This Is What I Feel About Backpacker Travel Insurance!

Dec 28, 2023

Last Updated on: Feb 13, 2025

Travel Blog

At heart, I’m a backpacker. Despite having traveled extensively for more than ten years, I still enjoy taking inexpensive trips and value the experiences more than opulent lodging and transportation. I still enjoy meeting people from the community, eating as much local food as I can, and staying in hostels.

Despite what the general public believes, backpacking is about finding value, not about saving every penny. You must budget your money carefully if you want to travel in style and authenticity without going over budget.

Getting travel insurance is also one of the best decisions you can make if you plan to go on an international backpacking trip. I understand that purchasing travel insurance may seem like just one more thing to eat into your budget. It was a thought I had as well.

However, in the unlikely event that something goes wrong during your trip, it could also save you thousands of dollars. That, if you have a backpacker travel insurance.

Furthermore, I can tell you with confidence that something will go wrong because I have spent more than twelve years traveling the world. Here is all the information you need to know about purchasing backpacker travel insurance to help you stay safe on your next trip.

Why Do You Need A Backpacker Travel Insurance?

Why Do You Need A Backpacker Travel Insurance

You should purchase travel insurance because mishaps do occur. Things go wrong whether you’re in the country or overseas. You probably have access to trustworthy medical facilities and medical care when you’re at home.

That isn’t always the case when you are on the road.

Serious injuries do occur, despite their rarity. And it’s always preferable to err on the side of safety. However, insurance isn’t limited to urgent medical care. It also discusses a number of incidents that are far more frequent than you might imagine!

I’ve had my bags stolen, had to visit a hospital abroad, and even had a stabbing while visiting South America.

Even though thinking about these things all the time is unpleasant, you really should be ready for anything. Although it is ideal that you will never need to use your insurance plan, you should make sure you have the necessary coverage in case you do.

What Does A Backpacker Travel Insurance Cover?

What Does A Backpacker Travel Insurance Cover

Here’s a brief summary of the following items your backpacker insurance should cover:

  • Coverage for the majority of global nations
  • Emergency medical situations (hospitalization costs for surgery, medical evacuation to the closest hospital)
  • Flight cancellations and delays
  • Trip cancellations (caused by a family member getting hurt or dying)
  • Emergency evacuation (caused by harm or a natural disaster)
  • Dental emergencies
  • Misplaced or pilfered luggage
  • Death overseas

I understand that you like to travel light as a backpacker. After all, insurance isn’t free, which makes it appear like a burdensome and pointless expense. However, paying a few dollars a day is far less risky than losing your entire life savings in the event of an emergency while you are uninsured.

What Does A Backpacker Travel Insurance Not Cover?

What Does A Backpacker Travel Insurance Not Cover

Travel insurance typically covers most medical expenses and accidents related to travel, but it’s crucial to understand what it does and does not cover. After all, knowledge is power.

The majority of policies for backpackers do not cover:

  • Incidents that occur when engaging in extreme adventure sports, such as bungee jumping, hang gliding, or paragliding
  • Drug and alcohol-related incidents
  • Negligence or carelessness (like if you leave your bag unattended and it gets stolen)
  • General examinations or pre-existing conditions
  • Cash that has been stolen
  • If your government hasn’t issued an evacuation order due to civil unrest but your destination becomes unsafe (unless you have more advanced coverage from a company like Medjet)
  • You will not be eligible for trip cancellation coverage if you change your mind about the trip or break up with your travel companion or unfriend them.
  • You won’t receive reimbursement if you choose to postpone your travel if your visa to a destination is denied.

As a backpacker, there are only two companies that are worth using. Safety Wing and Insure My Trip.

Safety Wing

Safety Wing

This is the first and my personal favorite backpacker travel insurance.

Safety Wing was founded by Norwegian digital nomads who live in California. They serve low-cost travelers and remote workers by providing basic plans at incredibly low costs. Their $250 USD debit keeps the monthly fee low, and you can renew your plan while traveling abroad, making them the best option for frequent travelers. Although their coverage isn’t as extensive as that of other companies, it still covers the essentials, which makes them a good option for budget-conscious travelers.

Here is a brief overview of Safety Wing:

  • Incredibly cheap plans (with a deductible)
  • Able to buy and renew plans while traveling
  • Online claim submission is available.
  • $250,000 USD for urgent medical attention
  • Amiable and accommodating customer support
  • You retain your medical coverage in your home country for 30 days after returning from a 90-day trip (15 days if you live in the US).
  • Ideal for thrifty travelers and digital nomads

Insure My Trip

Insure My Trip

Insure My Trip is the second option.

