The costly mistake backpackers make
How young backpackers who risk travelling the world without insurance could find themselves hundreds of thousands of pounds out of pocket
This year, over 31,000 students are expected to defer their university courses to take a gap year, with many taking themselves off for adventure and new experiences abroad.
With A-level results now in and trip planning underway, it is important for backpackers not to take risks when jetting off by ensuring they have adequate insurance to protect them for all eventualities. Failure to do so could cost backpackers hundreds of thousands of pounds if something happens while away.
The importance of getting a specialist backpacker policy which not only allows you to work* while away, it also protects you for longer periods abroad, visits to multiple destinations and activities and adventures more akin to backpacking trips.
How much it could cost a backpacker in common situations if they don't have travel insurance in place:
| Incident | Cost |
| Cost of replacing your “lost” British passport in USA | £300 |
| Breaking a leg in a motorcycle accident in Thailand | £15,000 |
| Lost luggage in Africa | £370 |
| Emergency repatriation from Spain | £40,000-£50,000 |
| Losing an Apple MacBook laptop in Australia | £1,990 |
| Data sourced from IMG Europe |
Here are the top five things to consider when purchasing backpacker insurance to avoid being hit by costly expenses:
Lost documents
Losing your passport, travel documents or credit card is not only inconvenient when abroad, but it can also cost you thousands to replace or have replacements sent out to wherever you are. Choose a policy that will cover the cost of this.
Cancellation
When heading abroad for a long period of time, cancellations are highly likely, particularly if you plan to travel around a lot. Ensure that your policy will cover you for travel expenses, hotel or hostel bookings and transfers should you need to cancel, change or abandon parts of your trip.
Personal belongings
With the rise in remote working, there is a new wave of backpackers coming through, of those mixing travelling with working from anywhere. This means travelling with expensive equipment such as laptops, cameras, drones and more. Choose a policy that provides enough cover and will be able to help you replace the items quickly in the event of loss or theft.
Working while travelling
Most backpacker travel insurance policies will allow the traveller to undertake a period of work while abroad, but the scope of work permitted under each policy will vary. Carefully check the details from your provider to ensure that your policy covers the work you will be undertaking, be that clerical, manual, voluntary, conservation or other.
Activities
The benefit of travelling is the ability to enjoy new experiences and be spontaneous. Choose a policy that allows you to add specific cover instantly should these opportunities arise.
Young people travelling should also make themselves familiar with the terms of their policy so they understand exactly what they are covered for. For example, if renting scooters in Thailand, the policy will only be valid if you have the relevant license, are wearing appropriate clothing, footwear and a helmet, and follow local traffic regulations.
Backpacker travel insurance is specifically designed for extended trips and tailored to the needs of travellers who want to explore multiple destinations and engage in adventurous activities such as hiking, diving and other sports and working.
