The best travel insurance for backpacking trips is Travelex due to its affordable coverage for mult-destination trips. Travelex offers three plan options and a Travel America plan for backpackers making their way across the states.
From beachfront hostels in Thailand to campgrounds in Europe, a backpacker insurance policy can help you enjoy your adventure with peace of mind. Whether you’re traveling as a digital nomad or launching into adventure sports like trekking or scuba diving, travel insurance can cover the cost of unforeseen events or accidents during short or long-term backpacking trips.
Key Features To Look For in Backpacker Travel Insurance
Backpacker travel insurance is subject to your individual needs. According to the U.S. Department of State, the government does not cover medical bills overseas. Therefore, the agency recommends travel medical emergency insurance, especially if you’re participating in adventure activities. However, not all travel insurance companies cover adventure sports.
Trip interruption insurance can help you prepare for potential cancellations and flight delays, offering reimbursem*nt of prepaid costs if interruptions occur for a covered reason. Emergency evacuation coverage is important in the event of natural disasters or civil unrest, especially if you plan on adventuring in rural areas. Ensuring your policy offers baggage and personal effects coverage also offers a financial safety net for lost or stolen belongings, including sporting gear.
While you may be able to find basic travel insurance with these features, the benefit limits may vary. It’s also important to note that not all policies cover adventure sports gear or medical expenses. Make sure to look for a plan with this coverage if you plan on adding sporting events to your backpacking trip.
Top 5 Travel Insurance Providers for Backpackers
Here is our list of travel insurance plans and providers to suit backpackers:
- Travelex Insurance: Our top pick
- AIG Travel Guard: Best for families
- IMG Travel Insurance: Best for medical coverage
- Allianz Global Assistance: Best for concierge services
- World Nomads: Best for adventure travelers
Compare Backpacking Travel Insurance Companies
We requested online quotes for our top travel insurance providers so you can see how much coverage costs. The chart below includes estimates for a 25-year-old backpacker from New York taking a three-week trip to Mexico, with a total trip cost of $2,500. Quotes are for basic plans with travel medical insurance, trip cancellation coverage and more. We also included unique coverage options, including cancel for any reason or CFAR coverage.
| Company | Average Plan Cost | CFAR Coverage | COVID-19 Coverage | BBB Rating | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $202 | Yes, up to 75% | Yes | A+ | EXPLORE PLANS |
| $237 | Yes, up to 50% | Yes, limited | A+ | EXPLORE PLANS |
| $224 | Yes, up to 75% | Yes | B | EXPLORE PLANS |
| $275 | Yes, up to 50% | Yes | A+ | EXPLORE PLANS |
| $153 | No | Yes, limited | F | EXPLORE PLANS |
| Company | BBB Rating | Average Plan Cost | CFAR Coverage | COVID-19 Coverage | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | $202 | Yes, up to 75% | Yes | EXPLORE PLANS |
| A+ | $237 | Yes, up to 50% | Yes, limited | EXPLORE PLANS |
| B | $224 | Yes, up to 75% | Yes | EXPLORE PLANS |
| A+ | $275 | Yes, up to 50% | Yes | EXPLORE PLANS |
| F | $153 | No | Yes, limited | EXPLORE PLANS |
No results were found.
Best Backpacker Insurance in Detail
Travelex Best for budget travelers
4.7
Cost: 4.75/5
Coverage Extras: 2.5/5
Coverage Details: 5/5
CFAR Coverage Amount: 5/5
Claim eligibility time constraints: 5/5
Cancellation/Interruption Coverage Amount: 4.6/5
Delay Coverage Amount: 4/5
Customer Service and Reviews: 5.2/5
Credit Rating: 5/5
Our Review
Average Cost$212Medical Expense & Evacuation Max$50k/$500kTrip Cancellation %100%
Overview
You can choose from three plans with Travelex Insurance: Travel Basic, Travel Select and Travel America. Travel Basic is a budget-friendly option for backpackers with sufficient coverage. Five optional upgrades are available with the more comprehensive Travel Select Plan, with a $50,000 limit for emergency medical costs.
If you are planning to backpack around the U.S., the Travel America plan provides emergency medical expenses and reimbursem*nt for canceled events, such as ski resort closures.
