Backpacker insurance
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What is backpacker insurance?
Backpacker insurance is a type of cover aimed at people who plan to travel for long periods, often to multiple countries in one trip. It offers additional features and benefits compared with standard travel insurance, so your backpacking itinerary is fully covered.
If you’re travelling on a budget, we’re here to help you search for a great-value deal on backpacker travel insurance.
What should backpacker insurance cover?
When comparing backpacker insurance quotes, make sure you choose a policy that covers you for:
- Medical expenses and repatriation – this pays for the cost of treatment abroad and emergency flights to get you home, if required.
- Cancellation or curtailment – this could cover the costs of flights, accommodation and excursions, in case you need to cancel your trip due to a reason specified in your policy.
- Delays and missed departures – this could compensate you for any expenses incurred if your flight’s delayed due to an insured event, such as a strike, or you miss your flight for one of the reasons covered by your policy.
- Lost luggage – most policies will cover the cost of replacing any lost or stolen baggage. But check that the cover limit is enough to replace everything you’re taking with you.
- Extreme sports – if it’s likely your trip will involve adventure sports and activities, for example trekking or bungee jumping, make sure these are covered and stated in the policy wording. Note that, for insurance purposes, even activities like horse riding or swimming with dolphins could be considered ‘extreme’.
- Likewise, if you’re planning on doing water sports like white-water rafting, jet-skiing or diving with sharks, make sure your policy explicitly covers your chosen activity.
- Personal liability – this could cover the cost of any damage or injury you unintentionally cause while you’re away. It’s worth being aware that a claim could be invalidated if a doctor or specialist treating you after an injury reports that alcohol was involved.
What's not covered by backpacker insurance?
Like all insurance policies, backpacker insurance has some exclusions that it won’t pay out for. For example, your claim may be rejected if you:
- Break the law or behave maliciously.
- Are injured or lose your possessions when you’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Ignore official advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) or the World Health Organisation.
- Leave your bags or possessions unattended and they’re stolen. Check your policy carefully as your insurance provider may insist you take certain safety precautions while you’re away. Also, you might not be covered for theft from hostels if your belongings are not placed in a locked safety deposit box.
- Mislead or fail to inform your insurance provider about any pre-existing health conditions or other key details.
- Change your plans and decide to come home early, unless this is due to Government or FCDO advice.
- If you’re planning on working while you’re away backpacking to help fund your trip, make sure that what you’re doing will be covered. Some policies exclude manual labour or using heavy machinery or particular tools.
Do I need backpacker travel insurance?
Backpacker travel insurance, also known as extended trip insurance, is ideal if you’re planning to go away for several months at a time.
It’s also designed to cover you in multiple destinations.
Backpacker insurance often covers a wider range of adventure activities as standard too. That means you could try scuba diving or go bungee jumping all without arranging extra cover.
As with standard travel insurance, backpacker insurance can help cover the cost of emergency medical expenses while you’re travelling. And medical care can prove costly in some countries.
It could also help you recoup your costs if you need to cancel your trip. And you may have paid a substantial amount upfront if you’ve booked round-the-world flights.
Whether you’re off to Europe, Australia, the USA, Africa, Southeast Asia, Central or South America, getting the right travel insurance policy for backpackers is key. Always check your policy terms and conditions carefully to see exactly what you’re covered for.
How does backpacker travel insurance compare to other types of travel insurance?
Take a look at how travel insurance for backpackers stacks up against the features of single trip and annual travel insurance to see which is right for you.
Backpacker insurance
Travel insurance for travellers on an extended trip often includes cover for:
- Travel to multiple countries on trips lasting up to 18-24 months
- Option to return home and set off again
- A wide range of sports activities (but some extreme sports will need extra cover)
- May cover you if you take paid or unpaid work.
These features make backpacker travel insurance great for gap years and career breaks.
Single trip
Single trip travel insurance typically covers:
- One trip only
- Fixed start and finish dates
- Limited cover for activities but additional cover for sports, winter sports, water sports and adventure activities can be added.
