Backpacker Travel Insurance

Backpacker policy is specifically designed for adventure buffs who carry minimum belongings in their backpack and set out to explore the world. They might go hiking in Alps or Himalayas or travel deep into the jungles of Australia or Africa.

If you are planning for a trip abroad that could extend for more than a year then it is better that you purchase backpacker travel insurance before you leave for the destination. Backpacker insurance policy provides you extensive cover and comes handy in case of injuries or theft.

Backpacker policies can be customized to suit your needs. In general, the covers for backpacker policy vary from one week to two years. You can also purchase a policy that covers for an extended period of your travel.

Though adults under the age of 40 - 45 years could avail backpacker travel insurance, the policy is more suitable for students who travel for long periods while on their break. Otherwise termed as hostelers travel insurance policy or student backpackers policy or student travel insurance, backpackers travel insurance is best suited for students who travel around the world for more than a year.

Backpacker Travel Insurance Cover


In general, backpacker travel insurance includes the following covers. However, this might vary depending on the company proving the insurance.

Cancellation cover: This could be availed if your trip is either cancelled or interrupted due to your health conditions or loss/serious health conditions of family members

Medical expenses cover: This comes handy if you become sick or are bodily injured due to an accident, while at the destination. However, the cover does not include ailments arising from your existing medical conditions

Personal accident cover: This includes personal accidents faced during sporting activities at your destination. Check with your provider for the list of sports included in the cover and eligibility for the same.

Personal liability cover: If you are driving a rental car at the destination and meet with an accident either causing bodily injury or resulting in damage to third person, you can avail this cover. In this case, your insurance provider pays the concerned third party.

Personal belongings: If you have lost any property while traveling, then the insurance agent can pay you for the lost goods value. However, a police report or other proof is required for a necessary claim.

Legal expenses cover: Your insurance provider can pay for the legal expenses occurred during your visit to the destination.

Exclusions


Check with your backpacker travel insurance provider for the exclusions as well. In general, the normal expenditure, HIV transmission or any claims from alcohol or drugs, or injuries out of dangerous activities not included in your personal accident cover are not encouraged for claims. Exclusion also apply for pregnancy or childbirth, existing medical conditions, mental or nervous illness and cosmetic surgery.

Advantages


Backpackers travel insurance is preferred over annual insurance policy especially because of its flexibility and wide coverage. Annual insurance policies are fixed and do not cover adventure sport activities. Whereas backpackers travel insurance are extendable and have wide claims like loss of personal belongings while hijacked or injury due to adventurous activities.

There are many backpacker travel insurance providers in the market. Though the basic covers are the same, the additional covers vary from company to company. Hence, read the guidelines thoroughly before you attempt to finalize your insurance provider.