Travel insurance for backpacking
If something unexpected happens, we’ve got your back – pack or no pack
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Just you and the open road, the basics on your back, the world at your feet. Backpacking is a rite of passage for many nomads seeking maximum experience for minimum expense.
You might be setting out to find your crew or yourself, to connect with a destination or frolic at every festival.
But whatever creature comforts you can do without, travel insurance may be a good idea.
Why be an insured backpacker?
If your travels take you on the wrong kind of adventure – like a sudden illness or injury, a freak natural disaster, stolen or misdirected belongings, or an emergency that means you have to head home pronto – travel insurance may be able to help you with expenses. Plus, the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team is here for you in a crisis, such as providing guidance and pre-approving costs.
Getting the most out of your travel insurance policy
Here are some pointers to help keep you covered while backpacking.
- Are you traveling long-term? You can extend your policy or buy travel insurance while abroad (waiting periods may apply) even if you don’t have a return ticket. World Nomads policies offer coverage for up to a year.
- Does backpacking = hiking for you? To have coverage for an adventure sport or activity, you may need to add it to your policy when you buy, and pay the extra premium. Remember, you can’t upgrade your coverage after you buy, so it’s important to get this right on the first go.
- While having fun is a must-do, risky behavior isn’t covered. Yes, you can enjoy a few drinks and take the road less travelled but getting blind drunk or venturing into regions unknown may invalidate your coverage.
- If you want to work while you’re away, coverage for non-manual work such as admin or childcare may be included in the base policy (make sure you check the conditions in your policy). Manual work such as NGO support and disaster and scuba diving instruction relief may need an upgrade. If so, you’ll need to add this to your policy at the time of purchase and pay the extra premium. And some types of work may not be covered at all. Your policy has all the details.
- Going wherever the breeze blows? If you want to cross the border, check with the customer service team first as your policy may not apply in countries other than those listed on your policy.
When you buy a World Nomads travel insurance policy, your coverage has been crafted by passionate travelers who have lugged backpacks, battled bedbugs and waited in line for the restroom too. For trip ideas and tips, check out our article on backpacking dos and don’ts and much more.
This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. You should read your policy wording in full so you understand what is and isn’t covered. That way there won’t be any surprises if you need to use it. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms and conditions of the policy. It is important you read and understand your policy as it contains benefits, conditions, exclusions and pre-existing condition exclusions. If you do not understand your coverage, of if you have questions about your coverage, just ask us.
Reconnect with the world with World Nomads travel insurance.
Itching to travel again?
Explore the world with World Nomads travel insurance. Our plans provide coverage for certain claims arising from Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Conditions and exclusions apply.
For more information, visit Travel Insurance & COVID-19 and our Travel Insurance & Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQs.
Trip cancellation
This benefit helps you recover non-refundable, pre-paid trip costs when you have to cancel your trip for a covered reason such as if you receive a confirmed and documented diagnosis of COVID-19, as certified by a physician, before your departure. Please refer to the Trip Cancellation section of your policy for more information.
Emergency medical
If you unexpectedly get sick with COVID-19 or another illness when travelling, you may be eligible for emergency medical benefits, including diagnostic tests prescribed by a physician. Please refer to the Emergency Medical section of your policy for more information.
Emergency evacuation
If a physician recommends that you be transported to a hospital in your home province for emergency medical treatment, you could be covered for medical air evacuation. Please refer to the Emergency Evacuation section of your policy for more information.
Trip interruption
During your travels, you might have to return home early because of sudden or unforeseen circumstances. With trip interruption coverage, you may be eligible for reimbursement for a one-way, economy-class ticket home and any pre-paid, unused portions of your trip if you need to change your plans for a covered reason. There is no coverage for circumstances related to COVID-19 unless those circumstances relate to a new, confirmed and documented diagnosis that the insured has contracted Coronavirus while travelling. Please refer to the Trip Interruption section of your policy for more information.
24/7 Emergency Assistance
Whether you’re stranded in a foreign country or need to reschedule a flight, our Emergency Assistance team is available 24/7 in whatever part of the world you’re travelling.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation.
- Explorer Plan: $5,000
- Standard Plan: $2,500
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalized?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Insurance
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
- Explorer Plan: $10 million
- Standard Plan: $5 million
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation
We’ll get you to hospital or home quickly.
- Explorer Plan: $500,000
- Standard Plan: $500,000
Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medevac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Covers the theft, damage or delay of your bags, tech and sports gear.
- Explorer Plan: $3,000
- Standard Plan: $1,000
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Medical Expenses
- Emergency Dental for Injury or Sickness
- Bedside Companion Travel and Subsistence
- Emergency Professional Services
- Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation
- Return of Travel Companion/Dependent Children
- Return to Your Trip Destination
- Return of Remains
- Travel Accident
- Flight Accident
- Trip Cancellation
- Trip Interruption
- Trip Delay
- Baggage and Personal Effects Theft or Damage
- Baggage and Sporting Equipment Delay
- Travel Documents Theft or Damage
- Sporting Equipment Theft or Loss by a Common Carrier
- Covered Adventure Sports listed in Policy
Assistance Services Included
- LiveTravelTM Emergency Assistance
- Worldwide Travel Assistance
- Adventure Travel Hotline
- 24/7 Security
- Travel Medical Assistance
- Bag Trak
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical or dental assistance or advice, emergency evacuation or travel assistance, our team are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Telephone +1 866 878 0192 (toll-free from Canada and the Continental U.S.) or +1 416 646 3723 (collect from anywhere else in the world)
Contact the teamWherever you are, we’re here 24/7 to help you in any emergency.
Emergency Assistance, World Nomads
Travel insurance. Simple & flexible.
Travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families. Nobody wants to think about all the things that could go wrong on their trip, but these things can and do happen. So be prepared and get your travel insurance today.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and travel - what you need to know
COVID-19 is a foreseen or known event. If you are purchasing a new policy, certain coverages will not apply. Please read the details here.
About Coronavirus