backpacker travel insurance asia

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

The Best Travel Insurance Companies for Backpackers

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, then 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 over twelve 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.

Table of Contents

Why Do Backpackers Need Insurance?

What does travel insurance cover, what does travel insurance not cover, the best backpacker insurance companies.

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!

I’ve had my bags stolen, I’ve needed to go to the hospital overseas, and I was even stabbed while traveling in South America .

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.

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.

Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect your backpacker insurance to cover:

• Coverage for most countries in the world
• Medical emergencies (surgery hospitalization fees, medical evacuation to the nearest hospital)
• 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
• Death overseas

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.

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.

Most backpacker insurance policies do not cover:

• Accidents sustained while participating in extreme adventure activities (which often include hang-gliding, paragliding, or bungee jumping)
• Alcohol- and drug-related incidents
• Carelessness or negligence (such as if your bag gets stolen after you left it unattended)
• Pre-existing conditions or general check-ups
• Stolen cash
• If civil unrest makes your destination unsafe but your government hasn’t called for an evacuation (unless you have more advanced coverage from a company like Medjet )
• Changing your mind about your trip or unfriending/breaking up with your travel partner will disqualify you from trip-cancellation coverage
• If your visa to a destination is refused you won’t be reimbursed if you decide to cancel your trip

There’s only two companies worth using as a backpacker.

They are the best choice for long-term travelers as you can renew your plan while abroad and their $250 USD deductible keeps your monthly fee low. While their coverage isn’t as comprehensive as other companies, it covers the most important stuff, making them a good choice for travelers on a tight budget.

Here’s a quick overview of SafetyWing :

• Super affordable plans (with a deductible)
• Can purchase and renew plans while abroad
• Claims can be filed online
• $250,000 USD in emergency medical coverage
• Friendly and responsive customer service
• After being abroad for 90 days, you keep your medical coverage for 30 days in your home country (15 days for US residents)
• Best for digital nomads and frugal travelers

Insure My Trip also provides comparisons from insurance companies that cover older travelers (many travel insurance companies won’t cover travelers over 65), making them the go-to company 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
• Compares 23 different companies to ensure you get the best plan
• Reviews of each policy so you can see what other travelers are saying

The huge benefit of using Insure My Trip is that they guarantee you won’t find the same policy elsewhere for less money! Click here to get a quote from Insure My Trip.  

Here’s a look at World Nomads at a glance:

• Tiers for basic and premium coverage
• Delay and cancelation coverage
• Can submit a claim after your trip ends
• Offers some COVID coverage
• Everything can be done via the website
• Trusted by brands like Lonely Planet, Eurail, and Intrepid Travel

World Nomads is more expensive than SafetyWing (roughly 3x the price) but they also cover more activities and include more coverage for things like cancelations and delays. In short, they’re best for adventurous travelers or travelers who want more more coverage and have the money to spend.

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.

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 (Remember that Safety Wing is our top pick!)

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

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. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

Related Posts

Get my best stuff sent straight to you!

Pin it on pinterest.

• Credit cards
• View all credit cards
• Banking guide
• Loans guide
• Insurance guide
• Personal finance
• View all personal finance
• Small business
• Small business guide
• View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

The Best Travel Insurance for Backpackers

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Table of Contents

What to consider when buying backpacker insurance

The best travel insurance providers for backpackers, finding the right plan for you, backpacker travel insurance recapped.

Are you currently backpacking or planning an epic around-the-world trip? Perhaps you're taking some time off from school, want a break from your job or you're a digital nomad. Whatever your situation, you may have realized that your current medical insurance may not be enough to protect you against everything you might encounter while backpacking — especially if you're abroad.

So, what is the best travel insurance for backpackers? Here's our guide to help you find the right policy for your situation, plus some top picks.

There is no one best travel insurance for backpackers. The right plan for you will depend on where you travel — Europe, Latin America, Asia? — and how long you plan to travel. You'll also want to consider the type of coverage you will need. Here are some things you might want to consider when looking for travel insurance as a backpacker:

Medical emergency insurance 

If you need medical care when traveling outside your home country, you will want to have insurance that covers your costs. In the United States, many insurance plans don't cover international travel . Those that do typically consider most services performed outside of the United States to be out-of-network. This means, at a minimum, you'll likely pay higher deductibles and fewer services may be covered.

Travel disruptions

Flight delays and cancellations happen and you'll want to be prepared. Many travelers receive some trip interruption and trip delay insurance through their credit card, but coverage limits and exclusions vary depending on the type of card you hold. Coverage for travel disruptions can also be purchased as part of a travel insurance plan and help you recover your losses if your plans change due to various reasons, from flight delays to illness.

Emergency evacuation

If you need to be evacuated from a country, you might be able to get some coverage through the credit card you used to book your trip. However, not all credit cards cover every situation. For example, some cards may cover emergency medical evacuation but won't help if you must evacuate because of political unrest or sudden armed conflict.

» Learn more: The guide to emergency evacuation insurance

Repatriation of remains

If the worst should happen and you want your remains to be shipped home should you die overseas, you'll want to be insured for repatriation of remains. Out-of-pocket costs for repatriation can be upwards of $10,000, so it can be a good idea to include this coverage in your travel insurance.

Length exclusions

Some policies only offer coverage for trips of a particular duration, while others require you to return to your home country periodically. When selecting your travel insurance plan, pay special attention to what lengths of trips are covered and make sure your plan doesn't exclude the type of travel you plan to do.

Coverage in your home country

Be sure you understand what your travel insurance covers when visiting your country of residence, especially regarding medical costs. Often, travel insurance providers exclude or offer lower coverage amounts for travel within your country of residence.

Other types of coverage

There are various options and add-ons regarding travel insurance, and some may be more important to you than others. As you shop around, consider whether you want coverage for any of the following:

COVID-19 coverage .

Baggage delay insurance .

Pre-existing medical conditions .

Accidental death and dismemberment .

Rental car coverage .

Cancel For Any Reason coverage .

» Learn more: Best long-term travel insurance

1. World Nomads — Great insurance for up to six months

World Nomads provides comprehensive travel insurance. The company's standard plans include all the essentials: $100,000 of emergency medical coverage, $300,000 of emergency evacuation insurance, $2,500 of trip cancellation and interruption coverage and $1,000 against loss, theft or damage of your gear.

