies.

With the rise of digital nomads and long-term travellers, SafetyWing insurance aims to fill that gap in the market by offering travel medical insurance designed specifically for nomads.

Is their product right for you? This SafetyWing Insurance review outlines what we think are the best aspects of their policies and what makes them ideal for people who travel full-time. We will also cover some limitations to be aware of if you are considering taking out a policy with them.

This review focuses on their nomad insurance policy , however, they also have a new remote health policy that is aimed towards individuals and companies wanting a more comprehensive health insurance policy.

The main advantages of the remote health policy are that it covers pre-existing conditions and cancer while the nomad insurance policy is available on a short-term plan and includes various travel benefits. A comparison between the two policies is in the table below.

Table of Contents

Why Choose SafetyWing Insurance?

There are a number of reasons why SafetyWing Insurance makes a compelling case as the best insurance for long-term travel and digital nomads around the world.

1. SafetyWing is very affordable

SafetyWing Insurance is undoubtedly one of the cheapest options available on the market, which makes them a great choice if you are a penny-pinching backpacker or simply a digital nomad who is just getting started and doesn’t want to spend a lot on insurance.

Their prices start at $45.08 for 4 weeks, which covers people aged up to 39 years old who are not travelling in the US. Prices increase to $83.44 for 4 weeks if travelling to the US (this option is only available to non-US citizens).

Prices then start to increase to $73.92 for 4 weeks for 40 to 49-year-olds, $115.92 for 4 weeks for 50 to 59-year-olds and $157.36 for 4 weeks for 60 to 69-year-olds. Unfortunately, Safetywing doesn’t provide a quote for over 70s. These prices all refer to policies that don’t include US travel.

To get a specific quote for your own circumstances and travel dates, click here to get a Safetywing quote or alternatively, fill out your details in the box below.

2. Flexible Policies

One of the great aspects of SafetyWing is that they offer a lot of flexibility for purchasing a policy. Many long-term travellers and digital nomads don’t necessarily know how long they’ll be on the road and SafetyWing ensures you don’t end up paying for coverage you don’t need.

For their standard policy, you are charged every 4 weeks and can cancel at any time within that period if you don’t need coverage for the following 4-week period. At the end of a 364-day period, you will be asked to renew again.

SafetyWing also offers the flexibility of buying a fixed-length policy like a standard travel insurance policy and, unlike many other companies, you can buy a policy once you are already on the road. The former is really helpful if you need proof of health insurance for any visa applications.

3. Worldwide Coverage

As long as you are not travelling to any country that is sanctioned by the US, UK, EU and UN, you are covered under your SafetyWing Insurance policy. There are also some limitations to benefits for items such as kidnapping in higher-risk countries. However, for the most part, you can travel worldwide and know that you are covered.

4. Lots of Activities Covered

SafetyWing include a huge range of sporting activities as covered items within their policies, meaning you can fully enjoy the destinations you are exploring! Whether you are planning on kayaking, horse riding, taking yoga classes or tackling popular hiking trails — SafetyWing covers you for these types of activities.

Make sure to read the full list of activities covered in their Terms & Conditions when taking out a policy to ensure there are no nasty surprises if you have to make a claim.

5. Some Home Coverage Included

One of the challenges of conventional travel insurance policies is that they often don’t provide any coverage if you are visiting your home country. SafetyWing once again makes the case for being one of the best insurance options for longer trips by providing some coverage in the policyholders’ home country.

For every 90 days, you are covered for up to 15 days if your home country is the USA or for up to 30 days if your home country is elsewhere.

Keep in mind that you are only covered for incidents that occur when you are back in your home country so you can’t specifically travel back home for treatment and be covered under their policy. Nevertheless, this feature is still a big improvement on what several other insurance companies offer.

6. 24/7 Support Provided

If something unfortunate happens when you are on the road, you can be confident in knowing that SafetyWing offers 24/7 support for its policyholders. As well as having a database of hospitals and medical providers online, they also have a hotline you can call 24/7 if you want to speak to a staff member directly.

