TRAVEL INSURANCE INFORMATION
Travelling on a budget inevitably means that Backpackers are at the greatest risk to accident and injury when abroad. Whether you're trekking in Thailand or scuba diving in Cairns, its the greatest adventures which also put you at the greatest risk. Exploring off the beaten-tracks also means you're far more likely to fall foul of illness or crime, often travelling overnight or sleeping in dorm rooms.
To ensure that you stay safe while on the road, it is essential that you purchase a backpacker travel insurance policy before you leave. Backpacker policies are specially designed to meet your needs, by offering a high level of cover for an extended period of travel. You can purchase a backpacker policy for anything from one week to two years, and just because it's called a backpacker policy, doesn't mean you have to be roughing it.
The backpacker policy acts as an effective and cheaper alternative to a single trip travel insurance policy, offering a range of special cover extras such as ski and sports protection which you might need along the way. There are a number of features which you should look out for in any backpacker policy as an absolute minimum.
- Emergency Medical Cover. This will provide financial cover for any costs you have to make in the event that you need medical attention.
- Rescue and Repatriation. In the event of a medical emergency rescue, all your costs will be paid by your insurer. This should include helicopter rescue.
- Personal Liability. This is legal cover for any accident, injury or harm you might inadvertently inflict on another individual.
- Holiday Cancellation. If due to unforeseen circumstances you have to cancel your trip early, you will be compensated for any monies lost.
- Baggage and Possessions Cover. Ensure that your policy protects your possessions or you will be unable to claim any compensation for stolen or lost items. Your policy should also cover any administrative costs incurred in the event that your passport is stolen and needs to be reissued.
- Personal Money. Check that your policy will also compensate you for any stolen cash or travellers' cheques. Please note that the upper compensation limit for personal money tends to be quite low. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash about your person when travelling.
- Travel Delay. Compensation for any money lost due to a delayed departure, though this will often only be paid after you have been delayed for a set length of time outlined in the policy wording.
Other special features worth looking for include ski and sports cover, providing protection for activities such as scuba diving, paragliding, bungee jumping and winter sports. Always carefully check your backpacker policy wording to ensure that the activity you intend to do is covered by your policy.
The following travel insurance companies are all highly recommended, and offer affordable policies with good levels of cover. Before purchasing your policy, it is always a good idea to compare a few quotes to ensure that you are getting the best deal.