Pros & Cons
Pros Offers an affordable basic plan Includes missed connection coverage Adventure sport upgrade available Cons Lower medical expenses limits than some other providers Most add-ons are only available with comprehensive policies
Coverage & Cost
Add-On Options
Travelex offers a variety of add-on options, depending on the plan you choose. Upgrades include:
- CFAR coverage
- Car rental collision
- Adventure sports coverage
- Additional medical coverage
- Flight accidental death and dismemberment
Cost
Based on our quote process, the Travel Basic Plan costs $87 for a 25-year-old traveler on a 20-day trip to Spain worth $3,000.
AIG Travel Guard Best for families
4.6
Cost: 5/5
Coverage Extras: 4.4/5
Coverage Details: 5/5
CFAR Coverage Amount: 3.5/5
Claim eligibility time constraints: 3.8/5
Cancellation/Interruption Coverage Amount: 4.6/5
Delay Coverage Amount: 5/5
Customer Service and Reviews: 5/5
Credit Rating: 3/5
Our Review
Average Cost$251Medical Expense & Evacuation Max$150k/$1mTrip Cancellation %100%
Overview
If you’re looking for a travel insurance policy for backpacking as a family, AIG Travel Guard plans include coverage for one child under age 17 with the rate for a paying adult. The Deluxe Plan offers high-level medical evacuation and healthcare coverage up to $100,000, while
the Preferred Plan features up to $50,000 for travel medical costs.
If you are on a budget during long-term backpacking trips, the Essential Plan covers the basics, with 24/7 emergency assistance and medical care coverage up to $15,000. The Pack N’ Go Plan is available if you plan a trip last minute and don’t need cancellation coverage.
Pros & Cons
Pros Travel Guard plans include free coverage for one child (subject to conditions) Offers policy add-ons to customize your plan Multiple plan options to choose from Cons Standard coverage may be more expensive than some competitors Basic Plan trip delay reimbursem*nt is subject to a 12-hour wait time
Coverage & Cost
Add-On Options
AIG Travel Guard provides a range of add-ons depending on your chosen plan. Some examples include:
- Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage
- Rental vehicle damage coverage
- Security evacuations and interruptions bundle
- Adventure sports bundle
- Medical bundle
- Wedding bundle
- Pet bundle
- Baggage bundle
Cost
Based on the quote we requested for a 25-year-old backpacker traveling to Spain for 20 days on a $3,000 trip, the Essential Plan would cost $134.
*AM Best ratings are accurate as of June 2023.
International Medical Group Best for medical coverage
4.4
Cost: 4.5/5
Coverage Extras: 3.125/5
Coverage Details: 5/5
CFAR Coverage Amount: 5/5
Claim eligibility time constraints: 3.3/5
Cancellation/Interruption Coverage Amount: 4.8/5
Delay Coverage Amount: 5/5
Customer Service and Reviews: 4/5
Credit Rating: 3/5
Our Review
Average Cost$217Medical Expense & Evacuation Max$500k/$1mTrip Cancellation %100%
Overview
From rafting to skydiving and bungee jumping, extreme sports fans can take advantage of IMG’s iTravelInsured Travel Sport Plan. It includes sports equipment rental reimbursem*nt and natural disaster evacuation coverage.
For long backpacking trips, the most affordable option is the iTravelInsured Travel Lite Plan, which includes benefits for trip cancellation, travel delays and emergency medical assistance. You can also opt for more comprehensive options with the iTravelInsured Travel SE and iTravelInsured Travel LX plans.
Pros & Cons
Pros Has emergency medical and travel assistance services Offers cancellation coverage for sporting events Competitive medical insurance coverage Cons Pre-existing medical conditions coverage may be limited Only offers CFAR coverage as an add-on to one plan
Coverage & Cost
Add-On Options
IMG offers the following add-ons with the iTravelInsured Travel LX plan:
- Interrupt for any reason (IFAR) coverage (up to 75% of trip costs)
- CFAR coverage (up to 75% of the trip costs)
Cost
Based on our quote, the iTravelInsured Travel Lite Plan would cost $83 for a 25-year-old traveler backpacking around Spain for a 20-day trip worth $3,000.
