The right travel insurance can protect you against some of the biggest costs that can come with travelling abroad, particularly medical treatment, cancellations, lost belongings and problems that leave you stuck somewhere longer than planned.

For backpackers, there are a few extra things to think about.

Our recommendation

World Nomads is our top all round recommendation for backpackers, with flexible options for both shorter and longer trips.

Their Single Trip cover can insure trips of up to 365 days, while Annual Multi Trip policies are available for frequent travellers.

Prices vary depending on your age, destination and trip length, but as a rough guide, expect around €50–€100 for a short trip and €150–€400+ for longer backpacking trips.

They also offer cover for a wide range of activities, including scooter riding subject to specific conditions.

What is backpacker travel insurance?

Backpacker travel insurance is designed for people travelling for longer periods, often visiting several countries on the same trip.

A normal holiday insurance policy may not be the best fit if you are travelling for several weeks or months, changing countries regularly or planning activities such as diving, trekking or skiing.

The important thing is not simply finding the cheapest policy. You need to check what the policy actually covers.

What should backpackers look for in travel insurance?

Medical cover

Medical expenses should be one of the first things you check.

Treatment abroad can be extremely expensive, particularly if you need hospital treatment, surgery or medical evacuation.

Look at the policy's medical limits and check whether emergency transport and repatriation are included.

Cover for multiple countries

If you are backpacking around Southeast Asia, you may visit several countries during the same trip.

Check that every country on your route is covered and that moving between countries does not affect your cover.

Trip cancellation and interruption

Your plans can change before or during a backpacking trip.

Look at what the policy covers if you have to cancel your trip or return home unexpectedly.

There may be specific reasons that qualify, so read the terms rather than assuming every cancellation is covered.

Lost, stolen or damaged belongings

Your backpack might contain your phone, laptop, camera, passport and other expensive items.

Check the baggage section carefully.

There may be a total limit for belongings as well as individual limits for particular items.

You may also need to take reasonable precautions to keep your belongings covered.

Adventure activities

This is particularly important for backpackers.

If you are planning to scuba dive, trek, ride a motorbike, ski, surf or take part in another activity, check whether it is covered.

Some policies include certain activities automatically while others require additional cover.

Do not assume that because an activity is common among backpackers it is automatically insured.

Do I need travel insurance for Southeast Asia?

You should strongly consider it.

Southeast Asia is generally affordable compared with many destinations, but that does not mean medical treatment or emergency transport is cheap.

A relatively inexpensive trip can also become very expensive if you need to cancel flights, replace belongings or return home unexpectedly.

Travel insurance is there for the things you hope never happen.

How much does backpacker travel insurance cost?

There isn't one price for backpacker travel insurance.

The cost can depend on factors including:

• Your age

• Where you are travelling

• How long you are away

• Activities you plan to do

• The level of medical cover

• Your excess

• Pre-existing conditions

• The value of your belongings

• Whether you need cancellation cover

Get several quotes and compare the actual cover rather than choosing entirely on price.

Travel insurance for long backpacking trips

If you are travelling for several months, pay particular attention to the maximum trip length.

Some policies have a fixed maximum period. Others are specifically designed for longer trips.

If you expect to extend your trip while you are away, check whether the policy can be extended and what the conditions are.

This matters when your original two-month trip turns into four months because you decide you are not ready to go home yet.

One more thing: keep your policy details accessible

Save your policy number, emergency contact details and important documents somewhere you can access them while travelling.

Having them buried in an email account you cannot access without Wi-Fi is not ideal when you need them.

Travel insurance is worth sorting before you go

Backpacking is about having freedom to change your plans. Good travel insurance gives you some protection when those plans go seriously wrong.

Compare policies carefully, check the exclusions and make sure the cover matches the trip you are actually taking.

Then get back to the fun part.

Ready to plan your trip? Start planning your route with Cowboy.