This Is What I Feel About Backpacker Travel Insurance!
BY Abdul Aziz Dec 28, 2023
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? 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? 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? 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 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 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: A Backpacker’s Guide: Must-Have Camping Essentials Secrets Of Forest Camping: Tips For An Unforgettable Getaway Sorting Out Christmas Vacation: 11 Best Places To Visit On Christmas This Year!