Backpackers may need more than standard travel insurance benefits to protect them on their trip. Targeted at those taking long stay, gap year or backpacking holidays, specialist backpacker insurance may be worth considering as an alternative. Is this the cheapest way to get a suitable travel policy?
What is Backpacker Travel Insurance?
This kind of policy is often targeted at those looking to take backpacking breaks, gap year trips or longer holidays that may take in many different countries. Although these policies are generally built around standard travel insurance benefits, they may also offer other features. These may not be found in some regular products or may cost more to add on.
One of the primary benefits of using specialist backpacking travel policies is the automatic cover that may be given to activities. People taking these kinds of trips are more likely to take part in sports and extreme/adrenaline pursuits on the spur of the moment. Consequently, most of these products will write in common activities as standard.
Many policies will also include assistance benefits that standard products may not need to offer. Taking a trip to remote locations can be more dangerous than a regular break and help such as medical repatriation and search and rescue services may be useful. Specialist policies often include increased/more comprehensive medical benefits than regular ones.
Is a Backpacking Trip Policy Better than Standard Travel Insurance?
This really depends on the needs of the individual and their plans. It is possible to take out a regular policy to cover longer holidays so if the duration of the trip is the primary concern then specialist insurance may not be needed. A standard long stay policy may be a better option.
But, many people taking these kinds of holidays may find themselves really wanting to make this the experience of a lifetime. Many decide at home that they won’t be doing any adrenaline sports and that they’ll leave bungee jumping, hang gliding and wake boarding to others. Things may be different on the trip, however, and having cover in place just in case may be sensible.
What to Consider Before Taking Out Backpacking Travel Insurance
Buying the right kind of travel insurance often comes down to getting the right features and benefits at the lowest possible cost. Those looking at backpacking cover may want to think about what they actually need from a policy and what might not be so important.
The destinations visited may also play a part here. Those backpacking around Europe, for example, may have different needs to those taking on a worldwide trip where they visit more remote locations. Many travel insurers will also offer graded policies that offer a range of base features and additional benefits which can be useful.
Shopping around online to compare policy terms, features, benefits and premium costs can be easily done. Taking some time first to find ways to cut travel policy costs may also save on the ultimate cost of backpacking trip cover.
Carol Finch - Carol Finch is the Topic Editor for Retirement Planning, Budgeting, E-Commerce & Technical/Business Writing on Suite101.
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