7. It Covers COVID-19

SafetyWing’s nomad insurance also covers COVID-19. This means if you are abroad and contract the virus after the start of your policy date, you will be covered! The coverage works in the same way as for other illnesses so it’ll be subject to the same policy limitations and exclusions.

This also includes coverage for testing if it’s required by a medical professional but not for any antibody testing.

8. Family Friendly

If you’re travelling as a family, Safetywing offers you the ability to include up to 2 children under the age of 10 for free as part of your policy. There is a limit of 1 child per adult, however, if you’re travelling with your partner, you can cover 2 children without paying any extra!

Limitations of SafetyWing Insurance

As one of the most affordable policies currently available, it’s important to be aware of the limitations of their product to ensure you make an informed decision about whether it is right for you.

1. It’s not a travel insurance policy

SafetyWing markets itself as a travel medical insurance policy, which means it doesn’t cover a number of items that are often included in a conventional travel insurance policy.

While SafetyWing does provide some coverage for trip interruption, lost luggage and travel delays, there are a number of notable exclusions.

For example, you are not covered for any theft of electronics (even if it’s part of your lost luggage) unless you purchase a separate add-on and are not a resident of the United States – which is bad news for American digital nomads!

You are also not covered for trip cancellations, which might be a concern for travellers who book flights in advance.

Despite the travel exclusions in SafetyWing’s policy, their affordable prices mean you might still be better off covering their exclusions separately through other third parties (e.g. getting separate electronics insurance) and still pay considerably less when compared to conventional travel insurance.

2. It’s not a replacement for traditional health insurance

In the same way that SafetyWing is not a typical travel insurance policy, their nomad insurance is also not designed to be a replacement for conventional health insurance.

This means that, while you are covered if you get sick or have an accident abroad, you won’t be covered for most pre-existing conditions or things like cancer treatments and routine checkups.

If you’re after a replacement to more traditional health insurance then it’s worth looking into their remote health policy.

It is targeted at nomads and expats who don’t have health insurance in their home country and for people who spend most of their time in one country as opposed to moving around regularly. It also covers additional items such as pre-existing conditions.

3. Certain sports aren’t covered

While most of the activities not covered by SafetyWing are unlikely to be a concern to a typical traveller, there are a couple of items that jump out that travellers should be aware of when deciding whether SafetyWing is the right travel insurance for them.

Some forms of football such as American & Aussie Rules aren’t covered in their policy, meaning that if you have a friendly game and injure yourself, you might not be covered under their policy. And if you plan on running with the bulls in Pamplona, not that you aren’t covered for injuries relating to that, either.

Some other water sports such as parasailing and white water rafting also aren’t covered so make sure to read the policy exclusions list in detail before purchasing a policy. If you are interested in adventure sports, then you can purchase an add-on to the insurance (that is if you’re not a resident of the US) and many of these sports can be covered.

Our Experience Claiming with SafetyWing

While we’ve been fortunate that we haven’t had to make significant claims on our travel medical insurance policies over the years, we have had experience making claims through Safetywing for minor illnesses during our travels.

In order to make a claim with SafetyWing, you need to submit a claim form along with a medical report and an invoice outlining what you paid for. Within three business days, you should receive a confirmation that the claim has been submitted and it can then take up to 45 days for the claim to be processed. Reimbursements occur via bank transfer.

The process outlined above was exactly what we went through when Maggie got unwell when visiting Australia in early 2020. After visiting a GP and paying out of pocket for the consultation and the medicine that was prescribed by the doctor (including some over-the-counter medication), Maggie made an online claim through the SafetyWing portal.

She received a confirmation and then within a month the claim had been processed and approved for the full amount paid, including the over-the-counter medication. You can read more details about the claim process here.

SafetyWing makes a compelling case for arguably being the best insurance for long-term travel. Their affordable rates, flexible policies and home coverage are just a few of the reasons to consider them when buying insurance as a digital nomad. Click here to read more about SafetyWing and to get a quote!

Are you looking for travel insurance? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments below!

Related Posts:

How Much Does Backpacking Europe Cost in 2024?

