cheap backpacker travel insurance | Backpacker Travel Insurance

Why backpacking travel insurance is different…

Backpacking is different from a regular trip in so many ways and that’s why its essential that backpacker travel insurance should be purchased before you travel. It tends to one of the main things that individuals forget and then end up regretting it. There are just so many things that go wrong and so buying backpackers travel insurance should be a priority. The standards of hygiene differ from country to country. Even in countries in Western Europe you still have to buy backpackers travel insurance. You might think that because you’re backpacking through Europe or more specifically backpacking in Italy, backpacking in Germany or Backpacking in France that you don’t have to bother with backpacking travel insurance. This is not the case! Some youth hostels are more secure than others and this can’t be guaranteed in any country. What if you loose your bag, money or passport? Again this could happen in any country while backpacking through Europe. It goes without saying if you’re traveling to remote areas, you’re at a much higher risk than normal. You may have to consider the possibility of mugging. Then of course there’s always the chance of trying some sort of extreme sport, accidents do happen so you must take out an insurance policy before you go.

Things to Consider

Backpackers travel insurance tends to be aimed at individuals of the age of 35 and under although some will cover up to the age of 65. It’s aimed purely at the majority of backpackers out there. They do tend to be under 35 as it’s often students on a gap year who decide to backpack around the world. The length of time covered frequently starts at four months and can last anything up to a year. Any pre-existing medical conditions have to be declared before hand and may affect the price of your policy. If you don’t divulge this information when buying the policy you may find it void at a later date. Don’t take the risk, it’s worth declaring it as it might come back to bite you in the end if you don’t.

There are a few minimum things to look for when buying a backpackers travel insurance policy. As a rough guide, it should cover the following.

• A minimum of £2 million of medical cover;
• Repatriation, including air ambulance, in the case of serious illness or injury;
• Baggage and belongings cover;
• A minimum of £3,000 cancellation/curtailment cover, so you can get home if there is an emergency, such as a death in the family;
• A minimum of £1 million personal liability insurance, in case you injure a person or cause damage to their property;
• A 24-hour emergency helpline.

As always, ensure you have thoroughly read the policy documents to ensure you’re covered. I always recommend doing this before you set off on your travels as it’s much easier to pick up the phone before you leave than it is to do while you’re away on your travels. If you’re planning on doing some extreme sports while backpacking through Europe you have to make sure your insurance policy covers you!

Backpackers insurance will cover you for most places in the world although there are certain countries which may be deemed to dangerous. More information about this can be supplied by your insurance provider. The best idea is often to call them, you are the customer and they want your business so they will be interested in meeting your needs. I’m sure you’ll have an idea of where you want to visit by this point so explain this to the insurance provider and they can advise you if there policy will cover your trip.

In summary, backpacker travel insurance is well worth the initial outlay. You’ll have that peace of mind and know that you can concentrate on enjoying your trip!