If you’re looking for backpackers’ travel insurance, this article will help you decide which insurance company could be best for you and give you some tips on how to choose the best backpackers' travel insurance policy.
What is backpackers' travel insurance?
If you have an upcoming trip to discover the world backpackers travel insurance is recommended to keep you covered should any accidents or incidents occur. Backpackers’ insurance is sometimes referred to as gap year insurance or extended leave travel insurance and covers you for as long as you’re abroad, typically between 12-18 months. It can cover multiple destinations during one trip and usually allows you to temporarily return to the UK to visit friends or family, or deal with an emergency and then go abroad again.
Why do you need backpackers' travel insurance?
It’s always recommended you take out travel insurance whilst abroad, and backpacking is no different. There are many benefits to taking out insurance, and some of those include reimbursing any expenses you may incur from loss of belongings, accidents, flight delays or cancellations, medical bills, and certain events outside of your control. Some destinations may be more dangerous than others, some have higher levels of crime, and accidents can happen to even the safest of travellers. Taking out cover will provide you with a level of security and support should you need it during your travels. Choosing not to take out insurance could result in costly bills and additional stress; backpackers' insurance helps you to travel stress-free, knowing you're covered should you need it.
What does backpacker insurance cover?
Depending on the company and level of cover you choose, most companies cover the following:
- Medical and hospital cover, which could include any medical treatment, surgery, hospitalisation fees, hospital transfers, and repatriation in case of death.
- Emergency evacuation in the case of injury or a natural disaster.
- Trip cancellations in case you need to cancel your trip for reasons which would be specified in your policy, this might include injury or family bereavement. If it’s not specified, you may not be covered. It’s recommended you choose a policy which covers the cost of your pre-paid travel costs, which will vary by policy.
- Travel delays, which compensate you for expenses you’ve had to pay due to delays caused by an event for which you’re insured. This could include strikes, technical issues, or missing your travel due to a reason included in your policy.
- Personal liability / legal fees, which include cover if you’re liable to pay damages due to accidentally injuring someone or damaging/losing someone’s property.
- Losing your passport – if you lose your passport, you should report this to the local police and obtain a police report, which you’ll need to get a replacement passport or travel document.
- Lost or stolen personal possessions will be covered (this may not include gadgets), provided they haven’t been left unattended.
- Dental emergencies could be covered by your insurance company, but this is worth checking, as you may need an add-on to include this.
- Coverage for most countries, however, this is worth checking, as countries which are labelled as unsafe may not be covered.
- Death overseas – will cover you if an accident results in death, total loss of sight/limb or permanent disability. Usually, the accident must be caused by something external and visible.
It’s recommended you always read the small print and terms and conditions to ensure you have the level of cover you’re happy with.
What isn’t covered by backpacker travel insurance?
Typically, backpacker travel insurance doesn’t include:
- Extreme sports or high-risk activities, which include base jumping, solo climbing or caving, don’t tend to be covered. It’s worth checking what your policy includes and whether you can get an add-on for activities you plan on doing.
- Diving may not be covered and will require additional coverage.
- Accidents or loss of belongings whilst under the influence of drugs or alcohol will not be covered.
- Injuries or accidents whilst partaking in reckless or illegal behaviour, which could include deliberately damaging property or taking deliberate risks resulting in injury or accidents.
- Negligence, for instance, leaving your belongings unattended, resulting in them being stolen.
- Traveling against advice to unsafe or dangerous places. You won't be covered if you travel against the advice of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
- Changing your mind and cancelling a trip will disqualify you from trip cancellation coverage.
- Not disclosing pre-existing conditions may invalidate your policy if they aren’t disclosed when you take out your insurance cover.
- If a destination requires a visa which is refused, you won’t be reimbursed for your trip.
- Stolen cash
- Certain jobs, including operating heavy machinery or manual labour, may not be covered whilst on a working holiday visa.
- If civil unrest makes your destination unsafe but the government in this destination hasn’t called for an evacuation, you won't be covered. Some insurance providers do allow you to add this to your policy.
