Travel insurance for backpacking
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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 even if you can do without your creature comforts, travel insurance may still be a good idea.
World Nomads covers backpackers as they travel all over the world with travel insurance designed for backpacking in Thailand, Vietnam, Spain, Australia, China, the Caribbean, Italy, and more.
Why buy backpacker insurance?
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, providing guidance and pre-approving costs.
Travel insurance tips for backpackers
Here are some pointers to help keep you covered while backpacking.
- Are you traveling long-term, you lucky thing? 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 six months at a time.
- For you, does backpacking = hiking or mountain climbing? Make sure you select the right policy for your adventure sport or activities. Our article on covered sports and activities should help you decide on whether to buy a Standard or Explorer plan. Remember, you can’t upgrade your coverage after you purchase, 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 incidents that occur while under the influence may not be covered under your plan.
- If you want to work while you’re away, coverage for work such as teaching or conservation work may be included in the base policy. Activities such as NGO support, disaster relief or construction and renovation work may be covered under the Explorer plan. However, keep in mind that some types of work may not be covered at all. Your policy has 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 much more.
This is only a summary of coverage 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.
We cover 200+ activities you love
- Scuba diving
- Mountain biking
- Surfing
- Bungee jumping
- Skiing
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Protection
Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation.
- Explorer Plan: $10,000
- Standard Plan: $2,500
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- 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: $100,000
- Standard Plan: $100,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Evacuation
Emergency medical transportation: we’ll get you to hospital or home quickly.
- Explorer Plan: $500,000
- Standard Plan: $300,000
Emergency Evacuation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Covers the loss, theft or damage of your bags, tech and 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 Accident & Sickness Medical Expense
- Repatriation of Remains
- Trip Cancellation
- Trip Interruption
- Trip Delay
- Baggage & Personal Effects
- Baggage Delay (outward journey only)
- Rental Car Damage – where permissible
- Accidental Death & Dismemberment
- Generali Global Assistance 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Generali Global Assistance Non-Medical Emergency Transportation Services
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?
For policies purchased on or after 1 January 2020:
Contact Generali Global Assistance:
Telephone:
+1 954-334-8143 (Collect outside the US)
+1 877-289-0968 (Toll-free in the US and Canada)
Contact One Call Worldwide Travel Services Network
Telephone +1-855-878-9588 (toll free within the US and Canada)
or +1-603-328-1329 (toll free outside the US and Canada) Contact the team
Wherever 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
Please read your plan documents carefully. Cancellations due to fear of travel are not covered. However, our plan does not exclude losses associated with pandemic or epidemic conditions; meaning that if you, your traveling companion or family member were to become sick (after you purchase the plan) as a result of COVID-19, you could still receive benefits for losses covered by the plan. Learn more here www.worldnomads.com/travel-insurance/coronavirus.
About Coronavirus