While most budget travelers are content with a standard travel insurance package, today I wanted to talk about one specific aspect that I get asked about a lot: buying extra medical evacuation insurance.
When I first started roaming the world, I assumed that standard travel insurance would cover the cost of getting back home should I get injured abroad. Isn’t that what their “medical evacuation” coverage does?
I was shocked to discover that, more often than not, that isn’t the case.
Turns out, just because you get injured and require medical transportation doesn’t mean you get sent home.
If you read the fine print, most travel insurance companies only cover your medical transport to the “best” medical facility near where you are. This is what they call the “nearest acceptable facility.”
They decide where you go, not you.
They decide what the best facility is.
They decide what is suitable.
And once your travel insurance company sends you to a hospital, they have fulfilled their obligation to you. That means that if you’re not sent home, you could be liable to then cover the cost of getting home — which can be a lot of money.
Now, this is not to say that “regular” travel insurance is bad. It just means that people think it covers a lot more than it does and are often upset when they find out otherwise. I mean, I love travel insurance (I never leave home without it), but it’s important to know its limitations. Always read the fine print!
This is where comprehensive medical evacuation insurance can come in handy in addition to your existing travel insurance plan.
What is Medical Evacuation Insurance?
First, let’s get one thing clear: Medical evacuation insurance is not the exact same thing as travel insurance (and vice versa).
Of course, travel insurance generally includes medical evacuation insurance, but travel insurance is specifically designed to protect travelers from financial loss in the event of trip interruptions and cancelations, as well as injuries while abroad.
Cut yourself on a rock while hiking? Travel insurance will help.
Baggage lost or delayed after a flight? Travel insurance will help.
Someone pickpocket your phone? Travel insurance will help.
For most travel and medical emergencies, travel insurance will suffice.
But where it often falls short is when you need to be repatriated.
Most travel insurance plans do include decent coverage for medical evacuation — but they only take you to the nearest facility that can handle your emergency. This means:
No guarantee of going home
No guarantee of going to the absolute best medical facility to assist you
No guarantee of someone on the ground to walk you through the process — you’re usually left to handle all of that on your own.
And for some people, that’s not good enough.
Why is Medical Evacuation Insurance So Important?
When I was stabbed in Colombia, I went to a local hospital. I was on my own, left to navigate the process with what little broken Spanish I knew. While I received basic medical care, it was not exactly the best in the world. I flew back to the US shortly after that to get the care I needed.
I was lucky that I didn’t require surgery and that I was able to handle the situation on my own. I didn’t necessarily need medical evacuation insurance for that incident.
But not everyone will be that lucky. Earthquakes, monsoons, hurricanes, floods, and fires do happen — and the list goes on.
Each and every year, 10 million travelers are hospitalized abroad — with over two million requiring medical transportation!
And should you need to be evacuated due to an injury, weather event, or political crisis, you definitely don’t want to be stuck with a pricey repatriation bill. After all, evacuation and transportation aren’t cheap. Costs for a medical evacuation or medical transfer can range from $30,000 to upwards of $200,000.
Yes, you read that right: $200,000!
Unless you have that kind of money lying around, you’ll want to make sure the insurance that you buy covers you for medical evacuation, transportation, transfers, and repatriation. You don’t want to be stranded at a foreign medical facility — especially if that facility doesn’t provide the degree of care that you need.
While these sorts of emergencies are rare, it’s much better to pay a small fee now than to risk going bankrupt because of an unexpected injury. Because $200,000 is a LOT of money!
Just as important as the financial argument for medical evacuation insurance is the fact that having comprehensive coverage gives you peace of mind. You and your loved ones can relax, knowing that, should the worst happen, you have a company there that is ready and able to help you get through it. The last thing you want on your vacation is to be fretting about the fine print on your insurance policy.
Over the past 10 years, I’ve had to deal with all sorts of hiccups on the road, from minor inconveniences, like a broken camera and lost baggage, to more serious situations, like when I burst my eardrum.
That’s why more and more travelers are joining membership programs for comprehensive medical evacuation insurance.
Our Recommended Company
Medjet is a membership program that offers comprehensive medical transportation services all around the globe. It has 50 dispatch stations worldwide, with access to over 250 air ambulances. That means that as long you’re not in a warzone or country prohibited to travel by the US State Department, you will be able to receive the medical transport coverage and evacuation services that you need.