Allianz Global Assistance Best for concierge services
4.1
Cost: 4.5/5
Coverage Extras: 3.75/5
Coverage Details: 5/5
CFAR Coverage Amount: 0/5
Claim eligibility time constraints: 4.2/5
Cancellation/Interruption Coverage Amount: 4.6/5
Delay Coverage Amount: 4/5
Customer Service and Reviews: 5.2/5
Credit Rating: 4/5
Our Review
Average Cost$265Medical Expense & Evacuation Max$75k/$1mTrip Cancellation %100%
Overview
Allianz offers a range of affordable plans for backpackers, including the AllTrips Basic Plan, a multi-trip policy with year-long protection. Or, if you’re primarily looking for health insurance and have a flexible itinerary with minimal prepaid expenses, you can save money with the OneTrip Emergency Medical Plan. It only covers post-departure benefits, including unexpected events after your trip begins.
While Allianz also provides comprehensive insurance policies, budget travelers may prefer the OneTrip Basic plan for affordable, all-around coverage.
Pros & Cons
Pros Offers affordable coverage options for backpackers Coverage includes injuries due to adventure sports Provides 24/7 support from travel professionals Cons Excludes some add-ons from basic plans Limited CFAR coverage
Coverage & Cost
Add-On Options
Allianz Global provides the following add-on options, which you can add depending on your plan:
- CFAR coverage
- OneTrip Rental Car Protector
- Terrorism Extension cover
- Required to Work cover
Cost
Based on our quote, the OneTrip Basic Plan would cost $91 for a 25-year-old backpacker taking a 20-day trip to Spain for $3,000.
World Nomads Best for adventure travelers
3.9
Cost: 4.5/5
Coverage Extras: 3.125/5
Coverage Details: 5/5
CFAR Coverage Amount: 0/5
Claim eligibility time constraints: 4.2/5
Cancellation/Interruption Coverage Amount: 4.6/5
Delay Coverage Amount: 5/5
Customer Service and Reviews: 3.6/5
Credit Rating: 3/5
Our Review
Average Cost$161Medical Expense & Evacuation Max$100k/$500kTrip Cancellation %$10000/person
Overview
Whether you love Alpine skiing or rock climbing, World Nomads is a popular choice for adventurous backpackers. Its two policies, the Standard Plan and Explorer Plan, cover over 200 adventure activities and sports. The main difference between the plans is the Explorer Plan offers higher coverage limits.
Pros & Cons
Pros Covers more extreme sports than other providers Both plans cover sporting equipment loss or theft Offers emergency evacuation coverage up to $500,000 Cons No CFAR coverage Has lower trip cancellation limits than some other providers
Coverage & Cost
Add-On Options
World Nomads offers rental car damage coverage with the Explorer Plan.
Cost
We pulled quotes for both plans for a 25-year-old backpacker taking a 20-day trip to Spain. You could expect to pay $96 for the Standard Plan and $180 for the Explorer Plan.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Backpacking Insurance
Everyone’s different, so choosing the best insurance for your backpacking trip means considering your personal needs. Ask yourself the following questions as you consider travel insurance policies:
- Does the travel insurance cover all the destinations you want to visit?
- How long is your backpacking trip and if needed, does the policy suit long-term travel?
- Does the policy include sufficient medical coverage for potential health issues or participation in sports?
- Are there adequate coverage limits for baggage, gear and high-value equipment?
- Does the policy sufficiently cover missed activities and flight cancellations?
- Do you require coverage for a pre-existing condition and if so, does the policy include a waiver?
If you are planning a long-term backpacking trip, pay attention to the duration of your travel insurance policy. For example, if you apply for a multi-trip plan with six months versus a year of coverage. And if you plan to trek around the globe, make sure your policy includes your intended destinations.
It also helps to check the coverage you already have before purchasing a policy. For example, your credit card may include rental car coverage or other forms of travel insurance.
What Does Travel Insurance Not Cover?
Most travel insurance plans cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations and delays, and baggage loss or theft. However, most policies don’t cover the following:
- Alcohol and drug-related incidents
- Extreme sports such as cliff diving
- Non-emergency medical treatment
- Flexibility in trip cancelation, such as changing your mind about flights or destinations
- Incidents due to negligence
Some providers may offer add-on coverage for extreme sports, non-emergency medical treatment and cancellation flexibility (CFAR coverage).
Travel Tips for Comparing Backpacker Insurance
Before buying travel insurance, it’s important to shop around, compare prices and read customer reviews. We suggest obtaining online quotes from at least three providers before selecting a policy.