The coverage includes repatriation of remains, trip delay and accidental death and dismemberment coverage. More significant coverage limits are also available through the company's Explorer plan.

One downside to World Nomads is that their travel insurance isn't available if you will be gone for more than 180 days. So, if you're a backpacker or digital nomad traveling for longer than that, you'll want to look elsewhere.

2. Safety Wing — An option for long-term backpackers

Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing is an insurance product underwritten by Lloyd's. The Nomad Insurance policy includes medical coverage up to $250,000, including hospital stays, ambulance transportation and physical therapy. The policy also provides trip interruption, trip delay, emergency medical evacuation and political evacuation coverage.

Two notable benefits of Safety Wing are that you can purchase the insurance when you're already abroad and extend your coverage as you go — instrumental if you're not sure when you'll return home. In addition, if you sign up for an automatic renewal plan, Safety Wing will extend your insurance coverage every 28 days. Your insurance can continue indefinitely until you pick an end date.

3. Battleface — Coverage for adventurous backpackers

Some travel insurance providers exclude high-risk activities — such as scuba diving, skiing or rock climbing — from coverage. If you're more adventurous than the average backpacker and want coverage for these types of activities, consider Battleface.

The company offers policies that cover trip cancellation, interruption and delay. Its coverage also includes $250,000 of medical expenses and personal property protection. However, digital nomads or long-term backpackers may need to look elsewhere for coverage. Battleface's annual plan covers unlimited trips, but any trip can only be 40 days long.

4. Allianz — For frequent travelers who return home often

Allianz is a globally-known insurer that offers travel insurance. Its plans for travelers include coverage for emergency medical, emergency medical transport, lost or delayed baggage, travel delays, rental car damage or theft and more. Coverage levels depend on which plan you purchase, and some benefits — such as rental car insurance — are optional add-ons.

Allianz offers travel insurance per trip through its OneTrip plans and year-long coverage through its AllTrips offerings. However, most AllTrips plans only insure trips for up to 45 days, so if you travel but return home frequently, Allianz might be a good option.

» Learn more: How much is travel insurance?

When traveling, everyone's situation is different. What might be the best backpacking travel insurance for you might not work for your travel companion. To find the best plan for you, here are some things to consider:

Understand your travel plans 

Your travel plans will dictate what insurance options are available to you. Are you planning on backpacking for a month, three months, a year, or indefinitely? Which countries do you plan on visiting? Will you return home frequently? Make sure that your travel insurance plan covers your situation.

Take inventory of what coverage levels you need 

As you research, consider what coverage you think you'll need. You'll probably want basic medical and emergency evacuation coverage, at a minimum. Beyond that, consider your risk tolerance and the probability that you'll need to file a claim.

Start with our recommendations 

Our recommendations are far from the only providers of backpacker insurance out there. Use them as a starting point, but get suggestions from friends and read reviews of different insurance providers before purchasing coverage.

Finding the right travel insurance will take some time and require research. Take a look at your travel plans, understand what coverage you need and use our list as a starting point. If you put in some time upfront to find the right backpacking travel insurance, once you're abroad, you can spend your time enjoying the journey.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

What is the best Affordable Travel Insurance for Backpackers? The 3 Best Backpacker Travel Insurance Companies Compared

Here’s the complete guide to backpacker travel insurance, why you need it, and what it should cover. You’ll find a detailed comparison of the 3 best insurance companies that offer specific policies and travel insurance for backpackers to help you choose the most suitable policy for your trip.

So you’ve packed your bag, you’re ready to embrace the life of a backpacker, and are headed off on a new adventure!

However, before you leave, no matter where your chosen destination may be, there’s no better way to protect yourself on your trip than purchasing backpacker travel insurance.

The number of insurance providers out there can be overwhelming but no need to worry, this guide has you covered!

Disclaimer: This posts might contain affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for helping to support this website!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. What is backpacker travel insurance?

You might ask yourself, what exactly is backpacker travel insurance and how does it differ from regular travel insurance?

Backpacker travel insurance is a type of insurance specifically designed for people traveling long-term and/or on a budget and living the wanderlust dream.

Not only does it protect you from canceled flights, lost luggage, and emergency visits to the hospital whilst overseas, it’s more flexible than regular travel insurance and will usually cover a broader range of countries alongside more adventurous activities .

Long-term travelers will often have a lower budget and often look for cheap backpacker travel insurance deals to cover a more extended trip. Because of this, backpacker travel insurance tends to be less expensive and more affordable than traditional travel insurance.

2. Why do you need backpacker travel insurance?

Backpacking is a lifestyle of traveling that brings with it the unknown, excitement, and risks that you probably wouldn’t find yourself taking in your everyday life back at home.

It’s so essential that you have travel insurance to protect you in all unforeseen situations, including any accidents and emergencies you may find yourself involved in.

Covering yourself with a comprehensive travel insurance policy can save you from spending thousands of dollars on medical expenses.

Not only that, if you happen to miss an important flight or if some of your belongings are stolen, having insurance gives you peace of mind knowing that these things will all be covered.

16 Things to Prepare for a Long-Term Trip – International Travel Checklist

3. What to look for when buying travel insurance

There are a few essentials that all travel insurance policies should cover:

• medical emergencies and protection (medicine, emergency evacuation, hospital fees)
• stolen, lost or damaged belongings (including documents and luggage)
• flight delays and cancellations
• trip cancellations (plus curtailment cover so that you can get home quickly if there is a death in the family)
• access to a 24-hour helpline
• Repatriation for you to get home (if you become ill, it covers the flight back home)

Other factors to look out for that could be really beneficial for you when included in your policy are:

• being able to extend your policy if you choose to stay longer than you originally intended
• a very high limit for medical expenses
• cover for any legal expenses whilst overseas
• a policy that covers most countries in the world
• high personal liability insurance (in case you cause any damage to someone else’s property or injure them)

It’s really worth doing the research and choosing a policy that is going to be relevant for the type of traveling and adventuring that you choose to partake in.

Read the small print and make sure that the policy covers everything that you need it to!

It’s worth paying extra for the peace of mind of knowing if something were to happen, your travel insurance is there to serve you properly.

What you need to know before you quit your job and travel the world indefinitely

4. What travel insurance for backpackers doesn’t cover

It’s also very useful to know and worth noting what many backpacker travel insurance policies do NOT cover.

