Check the duration of cover - your policy must cover you for the entire trip. If you extend, you must 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.
Check the policy wording in detail and make sure you read the small print!
Keep a record of the events if an emergency or incident occurs, and keep any receipts of expenses.
Compare several insurance providers to get the best deal.
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.
If you're volunteering, check whether you're covered and what type of volunteering work it will cover.
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.
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, 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. These are different types of travel insurance policies, each offering varying levels of coverage and flexibility depending on your travel needs.
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 that 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 may be covered under the missed departure section of your policy if you miss your flight due to unforeseen circumstances such as breakdowns, illness, or other events specified in your policy. If these circumstances are 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.
How do I choose the right backpacker travel insurance policy?
When choosing a policy, compare coverage options, pricing, and additional benefits to find the best fit for your needs. Looking at the best backpacker travel insurance options can help you identify plans that offer comprehensive coverage for long-term travel, families, or specific activities.
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.
