Yay, you’re lucky enough to escape the fluorescent prison called the office and go on a big backpacking trip around the world. If you’re able to afford this trip, you’re one of the richest people in the world! And because of that, you should consider looking at some Backpacker Travel Insurance!
If you’re going travelling around the world, this probably means you’re going to be away from your home base for quite some time having the best time of your life. I’ve done the long term extended travel thing and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’ve never grown so much personally and I highly recommend that everyone travels on their own for an extended time at least once in their lifetime.
But firstly..
What is Backpacker Travel Insurance?
Backpacker Travel Insurance is cover provided for the unique needs of backpackers who are constantly travelling around the world who require travel insurance for wherever they are, and can be booked from outside of their home country.
Even if you’re the tight arse traveller, travel insurance for at least medical should be considered. If you want some evidence, check out the story of when my sister was clipped by a minibus taxi in Africa, my interview with Dr Deb The Travel Doctor, and another with a Medical Repatriation Nurse, Brooke Norton.
Here’s some more info about travel insurance.
What is Travel Insurance and what does it cover?
Travel insurance is an insurance policy you purchase to cover you for a number of events that you didn’t see coming like a freight train. These events, at their worst, can seriously impact your health and cost you a truckload of moolah (Australian slang for ‘money’). You normally buy a travel insurance policy before you leave your home country by paying a fee based on how long you’ll be away for, and if you have any medical issues.
Then if s%^t hits the fan when you’re away, you call an assistance line and the travel insurance provider helps you out in accordance with their terms and conditions with things like medical and hospital bills. Some travel insurance policies, such as Comprehensive Travel Insurance provides cover for lots of your gear, such as electronics including laptops and your mobile phones so you’re still able to take selfies. Comprehensive cover also includes scenarios involving flight changes or cancellations and lost or stolen baggage.
But here is my silly travel insurance definition:
Obviously, travel insurance doesn’t cover absolutely every single scenario that could possible ever happen to you. So check the terms and conditions to see what and what isn’t covered.
Why Should I Get Travel Insurance For Backpackers? Do I Need It?
Can you predict the future? I sure as hell can’t and no one can because life is going to throw all sorts of random crap at you that you didn’t see coming. Most trips overseas usually occur without incident and the likelihood of something catastrophic happening to you is pretty low. However, how do you know if you’re the one that’s going to be caught up in trouble? Willing to take that chance?
Well travel insurance provides that buffer – I personally don’t care if I lose all my stuff, but I really care if I lose my health and I need to get it back quick smart! See more on my post about why you should at least consider travel insurance.
What is ‘Cheap Backpackers Travel Insurance?’
That’s all relative and depends what you mean by ‘cheap’. If something costs a few hundred dollars and you end up being covered for a six figure medical bill, well that’s incredibly good value. How much to you value your life?
What to consider when buying Backpacker Travel Insurance
Are you going to undertake anything adventurous? You will need to specify what adventure sports you want to do such as scuba diving, snow sports and other things that make adrenaline junkies tick. One again, check the terms and conditions.
How Much Does Backpacker Travel Insurance Cost?
Well that depends on a number of things – where you are going to, how long you are travelling for, your age, any specific activities you have, and if you have any prexisting medical conditions.
What is the Travel Insurance Excess?
The travel insurance excess is the amount you pay in the event of you making a claim. This amount is then deducted from your claim payout once it has been processed.
How to make a claim on your travel insurance policy
You can make a claim immediately online with World Nomads so processing can commence pretty quickly.
Will I be covered for claims in every country?
By the way, if you have a death wish and want to travel to countries that have a high chance of a fatal visit and are subject to government warnings, well then they’re obviously not going to cover claims if you want to be a potential Darwin Award entrant.
How Long Does Backpacker Travel Insurance Last?
You specify the dates of when you’ll be travelling. If you decide that you want to stay overseas for much longer because you’ve realised work is overrated and you’d rather be having more fun, just get another policy overseas!
Does Backpacker Travel Insurance cover lost items?
That depends on your policy. If you have a comprehensive policy and the circumstances of the claim. You may want to consider a comprehensive policy to cover your stuff.
Am I covered for natural disasters?
If you are unlucky enough to be caught up in a natural disaster, yes, normally you are covered for events surrounding the natural disaster.
What is a pre-existing medical condition?
A pre-existing medical condition is one that you are aware of that may affect your medical coverage. Many are covered free of charge, but check what’s covered.
