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Backpacker travel insurance

There’s nothing like the thrill of packing your most important belongings in your backpack, grabbing your passport and taking off to explore the world with a couple of travel companions.

Whether you’re discovering Europe’s fascinating capitals, experiencing the many cultures of Southeast Asia, adventure traveling Down Under, or exploring majestic national parks, the time for adventure has arrived.

With global exploration sometimes comes unexpected surprises, so be sure to always pack a backpacker travel insurance policy before you set off.

Customizable travel insurance for backpackers is perfect for travelers heading out to explore the world. Why? Because if and when the unexpected happens, whether you’re halfway across the country or on the other side of the world, your backpacker insurance policy will help protect the hard-earned money you’ve spent on the trip — and get you the medical care you might need in case of a medical emergency.

Top backpacking destinations

Australia & New Zealand

From chic Sydney to the Great Barrier Reef, Australia is a must-see destination for many. Throw in a week or two in gorgeous New Zealand and you’ve got all the makings of an epic trip.

Spain

With stunning landscapes, a laid-back and welcoming vibe, incredible culture, and not to be missed nightlife, it’s no wonder shoestring travelers from all over the world flock to Spain.

Thailand

Long established as a wonderful destination for budget and solo travelers, Thailand tempts with incredible food, vibrant nightlife, amazing outdoor recreation, and a wealth of fascinating history.

Argentina

Cross bucket-list destinations such as Buenos Aires, Ushuaia (the “end of the world”), and the Iguazu Falls off your list in cosmopolitan and traveler-friendly Argentina.

Travel insurance that’s got your back(pack): what does backpacker travel insurance cover?

Backpacker travel insurance policies include a few key coverages:

Travel medical coverage

in case you fall ill or are injured while traveling you will have coverage for medical expenses and medical emergencies. You can even include coverage for adventure sports like scuba diving and mountain climbing. After all, your everyday private health insurance may not cover you when you’re traveling outside the country

Emergency medical evacuation

if you become seriously ill or injured while backpacking, chances are the local medical facilities may not be adequate to treat your condition. That’s when emergency evacuation coverage comes in — it can pay for medical transportation to the nearest adequate medical facility, or even to your home if necessary. An air ambulance can easily cost $100,000, so you can see how important this coverage can be. It’s also primary, which means you don’t have to pay out of pocket and wait to be reimbursed later

Trip cancellation, trip interruption and trip delay:

despite the best-laid travel plans, sometimes things go sideways. Backpacker travel insurance protects you if you have to cancel or interrupt your trip unexpectedly, or if your trip is delayed as a result of a wide range of reasons

Lost, stolen or delayed baggage

when traveling in foreign countries via planes, trains, and automobiles, lost, stolen or delayed baggage can be an unfortunate reality. Affordable travel insurance ensures you can replace your most important belongings, without having to go home early. You’ll even be covered if you have to replace a lost or stolen passport

What is not covered by backpacker travel insurance?

There are a few key things that aren’t covered by your typical travel insurance plan:
  • Wear and tear of your travel gear, including your trusty ‘pack
  • Search and rescue, unless additional coverage is added
  • Certain excluded extreme sports
  • Trips lasting more than 90 days
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PRE-EXISTING MEDICAL CONDITION

Pre-Existing Medical Condition means an illness, disease, or other condition during the 180 day period immediately prior to the date Your coverage is effective :
  1. received or received a recommendation for a test, examination, or medical treatment for a condition which first manifested itself, worsened or became acute, or had symptoms which would have prompted a reasonable person to seek diagnosis, care or treatment; or
  2. took or received a prescription for drugs or medicine. Item (2) of this definition does not apply to a condition which is treated or controlled solely through the taking of prescription drugs or medicine and remains treated or controlled without any adjustment or change in the required prescription throughout the 180 day period before coverage is effective under this policy.
  3. required a change in prescribed medication. Change in prescribed medication means the dosage or frequency of a medication has been reduced, increased, stopped and/or new medications have been prescribed due to the worsening of an underlying condition that is being treated with the medication, unless the change is:
    1. between a brand name and a generic medication with comparable dosage; or
    2. an adjustment to insulin or anti-coagulant dosage.
If you, or someone you are traveling with, has a Pre-Existing Medical Condition, you can still buy a policy from us but there is no cover for any claim arising directly or indirectly from that condition.