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The Complete 2-Week Europe Packing List

About Michael Rozenblit

Michael is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Both solo and with his partner, Maggie, he has travelled to over 50 countries across the globe and has a particular affinity for the Balkans and Eastern Europe. He’s lived in numerous countries worldwide but currently resides in his hometown of Melbourne, Australia. Read more about Michael

Nice review on Safetywing, good stuff. I have researched them too and consider them a great insurer overall, though far from perfect still. We’re collecting and have collected a ton of user reviews for them and most are positive.

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Backpacker Travel Insurance: The Complete Guide

Published: Oct 26, 2023, 11:10am

Reviewed By

Table of Contents

What is backpacker travel insurance, the best travel insurance for australian backpackers, what’s covered by backpacker travel insurance, how to choose travel insurance as a backpacker, what’s not covered, frequently asked questions (faqs).

More than 1.5 million Aussie travellers set out on overseas excursions in August this year. That’s more than half a million additional jetsetters than the same time last year, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) .

And despite the financial pinch of rising living costs and sluggish wage growth, we show no sign of reining in the wanderlust.

A report from travel booking juggernaut, Skyscanner, found 75% of Australians plan to travel as much in 2024 as they did this year, if not more. While the report suggests more than a third of us are budgeting to spend extra on travel in 2024, many of us are looking for value. Flight and hotel prices were cited as the two biggest factors that determine where Aussies choose to travel.

For many, this will mean strapping on a backpack and travelling on the cheap. However, whether you’re staying in luxury digs or one-star hostels, cutting corners on travel insurance is never a good idea.

No matter how careful you are with your funds, unpredictable travel emergencies can blow your budget in an instant. You should always pack travel insurance to avoid the massive bills that can come with overseas medical care, unexpected travel costs and trip cancellations.

Ensure you’re getting bang for buck on your travel insurance policy by researching tailored backpacker travel insurance options. Let’s take a closer look at backpacker travel insurance.

Related: Our Pick of the Best Travel Insurance Providers

Featured Partners

Fast Cover Travel Insurance

On Fast Cover’s Secure Website

Medical cover

Unlimited, 24/7 Emergency Assistance

Cancellations

Unlimited, (Trip Disruption $50,000)

Key Features

25-Day Cooling Off Period, Australian Based Call Centre, 4.6 Star Product Review Rating

Cover-More Travel Insurance

On Cover-more’s secure website

Unlimited, with a $2000 limit to dental

Yes, amount chosen by customer

Southern Cross Travel Insurance

Medical Cover

Including medical treatment, doctors’ visits, prescribed medication, specialist treatment & medical transport costs

$2,500 with option to increase to unlimited

There are many ways to take out backpacker travel insurance. Some insurance providers offer specific backpacker policies under this name, while others may suggest different levels of insurance or optional extras as ideal for backpackers.

Generally, travel insurance best suited to backpackers will include coverage for multiple destinations, as backpackers often country-hop. If you’re the thrill-seeking type, you’ll want to ensure you’re covered for riskier pursuits like scuba diving, horse riding, hiking at high altitude or even skydiving. Coverage for these kinds of activities will come with a higher premium, but you can often find ‘adventure packages’ which cover many adrenaline-pumping pursuits while remaining relatively affordable.

If you take a number of backpacker trips each year, investing in a multi-trip policy could be a good idea. This insures you for a 12-month period, as long as you list the destinations you are likely to travel to and set the maximum duration for your trips ahead of time.

Heading off on one lengthy trip? Read the product disclosure statement (PDS) of all insurance policies carefully to make sure you’re covered for trip interruption and resumption costs, in case you need to return home briefly for family or other emergencies.

In general, most backpackers are looking for budget-friendly insurance to match their preferred low-cost travel style. If a lower tier of travel insurance covers all the activities and destinations you plan to travel to, then this can be a good option. These are often called ‘basic’ or ‘essentials’ policies, and as the names suggest, are not as comprehensive.

Plenty of insurance companies market themselves as budget-friendly operators or backpacker travel experts, but be sure to read beyond the marketing claims and study the fine print. As backpacking is often a young person’s game, these insurance providers may only offer more affordable options to students or travellers under a certain age.