Medjet focuses solely on medical evacuation coverage, making it the go-to company for travelers concerned about medical evacuation and repatriation. All the travel pros I know use it.
Where most insurance companies will just take you to the nearest medical facility, Medjet will make sure you get home.
Allow you to choose what hospital or medical facility you want to go to.
Arrange medical transfer (regardless of medical necessity).
Provide service both within the US and abroad.
Initiate a security response and evacuation even if there is no government warning to do so.
However, it is also extremely affordable — I’m still a budget traveler after all! Medjet offers both short-term and annual plans. An annual membership can cost as little as $295 USD per year, which is amazing value if you’re an avid traveler.
If you’re looking for coverage that goes above and beyond what most companies offer, you’ll want to consider Medjet — especially if you’re concerned about the cost of a medical evacuation.
It’s also the perfect choice for anyone looking to do adventurous activities or travelers who are heading into a region where extreme weather events (such as hurricanes or floods), fires, or earthquakes are common.
***
Nobody likes to imagine something going wrong on their trip. But accidents and emergencies do happen. Make sure you have the evacuation insurance coverage you need on your next trip. You won’t regret it!
Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and that will save you time and money too!
Travel insurance is probably the most boring topic when it comes to planning a trip. Nobody wants to focus on the worst-case scenario before they even leave home.
Plus, researching insurance is just plain tedious. There is a lot of fine print to scour, requiring you to read over the minutiae of each insurance plan before you pick the one that’s best for you.
But it’s also the most important topic too. Should something terrible happen while you’re on the road, you want to have the confidence that your insurance plan will cover you.
While none of us want to imagine getting hurt or robbed or having to cancel our plans, the fact of the matter is that these things happen. It’s rare, but shit you don’t expect does happen when you travel.
And while these unfortunate events are few and far between, it’s always better to be safe than sorry (trust me!). Medical bills aren’t cheap. Emergency evacuations cost tens of thousands of dollars. Unless you have a stockpile of disposable income, chances are you’ll want to buy travel insurance for your next trip.
There are a lot of misconceptions about travel insurance, so you’ll also want to learn everything you can about your plan and the company that is covering you.
Will your plan cover pre-existing conditions? Is there an age limit or a limit on how long you can be out of your home country? Will you be able to see doctors for non-emergency visits? What about dental coverage?
There is a lot to learn, and it can be overwhelming if travel insurance is new to you.
Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be!
In this post, I’ll go over what is ACTUALLY covered by reputable travel insurance plans, so you know what to look for.
Medical Emergencies
Chances are when you think of travel insurance, you’re picturing a medical emergency.
While accidents or serious illnesses while traveling abroad are rare, here’s what you can expect to be covered by a reputable insurance company:
Your hospitalization fee
Surgery costs
Outpatient treatment costs
Visits to registered medical practitioners (relating to your emergency injury)
Prescribed medicines (relating to the injury)
Medical evacuation (usually this is just to a local medical facility unless you have a more comprehensive plan from a company like MedJet. See below for more on evacuation.)
Emergency Evacuation
Medical evacuations due to accidents or natural disasters can cost upwards of $500,000. Naturally, this is where having a solid insurance plan comes in handy. Most insurance plans will evacuate you to a local hospital in case of injury or a nearby location in the case of a natural disaster.
In some cases, you will be repatriated back to your home country as well (though this is rare and usually only occurs in cases where local medical staff can’t provide the assistance you need).
Dental Emergencies
As with other medical emergencies, what’s covered here is accidental injury and sudden pain. For example, chipped teeth or a sudden infection.
General checkups are not covered, nor is major dental work that doesn’t relate to an injury or accident sustained abroad. And if you just want your teeth cleaned or a new filling, you’ll have to pay for that out of pocket.
Death Overseas
I know it’s never fun thinking about something like this happening, but knowing that you’re covered will give you and your loved ones peace of mind.
Should the worst happen, most insurance plans will cover the costs of a family member coming to get your body to take it home. Some policies will also include cremation services or burial overseas, should that be preferred.
Common exclusions would include death from alcohol or illicit narcotics, suicide, or pre-existing conditions not covered by the plan.
