Backpacker Travel Insurance

Author: Melissa A.

Published: July 13th, 2023 | Updated: July 13th, 2023
Read time: 5 mins

What is backpacker travel insurance?

Backpacker travel insurance (also known as extended trip insurance, long-term or long-stay travel insurance) is designed for travellers who plan to go away for long periods. Suppose an unexpected event were to occur while you are travelling worldwide. In that case, backpackers travel insurance can cover your costly medical expenses and help you recuperate costs if you need to cancel your trip or cut it short. Unlike annual travel insurance, which only covers you for a year, travel insurance for backpackers provides coverage for your visit to multiple countries around the globe lasting anywhere from 18-24 months. It also allows you to return home and hit the road again.

Backpacker insurance typically covers the following:

• Medical & dental emergencies
• Emergency evacuation
• Trip cancellation & interruptions
• Flight delays
• Lost, stolen, damaged or delayed baggage
• Lost or stolen gear
• Death abroad

Backpacker insurance typically does not cover the following:

• Adventure travel
• Pre-existing conditions
• Medical tourism
• Pregnancy
• Knowingly travelling to dangerous destinations where travel advice and advisories are issued
• Visa issues
• Pandemics or endemics
• Alcohol and drug-related incidents
• Reckless driving incidents
• Stolen cash
• Changing your mind about your trip

How much is backpacking travel insurance?

The average cost of backpacking travel insurance is 4%-10% of your total prepaid, nonrefundable trip cost. Trip cost is the primary factor determining how much you will pay for your travel insurance because the higher your trip cost, the higher the potential claim payout is for the provider if you need to file a claim. Other factors affecting the price you will pay for your trekking travel insurance include a policy’s level of benefits, the number of travellers on a policy, and your age. For senior backpackers 60+, travel insurance can cost up to an additional 10%. For the affordable price of just a few dollars per day for backpackers travel insurance, you can save tens of thousands to millions of dollars if an unexpected event happens outside your home country.

Do I need backpacker travel insurance?

If you are planning an international backpacking trip, you will probably take some risks; however, travelling without backpacker travel insurance is risky and not a risk you should take, especially when you are going to be away for an extended period. The longer you are away, the higher the chances that something can go wrong on your trip, and if faced with a medical emergency, you likely won’t have easy access to medical care and a qualified hospital. Emergency medical expenses are expensive and can cost anywhere from tens of thousands to millions of dollars upfront and out-of-pocket. For Canadian backpacking nomads like you, it’s all about finding value without breaking the bank. Backpacker travel insurance is the trip protection you need but hope not to use. Plus, some countries will deny you entry unless you prove that you have travel medical insurance.

Does backpacker insurance cover COVID-19?

If COVID-19 is your travel concern, it’s vital to research backpacker travel insurance plans carefully and select one with COVID-19 coverage. The best COVID-19 travel insurance plans include the following benefits: emergency medical and emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, interruption and delay, and Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR). Before departing on your trip, check the Government of Canada Travel Advice and Advisories to find out if an “avoid all travel advisory” has been issued for any of your destinations. If so, coverage for COVID-19 related matters may not be available under any plan except a COVID-19 pandemic plan which might provide coverage.

What is the best travel insurance for backpackers?

When you research and compare plans for backpacker travel insurance, first and foremost, ensure that the policy contains clear and transparent information indicating what is and is not covered. It must also provide coverage for the essentials. The best travel insurance for a backpacking globetrotter like you will include essential benefits such as emergency medical, emergency evacuation and repatriation, personal accident, liability and property, trip cancellation and interruption, missed or delayed departure and baggage. Additional benefits that should be in your backpacker policy include coverage for most countries, including the ones you are travelling to, the option to increase coverage for high-value items, as well as extend your trip if you decide to stay longer than initially planned, coverage for legal expenses and 24-hour emergency assistance. Before you purchase a plan, carefully read the insurance policy’s terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions and understand them to ensure that it fully covers your travel needs.

Where can I buy backpacker travel insurance?

As a backpacker looking to purchase travel insurance, you should be looking for trip cancellation, emergency medical or all-inclusive plans and add on any additional benefits you will need. You can buy backpacker travel insurance online through us at InsureMyTrip. InsureMyTrip will help you compare travel insurance plans from trusted Canadian providers to find the best policy to suit your travel needs and budget and will provide you with a personalized quote. InsureMyTrip has a licensed customer care team ready to assist you and provide advice during regular business hours if needed.