There is no one ‘best’ travel insurance policy or provider for every backpacker, or any other type of traveller for that matter. While some providers may market themselves as experts in the backpacker insurance space, it’s always worth trawling through policy documents to find out exactly what this means and precisely what is and is not covered for your holiday.

Research is your best friend for choosing the best travel insurance for your backpacking trip. Start by reading up on a few of the comprehensive travel insurance policies we’ve picked as some of the best in Australia. These fully-featured options are more costly than basic policies, but are ideal if you’re backpacking with expensive luggage items, planning adventurous activities or simply want the ultimate peace of mind while travelling.

The luggage, activities, locations and unforeseeable events covered by backpacker travel insurance varies significantly between providers, and depends largely on what kind of trip you’re taking. Some common inclusions are listed below, as well as popular optional extras for backpackers, but be sure to read your policy carefully to ensure these are offered or for limitations on coverage.

Common standard inclusions for backpacker travel insurance:

• Emergency overseas medical: This essential benefit is included in almost every travel insurance policy to ensure you can cover medical care in an emergency. This can include hospital bills, medication and other treatment, usually up to a limit of 12 months after a sudden illness or injury. Pay-out limits are quite high, often in the millions or even unlimited.
• Emergency overseas dental: Many policies also offer emergency dental cover, but this is usually limited to a few thousands dollars.
• Emergency medical transport & repatriation: This covers you if you need to go home to be treated for serious medical (and sometimes psychological) reasons, or are accompanying a person in your travel party for these reasons. This coverage also kicks in for the worst case scenario: if you pass away on your trip and your remains need to be sent home.
• Cancellation: If unforeseeable events force you to cancel or cut your trip short, this can help cover per-paid costs for things like accommodation, flights and tours. Insurable events for cancellation cover can include natural disasters or political unrest in the destination you’re travelling to, or if yourself or family members are seriously injured or unwell and you’re not able to take the trip or need to cancel while on the road.
• Trip interruption and resumption: Many policies offer some form of ‘compassionate emergency visits’ or other inclusions which help cover costs if you need to pause your travels to go home, and then resume the trip. This is generally related to visiting sick loved ones or attending funerals.
• Your belongings: You guessed it – this covers your luggage and the items you bring travelling in case they’re lost, stolen or damaged. You may want extensive cover if things like fancy hiking gear or a pro camera are in your backpack, or keep it basic if you travel light.
• Personal liability: If you cause an accident overseas that injures people or damages their property, this can help cover compensation costs and legal expenses.
• Accidental death or permanent disability: No traveller wants to think about dying or being permanently disabled during their travels, but everyone should prepare for the financial consequences of these events all the same.
• Covid-19 cover: Most policies now include cover for unforeseeable Covid-related expenses— be sure you read the fine print of each policy to check what this includes.

Common optional extras or packages for backpacker travel insurance may include:

• Rental car cover: If you plan to drive a hire car, you can usually take out insurance through the rental company or your travel insurance provider. Be sure to check both options and go with the most fully-featured cover that will protect you financially in case you cause an accident on the road.
• Adventure tourism: If you enjoy scuba diving, skiing, high-altitude hiking, abseiling or other thrill-seeking pursuits, then you’ll want to take out specialised cover for these activities. Most policies offer a few coverage tiers or ‘adventure packages’ to choose from so you can make sure you’re covered.
• Work, volunteer or study holidays: Alongside the relevant visas and approvals to work, volunteer or study overseas, you may also want insurance in case you’re injured or face other costs while undertaking these activities.

You should never simply choose the first travel insurance policy you come across. Be sure to research the market thoroughly so you understand what your options are and what different policies could potentially cost. This will differ from backpacker to backpacker based on your demographic information, medical history and travel plans, so it’s worth getting a few online quotes to find the best-value deal for you.