This will differ slightly with each policy, however, there are a few common things that you won’t be able to get cover for.

Generally speaking, these are:

• any drug or alcohol-related incidents or accidents
• injuries or accidents sustained whilst participating in some extreme sports/high adrenaline activities which in some cases can include hill walking, so make sure that the policy you’re looking at covers you appropriately for the activities you will be doing
• Pre-existing medical conditions are sometimes not covered
• any stolen money
• traveling to areas that have been deemed dangerous (natural disaster zones, or places with armed conflicts
• any flights bought with airline miles
• medical tourism (facial/body aesthetic operations )
• breakdowns due to poor mental health

The Ultimate List of Countries with Digital Nomad Visas

5. Useful tips before heading off on your trip

Once you have organized and purchased your travel insurance, a smart tip is to make a note of the company’s helpline number along with the number of your policy. Keep it somewhere easy to find with your other travel documents.

On previous trips, I found myself printing out parts of my policy so that I had the important information close at hand alongside my passport.

Make an extra copy, or email a copy to your parents or friends at home just in case you happen to need assistance and end up in a sticky situation where you can’t advocate for yourself.

Another handy tip is to document EVERYTHING.

For example, if you’re planning on buying and taking some expensive kit with you i.e a camera, laptop, smartphone or any other pricey gadget, make sure to keep ALL of the receipts.

It’s helpful for the insurance company to see that you actually have proof of purchase for these items and in the event of any of these devices being stolen or damaged you may have an easier time claiming back your money.

What’s in my Camera Bag: Cameras for Travel Photography and Essentials

6. If you need to make a claim whilst abroad

If you find yourself in a position where you need to make a claim whilst on your travels, it’s helpful to organize all of your necessary documents with time to spare.

Include any/all receipts, emails, documentation of hospital or doctor appointments, any purchases, take photos and images of everything that you think is relevant and include them in your claim.

As I mentioned above, by saving ALL of the appropriate documents, you can better support your claim.

It’s also important to be aware that insurance companies can take some time to pay out and patience is a good thing to keep in mind. 

7. What are the best travel insurance providers for backpackers?

There are literally hundreds of companies out there offering cheap backpacker travel insurance.

Whilst budget is an important factor for most backpackers, especially for people looking for student backpacking travel insurance, it’s vital that you purchase a policy that provides you with the protection that suits the nature of your trip.

There’s getting a ‘good deal’ and then there’s buying travel insurance for backpacking that doesn’t give you any cover for any of the activities you want to do whilst away and the relevant countries that you plan on visiting.

If you need to make a claim, you could end up thousands of dollars out of pocket instead of just paying that little bit extra at the start.

To head off WITHOUT travel insurance could prove to be a big mistake and according to statistics , if you plan on traveling for a long period of time, something is bound to happen.

I am not being pessimistic when I say this, it’s from my own experience and the advice of many other seasoned travelers and backpackers.

Bags will be lost, belongings may be stolen or damaged, you may become unwell and require medical care. At the end of the day, it’s just not worth the gamble.

If you have zero clue about where to start when it comes to buying backpacker travel insurance, please know that you’re not alone and that this guide is here to help.

I’ve gathered and researched for you my pick of the three best companies offering backpacker insurance policies and laid it out plain and simple for you to understand in order to make the right decision for your trip.

The top two travel insurance companies who I believe offer the best backpacker travel insurance cover are:

• IATI Backpacker

1) SafetyWing

SafetyWing is my first recommended travel insurance company.

Their Nomad Insurance has been specially created for backpackers, digital nomads, and long-term travelers.

They haven’t been around very long in comparison to other companies, however, they are quickly becoming a firm favorite in the backpacking community.

Not only are their plans affordable, with cover starting at $2 per day for short trips, they also offer long-term annual travel insurance plans for frequent travelers which is ideal if you travel regularly.

Unlike most policies on offer by other companies, SafetyWing doesn’t require you to provide a home address or a list of the countries that you plan on visiting which gives you the ultimate freedom to change your mind about your next destination.

They also offer a completely comprehensive travel medical insurance policy for full-time travelers and remote workers which is called ‘ Remote Health ’.

This plan covers any healthcare or medical care that you may require when traveling on a trip or if living and working abroad. It covers everything from giving birth to treatment for all kinds of illnesses, it also covers you for repatriation or evacuation too.

If you need it, you can add on dental cover, just in case you needed some work on your teeth whilst away.

The Nomad Plan is an ideal choice of travel insurance for backpackers who are already abroad because you can buy it or renew a policy during your trip at any point making it perfect for those spontaneous trips and life changes.

2) IATI BAckpacker

I only recently discovered IATI but I’m already a fan! That’s why it’s my third recommended company offering backpacker travel insurance.

IATI offers seven (!!) levels of cover, depending on your needs and the preferred way in which you like to travel.

They offer a wide range of different coverage for short holidays, destinations with high medical costs, long-term travelers, adventure travelers, families, and students alike.

Their IATI Backpacker policy covers you highly for any medical expenses and also gives you a high amount of personal liability. They cover you for all sorts of sports and adventurous activities, including scuba diving, rock climbing, trekking at altitudes up to 5400 meters and bungee jumping.

They also cover dental expenses, repatriation, travel and accommodation of a relative if you have to stay in hospital for more than 5 days, theft, damaged or lost luggage, travel delays, search and rescue and much more.

They are one of the few companies that offer backpacking travel insurance and cover any claims brought against you if you are held liable for any injuries or damage you involuntarily caused to third parties.

3) Heymondo

Heymondo is one of the latest top travel insurance providers for backpackers and long-term travelers.

Their policies are accessible and easy to understand and they offer a range of different coverage for short trips , annual multi-trips and flexible long-term trips . You can easily personalize your insurance to your type of trip and budget.

Their travel insurance plans already cover numerous outdoor activities and you can add Adventure Sports that will cover extreme activities from white-water rafting and trekking up to 5,000 meters altitude to bungee jumping and rock climbing.

Another benefit they offer is the ability to edit or extend your policy on the go which could come in handy for someone living the life of a backpacker.

8. Cover during a Pandemic (Covid 19)

A global pandemic isn’t something that many, if any travel insurance companies, would have probably ever covered you for pre-2019.

However, nearly three years on, here we are, the world a changed place for the foreseeable, and Covid 19 continues to affect people across the world. After numerous lockdowns, it’s natural that some people may be feeling anxious about the thought of being able to travel again.

