Backpackers Travel Insurance Tips

If you’re about to head out on the adventure of a lifetime, there’s no need to leave everything to chance. Unfortunately, many backpackers do just that and it’s an unnecessary risk, to say the least.

There’s a large choice of travel insurance policies now available that have been written with the budget traveller in mind. Making sure you’re covered is pretty easy too, because online insurance providers are making it simple to compare policies and are tailoring packages so that you don’t end up paying for a bunch of things you will never need.

Insurance for the intrepid traveller

Maybe your idea of backpacking is to go from one sunny beach to the next, while for others; the call of the wild will beckon. 1cover has two packages for the more adventurous traveller. A ski package for within Australia or overseas will cover you for evacuations, medical expenses and even ski equipment and lift closures.

Their backpacking policy, trimmed of all excess, allows those travelling for longer periods to stay covered for less. Covering the basics such as unlimited evacuation and medical costs, personal liability up to $5 million and travel documents, it doesn’t include cancellations or travel delays.

For those with even more adventure in mind, World Nomads have policies that are well worth looking into. Available to people in over 150 countries around the globe, World Nomads specialize in covering extreme sports such as wakeboarding, mountain biking and bungee jumping, and includes up to $5 million in medical expenses and $500,000 for emergency evacuation.

Why backpacking?

Why not?! Backpacking has always been a popular way for people to see more of the world, but now more than ever, as worldwide tickets become the most economical way to travel for long periods of time, and more accommodation and tour businesses cater to this special market. Insurers like Columbus Direct have a backpacking policy that is geared towards people aged between 19-49, and can include annual multi-trips, ski cover, and other sports activities.

No-one knows young travellers better than YHA. They have tailored two policies to the backpacker. The comprehensive plan includes a premium policy that will even cover you for a trip to Antarctica! Now that’s adventure! It includes unlimited medical and the only unlimited dental scheme around. The YHA budget policy has been built with the shoestring budget in mind, covering the essentials such as medical, dental and emergency evacuation, up to $500,000.

Travel Insurance Direct offers a very competitive package too, with their ‘Essential Travel Insurance’ policy. For around $573 for 12 months, you are covered worldwide. Keep in mind this is travel insurance stripped down to its bare minimum, covering unlimited medical and additional expenses, with some luggage, personal liability and cancellation included.

Itrek Travel Insurance offers an easy to navigate site, with policies that are also easy to understand. Graded as Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum, these policies, while starting low in price, vary according to the type of travelling you will do. For instance, if you have booked a more expensive trip, you might need the extra cover that the silver package offers for cancellations. The bronze package, on the other hand, starts at just $268 for 12 months for medical cover.

So it’s easy to see why it’s no longer necessary to penny pinch over insurance premiums. All too often people skimp on insurance only to end up with large medical bills they didn’t expect. It’s true that a little money spent before you leave can save you a whole bundle should something go wrong.