You should always tailor your research to suit your circumstances, but there are a few key elements most backpackers should consider when choosing a travel insurance policy:

Adventurous activities (i.e. riskier travels): You’ll often find policies, optional extras or additional packages that cover costs you might incur during risky activities while travelling. Some activities that you might consider as standard travel plans (like snorkelling or hiking) may only be covered by these policies as optional extras that come at an additional cost.

Travel destinations: When you take out a policy, you must list all of the countries you plan to travel to. If you end up travelling outside these areas and try to make an insurance claim, it’s likely to be rejected. Want to add another country into the mix while you’re already on the road? Contact your insurance provider to update your policy first, and be aware it could come with an additional cost. If you’re not sure where your travels will lead you, many insurance companies offer ‘worldwide’ cover that insures you for all the countries they provide cover in.

Trip duration and extensions: If you end up travelling for longer than you planned, you can usually extend your backpacker travel insurance. Some providers allow you to extend the same cover, while others may ask you to take out an entirely new policy. In either case, you’ll be paying an additional premium for whatever timeframe you extend your trip to. You’ll usually need to extend or take out the new policy a few days before the existing one expires in order to maintain coverage.

Multi-trip policies: If you know you’re going to be globe trotting on and off over the course of the next 12 months, a multi-trip policy may be the best value option for you. This coverage works best if you have consistent travel habits (like always bringing a camera with you, so always needing to cover it) and know that each excursion won’t go beyond duration limits (usually up to 60 or 90 days).

Pre-existing medical conditions: There are a number of pre-existing medical conditions that are automatically covered by travel insurance, and others that you could be covered for if the insurance provider approves you after a medical assessment. This varies between providers and depends on the exact circumstances of your condition, like changes in medications, recent treatments, surgeries or any hospitalisations. If you have chronic or ongoing illness, be sure to read the PDS to see exactly what costs related to your condition are covered.

While backpacker travel insurance can cover a wide range of events, there are some actions or activities that are not covered or will void your insurance. Every policy differs, but you’ll often find exclusions for:

• Any illegal activity you participate in, and any events where you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Travelling to a destination that has a current ‘Do not travel’ warning issued by the Australian Government via the Smartraveller website . Losses arising from acts of war likely won’t be covered with or without this warning.
• Not following preventative health measures for where you’re travelling as outlined by the World Health Organisation , like getting vaccinations or avoiding certain water sources.
• Changing your mind about travelling.
• Loses from you or your travel companions refusing medical treatment, or travelling against medical advice.
• Any costs related to pre-existing medical conditions that aren’t approved in your policy.
• Travelling overseas to purposefully undergo medical treatment.
• Certain circumstances related to pregnancies , like travelling after a predetermined gestational period (often over 26 weeks) or if you’re undergoing fertility treatments.

And potentially much more. Read your PDS thoroughly to ensure you know everything that isn’t covered by your policy. And remember: anything that happens outside the dates on your insurance policy won’t be covered. So if you do extend your trip, be sure to extend your policy to cover it.

Does backpacker travel insurance cover Covid?

Many travel insurance policies now offer some level of cover for unforeseeable events caused by Covid-19. Covid travel insurance will usually apply if you need to cancel pre-paid travel arrangements if you or someone in your travelling party contracts Covid-19, and you must cancel your trip or cut it short. This kind of cancellation cover can also apply if close relatives or business partners are hospitalised or die because of Covid.

Some travel and accommodation costs may also be covered during your trip if you contract Covid while travelling. This can include cover for costs related to quarantining, if you are refused on a flight because you’re suspected of being infected, or if your accommodation is closed for quarantine.

Global travel rules related to Covid are constantly changing. Some nations may require you to be vaccinated, pass a Covid test upon arrival or agree to a period of quarantine in any circumstances. In other destinations, none of these regulations may apply. And remember: if you choose to travel somewhere with an Australian government risk warning related to Covid, this could potentially void your insurance.

It’s extremely important to check the fine print when it comes to Covid cover. Before the 2020 Covid-19 outbreak, this kind of insurance did not exist, so insurance companies are effectively creating new rules on the fly, and they have each developed bespoke coverage limitations and exclusions for Covid.