Although numerous countries’ borders still remain closed, there are plenty of countries that are ready to welcome tourists and travelers back, in order to help rebuild their damaged economies.

We have all learned to adapt the way we live our lives around Covid 19 and travel insurance providers have had to change and adapt their policy offerings to support this.

The three companies that I mention in this article each have different components within their policies that state what you are covered and not covered for when taking Covid 19 into consideration.

Therefore, it’s important that you read through all of the information carefully and find out exactly what applies to you and what your specific policy covers you before you leave on your trip. If you’re unsure about something, phone the helpline and discuss the specifics with someone.

All three travel insurance companies state that they will NOT provide you with any cover if you decide to travel against the advice of the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office including any travel restrictions enforced by the government in relation to Covid 19. This would be, for example, if your country were to be in lockdown. As I said before, I know it’s a brand new world…

Heymondo states that their insurance plans cover all emergencies related to Covid. These include trip delays or interruptions, emergency medical expenses and cancellation charges.

If you were to contract Covid and become sick and require emergency medical care, any expenses in this instance would be covered by your policy just like any other illness.

Their trip cancellation even covers you if you test positive or if a close relative gets seriously ill or dies due to COVID-19 and you’ll be able to get a reimbursement for your pre-paid, non-refundable expenses related to your trip.

SafetyWing now offers coverage for Covid 19 under their Nomad insurance policy, which means you would be covered if you become sick and need medical care.

You would receive $50 per day for up to 10 days if you were to test positive for Covid if your policy was at least 28 days or longer. They will now cover you for lockdowns as well as quarantine coverage which is a more comprehensive type of Covid cover than other plans.

And with their Annual Nomad Plan , you can cancel it at any time. If you were to enter a country that went into ‘lockdown’ due to Covid, you’re not tied into a plan when you can’t actually travel.

All IATI ‘s policy plans offer coverage for coronavirus during the trip. This coverage includes diagnostic tests (PCR) prescribed by health professionals in case of symptoms compatible with the disease, medical assistance, medical transport, hospitalization, quarantine and repatriation.

A 10-day quarantine in a hotel is contemplated with the convalescence coverage included in all their plans.

9. The 3 best backpacker travel insurance companies compared

So I’ve briefly mentioned a little about my top three choices for backpacker travel insurance. Now let’s go into more detail about what each of these companies actually offers you and compare these backpacker travel insurance policies.

I want to help you get the best insurance deal that will cover you fully for your exciting adventures abroad.

1) Safety Wing

Safety Wing uses a monthly payment scheme that is subscription-based meaning that if you need to, you can stop or pause your cover when not using it.

It’s flexible because you can organize coverage for a specific date, monthly or annually until the end of your trip with their auto-renewal service. This is ideal if you’re not totally certain about the length of time you will be traveling for.

Safety Wing lists what activities and adventures are not covered on their website in a really clear and simple way which is really refreshing in comparison to trawling through the fine print of some other companies’ policies.

However, unlike World Nomads, Safety Wing does NOT cover any electronics . I would suggest that if you choose their backpacker insurance cover, insure your tech through a secondary insurance company such as a Gadget Cover .

Safety Wing also does NOT provide cover for any pre-existing medical conditions with the exception of cover for Acute Onset of a Pre-existing Condition – see here for more details on this .

Their Nomad Insurance Policy includes:

• $250,000 in emergency medical coverage
• $100,000 in medical evacuation
• $5,000 for trip interruption

Their policy also includes:

• coverage up to the age of 69 years old
• coverage from 5 days – 1 year
• great value for money at $42 USD per month
• cover for a huge list of activities and sports but NOT many adventurous activities such as paragliding, white water rafting or skiing off piste for eg. See the full list here .
• covers travel anywhere in the world (except for Cuba, Iran, Syria and North Korea)
• They offer home country coverage, including the USA
• You can include up to 2 kids under age 10 per family at no extra cost
• 24/7 assistance

Safety Wing – Is this the best travel insurance for long-term travelers?

2) IATI BAckpacker insurance

IATI offers seven different types of insurance plans, depending on your budget, type of travel and the duration of your trip.

The IATI Backpacker Insurance is specially designed for backpackers who are setting off to see the world without knowing exactly which countries they will visit or how long the trip will take. You can also purchase this travel insurance if your trip has already started.

However, it’s important to know that if you’re not a Spanish citizen (this insurance company is located in Spain), you can only take out insurance for trips up to 4 months.

Their monthly policies start at €127 covering nearly all destinations in the world. They offer 24/7 customer care.

This policy combines high medical coverage of €500,000 with and other specific upgrades such as adventure sport, search and rescue, and computer equipment in your luggage. You can also take out a new policy when you arrive if you decide to extend your trip.

The IATI Backpacker Plan includes:

• €500,000 in emergency medical coverage
• 100% coverage in medical evacuation and repatriation (including natural disasters)
• €1,500 for stolen or lost baggage
• up to €500 in trip delays
• €15,000 in search and rescue expenses
• €60,000 in personal civil liability
• €2,000 in cancellation costs, provided that you cancel before the trip starts and for one of the reasons set out in the policy

This policy also includes:

• emergency medical and dental coverage
• personal injury in motor vehicle accidents
• travel/accommodation of a relative in case you need to stay more than 5 days in hospital
• coverage up to age of 69 years old
• convalescense in a hotel
• sending medication abroad
• stolen passports & tech gear
• delayed departure and delivery of luggage, and missed connections
• extended trip costs if you’re stuck somewhere due to bad weather, natural disaster, political problems
• cover for a huge list of activities and sports. See the full list here.
• covers travel anywhere in the world

3) HeyMondo Travel Insurance

Heymondo offers three different types of insurance plans with policies starting at 65 EURO per month for European Citizens and 116 USD per month for USA Citizens.

Heymondo also offers an app service which comes with a 24/7 medical chat, free worldwide emergency assistance calls, extra lodging expenses due to medical quarantine, coverage of non-refundable expenses in case of serious illness and simple claims management options.

The Heymondo Medical Plan includes:

• $500,000 in emergency medical and dental expenses
• $500,000 in medical evacuation and repatriation

The Heymondo Top includes:

• Up to $1,700 for lost or stolen baggage.
• Up to $450 for travel disruption and $3500 for cancellation and interruption due to serious illness

Their policies also include:

• Natural disasters
• Medical transportation
• Personal liability
• Compensation for death or permanent disability as a result of an accident that takes place during the trip.
• Cover for over 140 countries
• You can add-on cover for expensive belongings and adventure sports.