Flight Delays and Cancellations
If your flight gets delayed or canceled, you can apply for compensation from your travel insurance provider (assuming the airline doesn’t provide coverage for you). As long as the cancellation or delay is not your fault, you can apply for reimbursement. However, if you miss your flight because you slept in, that doesn’t count as a valid reason!
Be sure to keep all emails, receipts, and correspondence from your airline regarding the delay or cancellation, as you’ll need them to verify your claim and get reimbursed.
Trip Cancellation
If you need to cancel your trip — either before you depart or during your trip — for a verified medical reason, the death of a close relative, or the death of your travel partner, you can apply to get reimbursed from your insurance company.
To verify your claim, be sure to get a note from your doctor if you’re canceling due to illness. If you’re canceling due to a death, you’ll need to submit a copy of the death certificate (as well as other supporting documentation).
Lost or Stolen Property
If your bags get stolen while you’re traveling, most travel insurance companies will reimburse you for some or all of the items (there are usually limits on gear like laptops and cameras unless you buy a comprehensive plan with additional coverage). Be sure to file a police report. It will be necessary for making a claim.
Coverage will usually include compensation for delayed baggage or baggage that’s damaged in transit as well.
If your wallet or passport is stolen, some plans will cover the cost of having a new passport or credit card mailed to you (this usually will depend on your residency). If your wallet is stolen with cash in it, most plans won’t reimburse you for the cash. One exception is the Explorer Plan from World Nomads, which covers up to $200 USD in cash compensation.
Damaged or Stolen Gear
Most travel insurance plans will include coverage for lost or stolen gear, such as laptops, cameras, and mobile phones. However, these high-ticket items usually have a cap on how much you’ll get back (usually under $1,000 USD per item). If you’re traveling with expensive gear, you’ll want to pay for supplementary coverage to make sure it’s sufficiently covered.
Be sure you have receipts for all your gear as well. Keep copies of them in your inbox, so if something happens, you can file your claim without having to track down copies.
What Travel Insurance Does NOT Cover
While every plan is different, here is a list of the most common things that will not usually be covered by your standard or basic travel insurance plan:
Accidents sustained while participating in extreme activities, like hang gliding, paragliding, or bungee jumping (though you can often upgrade to plans that do cover those activities)
Technical climbing or alpine hiking (again, some plans can be upgraded to cover these activities)
Alcohol- or drug-related incidents (including death)
Carelessness in handling your possessions and baggage
Pre-existing conditions. For example, if you have diabetes and need to buy more insulin, you won’t be covered
General checkups for non-emergencies
Stolen cash (usually not covered by the standard “theft coverage,” though some companies, like World Nomads, can insure a limited amount of your cash)
Missed flights or connections for reasons under your control
A few other notes about standard policies:
If civil unrest makes your destination unsafe but your government hasn’t called for an evacuation, most insurance companies won’t evacuate you. (MedJet is the exception here. They have the best evacuation coverage.)
Changing your mind about your trip, unfriending or breaking up with your travel partner, and pre-existing medical conditions don’t qualify for most trip cancellation plans
If your visa is refused, you likely won’t be reimbursed if you decide to cancel your trip
Suggested Companies
To help you stay safe on your next trip, here’s a list of the best travel insurance companies:
My favorite company is World Nomads. I’ve been using them since I started traveling all the way back in 2003. They are reliable, and claims are processed quickly and fairly. The company was built by an ex-nomad so he gets the traveler mindset and knows what travelers need to stay safe.
As someone who is often traveling, I prefer World Nomads because I can purchase and renew my insurance policy online in a matter of minutes (it’s super easy). They have a very friendly and responsive staff who answer questions and help solve problems via social media, they have great customer feedback, and most importantly, they provide a lot of coverage at a fair price.
They are also endorsed by Lonely Planet and National Geographic, which tells you how good they are!
These days, I never leave home without travel insurance. Having had to make emergency claims a few times over the years, I’ve learned the hard way that it’s always better to be safe rather than sorry.
Just remember that travel insurance is a for-profit industry, which means you really need to do your research before you purchase a plan. Be sure to read your plan and the fine print so you know what exactly is covered and what they expect if you try to make a claim.
Keep any receipts, emails, and documentation relating to your trip in a separate folder in your email inbox. That way, you can easily make a claim if you need to.
While the cost can seem like a lot up front, when you compare it to the potential cost of an emergency evacuation or a hefty medical bill, it’s peanuts.
