Travel insurance for backpacking
If something unexpected happens, we’ve got your back – pack or no pack
- Trusted by:
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 on every dance floor.
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, our 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 lucky thing? World Nomads policies generally offer coverage for up to a year. You can also extend your policy or buy travel insurance while abroad (waiting periods or time excess may apply) even if you don’t have a return ticket.
- Does backpacking = hiking for you? To have cover for an adventure sport or activity, you may need to add it to your policy when you buy, and pay the extra premium, depending on your country of residence. 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 traveled but getting blind drunk or venturing into regions unknown may invalidate your coverage.
- What happens after lights-out is your business but, needless to say, we endorse safe sex. Some of our policies do not cover sexually transmitted infections so please check yours (policy, that is) to find out.
- If you want to work while you’re away, cover for non-manual work such as admin or childcare may be included in the base policy (make sure you check the conditions in the policy). Manual work such as maintenance, cleaning, WOOFing and bartending may need an upgrade, depending on your country of residence. 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 our customer service team first as your policy may not apply in other countries.
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 heaps 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.
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 hospitalised?
- 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?
- Medivac 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)
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 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 - Need to know before you buy
Some but not all of our policies provide cover for some coronavirus-related events – select your Country of Residence to find out more. Cover is not available for loss arising from: government intervention including travel bans, border closures or broadly imposed quarantine requirements; events for which your Government has issued a ‘Do Not Travel’ warning or its equivalent, for your destination(s); or failure to follow advice from official bodies. Your ability to travel may be affected by travel restrictions. Check your cover and the latest government advice and our travel insurance alerts.