Histórias verdadeiras do departamento de Sinistros
Qualquer coisa pode acontecer em uma viagem (e acontece).
- As featured in:
As featured in:
Leia os melhores depoimentos dos piores casos que nós tratamos ao longo dos anos.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Você ou sua família estão doentes, feridos ou mortos?
- Perdeu seu emprego?
- Teve sua casa destruída?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Precisa de medicamentos?
- Sofreu um acidente?
- Ficou doente?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Se acidentou no exterior?
- Precisa urgentemente de um hospital?
- Impossibilitado de prosseguir viagem?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Suas malas sumiram?
- Não encontra sua bagagem?
- Malas danificadas?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams 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?
Contact the teamObtenha uma cotação de seguro de viagem
Seguro viagem simples e flexível. Compre em casa ou durante a viagem e faça a solicitação online de qualquer lugar do mundo
Faça uma cotação
Travel Insurance for Backpacking
US residents can stay protected on the trail - essential travel insurance coverage for backpackers
- As featured in:
As featured in:
At a glance:
- Backpacking travel insurance may help if your trip is interrupted, your gear is stolen, or you’re injured on the trail.
- World Nomads offers plans with coverage for emergency medical expenses, baggage loss, trip cancellations, and 250+ adventure activities.
- Coverage varies by plan, including treks up to 26,247 feet/8,000 meters with the Epic Plan.
- Optional Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage adds flexibility if plans change unexpectedly (must be added within 7 days of first deposit for your trip).
- Access pre-trip telehealth to get essential meds, like altitude sickness pills or necessary vaccinations, before you go.
- How can I protect my backpacking trip with travel insurance coverage?
- Why you may want to consider travel insurance to protect your backpacking trip
- Backpacking Travel Insurance Benefits
- What's not covered
- Top tips for backpackers
- FAQs
Just you, your pack, and the open road. Backpacking is a rite of passage for nomads chasing big experiences on a small budget.
Whether you're out to find your crew or yourself, travel insurance coverage can help if things go off track.
World Nomads Travel Insurance covers backpackers exploring Thailand, Vietnam, South America, Europe and beyond.
How can I protect my backpacking trip with travel insurance coverage?
Backpacking looks different for every traveler—maybe you're hostel-hopping across Europe and want protection in case your gear gets stolen, or you’re trekking through the Andes where emergency medical expense coverage could be very helpful. That’s why World Nomads Travel Insurance offers flexible travel protection plans for backpackers, with coverage designed to match your style of adventure. From safeguarding your belongings to covering accidents at high altitudes, we’ve got your back.
-
Standard Plan
covers backpacking trips up to
19,685 feet/6,000 meters -
Explorer plan
covers backpacking trips up to
21,325 feet/6,500 meters -
Epic plan
covers backpacking trips up to
26,247 feet/8,000 meters -
Annual plan
covers backpacking trips up to
19,685 feet/6,000 meters
Plus, our plans include coverage for 250+ other activities you might do along the way, so you can explore confidently, wherever your backpack leads you.
Why you may want to consider travel insurance to protect your backpacking trip
Backpacking is all about freedom and spontaneity—but that flexibility also comes with risk. From sprained ankles on rocky trails to food poisoning in rural villages or stolen gear on overnight buses, the unexpected can derail your trip fast. That’s where travel insurance for backpackers can help—covering emergency medical expenses, trip interruptions, evacuations from high-altitude regions, and lost or stolen passports. And if your plans change before you even leave, optional Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage may reimburse you for non-refundable, unused trip costs—ideal for travelers who like to keep their options open. Whether you're trekking through South America or hopping between hidden towns in Southeast Asia, having the right coverage gives you the confidence to go wherever the trail takes you. Certain conditions and limitations apply.
What travel insurance benefits could cover you and your backpacking trip?
World Nomads offers coverage (up to the plan maximum benefit amount) for:
- Medical expenses:if you get hurt while backpacking and need medical attention, our accident and sickness medical expense insurance benefit may provide reimbursement for the treatment you need.
- Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation: If your injuries are severe, acute, or life-threatening our plans may cover evacuation and transportation to a medical facility best suited for your care, subject to approval from the treating medical physician and the non-insurance 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team.
- Baggage and personal effects protection: Our gear coverage may help with reimbursement of the cost to repair or replace damaged, lost or stolen items, including airline checked bags.