Most insurance plans will only cost you a few dollars per day, providing you — and your friends and family — peace of mind in the process. If you ask me, that’s money well spent.
Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Planning a trip can be a lot of fun. Researching amazing bucket list activities, daydreaming about picture-perfect beaches and epic hikes, booking the cheap flights that will take you to the world’s most amazing destinations — it’s the fun part of planning. It gives you ownership of your trip and lets you imagine all the amazing adventures you’ll get into.
What is significantly less fun (yet equally important) is searching for the right travel insurance plan for your trip.
Reading through the fine print, searching out reviews you can trust, picking the best plan — it can all be a little tedious.
And if you’re a new traveler, it can also be a little overwhelming.
There are hundreds of companies out there – all offering the “same” plans. They all have different prices too. Which one is the best? Which review is right?
To help you stay safe during your next trip, I wanted to share my thoughts on the best travel insurance companies on the market. I’ve been backpacking since 2004 and researching companies for a living since 2007. I’ve spent a lot of time reading the fine print (have you ever read NY’s insurance compliance laws? Well, don’t.)
To save you time, I’ve compiled a list of the best travel insurance companies. Whether you’re heading south to escape from work or traveling abroad on a round-the-world trip, this list will help you find a company that works for your trip – and your budget.
I’ve been using World Nomads for the past decade and have never been disappointed. Their plans are comprehensive and great for travelers visiting more than one country in a single trip. It’s easy to read their policies and see what’s covered (and what isn’t), and their customer service is top notch. And if you want to learn more before you purchase or have questions after you sign up, their customer support is there to help.
This company is perfect for adventurous travelers who plan to do things like hiking, kayaking or canoeing, and even some extreme sports like rock climbing bungee jumping. With 100 different activities are covered, World Nomads is the best choice for the active traveler.
Here’s a quick overview:
Emergency medical and dental coverage
Coverage for trip cancelations, delays, and interruptions
Baggage protection
Emergency evacuation (for medical emergencies and non-medical emergencies such as natural disasters)
Medical transportation
24/7 customer assistance
They are the perfect company if you’re a backpacker or long term traveler. The company was founded by backpackers so they keep people who travel long term in mind in their plans and customer service. This is my go-to insurance company and one I’ve been using for years. If it sounds like the company for you, you can use the widget below to get a quote:
Medjet is the premier membership program for medical transportation. Their extensive plans focus on crisis response and emergency transportation and they have amazing staff on hand to help you through it all.
While many insurance companies will just evacuate you to the nearest hospital in an emergency, MedJet goes above and beyond to ensure that you’re repatriated and not stuck in a foreign medical facility away from your friends and family.
They have both short-term and annual plans, too, so no matter what your travel plans are you’ll be able to find the affordable coverage that you need.
Here’s a quick overview of MedJet:
Extensive medical transport coverage
Limited time spent in foreign medical facilities
Both short-term and annual plans
Available for residents of the US, Canada, and Mexico
Medjet is the perfect company for anyone looking to avoid time spent in foreign medical facilities should an emergency or crisis occur.
Insure My Trip
Insure My Trip isn’t actually an insurance company that issues its own plans. Rather, they recommend plans and help you compare prices so you can buy the plan that’s best for you.
With Insure My Trip, you can compare plans from almost 30 different insurance providers. They are the go-to company for senior travelers as well, since many travel insurance companies won’t cover travelers over 65. Insure My Trip provides comparisons from insurance companies that cover older travelers, making them the best option for retirees and other senior adventurers.
Here’s a quick overview of Insure My Trip:
Guaranteed low prices
Coverage for senior travelers over 65
“Anytime advocates” ask the insurer to give your claim a second look if you think it was unfairly denied.
Comparisons from 28 different companies to ensure you get the best plan
Insure My Trip is the best choice for older travelers looking for comprehensive coverage over the age of 65.
STA
STA is an online travel agency that is known for its flights and travel packages. But they also sell affordable travel insurance too. STA provides budget-friendly plans for students and teachers, offering coverage for as little as $99 USD for 1 year.
It’s the best choice for anyone studying abroad or teaching overseas. You’ll also get an ISIC card, which includes tons of additional perks and discounts!
Here’s a quick overview of STA Travel Insurance:
Budget-friendly plans
ISIC card benefits in over 125,000 locations
Basic coverage options
Great for students/shoestring backpackers.
