Backpacker Travel Insurance: The Complete Guide

You should never simply choose the first travel insurance policy you come across. Be sure to research the market thoroughly so you understand what your options are and what different policies could potentially cost. This will differ from backpacker to backpacker based on your demographic information, medical history and travel plans, so it's worth getting a few online quotes to find the best-value deal for you.

You should always tailor your research to suit your circumstances, but there are a few key elements most backpackers should consider when choosing a travel insurance policy:

Adventurous activities (i.e. riskier travels): You'll often find policies, optional extras or additional packages that cover costs you might incur during risky activities while travelling. Some activities that you might consider as standard travel plans (like snorkelling or hiking) may only be covered by these policies as optional extras that come at an additional cost.

Travel destinations: When you take out a policy, you must list all of the countries you plan to travel to. If you end up travelling outside these areas and try to make an insurance claim, it's likely to be rejected. Want to add another country into the mix while you're already on the road? Contact your insurance provider to update your policy first, and be aware it could come with an additional cost. If you're not sure where your travels will lead you, many insurance companies offer 'worldwide' cover that insures you for all the countries they provide cover in.

Trip duration and extensions: If you end up travelling for longer than you planned, you can usually extend your backpacker travel insurance. Some providers allow you to extend the same cover, while others may ask you to take out an entirely new policy. In either case, you'll be paying an additional premium for whatever timeframe you extend your trip to. You'll usually need to extend or take out the new policy a few days before the existing one expires in order to maintain coverage.

Multi-trip policies: If you know you're going to be globe trotting on and off over the course of the next 12 months, a multi-trip policy may be the best value option for you. This coverage works best if you have consistent travel habits (like always bringing a camera with you, so always needing to cover it) and know that each excursion won't go beyond duration limits (usually up to 60 or 90 days).

Pre-existing medical conditions: There are a number of pre-existing medical conditions that are automatically covered by travel insurance, and others that you could be covered for if the insurance provider approves you after a medical assessment. This varies between providers and depends on the exact circumstances of your condition, like changes in medications, recent treatments, surgeries or any hospitalisations. If you have chronic or ongoing illness, be sure to read the PDS to see exactly what costs related to your condition are covered.

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Medical cover

Unlimited, with a $2000 limit to dental

Cancellations

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Medical Cover

Unlimited, with a $2000 limit on dental

Cancellations

$2,500 with option to increase to unlimited