What is back packer travel insurance?
Back packer travel insurance is travel insurance that has been specifically designed for those going on back packing holidays, and takes into account the different risks and situations that you may come across when backpacking, compared with going on a standard holiday.
Back packer travel insurance was created by travellers who had been backpacking before, and could not find an insurance policy that matched their requirements.
Whilst those going on a backpacking holiday may not come across a great number of hotel cancellations, they are far more likely to have their belongings stolen, because of the lack of security in hostels, and are statistically more likely to lose their passports and to need to order new ones from the British embassy.
As well as being more likely to lose things, pack packers are more likely to come across medical facilities that charge a lot of money, especially to foreign travellers. One of the key elements of back packer travel insurance, and any travel insurance policy for that matter is the medical costs cover that they provide.
Back packer travel insurance – medical cover
Whilst in the UK we are used to having a world class health service on our doorstep, which is offered free to residents here, around the world things are very different, and most countries charge for their health care. In those countries residents take out health insurance, which pays for any medical care they need, and your back packer travel insurance will work in the same way.
Medical cover is expensive, and the cost of it makes many solicitors charges seem relatively cheap. In some countries a week spent in intensive care can cost as much as £100,000, and an operation on a broken bone can cost up to £10,000.
Without your back packer travel insurance policy, you will be liable for these costs, and many countries will not let you leave until you have paid your bill.
Whilst many of the countries visited by backpackers are beautiful in some ways, they are particularly harsh to those who owe money, and it’s not a situation anyone would want to be in.
Back backer travel insurance also looks after your flights, and will pay for alternate flights should your original flight be cancelled or delayed.