Backpacker insurance

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 replaced 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Here are the steps to follow to claim:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.