All policies will be slightly different, so check the small print, list any pre-existing medical conditions and ensure you add on cover for any extreme sports. Make sure your policy also covers all gadgets you wish to take, some will be included as standard, but you may require add-ons.
Comparing the best backpacker travel insurance companies
TrueTraveller
TrueTraveller offers great value backpacker travel insurance from just 2 days up to 18 months, offering outstanding medical cover including medical repatriation, personal liability and personal accident cover as well as legal expenses. They also cover 92 activities as standard, including trekking to 3,000m, bungee jumping, horse riding, scuba diving to 18m and cover for non-manual work. You can also add on Adventure, Extreme and Ultimate Activity Packs to cover you for additional activities.
Go Walkabout
Go Walkabout offers a range of policies suitable for those heading on their travels for either a gap year, a working holiday visa, or extended travel. The ‘Walkabout’ policies come in ‘Walkabout’ and ‘Walkabout Plus’ and are perfect for budget-conscious travellers looking to tailor their level of cover and travel for up to 18 months.
For those choosing to work or volunteer whilst abroad, the working holiday insurance will ensure you’re covered if you’re injured at work. Go Walkabout offers ‘work packs’ which cover various jobs, from farm labouring to operating machinery or working with animals. Admin, bar, café or retail is covered as standard, if you’re undertaking something else, check which pack you’ll require. They also offer ‘activity packs’ for those looking to add on certain sports and activity cover.
Outbacker
Outbacker offers flexible gap year travel insurance cover for those aged under 40. It is a popular choice and covers travel for up to 18 months, over 230 sports and activities, covers if you need to return to the UK, and working abroad is covered as standard. They also offer the My SOS Family app for all policyholders, which gives family members and travellers peace of mind. The app has several features, including location sharing, keeping safe by sending out alerts when triggered, and contacting emergency contacts & emergency services in the event of an emergency.
Tesco Backpacker Travel Insurance
Tesco offers backpackers’ insurance cover for up to 18 months; travellers can choose between Economy or Premium cover depending on the level of cover required. Policyholders will have access to an English-speaking online doctor should they need it, and a 24/7 helpline will be available in case of medical emergencies. Clubcard members get 10% off when buying directly.
World Nomads
World Nomads is a global travel insurance company designed by travellers, for travellers; if you need insurance but have already left the UK, this may be the company for you. Their standard or explorer plans cover you for destinations around the world for up to 12 months, with different benefits depending on the level of cover you require.
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TrueTraveller |
Go Walkabout |
Outbacker |
Tesco |
World Nomads |
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What is the difference between backpacker, multi-trip & single-trip insurance?
Backpacker travel insurance
This type of insurance can cover you for up to 18 months and is designed to cover multiple destinations worldwide. Some policies cover you for working abroad, or for certain extreme sports or activities you might want to experience.
Annual multi-trip travel insurance
Annual travel insurance is designed to be more cost-effective than booking single trip cover for travellers taking more than one trip abroad in the next 12 months. You tend to be covered for as many trips as you like within those 12 months, but you may be limited to around 31 days per trip.
Single trip travel insurance
Single trip insurance will purely cover you for one trip, to a destination you specify for your travel dates only. You can select add-ons if required.
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Single Trip |
Annual Multi trip |
Backpacker Travel Insurance |
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How much does backpacker travel insurance cost?
Backpacker travel insurance can cost anywhere from £220 and over £1500 and beyond, depending on the level of cover you choose.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Backpacker Insurance
There are several factors which can affect the cost of your policy. Some of these include:
- The destinations you travel to
Some destinations will incur higher costs than others. Trips to higher-risk countries will incur a higher premium, and to those more expensive destinations, such as the USA. This is due to increased costs of medical and healthcare, generally costing more than destinations in Europe. - Duration of travel
The longer your trip, the more expensive the cover will be due to the risk of claims increasing over time. - Age of the policyholder
Your age will generally affect the cost of your travel insurance. Premiums tend to increase as older travellers are considered higher risk. Typically, gap year travel insurance will cover those aged between 18 – 49. Some providers offer policies for slightly older travelers, but if you’re older, you may need to look at extended travel insurance. - Pre-existing health conditions
Having pre-existing health conditions does tend to increase backpacker travel insurance premiums. Travellers are considered higher risk, and the potential for them needing medical treatment abroad increases. You must declare all pre-existing health conditions when setting up your policy, or your insurance provider won’t cover any medical expenses for treatment required while abroad. - Activities
If you’re looking to take part in certain activities or sports, you will have to check whether your insurance covers them or include additional cover, which will incur a premium. Extreme sports or riskier activities such as snowboarding, trekking, or diving will likely require specialist cover. The premium will depend on the activity and potentially the destination of the activity.