The Heymondo Premium includes:

• Up to $2,500 for lost or stolen baggage.
• Up to $1500 for travel disruption and $7000 for cancellation and interruption due to serious illness
• Search and rescue
• Natural disaster
• Rental car access
• You can add-on cover for expensive belongings, adventure sports and cruises.

10. Which is now the best backpacker travel insurance?

You must think properly about all the things you’d like your policy to cover you for when comparing travel insurance.

Shop around and do some research first and then be sure to read through the terms and conditions carefully before purchasing your policy.

However, I wholeheartedly want to say that it is equally just as important that we keep our minds open to traveling and keep dreaming and planning epic adventures.

Backpacking can be absolutely life-changing and provide you with so much joy and give you a new thirst for life, meeting new people, exploring new places, and pushing the boundaries of your comfort zones. 

Regarding the BEST backpacker travel insurance, my top pick depends on the duration of my trip and the type of activities I plan on doing.

Every summer, I travel for 3 to 4 months to Central Asia to guide my adventure tours and to go trekking in the mountains.

These activities sometimes include heights over 4000 meters, so I take out IATI Backpacker Insurance . This insurance policy covers everything I need and so much more for “only” €127 per month.

If something happens to me in the mountains or I get stuck due to natural disasters, pandemics or political issues (nowadays we never know what’s coming…), at least I know I’m fully covered with the IAT I B a c k p a c k e r P l a n .

If I’m going on a trip longer than 4 months or on a shorter trip that doesn’t include me doing extreme activities or hiking above 4000 meter, I take out the Nomad Insurance Policy by Safety Wing .

Their plans are very affordable, and their unique subscription service also offers you a modern and ultimately a more flexible way to insure yourself whilst away compared to other types of cover on the market.

With rates starting at $42 per month (28 days) and covering you for most of the basics , they are a fantastic option for anyone working with a tight budget. Not only do they offer great travel insurance for backpackers, but they are also a good option for any digital nomads out there too.

I hope this guide helped you understand what backpacker travel insurance is and what to look out for when purchasing one. 

Even if you choose not to go with any of the companies mentioned in this article, please don’t travel without insurance.

Make sure that you’re covered, even if you don’t end up needing to claim whilst away, knowing that you’re covered (just in case) is totally worth it!

You might also want to read:

The Ultimate List of 23 Countries with Digital Nomad Visas (for remote workers)

Travel and volunteer abroad for free with these 4 work exchange programs

The Complete Guide to Teach English Online with 37 Online Teaching schools and Platforms

4 Realistic and Best Ways to Find Free Accommodation for Travellers

How to Make Money While Traveling the World including the 12 Best Travel Jobs

16 Things to Prepare for a Long trip – International Travel Checklist

2 thoughts on “what is the best affordable travel insurance for backpackers the 3 best backpacker travel insurance companies compared”.

I read your long post and realised than none of your three companies would insure me as a 64 year old long time backpacker. Shocking? Back to World Nomads I suppose as they insure backpackers till 70. What will I do then though?

Hey Linda, I’m sorry to hear that they all put an age limit for long-term travelers… I double-checked and indeed, they only insure long term until a certain age…

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Single Trip
• Annual Multi-Trip
• Winter Sports & Ski
• Collision Damage Waiver
• Sport & Leisure
• Medical Conditions
• Travel Insurance for Non-UK Residents
• Group Travel Insurance
• Travel Insurance for Couples
• Covid-19 travel insurance
• About Our Travel Insurance
• Holiday Cancellation Insurance
• Emergency Medical Assistance Cover
• Emergency Medical Cover for Travel Insurance
• Repatriation Insurance
• Baggage Cover
• Travel Insurance for Under 18s
• Comprehensive
• What's Covered
• Excluded Vehicles
• Range Rover

Car Hire Excess Insurance

• Policy Information
• File a Claim
• Insurance Glossary
• Coronavirus - Annual Multi-trip Policy

Backpacker Travel Insurance

• Full access to HealthHero - a 24/7 GP via telephone and video based in the UK
• Up to £10m Emergency Medical expenses covered
• Personal liability covered over £1m on all policies 
• Over 23,000 UK travellers covered in 2022 for journeys across the globe

What is backpacker insurance?

Nothing's quite as exciting as embarking on a journey to uncover and explore new corners of the globe. Whether you're travelling for adventure, escapism, self-discovery or curiosity, we know that part of the excitement comes from not knowing exactly what lies ahead, throwing routine out of the window and leaving the ordinary behind.

Our Backpacker insurance provides you with cover if your trip doesn't go to plan. If you're under 50 and you're planning the adventure of a lifetime, our Backpacker travel insurance offers protection against risks such as cancellation, delays, missed departures, lost or stolen baggage, medical expenses and repatriation to the UK . Whether you're trekking around , discovering Asia , wandering the outback of Australia  or exploring every corner of the globe on a gap year, our Backpacker insurance is appropriate for most travellers.

How could Allianz Assistance offer the best backpacking insurance?

With over 13,000 people working across five continents, speaking 58 languages, we’re as local as we are global*. We have a deep understanding of the markets in which we operate, and we’re experts in helping our customers in the event of a medical emergency – 24/7, 365 days a year. Whether you’re travelling for the first time or not, knowing you’ve got someone on hand who can help is invaluable. 

Let us protect you for your next adventure with our backpacker insurance. 

*correct as of 08/09/2023

Join us in 3 minutes

What does Backpacker travel insurance cover?

Our Backpacker insurance can protect you against potential risks from the moment you book your holiday to the second you return home.

You should buy your backpacker or gap year travel insurance as soon as you book your trip, because then you're protected if you need to cancel it.

While you're away, your Backpacker travel insurance provides cover if you need to curtail your trip and fly home. Plus, there's cover if you miss your departure, or if your departure is delayed. The policy will also help protect you if your personal items are delayed, lost, stolen or damaged. This includes your personal money and your passport.

There's also no need to worry if you suffer from an illness or an injury while you're away. Our Backpackers travel insurance includes personal accident cover, and will pay for emergency medical expenses if you need medical treatment abroad. Repatriation cover helps if you need to be flown back to the UK for medical reasons. We'll also provide you with legal support for any personal liability claims made against you. 