STA is the best choice for student travelers and teachers working overseas who only need basic travel insurance coverage.
IMGlobal
IMGlobal provides insurance plans that are more akin to your standard US health insurance. They have comprehensive coverage for long-term travelers, plans for non-US citizens, and affordable plans for visitors to the US as well. They have basic plans for students and budget-conscious travelers as well as more robust plans for families and expats.
Their plans cover single trips; however, they also have multi-trip plans for travelers heading out on more than one trip per year.
Here’s a quick overview of IMGlobal:
Best for expats and long-term travelers
The closest option to normal US health insurance
Available for non-US residents
16 different plans to choose from
IMGlobal is the best insurance company for expats and long-term travelers who want coverage beyond medical emergencies.
Clements
Clements focuses on insurance coverage for expats as well as coverage for high-end gear (such as laptops, smartphones, and cameras). Many travel insurance companies only provide minimal coverage for your expensive electronics, which means you’ll have to pay a lot of money out of pocket to replace them should they get lost, damaged, or stolen while you’re abroad. They also offer plans with low or no deductibles so you can rest assured that, should the worst happen, you can replace your valuables without breaking the bank.
Here’s a quick overview of Clements:
High-end electronics coverage
Low (or no) deductibles
Premium plans with unlimited coverage
Available both inside and outside of the US
Clements is the best insurance option for anyone traveling with expensive electronics who need comprehensive coverage.
Honorable Mention: Credit Card Coverage
While not the most comprehensive, many travel credit cards will include some degree of travel insurance. Coverage is often limited and might only apply to trips or items purchased with the card. And there may be limited dates of coverage too.
However, something is better than nothing! But while it can be tempting to go for a free insurance plan from your credit card company, their plans are usually not that comprehensive and have minimal coverage and/or limited compensation. These free plans are best used as supplemental coverage in addition to a plan from one of the companies above.
But it’s always great to have options (especially free ones). Be sure to learn more about the best travel credit cards before your next trip (you’ll have to read the fine print).
***
Nobody plans on getting hurt when they travel. And in a perfect world, we wouldn’t. But we all know that this isn’t a perfect world.
My bags were stolen when I was traveling in South Africa.
Obviously, I didn’t plan for any of these things to happen.
But they did.
And I was lucky I had travel insurance to help me cover the costs. So before you head out on your next trip, make sure that you’re covered. Invest in your own safety and peace of mind. I promise you, it’s worth the money.
Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and that will save you time and money too!
I’m a backpacker at heart. Even after traveling the world for over a decade, I still love to travel cheap, prioritizing experiences over fancy accommodation and transportation. I still love staying at hostels, meeting locals, and sampling as many local delicacies as I can.
Contrary to popular belief, being a backpacker is not about pinching every penny — it’s about finding value. If you want to have a genuine and authentic trip without breaking the bank you need to spend your money wisely.
And when it comes to backpacking around the world, one of the wisest choices you can make is to purchase travel insurance.
I know, travel insurance seems like just another expense that will chip away at your budget. I used to think that too.
But it also has the potential to save you thousands of dollars should something go wrong on your trip.
And after traveling around the world for the past 10 years, I can confidently tell you this: things will go wrong.
To help you stay safe on your next trip, here is everything you need to know about buying insurance as a backpacker.
The reason you need to buy travel insurance is because accidents happen. Regardless of whether you’re at home or abroad, things go wrong. At home, you likely have access to medical care and reliable medical facilities.
On the road, that isn’t always the case.
While serious injuries are rare, they do happen. And it’s always better to be safe than sorry. But insurance isn’t just for medical emergencies. It also covers a lot of incidents that are much more common than you think!
Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect your backpacker insurance to cover:
Medical emergencies (surgery hospitalization fees, medical evacuation)
Flight delays and cancellations
Trip cancellations (due to injury or a death in the family)
Emergency evacuation (due to injury or natural disaster)
Dental emergencies
Lost or stolen baggage
Damaged or stolen gear
Death overseas
While it’s unpleasant to spend time dwelling on these things, the truth is, you need to be prepared for the worst. Hopefully, you’ll never need to use your insurance plan, but if you need to, you want to make sure you have the coverage you need.
I didn’t plan for any of these things to happen, but when they did, I was glad I had insurance to help me get reimbursed as well as to help me navigate the confusion that comes with having an emergency abroad.
