What Is Backpacker Travel Insurance?

Backpacker travel insurance is intended to give backpackers some protection from unexpected and unfortunate events while they are traveling. This type of insurance usually covers backpackers if they have to cancel or postpone their travels and stand to lose the money they have spent on reservations. It may also cover such things as lost luggage, money, and traveling credentials. Some policies provide personal liability coverage and pay claims that develop when a traveler injures another person or causes property damage. Additionally, this type of insurance usually provides coverage in the event a backpacker becomes ill or is injured or robbed while traveling.

When most people plan backpacking trips, they do so with the best of intentions. Unfortunately, however, the unexpected often happens, and travelers may lose money as a result. Backpacker travel insurance provides a way for travelers to recoup unexpected costs that occur while they are on a trip. For instance, it often pays fees for unplanned expenses, such as necessary medical care or helicopter rescue during a trip.

One of the many purposes of backpacker travel insurance is to cover an individual in the event that his planned backpacking trip is canceled or delayed. Some reservations are non-refundable, and the backpacker could lose his investment if he is unable to travel due to an emergency of some sort or even an illness that prevents him from departing on time. This type of insurance can provide compensation in such an event. It is important to note, however, that only certain reasons for cancellations and delays are covered. If an individual must cancel because of a documented medical illness or a death in the family, this will likely be covered, but if he cancels because he has to work or is no longer interested in the trip, an insurance company is unlikely to provide compensation.

Backpacker travel insurance often covers illnesses and losses as well. For example, if a traveler becomes ill or is injured while traveling, this type of insurance will likely cover the cost of treatment. Likewise, it also will typically provide coverage for lost luggage and the administrative fees related to traveling credential loss. In many cases, lost money and travelers checks may be covered, but this part of the coverage may have very low limits. Additionally, some types of backpacker travel insurance covers claims against the traveler in the event that he accidentally injures another person or causes some type of property damage.