 Please see the  policy  handbook for full terms and conditions.

Swipe to view more

Backpacker without ski

Backpacker with ski.

GP consulation service over the phone 24/7 or online video conference between 8am and 10pm to discuss your medical concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

We know that you’re heading on a backpacking holiday to enjoy an adventure and try new things. That’s why our Backpacker insurance comes with many sports and leisure activities included, such as snorkelling, scuba diving and bungee jumping.

But, if you’re planning to take part in some high impact winter sports while you’re away, then you’ll need our Winter Sports and Ski add-on. This will cover you for adrenaline-pumping activities such as skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing. Additionally, it provides cover for things like piste and avalanche closures, and lost, damaged or delayed ski equipment.

To understand exactly which sports and leisure activities are covered by your Backpacker policy, take a look at your policy handbook  and our  sports and leisure activities  list. 

If you’re searching for travel insurance for working abroad, our Backpacker insurance could be the right fit. The policy covers non-manual work, including professional, administrative and clerical duties (although claims under the Personal liability section will be excluded).

If you’re planning on working while you’re away and you’re unsure if your job will be covered under your policy, please contact us.

Our Backpacker insurance can last for a full 365-day period, so if you’re travelling on a gap year, it may be the right type of insurance for you.

If your trip lasts for longer than 365 days, then we’ll sadly be unable to cover you. Please note that no part of a trip booked to last longer than 365 days is covered.  

To qualify for our Backpacker insurance, you need to be aged 50 or under on the day your policy is issued.

If you’re aged over 50, then unfortunately we won’t be able to provide you with Backpacker cover. But, depending on the type of holiday you’re taking, we may still be able to cover you under our Single Trip and Annual travel insurance policies, where the age limit is 80 or under and 65 or under respectively (at the time of booking). 

Our Backpacker insurance policies can protect you all over the world in multiple countries*. You can select just the countries you're travelling to, which will help make sure you only pay for the cover you need. 

Check your confirmation email to make sure that all the destinations you are travelling to are listed.

*Please note that you will not be covered to travel to a country or region that the FCDO have advised against all travel or against all but essential travel. 

The best time for you to take out Backpacker insurance is as soon as you’ve booked your trip.

Sadly, accidents do happen and there might be a reason why you can no longer travel. But, if you’ve taken out Backpacker travel insurance, you’ll have cover for cancellation. Your cover starts as soon as you buy your policy, and we’ll pay up to the amount shown in your policy documents for unused accommodation, transport, excursions and other travel expenses you have paid or will have to pay, and that you cannot recover from anywhere else.

Terms and Conditions apply.

How to ensure you have the right cover

Does your bank or credit card company provide cover.

Many bank accounts and credit cards come with some level of travel insurance cover. While some may be comprehensive, they may not cover you for everything you have planned whilst you’re away, particularly if you have adventurous plans or unusual excursions booked. 

Make sure you look into the travel insurance policy that you have before every trip, to make sure it’s suitable for you and your plans.

Purchasing a holiday using a credit card means you are often protected by Consumer Protection cover. In most cases, it allows you to get your money returned to you if your provider defaults and you cannot travel.

Are you covered by ABTA or ATOL?

If you have booked a holiday through a tour operator or travel agent, it may be worth checking if you are covered by ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents) or ATOL (Air Travel Organiser’s License). This type of cover means that your package holiday is protected if, for example, the travel company providing your holiday arrangements or the travel agent themselves fail financially or close down.

Your travel agents will be able to tell you if your holiday is ABTA or ATOL protected. Alternatively, use the links provided to check your cover at home.

What is an EHIC or GHIC and what can it offer you?

Insurance options for backpackers

Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance

Single Trip Travel Insurance

Winter Sports & Ski Travel Insurance

Sports & Leisure Insurance

Backpacker insurance for popular gap year destinations

Backpacker travel insurance for Asia

Backpacker travel insurance for Europe

Travel guides and advice

The GHIC card explained

The worst backpacking advice

The world's greatest road trips

How to go backpacking safely

Policy documents

You'll need your policy number to submit your claim to us. This is available in your certificate of insurance which is sent to you when you take out cover. 

It's a good idea to take your policy information with you on your trip so you can provide us with all the necessary details in order for us to help.

Claims assessment

Once we receive your claim, it'll be assessed by our experienced team. 

To speed up the assessment of your claim please make sure to include all applicable information and evidence such as receipts, booking confirmations, hotel reservations and crime reference numbers. If you fail to provide all the necessary information this will cause a delay in processing your claim. 

Your claims outcome

Once our team has assessed your claim we'll be in touch with you via your preferred contact method to confirm the outcome and inform you of any next steps.

Make A Claim?

Policy documents.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition that we are unable cover under our own policies, you may be able to obtain an alternative travel insurance policy through one of the providers  featured in the MoneyHelper  directory  of specialist travel insurance providers for people with serious medical conditions. Do take time to study and compare the terms and conditions to ensure you have the cover you need. To contact the Money Advice Service for further details of the directory

Call: 0800 138 7777 (lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm) or Email: [email protected]

What’s the Best Backpacker Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance for backpackers should be both flexible and affordable. Is that too much to ask?

When I was a backpacker, my low-budget lifestyle often took me off the beaten path, and rarely did I follow a fixed itinerary. Anything could happen, and that was the whole point.

In that same vein, it’s important that backpacker travel insurance coverage fits a lower budget yet is flexible enough to work with changing plans.

Within my fourteen years of travel, I’ve cashed in a travel insurance policy more than a few times. And while the industry has certainly changed in that time, general policy and coverage needs haven’t.

Based on years of travel, first-hand experience, extensive industry knowledge and deep research, I believe the following five companies offer the best insurance for backpackers because they are both flexible and affordable.

• Best Backpacker Travel Insurance Overall: Heymondo
• Best Long-Term Backpacker Travel Insurance: Safety Wing
• Most User-Friendly Backpacker Travel Insurance: Faye
• Best International Backpacker Travel Insurance: Tin Leg
• Best Medical Coverage: Seven Corners

Heymondo : Best Backpacker Travel Insurance Overall

The word “insurance” can be intimidating, and it’s easy to assume that buying insurance for your trip will be a frustrating process that will leave your head (and wallet) aching.