Backpackers with pre-existing conditions
When you’re looking at travel insurance, it’s important to declare any pre-existing medical conditions to ensure you’re covered. Failure to do so could mean you incur costly medical bills should you need any treatment. Depending on the condition, it could increase your premium; if you have a serious condition, you’ll need to look into specialist travel insurance. Insurers will assess the risks of your condition to determine how likely it is that you’ll require medical treatment when travelling.
The following conditions should be declared before you travel:
- Chronic illnesses
- Heart conditions
- Diabetes
- Asthma
- Mental health issues
Before looking into specialist travel insurance companies, declare any medical conditions during the application process. Some gap year travel insurance companies will cover many conditions as standard, provided you have not been hospitalised (including day surgery or visits to A&E) for the condition in the past 24 months.
It’s worth checking the policy wording to ensure you meet certain requirements, for example, if you have Cancer, some policies will require that you have not had any chemotherapy or radiotherapy in the 12 months before you purchase the policy.
All policies are different, so please discuss any queries directly with the insurance company, be truthful during your application and read the small print.
What add-ons are available for backpacker travel insurance?
There are several add-ons you may want to consider for additional benefits that won’t always be covered as standard on your policy.
- Gadget cover
Most policies give you the option of adding gadget cover when you request a quote. Standard backpacker travel insurance often includes coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged gadgets, including mobile phones, tablets, and laptops. You will need to check how much your items are worth and increase the coverage should you need it.
It’s also worth checking your policy includes coverage of smart watches, cameras, games consoles or GoPros and any other expensive tech you need to insure. - Winter sports cover
If you’re planning on activities including skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, sledding, tobogganing, or snowmobiling, you’ll need to make sure you add winter sports cover to your backpacker policy. Every insurance provider offers a different level of coverage. On travel insurance, "winter sports" typically encompass activities like skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, sledding, tobogganing, and snowmobiling, but coverage can vary by insurer, so it's crucial to check the policy details. - Extreme sports/activities
Some sports and activities are considered an extreme risk by insurers. These are unlikely to be covered, and if they are, you will need to check the coverage limits. This includes base jumping, free solo climbing, solo mountaineering, wingsuit flying, and trekking. Some insurers will provide you with basic coverage, but for anything more ‘extreme’, you’ll need to get specialist insurance.
For example, if you’re trekking over 3,000 metres above sea level, this generally won’t be covered by travel insurers. - Volunteering cover
Some gap year travel insurers will cover volunteering positions; however, it depends on the type of work you’re undertaking. If you’re primary reason for travel is to volunteer, you might be best looking into volunteer travel insurance, which offers specialised coverage.
Volunteering jobs which don’t tend to be covered as standard include manual labour or high-risk activities such as using machinery, working at heights above a certain level, or working underground. - Trip disruption cover
You can add trip disruption cover to your policy, which will cover for costs incurred if your trip is disrupted by and you need to change your plans due to events such as natural disasters. - Extending your trip
Some insurance providers allow you to add cover to extend your trip, giving you the flexibility to stay and enjoy your travels for longer. - Excess waiver
For a premium, this add-on means you can travel and not need to pay excess should you need to make a claim.
FAQs
Do I need a return flight for backpacker travel insurance?
Some insurance providers require you to have a return date when taking out backpacker insurance. However, there are some travel insurers, such as Big Cat Travel Insurance will allow you to take out one-way travel insurance.
