Travel Insurance for Backpackers
Cover your Backpacking Trip with Redpoint Travel Protection
A backpacking adventure is enduringly popular with travelers — and for good reason. It's the simplest way to see the world: No heavy luggage to weigh you down and no set itinerary to stick to, leaving you open to the possibilities of what might come next. And in the world's backpacking hotspots, like Southeast Asia, South America, and India, there's so much to explore you could spend months getting to know each one.
Backpacking comes with a load of adventure and serendipity, alongside some unique risks. That's why it's wise to have backpacker travel insurance before you take off on your trip.
Knowing you're covered in sticky situations — in case you need medical care, for example, or experience medical emergencies, flight delays, or travel disruptions — will let you fully enjoy your trip and focus on being in the moment.
Medical, health, & safety for backpacking
Backpacking can be spontaneous and full of adventurous activities, but before all that fun, it requires some careful preparation.
Start by making sure you pack appropriate gear for your destination’s climate, terrain, and cultural norms, and if you’re visiting multiple countries, try to bring options that will work across the board.
Ensure that you’re up-to-date on your vaccinations, and carry a well-stocked first-aid kit containing essentials and any prescription medication you need. Even if you’re not planning your itinerary ahead of time, always inform someone (at home and locally) of your movements, especially when they change at the last minute.
Depending on where you’re backpacking, you may run into wildlife. Be aware of any dangerous species or known hazards native to the region, and as a rule, never interact with wild animals, including feeding them. Protect yourself from bites or stings by wearing long clothing and using insect repellent. When camping, store food securely to avoid attracting wildlife and follow “Leave No Trace” principles to protect the environment.
Natural disasters can pose risks, particularly in regions prone to earthquakes, floods, or landslides. Familiarize yourself with local emergency procedures and monitor weather forecasts regularly.
In areas with extreme conditions, such as high altitudes or deserts, prepare for sudden temperature changes by packing layers and adequate hydration supplies. Always keep an eye on local alerts, listen to local guides or officials, and don’t be afraid to change your plans if conditions are unstable or variable.
Backpackers typically rely on public transportation networks. While these can be safer than renting your own car and navigating unfamiliar roads, be aware that safety standards vary, so research your destination’s options ahead of time. Avoid using public transportation at night, stick to reputable operators for buses and taxis, and be cautious of overloaded or poorly maintained vehicles.
Trip insurance benefits & coverage for backpacking
You may be wondering: Does my travel insurance cover backpacking? The answer is yes — many travel insurance companies do cover backpacking as part of a comprehensive travel insurance policy, including Redpoint.
Backpacker insurance policies vary among insurance providers, though, so you’ll want to confirm that the plan you’re eyeing has the benefits you need before you buy.
Here are the core coverage areas to look for when purchasing backpacking travel insurance.
- Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance: Trip cancellation insurance reimburses your nonrefundable trip expenses if your backpacking trip is canceled or cut short due to a covered reason, like illness, severe weather, or family emergencies. Backpackers are often traveling on a tight budget, and this coverage can help recoup nonrefundable trip costs if your travel plans don’t go as you’d hoped. If you think you might want to change your itinerary on the fly, consider adding cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage to your backpacking travel insurance policy.
- Travel medical insurance: Travel health insurance covers emergency medical expenses for illnesses or injuries that may befall you while backpacking. If you’re traveling in developing countries, healthcare systems can vary in quality, and you may need to seek out private care. Your health insurance from home won’t be accepted in most cases, so any medical costs or hospital bills you incur will need to be paid out of pocket if you don’t have travel insurance. Keep in mind that if you have any preexisting conditions, you’ll also need to apply for a waiver when you buy your backpacker travel insurance policy.
- Emergency medical evacuation insurance: Emergency evacuation coverage reimburses you for emergency transportation to the nearest medical facility or back to the U.S. in extreme situations. If you’re backpacking in a remote area, this kind of coverage is essential, especially in areas where medical facilities and transportation options are limited.
- Baggage and personal belongings insurance: This covers loss, theft, or damage to your belongings should they go missing during your trip. Though backpackers tend to travel light, it still can be expensive to replace all your belongings if your bag gets lost.
- Trip delay insurance: Travel delay benefits provide coverage for additional expenses if your trip is delayed before it starts or during any connections or transfers.
For most people, Redpoint’s Ripcord offers the best backpacking travel insurance coverage. An extensive plan with high coverage limits and enhanced coverage, its generous benefits include emergency medical evacuation, search and rescue, and trip cancellations, delays, and interruptions.
Redpoint’s other travel insurance plans, Cavalry and Harbor, provide international coverage and comprehensive protection for a wide range of situations as well. Offering robust coverage to the budget-minded leisure traveler, Harbor can also be a good option for backpackers, while Cavalry is particularly suited for urban travel and luxury cultural experiences.
For backpacking travel insurance costs and more information, check out our purchase page for a quote today.
FAQs about Backpacking Insurance
What is insurance for backpacking?
Does travel insurance cover backpacking?
How much is travel insurance for backpacking?
What should your travel insurance cover for a backpacking trip ?
What happens if a tourist gets injured while backpacking?
Medical facilities can vary widely in the countries where backpacking is most popular, and the quality of care may not always be adequate. If you find yourself struggling to access the necessary care while on a backpacking trip, contact Redpoint's 24/7 emergency assistance line at +1-415-481-0610. Our customer service team can help you locate doctors and services that are covered by your backpacker insurance policy.
Protect your trip with Redpoint Travel Insurance
Whether you’re looking for an annual travel insurance plan for multiple destinations or something to cover a single trip abroad, Redpoint’s comprehensive, easy-to-understand policies can cover backpacking adventures of all kinds. Explore our three international travel insurance plans — Ripcord, Cavalry, and Harbor — and get a quote for your next trip today.