These features make single-trip cover good for infrequent travellers or long-stay holidaymakers.
Annual multi-trip
Annual multi-trip travel insurance normally covers:
- Multiple trips in one year
- A maximum duration for each individual trips
- Minimises the hassle of getting insurance for every trip
- Limited cover for activities but additional cover for sports and activities can be added.
These features mean annual multi-trip cover could be a good option if you travel frequently or have a few shorter trips planned.
How much does backpacker travel insurance cost?
No two gap year adventures are the same, and the price of backpacker insurance can vary a lot depending on where you’re going, what you’ll be doing, and how long you’ll be away for.
Here are the main things that impact the cost of travel insurance for travellers heading off on a backpacking trip:
- Where you’re going – you’ll typically pay less to insure a backpacking trip in Europe than for worldwide destinations such as Australia or Asia. Travelling to the USA will likely cost more to insure due to the high cost of medical treatment there.
- How long you’re going for – the longer you’re away, the more expensive the insurance.
- Your age – backpackers insurance is often aimed at younger travellers. You may have to pay more if you’re over a certain age.
- Your health – you’re likely to pay more for backpacker insurance if you have any pre-existing medical conditions. But remember, it’s important to be honest about your health to avoid invalidating your insurance. It’s also vital to make sure you can access medical care while abroad.
- What you’ll be doing – you may have to arrange additional cover for some high-risk activities such as climbing, winter sports, extreme sports, or some water sports.
- What you’re taking with you – if you’re taking expensive sporting equipment or fancy gadgets, you might need to pay more to make sure you’re fully covered for loss or damage.
What add-ons are available for backpacker travel insurance?
You may have the option to add on extra cover to your backpacker insurance for an additional cost. Policies vary, but common extras could include:
- Trip disruption cover – can include compensation if unexpected circumstances, like a natural catastrophe or a global pandemic force you to change your plans.
- Trip extensions – some providers will let you add on extra time to your policy from overseas if you decide you’re not quite ready to return to reality just yet.
- Gadget cover – can make sure valuable tech like your smartphone, tablet, laptop or camera equipment is protected while you’re away. This could be particularly helpful if you’re a digital nomad or freelancer, planning to work your way around the globe.
- Winter sports cover – is necessary if you’re doing any skiing or snowboarding while you’re travelling. Make sure you’re covered for all the snow sport activities you have planned before you hit the slopes.
- Cruise cover – if your gap year plans include a cruise, this can cover you for specific issues like missing your departure or being confined to your cabin due to illness. It’s not just a good idea to add on this specialist cover – cruise operators may also insist on it.
- Excess waiver – if you’re worried about the cost of the excess putting you off making smaller claims, you may be able to get travel insurance with no excess for an additional premium. Read the terms carefully though as an excess may still apply in some cases.
- Volunteering cover – if you’re planning on doing any volunteering work while abroad, check your policy to make sure all the activities are covered or if you need to add on extra volunteer travel cover.
Customers with pre-existing medical conditions
If you have a serious health condition, your travel insurance is likely to be more expensive. Whatever happens, tell your insurance provider the truth. If you give false information or miss something out, your claim could be rejected. When you declare any medical conditions on our website, we’ll only show you quotes from insurance providers who will cover them, with no exclusions.
If your condition is more serious, MoneyHelper has a directory of insurance providers who may be able to provide quotes over the phone. You can call them on 0800 138 7777.
Where can I compare backpacker insurance quotes?
Start a backpacker insurance comparison with us today and compare backpacker travel insurance features and prices to find a policy that suits your needs.
Remember, the cheapest backpacker travel insurance isn’t always the best backpacker insurance. Choose a policy that works for you based on where you’re going, what you’re doing, and how long you’re travelling for.
We compare quotes from 44[1] trusted travel insurance providers so you can search for our best travel insurance for backpackers and get covered at an affordable price. Compare extended trip insurance for backpackers today and get a quote in minutes.