PRE-EXISTING MEDICAL CONDITION

Any Medical Condition that, within the last 12 months, required any:

  • surgery, inpatient or outpatient treatment, referrals or investigations of any sort. This includes being on any waiting list, taking any prescription medication, tablets or required medical treatment (This will not apply to common colds, flu or contraceptive medication);
  • medical advice or treatment for any respiratory condition relating to the lungs or breathing;
  • medical advice or treatment for any heart, stroke or diabetic condition;

Hypertension or high cholesterol controlled by 1 prescription drug only and where the dosage has not been changed within the last 12 months will not be considered a pre-existing medical condition

Coverages Available:

*not all coverages are available in all states
Travel Protection Benefits Limits
Trip Cancellation 100% of trip cost (up to a maximum of $20,000)
Single Occupancy Up to trip cost
Cancel for Any Reason Up to 75% of trip cost Up to 50% of trip costs in FL(CFAR not available to NY residents)
Trip Interruption 150% of trip cost
Delay Package
Trip Delay
Maximum $200 per day up to $2,500
Missed Connection Maximum of $1,000 per covered trip
Baggage Package – Excess
Baggage and Personal Effects $2,500 $100 Deductible
Baggage Delay $100 per day up to a maximum of $500
Travel Medical Package – Excess AK, CO, ID, ND, NH – Primary
Travel Medical Expense – Adventure sports included $100,000 $50,000 in NH $50 Deductible
Emergency Dental $750
Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation of Remains Up to $500,000
Up to $1,000,000 in NH
Accidental Death & Dismemberment $100,000 or $250,000 or $500,000
Pet Medical Package
Pet Medical Expense Up to $2,000 $100 Deductible
Pet Return Up to $500
Rental Vehicle Damage – Primary Up to $35,000 per rented vehicle- Primary $250 Deductible for loss greater than $2,000
Vacation Rental Damage $1,500 or $3,000 or $5,000

Travel Medical Insurance

Some benefits are subject to an excess (aka, the deductible, or what you have to pay before we pay), as stated in the Policy Schedule, and are per Policy Period.

Benefits Limits
Cancellation and Curtailment 5,000
Emergency Medical Expenses, Evacuation and Repatriation of Mortal Remains 10,000,000 (excess 250 or 50)
Hospital Benefit 25 per day, maximum 100
Personal Accident up to 250,000
Baggage Loss or Delay up to 5,000 (excess 250 or 50)
Personal Money and Passport, limited to 250 in respect of cash 500 (excess 250 or 50)
Personal Liability 500,000
Travel Delay 500
Optional Benefits Limits
Business Extension up to 1,000 (excess 100)
Winter Sports (Ski Equipment) up to 750 (excess 50 or 100)

Travel Medical Insurance

Some benefits are subject to an excess (aka, the deductible, or what you have to pay before we pay), as stated in the Policy Schedule, and are per Policy Period.

Benefits Limits
Trip Interruption 2,000
Emergency Medical Expenses, Evacuation and Repatriation of Mortal Remains 10,000,000 (excess 250)
Hospital Benefit 25 per day, maximum 100
Personal Accident up to 5,000
Baggage Loss or Delay up to 2,000 (excess 250 or 50)
Personal Money and Passport, limited to 250 in respect of cash 500 (excess 250) *** Limited to 250 in respect of cash
Personal Liability 500,000
Optional Benefits Limits
Business Extension up to 1,000 (excess 100)
Winter Sports (Ski Equipment) up to 750 (excess 50 or 100)
Personal Accident up to 250,000
Baggage up to 10,000

Travel Medical Insurance

Some benefits are subject to an excess (aka, the deductible, or what you have to pay before we pay), as stated in the Policy Schedule, and are per Policy Period.

Benefits Limits
Cancellation up to $20,000
Trip Interruption $1,000
Medical and Emergency Expenses $5,000,000 (deductible $250)
Hospital Benefit $25 per day, maximum $100
Personal Accident up to $50,000
Baggage $2,000 (deductible $250)
Personal Money and Passport, limited to $250 in respect of cash $500 (deductible $250)
Personal Liability $500,000
Optional Benefits Limits
Business Extension up to $1,000 (deductible $100)
Winter Sports (Ski Equipment) up to $750 (deductible $50 or $100)

Travel Medical Insurance

Some benefits are subject to an excess (aka, the deductible, or what you have to pay before we pay), as stated in the Policy Schedule, and are per Policy Period.

Benefits Limits
Cancellation and Curtailment 5,000
Emergency Medical Expenses, Evacuation and Repatriation of Mortal Remains 10,000,000 (excess 250 or 50)
Hospital Benefit 25 per day, maximum 100
Personal Accident up to 250,000
Baggage Loss or Delay up to 5,000 (excess 250 or 50)
Personal Money and Passport, limited to 250 in respect of cash 500 (excess 250 or 50)
Personal Liability 500,000
Travel Delay 500
Optional Benefits Limits
Business Extension up to 1,000 (excess 100)
Winter Sports (Ski Equipment) up to 750 (excess 50 or 100)