- Trip cancellation: if you need to cancel your trip due to a covered reason such as an unexpected illness, we may be able to reimburse your pre-paid, unused, non-refundable expenses like flights, tours and accommodations. Want even more freedom to cancel? Check out the optional ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ benefit available on some plans (additional cost applies; not available in NY).
- Natural disaster evacuation assistance: if unforeseen severe weather or natural disaster event puts a stop to your trekking adventure, your plan may cover costs to get you out of there and to the nearest place of safety. Certain conditions and limitations apply.
Get a travel insurance quote
Simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world.
Get a quoteWhat may not be covered by the travel protection plan for backpackers?
Here are a few things we may not cover:
- Being under the influence of narcotics.
- Travel within 100 miles of your home.
- Unattended baggage, sporting equipment or personal items.
- Wear and tear from everyday use of sporting equipment. Gear that is in use is not covered.
Top tips for backpackers
Here are some pointers to help keep you covered while backpacking.
- For you, does backpacking = hiking or mountain climbing? Make sure you select the right plan for your adventure sport or activities. Our article on covered sports and activities should help you decide on whether to buy a Standard, Explorer, Epic or Annual plan, as they have different levels of coverage.
- Going wherever the breeze blows? If you want to cross the border, check with our customer service team first as your plan may not apply in all countries.
- Traveling long-term: You can buy another plan for more travel insurance coverage while abroad (waiting periods may apply) even if you don’t have a return ticket. And if you plan to take numerous trips during the year, then the Annual Multi-Trip plan could be best for you.
- Stay healthy: hiking requires a certain amount of strength and stamina, and in some cases (like the Inca Trail or trekking in Nepal), the ability to handle altitude. It’s best to be sure you are physically capable of it. Consider using our non-insurance service partner to initiate an online consultation to obtain prescription medications for the most common travel needs, like altitude sickness pills, delivered to your door before you leave on your trip (costs may apply).
- Keep your receipts and paperwork:any claim you make will need supporting documentation such as receipts of your purchases and a loss or theft report. Keep these with you in printed or digital form if you need to make a claim.
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for backpacking. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team
-
What does travel insurance cover for backpacking trips?
Travel insurance for your backpacking trip can help cover emergency medical expenses, trip cancellations, stolen gear, emergency evacuations, and more. World Nomads offers flexible plans that include coverage for 250+ activities you might encounter on the road.
-
Do I need travel insurance for a backpacking trip?
Only you can decide your travel insurance needs however our plans were created with backpackers – and their unique circumstances - in mind. Whether you're trekking in high altitudes or navigating unfamiliar cities, the right travel insurance coverage can protect you from unexpected bills due to injuries, illness, theft, and trip disruptions.
-
Is emergency evacuation included in backpacking travel insurance?
Yes, our travel insurance coverage includes emergency evacuation. If you’re seriously injured or become unexpectedly ill while backpacking. If you’re in a remote area and need transport to the nearest adequate medical facility, the Medical Evacuation and Repatriation of Remains benefit may help cover the cost – which can easily run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Evacuation must be deemed medically necessary by the attending physician and approved by the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team. Always check your plans’ elevation limits and covered activities to make sure you’re protected for your specific adventure.
- The Standard and Annual plans cover hikes up to 19,685 feet (6,000 meters)
- The Explorer plan covers up to 21,325 feet (6,500 meters)
- The Epic plan extends coverage up to 26,247 feet (8,000 meters)
-
Does the travel insurance coverage include protection for stolen backpacks or gear?
Yes, backpacking gear and equipment may be covered under the baggage and personal effects benefit of our plans if it’s lost, stolen, or accidentally damaged during your trip. Coverage maximum benefits amounts and conditions vary by plan, so be sure to review your chosen plan documents – especially if your carrying high-value items like trekking poles, boots, or GPS devices. Note: coverage does not include wear and tear, or gear damaged during use. Additional terms and conditions apply.
-
Can I cancel my backpacking trip and get reimbursed?
If you need to cancel your trip for a covered reason—like an unexpected illness or injury—your plan may reimburse the pre-paid, unused, non-refundable trip costs with the ‘trip cancellation’ benefit. Want more flexibility? World Nomads offers optional Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage if you buy it within 7 days of your first trip deposit. Optional ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ benefit is available on some plans (additional cost applies; not available in NY).
-
Am I covered for high-altitude trekking while backpacking?
Yes, but coverage depends on your plan. World Nomads offers multiple plans that cover hiking and trekking at different altitudes—from lower elevation hikes to epic multi-day routes up to 8,000 meters (26,247 feet).