With the aid of a policy aggregator called Insure My Trip, you can evaluate insurance providers and plans to find the one that best suits your needs and price range. Plans from more than 20 different insurance companies are available for comparison, and there are many reasonable options for travelers.

Retirees and other senior adventurers turn to Insure My Trip because they offer comparisons from insurance companies that cover older travelers (many travel insurance companies do not cover travelers over the age of 65). The main advantage of using Insure My Trip is their promise that you won’t find a better deal on the same policy anywhere else!

Here is a brief overview of Insure My Trip:

  • Low prices assured
  • Protection for elderly passengers over 65
  • “Anytime Advocates”: If you believe your claim was wrongfully rejected, ask the insurer to review it again.
  • Evaluates 23 different providers to guarantee you receive the greatest deal
  • Reviews of every policy to see what other passengers have to say

Wrapping Up

I always have travel insurance when I leave the house. I know firsthand how beneficial it can be. Over the years, it has prevented me from having to spend thousands of dollars on headaches.

The whole point of backpacking is to experience incredible, life-changing adventures without going over budget. Additionally, purchasing backpacker travel insurance is the best way to protect yourself from high (and unnecessary) expenses (keep in mind that Safety Wing is my top choice!).

Read Also:

Share on Social Media

Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

title-img Related

READ MORE Travel Applications

5 Immensely Popular Travel Applications that India Loves

BY  Mashum Apr 28, 2017

India is a vast country that is plentifully blessed with tourist destinations with scenic Travel Applications that India lover, cultural, historical and religious importance. It is one of those regions that attract a huge number of visitors every year. People from all over the world visit India to see the beauty that the area has to present to visitors.   It is a gratifying experience to visit these places. Of late, the travel industry is moving fast creating many conveniences by embracing technology. It is one of the leading travel industries all over the world. Indians have integrated technology to the travel industry to a great extent.   Software and mobile applications comprising tour management software, booking engine software, and airline reservation systems have revolutionized the way and pace of this industry. It sees travel agents and service providers delight the traveler with awesome travel experiences.  It is one of the best ways to take the travel industry to the next level. No wonder the Indian tourism industry is among the leading all over the world.   In this article, we will look at five popular mobile apps for the road travel and for the planning of trips. Let’s take a look at some of these useful apps that will help you, as you plan your travel in India:  1. RedBus Arguably, the pioneer of bus ticket booking in India is RedBus.  This app has come a long way since its inception. It has been instrumental in changing the way road travel happens in India. More and more people all over India are using it to make their dreams come true.   In India, there are places not reachable by train and by flight. At this point, buses step in as a major transportation medium. There is a high number of people who use buses when touring India.   The ticket booking for a bus just got easier through the RedBus app. The beauty about this tool is that it is very simple and user-friendly. You will not have a hard time when familiarizing yourself with this app.   The app even provides for discounts and offers from both, the bus operators and RedBus itself. This is one of the best features that you can find in this tool.   This is an important app to have on your mobile even if you are not a very regular bus traveler. The reason is that RedBus can help in those rare situations when you do have the need to use the road.  Therefore, you should not be a tourist to use this app while in India. Everyone will find it useful whenever you want to board a bus from one place to another. It is one of the best inventions in the Indian travel industry.   2. AbhiBus AbhiBus is a later entrant into the bus ticketing space. The tool has come in a big way and is another major bus ticketing company. You will find the tool in immense use among the Indian population. We can only expect the popularity of this tool to increase over time.   The AbhiBus app is similar to its counterpart app. It provides all the required information of bus routes, timings and ticket availability. You will not get lost when you rely on this app during your tour.   AbhiBus does not want to stay behind in the race to gather customers and build loyalty. Thus, ythe app also comes up with some offers and discounts for users.  You can be sure of benefiting in several ways when you begin to use this App. Most people who use it confirm that it is among the leading travel solutions in the region.   