Once you’ve found a few options that suit your coverage needs and budget, read the policy documents to ensure the coverage is right for you. Look for any exclusions or limits that may impact your coverage, such as a lack of adventure sports protection. If you don’t understand something, speak to the provider directly before making your decision.
Is Backpacking Travel Insurance Worth It?
Backpacking is often an adventure of a lifetime, but it is also an investment. Safeguarding your prepaid and nonrefundable costs, along with having financial safety nets for unforeseen medical emergencies, can help you enjoy a stress-free journey.
Ultimately, it is up to you to decide if backpacking travel insurance is worth it. If you’re planning to launch into adventure activities, top providers such as World Nomads, IMG and Travelex offer extra coverage. You can also opt for a basic plan from Allianz or choose AIG Travel Guard if you need coverage for a child. Regardless of your choice, each of our top providers can provide affordable options with sufficient coverage for backpackers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Insurance for Backpacking Trips
While your need for travel insurance is up to you, purchasing a policy can be worth it. Travel insurance for backpacking can cover medical costs in an emergency. Policies can also safeguard you against financial loss by providing reimbursem*nts if your trip is canceled or delayed or your baggage or gear gets stolen. Some providers offer add-ons to cover rental car damage, highly valuable items and more.
The type of insurance you need depends on your destination, the duration of your trip and the activities you plan to do. At a minimum, backpackers should consider a policy with the following coverage:
- Trip cancellation, interruption and delay
- Emergency medical expenses
- Emergency evacuation and repatriation
- Lost or stolen baggage
Consider policies with adequate add-on coverage, like if you plan on participating in adventure sports or need a rental car.
Backpacking insurance is simply a type of travel insurance with coverage tailored to backpackers. While some providers offer adventure-specific policies, you may find that a standard travel insurance plan suits your backpacking trip. Researching policy options can help you find coverage for your unique needs, including annual multi-trip plans for long-term trips.
Methodology: Our System for Rating Travel Insurance Companies for Backpacking Trips
Our team surveyed dozens of travel insurance providers and created a scoring system to judge each company based on coverage, quality and service. We also collected sample quotes from each company, both over the phone and on the internet, to simulate an authentic customer experience. Here are the factors we take into consideration when rating providers:
- Cost (10%): To determine a baseline average travel insurance cost, we gathered quotes from each travel insurance company based on different traveler profiles. Travel insurance companies at or below our calculated average cost of $221 earn full points in this category. Specifically, we obtained quotes for the following trips
- A 30-year-old couple taking a $5,000 vacation to Mexico.
- A family of four taking an $8,000 vacation to Mexico.
- A 65-year-old couple taking a $7,000 vacation to the United Kingdom.
- A 30-year-old couple taking a $7,000 trip to the United Kingdom.
- A 19-year-old taking a $2,000 trip to France.
- A 27-year-old couple taking a $1,200 trip to Greece.
- A 51-year-old couple taking a $2,000 trip to Spain.
- Plan availability (10%): We look for insurers with a variety of travel insurance plans and the ability to customize a policy with coverage upgrades.
- Coverage details (29%): We review the baseline coverage each company offers in its cheapest comprehensive plan. A provider with robust coverage earns full points, including baggage delay and loss, COVID-19 coverage, emergency evacuation and medical coverage, trip delay and cancellation coverage, and more. Companies also receive points for offering a variety of policy add-ons like accidental death and dismemberment, extreme sports, valuable items, cancel for any reason coverage and more.
- Coverage times and amounts (34%): We compare each company’s waiting periods and maximum reimbursem*nt amounts for baggage, travel and weather delays. Companies that offer customers reimbursem*nt after fewer than 12 hours of delays earn full points in this category. We also reward travel insurance providers that cover more than 100% of trip costs in the event of cancellations or interruptions.
- Company service and reviews (17%): We look for indicators that a company is well-prepared to respond to customer needs. Companies with an established global resource network, 24/7 emergency hotline, mobile app, multiple ways to file a claim and concierge services score higher in this category. We assess reputation by evaluating consumer reviews, third-party financial strength and customer experience ratings, specifically from AM Best and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
For more information, read our full travel insurance methodology.
A.M. Best Disclaimer
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