-
Can I buy travel insurance after my backpacking trip has started?
Yes, with World Nomads you can purchase travel insurance and non-insurance services even if you’ve already started your trip. Waiting periods may apply for certain benefits, so it’s best to buy coverage early.
-
What should I do if I get sick while backpacking abroad?
If you become ill while backpacking, your travel protection plan may help with reimbursement of medical expenses. If Emergency Medical Evacuation is required it must be deemed medically necessary by the attending physician and approved by the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team. Always check your plan’s elevation limits and covered activities to make sure you're protected for your specific adventure.
Need destination inspiration for your next backpacking trip?
When you buy a World Nomads Travel Insurance plan, rest assured that your coverage has been crafted by passionate travelers who have lugged backpacks, battled bedbugs, and fought with food poisoning along the way as well. For trip ideas and tips, check out our article on backpacking dos and don’ts, as well as some of our favorite backpacking trips:
Climbing Kilimanjaro: What to Know and How to Prepare
6 Backpacking Tips for Staying Safe in Thailand
2 Week Thailand Itinerary: Get Your Day-by-Day Travel Guide
How Traveling Cheaply Can Also Be Good for the Planet
This is not a full list of what is and isn’t covered, so please check your plan document for a full list of maximums, terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions that may apply to your state specific plan. Any example scenarios provided above are not a guarantee of coverage. All claims are subject to review, require documentation and are considered individually. Exclusion applies to Adventure or Extreme Activities.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Work emergency?
- Weather delay?
- Travel companion sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
- Need a hospital?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Ambulance transfers
- Medevac flights
- Medical escort services
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Stolen I.D.s
- Checked-in sports equipment
- Damaged luggage
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams 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?
Contact the teamTravel Insurance for Backpacking
If something unexpected happens to Canadians, we’ve got your back – pack or no pack.
- As featured in:
As featured in:
At a glance
- Protection for the Unexpected: Backpacking can come with risks—injuries, stolen gear, or trip interruptions—travel insurance can help cover the unexpected.
- Bundled Coverage: World Nomads offers plans with coverage for emergency medical expenses, baggage loss, trip cancellations, and 250+ adventure activities.
- Elevation Maximums: Coverage varies by plan and corresponding activity level purchased. The maximum elevation covered is 6,000 metres.
- Support When You Need It: 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team is available in dozens of languages.
Just you, your pack, and the open road. Backpacking is a rite of passage for nomads chasing big experiences on a small budget. Whether you’re backpacking through Europe or making your way across Southeast Asia, these trips may last longer than a month—recent stats say around 41 days on average - and time is often spent exploring nature and navigating big, busy cities.
With so many destinations, experiences, and moving parts along the way, a little preparation can go a long way.
Whether you're out to find your crew or yourself, travel insurance may help if things go off track.
Why you may want to consider travel insurance to protect your backpacking trip
Backpacking is all about freedom and spontaneity—but that flexibility also comes with risk. From sprained ankles on rocky trails to food poisoning in rural villages or stolen gear on overnight buses, the unexpected can derail your trip fast. That’s where travel insurance for backpackers can help—covering emergency medical expenses, trip interruptions, emergency medical evacuations from high-altitude regions, and lost or stolen passports. If you have to cancel your trip before departure due to a covered reason—like sudden illness or injury—trip cancellation coverage may help reimburse your prepaid non-refundable expenses. Whether you're trekking through South America or hopping between coasts in the US, having the right coverage gives you the confidence to go wherever the trail takes you.
How can I protect my backpacking trip with travel insurance?
Backpacking looks different for every traveller. Maybe you’re trekking through high altitudes in the Andes where emergency medical expense coverage could be very helpful, or you need to protect your gear from getting stolen in city hostels. That’s why World Nomads offers four flexible travel insurance plans for backpackers (including the Annual Multi-Trip Plan), with coverage designed to match your style of adventure. Plus, our plans include coverage for 250+ other activities you might do along the way, so you can explore confidently, wherever your backpack leads you.