3. Ola Cabs Ola Cabs is an online taxi /cab platform that created a revolution of sorts in the taxi market in India. This application has moved ahead in terms of a number of cab owners and customers who are part of these services. This number continues to grow with each passing day.   An easy to use the mobile app, Ola primarily started with cabs in three segments. These include Prime (for the high-end traveller), Mini and Micro (for the budget traveller) and then later moved into Ola share and Luxury. The ‘’share’’ allows for customers to opt for a shared travel thus reducing the cost of the trip.  The difference between Ola and its competitor apps is the – Ola Auto. It adds to the product mix by offering the option to travel by Auto-Rickshaw. It is good to understand these features if you want to use the tool effectively.   Ola has also begun Ola Outstation in order to cater to the traveler looking to move from one city to another. Ola is a very handy mobile app to possess for a great travel convenience within the city.  In case you are planning to travel to India, Ola is one of the must-have apps. You will discover that it comes with several useful features for all travelers. The tool will offer you great assistance especially if you are new to this region.   4. Uber The American disruptor company that created waves on the US West coast is now an active part of the taxi marketplace in India. It is one of the apps that we can confidently say that it dominates the taxi industry globally.   India is one of the countries that have impressed the use of Uber.  As the other major player, Uber has amassed a good number of cab drivers and customers. Most travelers accept the fact that Uber offers some of the most affordable rates in the region.   Uber drivers have been facing stiff competition from the competitors because of the affordability of their services. The app is of great help to travel within the city and has come with different types of services.   These include Uber, UberGO (for the budget traveler) and UberPOOL (for sharing). It is good to understand how each of them works to get the maximum use of the App.   Uber also has the UberHIRE for people wanting to hire a taxi for a few hours and move to different places. The hiring service is just one of the applications that the App has to offer to the users.   5. Trip Planner Trip Planner is another useful app to plan your trip across destination spots in India. We cannot look at the most popular travel apps that Indians and leave out this one. It is among the industry leaders when you examine the travel and tour industry of India.   Trip Planner helps the users to find information on the popular tourist destinations in India. The unique thing about the app is that it even helps find information on some lesser-known travel destinations in the country.   Therefore, most people who want a better understanding of India prefer to use this application. It is a reliable App for anyone who knows how to use it well.   The app also helps get information on hotels and restaurants to take care of the user’s accommodation and gastronomic needs. Trip Planner is among the few apps that offer these unique features to the user.   It also provides an idea of‘’ things to do’’ while at some certain destination spots in India. Which another app will give you such reliable information? This app is useful for both Overseas and Indian travelers who plan to move from place to place within the city.  It is good to have this app is your phone if you want real help while touring India. It has an easy to use interface and hence you will not have a hard time using this solution.   Conclusion   Travel is an important part of our lives. First, it gives us a chance to move away from the hectic professional lives. Travelling also provides people an opportunity to ‘’refresh’’ and ‘’reboot.’’ Therefore, let no one cheat you that traveling is a waste of your valuable time and resources.   It can assist you to improve your health and even become more productive in life. You can make your tour more successful by making good use of the available travel aps. India is one of the regions that have a long list of these apps that travelers can use.   While we load our smartphones with several other apps it makes sense to have some of the travel technology platform. The best innovation creates convenience through the travel planning process. It flows all the way from Ticket booking to Tour planning to Stay and Food.   So, feel free to download these apps on your smartphone from the respective mobile platforms. If you have not been using these Apps. It is time that you begin making them part of your travel lifestyle. Look at the features that each of them has to offer and use the one that will give you the best support while touring India.   Read also:  The Easy Way to Travel in India. Top Most Expensive Hotels Of India To Enjoy And Stay Your Holidays Top 7 Places To Visit For An Asian Solo Traveler 15 Interesting Facts about India That Every Traveller Should Know

