How to Buy Travel Insurance for a Backpacking Trip

Backpacking can take you to places that most people never get to see. Whether you want to trek to remote waterfalls in New Zealand or hike to high-alpine lakes in Western Canada, there are opportunities to connect with nature, escape crowds and enjoy gorgeous views all over the world.

Understandably, backpacking trips can take a long time to plan and require a significant financial investment. You might be on the hook for multiple flights, guided tours, adventure sports and impromptu overnight stays.

Plus, they’re much different than relaxing on the beach or going to a theme park. You could encounter unexpected cancellations or delays, or even suffer an injury that requires immediate medical attention while on the trail.

Purchasing travel insurance can provide peace of mind and financial stability before you set off on your next backpacking trip. In fact, it may even be required by some countries and group excursions!

Let’s look at the best travel insurance options for backpackers and some travel tips before you depart.

Trip Cancellation Insurance

Trip cancellation insurance can reimburse you for up to 100% of your nonrefundable, prepaid expenses if you are forced to call off your trip. Your policy will specify what situations are covered, but most include:

• Serious transportation issues
• Injuries and illness
• Family emergencies
• Death in the family or travel party
• Job loss
• National emergencies
• Military deployment
• Terrorism

Every policy is different, so check with your travel insurance provider to see if there are any limitations. Common exclusions include:

• A refused visa when traveling abroad
• Known civil unrest at your location or destination
• A previously declared weather emergency (before you purchased your plan)
• Filing a claim for injury or illness without seeing a medical professional
• Abandoning your trip if there is a short travel delay
• Divorce or break-ups with people in your travel party
• Lack of itemized bills and receipts
• Fear of travel

Cancel For Any Reason Insurance (CFAR)

CFAR insurance offers unparalleled flexibility. If you are worried that you may need to cancel your trip for a reason that is typically excluded from cancellation policies, like a relationship issue or fear of travel, it could be a good option to consider.

Most approved CFAR claims will reimburse 50-75% of nonrefundable, prepaid trip costs, but this flexibility comes at a price: CFAR coverage costs an average of 50% more than standard cancellation policies.

Trip Delay Insurance

Delays can be frustrating. For example, you might miss a connecting flight to Spain’s famous El Camino de Santiago or a once-in-a-lifetime excursion in Nepal’s Kathmandu Valley. Trip delay insurance can make these hiccups a little less painful by reimbursing you for expenses incurred as a result.

Depending on the exact policy, your insurance may cover unexpected transportation, meals and accommodations that you suddenly have to pay for during the delay. Trip delay insurance can also reimburse you for lost prepaid expenses, such as guided tours.

Trip Interruption Insurance

Trip interruption insurance helps you get home in a quick and cost effective manner if you are forced to cut your trip short for a covered reason. It can cover expensive transportation, such as one-way flights and lodging, as well as any prepaid or nonrefundable activities you can’t complete on your backpacking trip.

Covered reasons for trip interruption coverage are often similar to those for trip cancellation policies. For example, if your non-traveling family member falls ill while you are backpacking in Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park, your policy could reimburse you for a flight back to New York City.

Travel Medical Insurance

If you are traveling domestically, your U.S. medical insurance will likely cover treatment for injuries or illness during your trip. However, you should always call your health insurance provider before departing to ensure that you are covered out of state and can access approved providers nationwide.

Going backpacking internationally requires additional coverage, such as a comprehensive medical, emergency medical and repatriation insurance plan. Getting coverage in all three areas will ensure that you have protection for a wide range of mishaps, from food poisoning to broken bones.

In addition to reimbursing you for medical care, travel insurance can also grant you access to knowledgeable customer service agents who can help schedule a doctor’s appointment or fill prescriptions at nearby pharmacies. This is especially helpful if your backpacking trip takes you to a country with an unfamiliar healthcare system or foreign language.

Standard travel medical insurance plans may not cover the following:

• Pre-existing medical conditions. If you require treatment for a chronic illness that has been previously documented, your claim will likely be denied. Research your travel medical insurance coverage options if you have a pre-existing condition in your medical history, such as cancer or diabetes.
• Travel medical insurance also excludes coverage for health issues associated with drugs and alcohol. Be responsible while traveling, so you don’t harm yourself or others.
• Pregnancy can affect which travel medical plans you can sign up for. Be upfront with your doctor and travel insurance provider if you are backpacking while pregnant. Protecting yourself and your baby with appropriate care options is vital.

Tip: Backpacking can be physically challenging and take you to remote locations. By choosing  a travel insurance company with a 24/7 emergency hotline, you can avoid getting stranded in a dangerous area or waiting longer than needed for medical assistance.

Personal Liability

Suppose you accidentally injure someone or damage their property while traveling. In that case, liability coverage can help cover any associated costs, so you don’t have to come up with the money out of pocket.

Personal accident and liability insurance generally doesn’t cover automobile accidents, though, so it is best to have auto insurance while behind the wheel.

Baggage Loss

Baggage loss insurance can cover both your luggage and personal property, so it’s important to choose a policy that reflects what you are packing. For example, if you are bringing expensive electronic equipment (smartphone, camera, laptop, etc.) to document your trip, you want to purchase a policy with a high coverage limit. Baggage loss insurance can also reimburse you if your gear is damaged in transit. 

Tip: Only some travel insurance policies cover stolen cash. A comprehensive plan is needed to ensure your spending money is protected.

Adventure Sports Travel Insurance Upgrade (Trekking Insurance)

While most travel insurance plans for backpacking cover snorkeling or hiking, they don’t always cover adrenaline-fueled activities such as bungee jumping, skydiving or mountain climbing.

An adventure sports upgrade can provide as little or as much coverage as you need, depending on the activity. However, you should expect the plan to cover emergency medical expenses, equipment delays and trip interruption services if circumstances prevent you from participating in your extreme sport.

Before You Leave

Backpacking trips can be exhilarating. If you have already purchased your travel insurance, you are on your way to having an incredible time.

Before you depart, consider the following tips:

• Print a copy of your travel insurance policy and keep one saved digitally or in the cloud
• Carefully read over the policy and ask the travel insurance company any questions you have before departing
• Keep your policy number and the emergency contact details for your travel insurance company in an accessible place
• Provide trusted family and friends information about your backpacking insurance in case you have trouble accessing it abroad
• Have photographic evidence of baggage and personal property, including serial numbers for electronics

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