Backpacker travel insurance

Backpacker travel insurance is also known as gap year travel insurance. In essence, because you’re away for a long time, the backpacker cover you need may differ from the usual travel insurance.

At LV= our single trip policy can cover trips of up to 366 days so can be used for backpacking / gap year travels.

Things to check

As with all travel insurance, there are a few things to check when considering backpacker travel insurance.

How long a backpacker?

The length provided by a backpacker travel insurance policy varies from provider to provider – the minimum backpacker travel insurance cover is usually between 3 and 12 months and may include working overseas.

Europe only

The definition of Europe seems to vary from one backpacker insurance provider to another. Check that your destinations are included in your backpacker travel insurance.

Excluded countries

When looking for backpacker travel insurance, provided you've selected 'Worldwide' cover (including USA) there should be no restrictions on where you can travel to. However, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office advises against travel to some places – and your backpacker travel insurance policy may not cover you if you choose to ignore that advice.

Medical costs

Medical costs and facilities vary significantly across the world.  A European Health Insurance Card will provide limited cover in European Countries the UK has a reciprocal agreement with.  The extent of the cover depends on the healthcare system of the Country you are in.  If you are travelling to Australia you can enrol in ‘medicare’ which will entitle you to cheaper hospital treatments and medicines.

Vaccinations

Remember to check if there are any vaccination requirements before you travel.

Personal baggage cover

You may not need this – you may be covered under your home insurance. Also check whether you need extra protection for your cash, cards, passports or other important documents. Your backpacker travel insurance policy may not provide this cover or may have quite a low cover limit.  Check you have the cover you need.

Cancellation cover

Check what you’re covered for on your international travel. Illness, death in the family, redundancy etc are usually covered – but it’s worth checking – for example, the definition of a ‘family member’ may vary between backpacker travel insurance policies.

Are you eligible?

There may be age limits, health restrictions and destination or activity restrictions and you may need to think about extra cover when considering backpacker travel insurance.

Other things to consider

Check whether personal accident insurance (and compare any potential payout) and public liability insurance (and check the limit) are included.

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