-
Emergency Medical Coverage
For broken bones or food poisoning while on the road -
24/7 Emergency Assistance
Your first call when things go wrong -
Baggage & Gear
Damaged or stolen gear and checked luggage -
Optional Cancel for Any Reason
Want ultimate flexibility? Cancel your trip for any reason and receive partial reimbursement (available on the Explorer and Epic plans only)
Nomads tip: Already travelling? You can buy when already on the road! Read more here
Choosing the Right Backpacking Travel Insurance Plan
World Nomads offers four plans for Canadian residents – the Standard, Explorer, Epic and Annual Multi-Trip – each with different levels of coverage.
| Standard Plan | Explorer Plan | Epic Plan | Annual Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Covering the basics for your backpacking trip. Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Optional 'Cancel for Any Reason' available. Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Optional 'Cancel for Any Reason' available. Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Get a quote |
Coverage for 250 activities you love + more
What doesn't backpacker insurance cover?
Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything. Here are a few things we don’t cover:
- Any alcohol related sickness, death or injury or the abuse of medication, drugs, alcohol or any other toxic substance.
- Travel within your home province
- Unattended baggage, sporting equipment or personal items.
- Wear and tear from everyday use of sporting equipment. Gear that is in use is not covered.
- Backpacking over 6,000 metres.
Top travel insurance tips for backpackers
Here are some pointers to help keep you covered while backpacking.
- For you, does backpacking = hiking or mountain climbing? Make sure you select the right plan and level of coverage for your activity. Our article on covered sports and activities should help you decide what to pick.
- Going wherever the breeze blows? If you want to cross the border, check with our customer service team first as your plan may not apply in all countries.
- Travelling long-term: You can buy more travel insurance while abroad (waiting periods may apply) even if you don’t have a return ticket. Note that your total trip duration cannot exceed 365 days (14 days on the Annual Multi-Trip Policy).
- Stay healthy: hiking requires a certain amount of strength and stamina, and in some cases (like the Inca Trail or trekking in Nepal), the ability to handle altitude. It’s best to be sure you are physically capable of it. Consider going to the doctor before your trip to make sure you are medically able to travel and have all the necessary medications.
- Keep your receipts and paperwork: any claim you make will need supporting documentation such as receipts of your purchases and a loss or theft report. Keep these with you in printed or digital form if you need to make a claim.
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for backpacking. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask the customer service team.
-
What does backpacking travel insurance cover?
Backpacking travel insurance plans can help cover emergency medical expenses, trip cancellations, stolen gear, emergency evacuations, and more. World Nomads offers flexible plans that include coverage for 250+ activities you might encounter on the road.
-
Do I need travel insurance for a backpacking trip?
Only you can decide your travel insurance needs; however, our plans were created with backpackers – and their unique circumstances - in mind. Whether you're trekking in high altitudes or navigating unfamiliar cities, the right travel insurance coverage can protect you from unexpected medical bills due to injuries, illness, theft, and trip disruptions.
-
Is emergency evacuation included in backpacking travel insurance?
Yes, all four of our plans include emergency medical evacuation. In addition, the Explorer, Epic and Annual Multi-Trip plans also include security evacuation coverage. Our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team must arrange and approve all emergency medical or security evacuation.
-
Does backpacking travel insurance cover stolen backpacks or gear?
Yes, baggage and personal effects coverage may help reimburse you for stolen or damaged backpacks, gear, or checked luggage—just be sure to keep receipts and file a report to support your claim.
-
Can I cancel my backpacking trip and get reimbursed?
If you cancel for a covered reason—like sudden illness or injury—your plan may reimburse non-refundable trip costs with the ‘trip cancellation’ benefit. If you want ultimate flexibility to simply change your mind about your trip, you may be able to get optional ‘cancel for any reason’ coverage as well.
-
Am I covered for high-altitude trekking while backpacking?
Yes, but coverage depends on the activity level you purchased. All plans cover backpacking up to 3,000 metres. You must add an additional level of protection for hikes up to 6,000 metres. You can do this when you get a quote for travel insurance.
-
Can I buy travel insurance after my backpacking trip has started?
Yes, with World Nomads you can purchase travel insurance even if you’ve already started your trip. Waiting periods may apply for certain benefits, so it’s best to buy coverage early.
-
What should I do if I get sick while backpacking abroad?
If you become ill while backpacking, your travel insurance may help coordinate your medical care, arrange transportation to the most suitable medical facility and cover your medical expenses. All of this is subject to plan terms and conditions. The first step is always to call the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team, if at all possible.
Need destination inspiration?
Not sure where your next hiking adventure should take you? Check out some of our favorite trails around the world and get destination-specific travel insurance tips to help you plan with confidence.
High-altitude hiking: prepare and train
Travel insurance coverage for Asia
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, or if you have questions about your coverage, just ask us.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalized?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medevac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