How much is insurance for a backpacker?

As with any other kind of insurance product, the cost of travel insurance for backpackers varies from person to person. This comes down to the nature of insurance: it’s tailored to your circumstances and demographics to assess the likelihood that you’ll make a claim on the coverage, and therefore your risk as an insurance customer. The riskier you appear on paper, the higher the premium you’ll be charged.

Therefore, it’s difficult to give even a rough average that accurately outlines the cost of travel insurance for backpackers. Our advice? Get as many online quotes as possible tailored to your travel party and trip.

You can do this in just a few minutes and it’s totally free. Once you’ve got a ballpark figure, scour the PDS of each policy against your must-have coverage list to see what best suits your travel plans at a comfortable price point.

What affects the cost of backpacker travel insurance?

There are many things that impact how insurance companies assess your risk as a customer and the price of your premium. The most common factors include:

• Your age and gender
• Your medical history and any ongoing medical conditions
• Your history as a travel insurance customer
• How long you are travelling for and the destinations you are travelling to
• The activities you participate in while travelling
• The value of the luggage you want insured on your trip
• The excess level you choose (which you must pay out before your claim kicks in)

This is not an exhaustive list. If you’re curious as to why you’ve been offered different quotes from travel insurance providers, contact their customer service teams for more information.

Should I get travel insurance as a backpacker?

The short answer is yes. No matter how or where you travel, unexpected events can throw off your travel plans. Whether it’s related to your health, loved ones, belongings or a pre-paid travel itinerary, these unforeseeable events can be costly. Travel insurance that’s tailored to the needs of backpackers can help you cover some of these costs.

If you feel the cost of basic backpacker travel insurance is too high, then it might be time to rethink your travel plans or delay them until you’re in a more stable financial position. If you can’t afford travel insurance, you may not be able to cover unexpected costs as they arise on your overseas trip.

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Olivia Gee is a Sydney-based writer and editor working across personal finance, lifestyle and sustainability. She is an insurance expert with ASIC RG146 Tier 2 Certification to provide general insurance advice. Her work has been published in Time Out, Money magazine and Guardian Australia, among other publications.

Passing Thru Travel

12 Budget Backpacking Tips for Traveling Across Europe

Posted: March 1, 2024 | Last updated: March 1, 2024

Backpacking through Europe is a dream for many, offering a tapestry of cultures, landscapes, and experiences. However, traversing this diverse continent doesn’t have to break the bank. With smart planning and savvy travel hacks, you can explore Europe affordably, immersing yourself in its richness without exhausting your finances. This guide provides essential tips for budget backpacking in Europe, ensuring your journey is as economical as it is adventurous.

1. Plan Your Route Wisely

Efficient route planning is a cornerstone of budget backpacking in Europe. You can minimize travel distances and costs by focusing on regions where countries are geographically close. For example, Eastern Europe is more affordable and offers rich cultural experiences with fewer crowds than more popular Western European destinations.

Consider starting your journey in cities where flights are cheaper, and then use Europe’s extensive train and bus networks to travel between countries. This approach saves money and allows you to see more within a limited time frame.

Insider’s Tip: Use apps like Rome2Rio to find the cheapest and quickest routes between destinations.

2. Travel During Off-Peak Seasons

Traveling during Europe’s shoulder seasons – spring and autumn – can lead to significant savings. During these times, flights and accommodations are often cheaper, and popular destinations are less crowded, offering a more authentic experience. Besides cost savings, traveling during the off-peak season means milder weather, making exploring and enjoying outdoor activities more comfortable.

Insider’s Tip: Late September to October offers pleasant weather and fewer tourists, making it ideal for budget travel.

3. Embrace Overnight Trains and Buses

Overnight trains and buses are not only budget-friendly but also time-efficient. Traveling at night saves on a night’s accommodation while covering significant distances. Europe’s extensive rail and bus networks connect major cities and even cross international borders, making it easy to plan your journey. Additionally, the experience of waking up in a new city is exhilarating and maximizes your daytime for exploration.

Insider’s Tip: Invest in a good travel pillow and earplugs for a more comfortable journey.