I know, as a backpacker you like to keep costs low. Insurance isn’t free, after all, which makes it seem like a burdensome and unnecessary expense.
But it’s much better to pay a few bucks a day than risk losing your life savings should an emergency occur while you don’t have coverage.
What Does Travel Insurance NOT Cover?
While most travel emergencies and injuries are covered by travel insurance, it’s important to know what is not covered by your plan. Knowledge is power, after all.
For reference, most backpacker insurance policies do not cover:
Accidents sustained while participating in extreme adventure activities. These often include hang-gliding, paragliding, or bungee jumping.
Alcohol- and drug-related incidents.
Carelessness or negligence.
Pre-existing conditions or general check-ups.
Stolen cash (unless you pay for a more comprehensive plan)
If civil unrest makes your destination unsafe but your government hasn’t called for an evacuation, you probably won’t qualify for evacuation (unless you have more advanced coverage from a company like Medjet).
Changing your mind about your trip or unfriending or breaking up with your travel partner will disqualify you from trip-cancellation coverage.
Pre-existing medical conditions don’t qualify for most trip cancellation plans unless otherwise stipulated.
If your visa to a destination is refused you won’t be reimbursed if you decide to cancel your trip.
The Best 3 Backpacker Insurance Companies
To help you stay safe on your next trip, here are some suggested companies that provide affordable insurance for backpackers:
1. STA Travel Insurance STA is an online travel agency that is known for their flights and travel packages — but they offer affordable travel insurance too for students as well.
STA sells basic, budget-friendly coverage for students and teachers who travel, with plans starting as low as $99 USD for 1 year. If you’re a student and a budget backpacker who is only looking for the most basic of coverage, STA is the company for you.
2. Insure My Trip Insure My Trip helps you compare insurance plans and prices so you can purchase the plan that’s best for you and your budget. You can compare plans from almost 30 different insurance providers, with plenty of budget-friendly options available for backpackers.
And they are the go-to company for older backpackers as well since many travel insurance companies won’t cover travelers over 65. Insure My Trip provides comparisons from insurance companies that cover older travelers, making them the best option for retirees and other senior adventurers.
OUR TOP PICK: World Nomads Travel Insurance World Nomads is the absolute best insurance company for budget travelers. I’ve been using them for over a decae and have never been disappointed with their customer service or coverage. Their plans are comprehensive and great for both long-term travelers as well as anyone heading out on a shorter vacation. It’s easy to read (and understand) their policies and see what’s covered — and what isn’t.
Best of all, if you want to learn more before you purchase or have questions after you sign up, their customer support is there to help.
World Nomads is perfect for adventurous backpackers who plan to do activities like hiking, kayaking, or even some extreme sports like bungee jumping or rock climbing. With 100 different activities covered, World Nomads is the best choice for the active backpacker.
To help you learn more about World Nomads, here’s a quick overview of their coverage:
Emergency medical and dental coverage
Coverage for trip cancelations, delays, and interruptions
Baggage protection
Emergency evacuation (for medical emergencies and non-medical emergencies such as natural disasters)
Medical transportation
24/7 customer assistance
World Nomads was founded by backpackers so they know exactly what the budget traveler needs in their plan. This is my go-to insurance company and one I’ve been using for years. If it sounds like the company for you, you can use the widget below to get a quote:
After backpacking around the world for over a decade, I never leave home without travel insurance. I’ve experienced first-hand how helpful it can be. It’s saved me thousands of dollars over the years — as well as countless headaches too.
Not only that, but buying travel insurance provides peace of mind. It gives you and your family a safety net in case things go wrong. Whether you’re island-hopping in Thailand or getting off the beaten path in Eastern Europe, travel insurance will be there when you need it.
Being a backpacker is all about having amazing, memorable travel experiences all without breaking the bank. And there’s no better way to insulate yourself from expensive (and unnecessary) costs than by buying travel insurance.
Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and that will save you time and money too!
Travel insurance is probably the most boring topic to discuss when it comes to planning a trip. Dreaming up the perfect itinerary, finding cheap flights, buying gear — all of these things all much more glamorous!
For that reason, many budget travelers actually skip buying travel insurance. Unlike a flight, a travel backpack, or applying for a visa, travel insurance just doesn’t seem necessary.
And since it’s not always cheap, travel insurance is often tempting to jettison.