READ MORE Holiday Royal Vacation Club

FAQ About Staying Safe With Holiday Royal Vacation Club

BY  Abdul Aziz Aug 26, 2021

In these uncertain times when the question of whether to travel or not to travel is on everyone’s minds, the Holiday Royal Vacation Club offers many ways to help you stay safe while you travel. Their safe guest program offers a variety of safety measures such as social distancing practices and sanitation stations spaced throughout the resort for your convenience. You may be wondering, is it really safe to travel with Holiday Royal Vacation Club? The short answer is yes. If you take personal safety measures and abide by the rules set forth by the Holiday Royal Vacation Club, you should be able to safely enjoy your vacation while on resort grounds. There are many safety measures taken to ensure you can be happy and healthy during your stay. To help you get a better idea of what the Holiday Royal Vacation Club can do for you, here are some frequently asked questions: What does the Holiday Royal Vacation Club do to Help Keep My Family Safe? From sanitation stations to bell boys who disinfect your luggage, and social distancing (even on the beach) to urns for returning keys at checkout to cut down on face-to-face contact with the staff, there are a variety of ways that the Holiday Royal Vacation Club works hard every day so you can rest and relax during your vacation. Other safety-focused amenities include cleaning and disinfecting tables and menus at all dining facilities, temperature checks on-site, especially in places of entertainment like pools and beaches, the enforcement and practice of implementing the Cristal International Standards for room check certifications, and sanitation of all facilities on a frequent basis using Ecolab disinfecting and cleaning products that are both better for the environment and for your health and safety. How are Health and Safety Protocols Managed in Public Places like Pools? Holiday Royal Vacation welcomes you to use the private pools at their hotels and resorts where sanitation and disinfection are closely monitored. All surfaces such as tables and chairs are disinfected after each use. This means when one person leaves their poolside chair, a team member will quickly go and disinfect it before another guest is able to use it. In places like pools, the temperatures of guests are also checked and monitored. If a fever is detected, procedures are followed to get that guest to a safe place, away from other guests to ensure everyone’s safety. Finally, the social distancing of a minimum of 5 feet is enforced in all public places at all of the Holiday Royal hotels and resorts, this includes restaurants and swimming pools. Where can You Travel with the Holiday Royal Vacation Club? The Holiday Royal Vacation Club is most commonly known for having timeshares in Mexico, but there are also locations in New York, Puerto Rico, Morocco, France, Turkey, and dozens of other countries and cities around the world. Even though travel may be limited, you are sure to be able to find a Holiday Royal Vacation Club location near one of your destination options. What if you want to get rid of Your Holiday Royal Club Timeshare? Though we believe you will be greatly satisfied with your experience with the Holiday Royal Vacation Club, sometimes, it isn’t for everyone. We also believe that choosing to replace your club membership with another package is not a great idea as they take your safety concerns to heart, and worry that others will not care the way they do at Holiday Royal Vacation club resorts and hotels. If you have decided that you no longer want to be a club member, there are a few options available to get rid of your timeshare. If you have purchased it in the last 5 days, by law, you should be able to get a full refund. If it has been longer than 5 days, you have two options. The first option is to find a timeshare resale company. This is a company that kind of acts as a real estate agent to find buyers for your timeshare. These companies usually charge a fee for their services, but they can save you a lot of hassle in doing the work to find a buyer for you. The second option is to hire a timeshare exit company to help you with the legal paperwork to get rid of your timeshare. Just like the resale companies, exit companies usually charge a fee, but they do not usually require you to pay anything until your timeshare ownership has been legally terminated. If none of these options sound great to you, you can always choose to use up your remaining time with your timeshare, and choose not to renew your contract when the time comes. Conclusion Now that your questions have been answered, here is a question for you: Are your bags packed yet? We know that traveling during a global pandemic and the aftermath of one can be scary, but there are ways to do it safely. If you get your vaccinations, follow all mandated safety protocols, and stay at a place like one of the many hotels or resorts that offer the Holiday Royal Vacation Club Safe Guest Program, you can put your mind at ease in knowing that your room and your dining and entertainment facilities are regularly disinfected to ensure your safety. The Holiday Royal Vacation Club truly does have your safety in mind and welcomes you with hand sanitizer, disinfecting spray for your luggage, and freshly sanitized rooms. If you're interested, we encourage you to contact their customer service today for more information about available packages. Read Also: How To Prepare Yourself For The Perfect Vacation: Top 7 Tips 6 Things To Consider While Booking A Vacation Rental 5 Things To Do On Vacation In Belize

