There’s no such thing as a risk-free backpacking trip. Whether you’re exploring the historic cities of Europe or the scenic countryside of Southeast Asia, getting backpacking insurance can financially protect you from costly out-of-pocket expenses you may unexpectedly encounter during your trip.
Backpacking travel insurance covers a wide-range of scenarios that can disrupt and derail a trip. The majority of policies found on Squaremouth will provide financial coverage for unforeseen medical emergencies, trip cancellations, flight delays, baggage delays, and much more. All policies also include 24/7 emergency assistance services to support you before and during your trip.
While most destinations don’t require travel insurance, getting trip protection before you leave your home country is strongly recommended. Travel insurance can protect you if travel disruptions impact your trip, your health, or your valuables.
Travel insurance acts like a financial safety net for backpackers. Since most domestic healthcare policies, such as Medicaid or an employer-sponsored plan, don’t provide coverage abroad, many backpackers get travel medical insurance to cover unexpected medical expenses you may encounter while traveling.
The best travel insurance plan is one that fits your budget and addresses your primary travel concerns. Given the potential dangers involved in backpacking, most backpackers opt for policies that offer high medical coverage and ample protection for medical evacuations.
No matter what type of coverage you need, we recommend comparing travel insurance quotes from at least 2-3 different providers. This allows you to see how policies compete on both cost and coverage. Travel insurance can also be used to supplement any existing coverage you may have, such as travel protection through a credit card.
The cost of backpacking travel insurance depends on a wide-range of factors, including your age, your trip cost, the length of your trip, the policy type, and the extent of coverage the policy provides. With these factors in mind, a single trip backpacking travel insurance can range from $75 to $400. Upgrading your policy with add-ons or higher coverage limits can increase the premium.
For most backpackers, we recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes strong cancellation coverage and health insurance. If you plan on participating in adventure activities during your trip, you should strongly consider a travel insurance policy that includes the Sports & Activities benefit.
Common activities that may be covered by the Sports & Activities benefit include:
Most Sports & Activities plans also provide protection for those traveling with sports equipment in the event any gear is delayed or lost in transit.
Annual travel insurance, also known as multi-trip insurance, is a type of coverage that’s designed for frequent travelers. Annual policies provide insurance for a 12-month period, regardless of the amount of trips you choose to take, and can be a good option for backpackers that plan to travel at least three times a year.
While annual travel insurance includes popular benefits, such as coverage for unexpected trip delays and medical treatment, it’s important to note, though, that the majority of annual plans do not include cancellation coverage
Most travel insurance plans will cover trips up to 90 days. Travel insurance companies will use your departure date and return date to calculate the length of your trip. If your return date is unknown, we suggest using a rough estimate or speaking directly with a travel insurance provider about a one-way policy. The maximum trip length for a specific policy can be found in the plan’s Certificate of Insurance.
Yes, travel insurance is a smart investment for any traveler that wants peace of mind and financial protection when away from home. The cost of a policy is typically small in comparison to the cost of receiving medical care overseas or having to cancel your trip at the last minute.
Given the amount of travel insurance policies available today, it’s easier than ever to find a plan that suits your backpacking adventure. Use the Squaremouth marketplace filters to get the specific protection you need, whether that’s coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, rental car damage, or anything in between.