I mean, how often does something terrible happen when you travel?
Not often, right?
But that doesn’t mean it won’t happen.
Sure, over the years, I’ve rarely had to rely on travel insurance.
But I have still had to use it from time to time — including recently when I was stabbed in Colombia. Remember: you’re fine until you aren’t, which is why you get travel insurance!
Yes, for most trips you won’t need your travel insurance. You’ll buy it, save the details in your inbox, and never look at it again.
But a time might come when you need it.
And if you don’t have it, things can get expensive fast.
I was thankful for having travel insurance when I needed to see a doctor in Argentina, when my camera broke in Italy, when my eardrum popped in Thailand, and when my luggage was stolen in South Africa.
It’s much better to be safe than sorry.
In this post, I’ll show you everything you need to know to help you make an informed decision about your travel insurance plan and whether or not travel insurance is a worthwhile purchase for your next trip.
To illustrate why travel insurance is worth purchasing, here’s a quick list of what the best travel insurance plans will cover (for most countries):
Medical emergencies, sudden illnesses, and injuries
Emergencies, strife in your destination, etc., that cause you to head home early
Emergency evacuation
Resultant cancellations, such as hotel bookings, flights, and other transportation bookings, if you have a sudden illness, death in the family, or some other emergency
Lost, damaged, or stolen possessions, like jewelry, baggage, documents, cameras, etc. (Also, there is some coverage for your electronics, and often an option for a higher coverage limit.)
Twenty-four-hour emergency services and assistance (you don’t want to call to be told to call back later)
Financial protection if any company you are using goes bankrupt and you are stuck in another country.
Yes, robberies and natural disasters are rare. But things like canceled flights, minor illnesses, and petty theft do happen often.
With a comprehensive travel insurance plan, you’ll be covered.
The Best Travel Insurance Companies for Travelers
My favorite travel insurance company is World Nomads, founded by an ex-nomad, so he understands what it’s like being a traveler. I’ve been using them since I started traveling all the way back in 2003. They are reputable and reliable, and they process their claims quickly.
With World Nomads, you can purchase and renew your policy online in a matter of minutes, and they have friendly and responsive staff who will answer your questions promptly. They can also help solve problems via social media.
Most importantly, they provide a lot of coverage at a fair price. If there’s one company I would recommend, it’s this one. It’s also endorsed by Lonely Planet and National Geographic, which just goes to show you how great it is!
If you’re not sure if travel insurance is the best choice for you, here are some questions to ask yourself:
Do you have a lot of money saved up for emergencies?
If you have thousands of dollars lying around to cover you in case you get injured or delayed, or need to be evacuated (emergency evacuation can cost tens of thousands of dollars), or in case your items get lost or stolen, then maybe travel insurance isn’t necessary for you.
Are you traveling somewhere with expensive medical coverage?
Sure, a quick hospital visit in a budget-friendly country might not cost a lot. But in many countries, medical emergencies can cost hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars (especially if you need comprehensive care, emergency surgery, or evacuation).
Do you have a lot of money invested in your trip?
While none of us ever plan to have a trip canceled, the fact of the matter is that emergencies and surprises do happen (such as an illness, a death in the family, and work conflicts). Unless you’re comfortable losing out on that money, travel insurance might be a worthwhile purchase.
At the end of the day, unless you’ve got tons of extra cash just laying around that you can spend on emergencies, travel insurance is likely worth the money.
I know it’s not cheap (especially if you’re a budget traveler), but at the end of the day, it will be much, much cheaper than paying for an emergency — and I say that from personal experience!
Why Buying Travel Insurance is a Must
Can you say no one will steal your stuff while you’re backpacking Europe or that you won’t pop an eardrum diving in Thailand? Can you say your flights won’t get delayed or canceled?
No, you never really can.
And that’s why smart travelers get insurance.
Because, for just a couple dollars a day, you’ll have all those eventualities covered.
I hope nothing bad happens to you on the road, but if it does, travel insurance will be there to help. It’s more than just health coverage — it’s “something bad happened to me” coverage.
Yes, it’s an extra expense. But if something goes wrong you’ll not only save hundreds — if not thousands — of dollars but you’ll have peace of mind, knowing that you’re properly covered.
So, be a smart traveler. Buy travel insurance!
Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and that will save you time and money too!