READ MORE Exploring The World

Essential Travel Tips for Foodies Exploring the World Through Taste

BY  Ankita Jan 10, 2024

Embarking on a food adventure while traveling is like opening a book full of exciting stories, each chapter flavored with unique tastes and culinary traditions. Imagine yourself walking the streets of different cities, each turn bringing you face-to-face with dishes that tell tales of history, culture, and the local community.  In Gatlinburg, for example, the experience might start with a visit to a local steakhouse, where the smoky aroma of grilled meats fills the air, offering a taste of the region's culinary heritage. Gatlinburg, nestled in the Smoky Mountains, is not just a scenic retreat but a haven for food lovers. Its blend of traditional Southern cuisine with unique local twists makes it a must-visit for any foodie traveler. This article will guide you through various ways to enhance your culinary journey, whether you're savoring a steak in Gatlinburg or exploring street food markets in far-flung corners of the world. It's about more than just eating; it's about experiencing the world through its flavors and connecting with places through their food.  So pack your bags and prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable journey into the delicious and diverse world of culinary travel. Savoring Local Flavors Gatlinburg, nestled in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, is a culinary treasure trove renowned for its diverse and delicious food offerings. When traveling, one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the local culture is by indulging in its culinary specialties. Take, for instance, if you want to visit the finest steakhouse Gatlinburg is the perfect destination, offering a range of options like Alamo Steakhouse, The Peddler Steakhouse, Bullfish Grill, Greenbrier Restaurant, and Cherokee Grill & Steakhouse, each offering their unique take on classic and innovative steak dishes. These establishments not only offer delicious cuts of meat but also provide a taste of the local flavors and cooking styles. To find the best steakhouses, look for places crowded with locals, as they often know the top spots for authentic and tasty food. Don't hesitate to ask for recommendations from local residents or your hotel staff. Remember, part of the adventure is discovering hidden gems that aren't always in the guidebooks. Street Food Adventures Street food is the heart and soul of many cuisines around the world. It's where you'll find the most authentic, traditional, and often innovative dishes. From the bustling markets in Asia to the colorful food trucks in the Americas, street food provides an unfiltered experience of a country's culinary essence. However, it's important to eat street food safely.  Always choose stalls where the food is prepared fresh in front of you, and the turnover of customers is high – it's a good sign of freshness and quality. Also, follow the locals — they know where the best and safest food can be found. Food Markets Food markets are vibrant hubs of activity and the epicenter of local cuisine. These markets offer a variety of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and other artisanal goods. They are ideal places to sample a range of dishes and ingredients unique to the region. Engage with local vendors to learn more about the food you're buying — many will be happy to share recipes or cooking tips. Markets are not just about food; they're cultural experiences that engage all your senses. Food Tours and Cooking Classes Participating in organized food tours and cooking classes is a fantastic way to delve deeper into a region's culinary traditions. These tours, often led by local experts, take you off the beaten path to try the best food that you might not find on your own.  Cooking classes, on the other hand, offer a hands-on experience, teaching you how to prepare local dishes, which is a skill you can take home. These activities provide not only culinary delights but also insights into the local way of life. Dietary Restrictions and Allergies Traveling with dietary restrictions or food allergies can be challenging, but with a bit of planning, it's entirely manageable. Research the local cuisine beforehand to identify dishes that meet your dietary needs. Learning key phrases in the local language to communicate your dietary restrictions can be incredibly helpful.  Additionally, consider carrying allergy cards written in the local language to convey your dietary needs clearly. Many restaurants are now accustomed to handling special dietary requests, so don't hesitate to communicate your needs. Pairing Food with Local Beverages A great meal becomes exceptional when paired with the right beverage. When traveling, seize the opportunity to taste local drinks that complement the cuisine. In wine-producing regions, visiting a vineyard can offer insights into pairing local wines with regional dishes. In places known for their breweries, a craft beer might be the perfect match for a hearty meal.  Non-alcoholic options, such as traditional teas or coffees, also play a significant role in some cultures. The key is to ask locals or your server for recommendations, as they can guide you to pairings that elevate your dining experience. Documenting Your Culinary Journey Documenting your food adventures enriches the experience and lets you share it with others. Start a travel food blog or use social media to post your culinary discoveries. When photographing food, try to capture the essence of the dish and the atmosphere of the place. Sharing stories behind the dishes can make your content more engaging. This not only creates a personal memento of your journey but can also guide other food enthusiasts in their travels. Sustainable and Ethical Eating As a foodie traveler, it's important to consider the impact of your dining choices. Opt for restaurants that source ingredients locally and practice sustainable methods. This supports the local economy and reduces the environmental impact. Additionally, being mindful of food waste and respecting local customs and cuisines are crucial aspects of ethical eating. In some cultures, certain foods may be considered delicacies, and trying them can be a way of honoring local traditions while also being conscious of ethical considerations. Budget-Friendly Foodie Travel Enjoying a world of flavors doesn't have to break the bank. Look for local eateries off the beaten path, as they often offer delicious food at lower prices than tourist hotspots. Street food is another affordable option that provides authentic taste experiences. Planning your meals and setting a daily budget can also help manage expenses. Remember, some of the best food experiences come from simple, humble places. Conclusion Exploring the world through taste is not just about indulging in different cuisines; it's about connecting with diverse cultures and traditions. Each dish tells a story, and each flavor opens a new window to understanding a place and its people. As you embark on your culinary journeys, remember to embrace local traditions, respect sustainable practices, and cherish the memories you create. So, pack your appetite and let your taste buds lead the way to unforgettable experiences. Read Also: From Sunrise To Sunset: A Day’s Itinerary For Exploring Benidorm Things To Do In Leeds: Dive Into The Dynamic Heart Of Yorkshire Hidden Gems: Unearthing The Best Things To Do In Nottingham