Backpacker travel insurance: long trips and one-way tickets
Long, loosely planned trips break a lot of the assumptions built into ordinary policies. Here is how to find cover for months on the road, without leaving yourself exposed where backpackers most often get hurt.
By the StarHolidays Editorial Team Updated 4 min read
Key takeaways
- Check the maximum trip length, as standard policies might stop well before you do.
- Scooters are a classic problem: they are often excluded or require a specific license.
- Many insurers won't sell to people already abroad, so buy before you leave if you can.
- A plan focused on medical and evacuation cover usually matters more than cancellation.
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What's different about backpacking
A typical backpacker has a cheap, flexible itinerary and a long list of possible activities. That changes the balance of what's worth paying for.
- Cancellation cover matters less because there's little prepaid.
- Medical and evacuation cover matter more, particularly in remote areas.
- Flexibility matters more, including extending your cover while traveling.
- Activities matter a lot, because the things that make your trip memorable are often the things that are excluded.
Questions to ask about any plan
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| What's the maximum trip length? | Some plans cover only 30, 60 or 90 days per trip |
| Can I buy or extend while abroad? | Plans change, and many insurers won't sell to you once you've left |
| Do I need a return ticket? | Some policies assume a round trip |
| Does it cover going home for a visit? | Some cover ends for good when you return home |
| Which countries are excluded? | Government advice and sanctions can matter |
| Does it cover work or volunteering? | Hostel work and farm jobs may fall outside cover |
The scooter problem
Renting a scooter is common for backpackers, and roads in an unfamiliar country can be unforgiving. It's also where insurance gets tricky. The UK government says quad bikes and mopeds are usually excluded from standard cover, and even policies that do cover them can have strict conditions:
- A valid motorcycle license for the bike's engine size, from home and at your destination
- An international driving permit, in some cases
- A helmet, for you and any passenger
- Riding as a passenger, not the driver, under some plans
"Everyone rents without a license here" isn't a defense. If you plan to ride, find the wording before you leave. If you can't meet its terms, assume you aren't covered.
Activities
Treks, climbs, dives and bungee jumps can all fall outside basic cover. Standard policies may include some activities and limit others by altitude or depth. Check each one against the policy, and read adventure sports travel insurance. Nepal is a useful example, because a trek there could involve altitude limits and helicopter rescue terms that deserve a close look.
Buying while you're already abroad
Many policies must be bought in your home country before you leave. If you've already left, or your cover has run out:
- Look for plans that sell to people already traveling. They exist, but there may be a waiting period before cover begins.
- Expect exclusions for anything that started before you bought it.
- Never let your cover lapse casually. Getting a new policy once you've been in an accident won't help with that accident.
A better habit is to buy for a longer period than you think you'll need, if your insurer offers refunds for unused time, or to choose one that lets you extend online.
Valuables on the road
Hostels and buses can be risky for a laptop or camera, and low single-item limits can leave you short. Read the baggage guide and consider separate cover for expensive gear. Keep your documents backed up in cloud storage, because replacing a passport costs far less time if you have a copy.
Budgeting
Medical-focused long-stay plans are often priced by the day or the week. A low daily cost can add up across six months, but compare it against the risk you're taking on. Don't lower evacuation limits to save money if you're heading somewhere remote. And don't forget the rules at each destination: Georgia and other countries now ask visitors to show cover, so your plan might need to name them. Thailand has also been discussing a fee to fund basic cover.
Your pre-departure checklist
- Save your assistance number somewhere offline, because you might not have data when you need it
- Share your policy details and a rough itinerary with someone at home
- Keep receipts and photos of your valuables in cloud storage
- Check your vaccinations and health precautions before you go
- Keep some emergency funds available, as some providers want payment up front
- Check for changes in official advice as you travel, because a change could affect your policy
Good habit: each time you cross a border, check government travel advice for your next destination. Going to a place your government advises against can invalidate your cover, even if you bought the policy before the warning.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a return ticket to get backpacker insurance?
Not necessarily. Some long-stay plans accept one-way tickets, but others assume a round trip. Check the wording, and remember that some countries want proof of onward travel for entry.
Can I extend my travel insurance while abroad?
Sometimes. Some insurers allow online extensions, as long as you ask before your cover ends. Others do not, so check before you leave home.
Am I covered riding a scooter in Thailand or Bali?
Only if your policy says so and you meet its conditions. These often include a valid motorcycle license and wearing a helmet. Many travelers assume they are covered when they are not.
Does backpacker insurance cover working abroad?
It depends. Light volunteer work may be included, while manual labor or farm work may not. Tell your insurer what you plan to do, and get the answer in writing.