[1] Correct as of March 2025.
What do I need to get a quote?
To start comparing our best backpacker travel insurance quotes, just tell us:
- Where you’re going – you’ll need different cover for different continents and countries.
- How long for – backpacker insurance can cover you for trips lasting up to 18 months or up to two years in some cases.
- What you’ll be doing – do you have any extreme activities in mind? Will you be doing any volunteering?
- What you’re taking – it may be that you want to insure expensive gadgets or equipment.
We’ll also need to know a bit about you, including your age and details of any existing medical conditions you may have.
Frequently asked questions
Should I consider backpacker insurance if I have a Global Health Insurance Card?
You’ll still need to think about backpacker insurance if you have a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) as it’s not a replacement for travel insurance. The GHIC replaces the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
The GHIC gives visitors to the EU access to the same state-provided medical treatment as people living in that European country. But your GHIC won’t help you get back home to the UK in a medical emergency or cover the costs of any private healthcare.
It also won’t cover you for lost or stolen luggage. And it won’t cover you if you need to cancel or cut your trip short due to an unforeseen circumstance like a family bereavement. For that you’ll need travel insurance.
Can I get backpacker insurance with a pre-existing medical condition?
A medical condition doesn’t mean you won’t find backpacker travel insurance cover. But in some cases, your premium could cost a little more.
If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you should always tell your insurance provider.
If your provider finds out that a medical emergency you suffered abroad was linked to a condition you knew about and didn’t declare, they might not pay out. That’s why it’s always best to be honest about your medical history.
What should I consider when buying backpackers insurance?
Here are a few things to consider when you compare backpacker travel insurance:
- Return visits – can you return home during your trip without invalidating your cover?
- Working and volunteering abroad – what paid or unpaid work will be covered? If charity work is the focus of your trip, consider volunteer travel insurance.
- Countries covered – you might have to pay more to visit certain countries, such as the USA, due to the relatively high cost of medical care.
- Age limits – some backpacker insurance policies won’t cover travellers over the age of 50 or 60, so older backpackers may have limited choice.
- High-risk travel –you won’t be covered if the FCDO has advised against travel to your destination.
What else do backpackers need before they leave?
Here are a few things you may need to do before you leave to help your backpacking trip go smoothly:
- Visas – find out if you need a visa for the countries you’re visiting and take the necessary steps to get one if you do.
- Vaccinations – check with your GP if you need any vaccinations or anti-malarial medication in plenty of time before you travel.
- Cash – make sure you have enough money to fund your trip and tell your bank you’re going overseas.
- Valuables – think about what valuables you need to take with you and how you’ll keep them safe.
- Show respect – take the time to learn about the local customs before you go.
- Language – think about brushing up on a few key phrases in the local language before you travel.
When should I buy backpacker insurance?
The sooner you buy your backpacker travel insurance, the better. Ideally do it as soon as you book your first flights or ferries.
That means you may be able to recoup some (or all) of the costs if your trip is cancelled due to an unexpected illness, injury or bereavement. Policies vary though, so check the cancellation terms carefully.
How do I claim on backpackers insurance while abroad?
Here are the steps to follow to claim:
- Speak to the local authorities if necessary. If you’ve been a victim of crime, you need to get a police report within a certain time frame.
- Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible – there’s usually a 24/7 emergency helpline you can call. They’ll explain the next steps. If you need non-urgent medical care, call first to check your claim will be covered.
- Keep any evidence that supports your claim, such as bills, police reports or medical forms. If you’re claiming for lost luggage, keep the receipts for any replacement items you buy.
Make sure you take a copy of your insurance documents with you (a paper copy or a downloaded version) so you have all the details you need to make a claim.
What our expert says...
"Don’t risk ruining the adventure of a lifetime. Whether you’re heading out to travel the world on your gap year or taking an extended trip, make sure you’re covered with backpacker insurance.”
- Anna McEntee, Home, pet and travel insurance expert