What is the difference between backpacker and annual travel insurance?
Backpacker insurance allows you to travel for up to 18 months, to multiple countries as part of one trip. Whereas annual travel insurance is designed to cover you for up to 12 months, for multiple trips throughout the year.
Are dental accidents or emergencies covered under backpacker travel insurance?
Most insurers will cover you for urgent dental emergencies that require immediate treatment.
Can you take out backpacker travel insurance once you’ve already left your country of residence?
This can depend on the insurance company; some will require you to take out insurance before you travel. Others, such as TrueTraveller, will allow you to take out insurance after you leave your country of residence.
What should I do if I want to travel to a destination not covered in my policy?
Destinations the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advise against visiting will not be covered by backpacker insurance or any travel insurance policy. If you choose to travel to these destinations, you won’t be covered by your travel insurance.
Some insurance companies may offer European FCDO Travel Advice Extension cover, which provides compensation towards accommodation or travel expenses should the FCDO advise travellers to return home.
What gadgets won’t be covered under standard backpacker travel insurance?
Depending on the provider, some will allow you to insure a certain number of gadgets under a standard policy or will pay up to a certain amount should you lose or break items. However, if you have any expensive tech, you might want to include an add-on which gives you additional cover.
If you don’t get appropriate vaccinations for your travel destinations and become unwell, are you covered for medical treatment?
If you choose not to get the recommended vaccinations and become ill as a result, you will invalidate your gap year travel insurance policy.
Is diving covered under backpacker travel insurance?
Most standard backpacking policies will cover you for diving, but with limitations. Some will only cover you for dives up to a depth of 18 meters. Others will allow you to add adventure activity cover, which will cover you for deeper dives.
If I miss my flight, due to unforeseen circumstances, am I covered or entitled to compensation?
You will be covered if you miss your flight for any reason which are mentioned in your policy. If they’re not mentioned, you won’t be covered. It's worth checking your policy, as each provider will be different.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that if you miss a flight due to a fault of airline, such as delays or a mechanical failure, it is the responsibility of the airline to ensure your flight runs on time. If they fail to do so, the airline is responsible for compensating you, not your backpacker insurance provider.
Top tips
- Check the duration of cover - Ensure your policy covers you for the entire trip. If you extend your trip, you will need to update your policy whilst abroad.
- Check that the cancellation cover is enough to cover the costs you’ve paid for your travel.
- Ensure you declare all pre-existing conditions and make sure your policy covers you for them.
- Check the policy wording in detail and make sure you read the small print!
- If an emergency or incident occurs, make sure you keep a record of the events and any receipts of expenses which you could claim for.
- Compare several insurance providers to get the best cover for your requirements.
- List any risky activities or extreme sports to ensure you’re covered or take out additional cover if required.
- Make sure your insurance will cover the cost of any expensive gadgets should you need to replace them.
- If you’re trekking, any activity over 3,000 metres above sea level is generally not covered by travel insurers – make sure you check!
- Ensure your policy covers you for at least 2 million pounds of emergency medical cover and repatriation. If you’re travelling worldwide, it’s recommended you increase this to £5 million.
- Check the Foreign and Commonwealth Travel Aware website for safety and security in your destinations. Going against their advice will invalidate your insurance.
- If you plan on volunteering during your trip, check whether your policy covers you for this and what type of volunteering work it would cover you for – some policies won’t cover you for manual voluntary work.
- We recommend taking a travel wallet to keep your travel documents safe.
- Take a small first aid kit to help with any minor injuries you might suffer.
- Take a photocopy of your passport, so if it's lost or stolen, this can help you when applying for new travel documents.
- Take a padlock to secure your belongings when leaving them in hostels/accommodations.
Conclusion
Choosing the right backpacker’s insurance policy is imperative to make sure you’re covered in case of any unexpected events. For those backpacking on a budget, it’s tempting to opt out of this to save on costs, but the alternative could be very expensive should any incidents arise. Checking the policy wording in detail is recommended to make sure you’re covered for everything you require, and any extras are added on if you need more coverage.
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