4. Stay in Hostels or Use Homestay Apps

Hostels are the go-to accommodation choice for budget backpackers, offering affordable rates and opportunities to meet fellow travelers. Many hostels provide amenities like free Wi-Fi, communal kitchens, and sometimes even free breakfast. For a more local and personal experience, consider using homestay apps like Couchsurfing, where you can stay with locals for free or a nominal fee, gaining unique insights into the local lifestyle.

Insider’s Tip: Look for hostels with kitchens to save money by cooking your own meals.

5. Eat Like a Local

Eating out in tourist-centric areas can quickly drain your budget. Instead, dine where the locals eat. Street food, local markets, and small family-run eateries often offer delicious and authentic food at a fraction of the price you’d pay in tourist spots. This saves you money and gives you a taste of the local cuisine and culture.

Insider’s Tip: In Mediterranean countries, look for set lunch menus, which are often great value for money.

6. Take Advantage of Free Walking Tours

Most European cities offer free walking tours, a great way to familiarize yourself with a new city. These tours, usually led by enthusiastic local guides, cover major landmarks and provide historical and cultural insights. While the tours are free, tipping your guide is customary and appreciated.

Insider’s Tip: Chat with your guide after the tour for personal recommendations on cheap eats and hidden gems in the city.

7. Use Public Transportation

Opting for public transportation over taxis or car rentals can lead to substantial savings. European cities generally boast efficient and affordable public transport systems. Look into day or multi-day passes for unlimited travel, which are often more economical than single tickets.

Insider’s Tip: Always validate your ticket to avoid fines, as many European cities have an honor-based system.

8. Limit Paid Attractions

While visiting every paid attraction is tempting, these costs can quickly add up. Prioritize which attractions are a must-see for you and look for city passes that offer access to multiple attractions at a reduced price. Many cities also offer free entry to museums and galleries on certain days or hours.

Insider’s Tip: Many museums and attractions have free entry days or hours; plan your visit accordingly.

9. Pack Light and Practical

Packing light is essential for budget backpacking. Not only does it make travel easier, but it also saves you money on luggage fees with budget airlines. Choose versatile clothing suitable for different weather conditions and comfortable walking shoes. Remember, most things can be bought locally if needed, so pack only the essentials.

Insider’s Tip: Pack a lightweight, foldable backpack for day trips and excursions.

10. Stay Connected Affordably

Staying connected is important, but international roaming charges can be exorbitant. Opt for local SIM cards for cheap data, or take advantage of free Wi-Fi in hostels, cafes, and public spaces. This keeps you connected and helps with navigation and finding information on the go.

Insider’s Tip: Apps like WhatsApp and Skype allow free calls and messages over Wi-Fi.

11. Shop at Local Markets

Shopping at local markets is budget-friendly and offers an authentic slice of local life. You can find fresh produce, regional specialties, and sometimes even unique handmade souvenirs at lower prices than in tourist-oriented shops.

Insider’s Tip: Visit markets towards the end of the day for potential discounts as vendors pack up.

12. Be Flexible and Open to New Experiences

Flexibility can lead to unexpected adventures and savings. Be open to changing your plans based on local recommendations, weather conditions, or discovering new opportunities.

Sometimes the most memorable experiences are unplanned and cost little to nothing. This flexibility might mean taking a last-minute bus to a less-visited town or joining new friends on a day trip.

Insider’s Tip: Be open to changing your plans based on local recommendations or new opportunities.

The Bottom Line

Budget backpacking in Europe is about smart planning, flexibility, and immersing yourself in local experiences. By following these tips, you can explore the rich tapestry of Europe without depleting your savings. Remember, the value of your journey isn’t measured by how much you spend but by the experiences you gain and the memories you create.

Traveling affordably allows you to see more of the world, meet diverse people, and embrace new cultures. So pack your bag, set your budget, and embark on an adventure that proves that the best things in travel don’t always come with a hefty price tag. Happy backpacking!

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The post 12 Budget Backpacking Tips for Traveling Across Europe republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Duet PandG.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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