Fortunately, there are more and more companies out there trying to create a more user-friendly approach to travel insurance. Heymondo is a modern travel insurance provider that has a straightforward process to buy a plan, and their insurance policies are very affordable.

Plus, their coverage is great. The lowest level plan pays up to $100,000 for emergency medical bills and $250,000 in medical evacuation coverage. That’s better than most companies’ upper-tier plans which cost much more!

In addition to emergency evacuation and medical costs, you also get protection for trip cancellations, missed flights, lost baggage, electronic equipment, and more. Heymondo also includes several benefits that many travel insurance companies don’t cover (or charge you extra for) like coverage for adventure sports and pre-existing conditions.

I also love that Heymondo has an easy-to-use app that lets you manage your plan and submit claims straight from your phone. It’s much easier to deal with than waiting for hours to speak to an agent on the phone. I’m a big fan of anything that streamlines and simplifies my travel experience.

Heymondo also has a medical-only plan that doesn’t include coverage for canceled trips, baggage loss, flight delays, or the other trip protection benefits. This plan is extremely affordable and is a great way to get the most important protection for your health if you don’t need or want anything else.

Heymondo doesn’t offer a ton of customization options, but their base plans are great and much less expensive than most competitors. That’s awesome for us backpackers who are pinching pennies to save up for our next flight!

• Pros & Cons
• Great standard coverage for medical and trip protection
• Very affordable rates
• Included protection for adventure sports and pre-existing conditions
• Plans for trips of up to six months
• Skiing and snowboarding aren’t covered activities (even with the adventure sports add-on)
• No Cancel For Any Reason coverage
• Will only cover travelers up to 68 years old

Safety Wing : Best Long-Term Backpacker Travel Insurance

As one of the newest names in the insurance biz, Safety Wing is an excellent option for long-term travel insurance. Safety Wing is a bit different from most backpacker insurance providers in that they don’t offer policies for single trips. Instead, they have “nomad insurance” that has no fixed start and end dates. It uses a monthly subscription model, meaning you can travel as long as you want and still have insurance for medical emergencies.

SafetyWing’s plans range from emergency medical coverage while traveling outside your home country to full-blown health insurance for remote workers and digital nomads. Their goal is to create a global financial safety net by providing affordable insurance for anyone around the world. That also makes for great backpacking travel insurance.

Plus Safety Wing is one of the most affordable companies on this list. They have budget-friendly options that still offer good coverage for medical expenses, travel delays, and more.

All of this makes Safety Wing a fantastic insurance policy for anyone looking to travel for an extended period of time. Their coverage for medical expenses is fantastic, and they also include good protection for trip delay, lost luggage, and more.

So is this a perfect option for everyone? Well, no. Safety Wing doesn’t offer single-trip policies, so it really works best for folks traveling long-term. Also, medical protection limits drop if you’re over 65, and adventure sports and pre-existing medical conditions aren’t covered. Lastly, there is no coverage for canceled trips.

Click here to read our full Safety Wing review , or check out our Safety Wing vs World Nomads comparison.

• Flexible travel insurance for long-term travel
• Your plan automatically renews until you decide to cancel
• Trip delay coverage and trip interruption coverage are included
• Offers medical insurance that has you fully covered, even in your home country
• Just a single standard plan to purchase (no customization)
• No trip cancellation coverage
• No protection for electronics
• Doesn’t offer coverage for single trips
• No home country insurance for US residents

Faye : Most User-Friendly Backpacker Travel Insurance

When you’re out backpacking around the world, you probably don’t want to spend any extra time waiting on phone calls or filing claims. Unfortunately, many travel insurance providers aren’t known for being easy to deal with.

It doesn’t have to be that way though.

Faye is a newer insurance company on the market that offers a refreshing take on backpacker insurance policies with an app-based interface that makes it much easier to manage your plan or file claims. Sick of dealing with stuffy, difficult-to-navigate insurance? Faye might be a good option.

In addition to their easy user interface, I also love that Faye has a lot more customization options than other insurance providers. Going skydiving? You can add adventure sports coverage. Renting a car? They can insure that and will pay for rental car damage. Worried about taking care of your pet if your return home is delayed? They have an option that will pay for kennelling until you make it back.

There’s a lot to love, but (there’s always a but, isn’t there) Faye definitely isn’t the cheapest option on this list. They have great protection for medical costs, canceled flights, and more, but budget travelers will be able to get a better bang for your buck with Heymondo or SafetyWing .

• Super easy app-based system
• Included coverage for pre-existing conditions
• Covers flight cancellations
• Lots of add-ons to customize your policy, including Cancel For Any Reason
• Telemedicine feature gives you access to thousands of medical providers wherever you are
• Limited lost/damaged item coverage
• Not the cheapest option

Tin Leg : Best International Backpacker Travel Insurance

If you’re traveling overseas, it’s especially important to be able to rely on having your travel insurance cover anything unexpected. Tin Leg is a highly-respected travel insurance company that has a good reputation for offering high-value policies, and paying out claims when you need them.

When it comes to international travel, Tin Leg has some of the best backpacker insurance policies out there. They offer a great balance of comprehensive coverage and affordable prices.

With Tin Leg, you get all the coverage you expect. Flight delays, baggage protection, and canceled trips are all covered, though you have to cancel for a “covered reason,” like natural disasters or severe illness. This doesn’t include civil unrest, severe weather, or changing your mind. Fortunately, they offer an optional upgrade to Cancel for Any Reason coverage.

Unlike many other travel insurance providers, Tin Leg has a wide range of plans to fit your needs (9, in fact).

My top pick is their Luxury Plan, which is actually quite affordable despite the name. This plan offers great emergency medical protection and trip insurance at an impressive price.

Looking to save your pennies? Tin Leg’s Basic Plan is awesome for low-budget travelers.

They also offer an Adventure Plan, which includes high medical limits plus included coverage for extreme sports and adventure activities. This is perfect backpacking insurance for many of the adventurous travelers out there.

Tin Leg is one of the best overall backpacker insurance companies on the market. They are flexible, offer good coverage, and (most important for many of us) are very affordable.

• Lots of plans to choose from
• Travel freely for a year on an annual plan
• Great trip cancellation coverage (including optional cancel for any reason)
• Fast and reliable service
• Optional add-ons, like car rental coverage
• Lower emergency medical limits compared to other plans

Seven Corners : Best Medical Coverage

Insurance for medical emergencies is the most important thing you can have while traveling abroad. Sure, losing money on a canceled trip or missed flight is frustrating, but bills for a medical emergency can add up to much, much larger sums. We’re talking tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars, which is why the best travel insurance companies have high emergency medical coverage limits.

Seven Corners offers two plans to choose from: Trip Protection Basic and Trip Protection Choice, and both have great medical emergency coverage.

With the Choice plan, you get up to $500,000 for medical care and $1,000,000 in emergency evacuation coverage. Those limits are some of the best in the business, and offer a lot of peace of mind on your travels.

However, you can forgo trip cancellation coverage and just purchase a travel medical policy instead. These customizable medical plans allow you to choose your maximum limit as well as the deductible. And, you’re covered for medical and dental treatments, emergency evacuation, and even personal liability.

• Customizable group plans are available
• Good medical cover limits
• Seven Corners has consistently positive reviews
• Solid trip cancellation and trip interruption protection
• Must pay more for pre-existing medical condition coverage
• No cancel for any reason coverage with Seven Corners

Why Backpackers Need Travel Insurance

When it comes to planning your once-in-a-lifetime backpacking trip, travel insurance may be the last thing on your mind. Honestly, isn’t it more fun to spend time picking out the right backpack or booking the coolest hostel?

Well, your health and safety is also something to consider. That’s why travel insurance is the single most important thing to bring on your trip. It protects you against any unforeseen accidents or emergencies that you may encounter on your journey.

• Broken leg from a scooter crash? Your backpacker insurance policy covers your medical bills.
• Stolen camera on the train? Backpacker insurance reimburses the cost of your belongings.
• Tropical thunderstorms cancel your flight to Thailand? You’ll be reimbursed and scheduled on the next flight out.

It’s easy to see why travel insurance is worth it how insurance can protect you in a variety of unfortunate situations. It can also save you thousands of dollars in medical expenses. For this reason alone, travel insurance is absolutely worth it .

What to Look for in Backpacker Insurance

From digital nomads to adventure seekers, everyone traveling abroad needs good insurance to cover unexpected events on their backpacking trip. However, there is not a recommendation for a single plan that’s good for everyone.There are several key factors to consider when looking at backpacker insurance.

Some travel insurance providers offer specific benefits that cater to adventurous backpackers and long-term travelers, while others specialize in medical protection for folks with a pre-existing condition. Maybe good baggage cover and cancellation cover are important to you, or maybe you just want low-cost travel insurance policies that cover the basics for your backpacking trip.

Take the time to look for a plan that fits your travel plans.

Flexibility is Key

Backpackers, digital nomads, and long-term travelers often don’t stick to a fixed itinerary for their backpacking trips. Just like your plans, your backpacker insurance should be flexible.

Let’s look at an example.

You decide at the last minute to go skiing in Germany and Austria, two countries that weren’t originally on your itinerary. Or perhaps you spontaneously decide to extend your vacation by a few months.

In these situations, you’ll be thankful to have insurance that you can adjust on the go. You might look for backpacker insurance that is paid in installments, or that can be updated and changed midway through your trip.

This flexibility is great, and it lets you travel on your own terms.

Coverage for Medical Expenses

Your health is your most important asset, and it’s important to take care of it, especially when you’re traveling. The most important thing to look for in good travel insurance is solid coverage for medical emergencies. If you get sick or injured while traveling, you don’t want to be stuck with hefty hospital bills.

Most travel insurance will provide cover for up to specified benefit limits. I like to look for an insurance policy that provides at least $100,000 in medical care and $250,000 for emergency evacuation and repatriation cover. More is always better in this case.

Of course, no one expects to get severely ill or injured on their backpacking trips, but the worst can (and does) happen. Good medical coverage is an absolute essential. That way you know that if anything goes wrong, you’ll be taken care of and not have to foot the bill.

Coverage for Extreme Sports and Adventures Activities

Let’s face it; backpackers love their extreme (and sometimes reckless) activities. Did you know that most travel insurance won’t provide medical cover if you’re injured in what they deem extreme sports or other risky activities?

That’s why you should look for backpacker insurance that provides protection for whatever adventure you may encounter on your trip. From scuba diving in Indonesia to rock climbing in Morocco, you’ll want coverage for all those fun and exhilarating moments.

However, many traditional travel insurance companies don’t offer protection for these events. So if you plan on doing any extreme sports, make sure your backpacker insurance provides activity coverage.

Some quick safety advice: never participate in an activity that isn’t covered by your insurance, or you may end up paying potential hospital bills with your own money.

An Affordable Price Point

Finally, good backpacking travel insurance should be affordable. Flights, hostels, and food costs quickly add up. This can make price a big factor when choosing a plan.

Even if you’re hoping to keep your trip low-cost, you should still invest in travel insurance. Fortunately, there are several backpacker insurance companies that offer comprehensive insurance that won’t break the bank.

Final Thoughts on the Best Travel Insurance Companies for Backpackers

Besides your passport, backpacker insurance is one of the most important things to take with you on your trip. It’s there to protect you against unexpected incidents from bike accidents and food poisoning to stolen luggage and misplaced smartphones. It can save you serious money on hospital bills, legal expenses, and lost stuff.

One of my top travel tips for anyone is to buy good insurance.

And you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to protect, well, your arms and legs! There are plenty of companies and policies that offer decent coverage for just a few dollars a day.

With affordable and comprehensive coverage, World Nomads is our backpacker insurance provider of choice. However, you may find that there are other companies that are better suited for your trip.

Check out different policies, compare companies, and shop around for good deals. But at the end of the day, just make sure you purchase insurance from somewhere. Because if you can’t afford travel insurance, you really can’t afford to travel!

Travel Insurance FAQs

Which insurance is best for travel.

AXA Assistance USA offers impressive comprehensive plans at affordable prices.

What is the best travel insurance with COVID?

John Hancock is the travel insurance company that offers the best insurance for COVID expenses.

What are the 3 things travel insurance covers?

Travel insurance insures emergency healthcare, trip expenses, and personal belongings.

Is it better to buy travel insurance early or late?

It is best to buy travel insurance as soon as possible after you book your trip.

What's the best travel insurance for backpackers?

Heymondo is our top choice for the best travel insurance for backpackers.

Jeremy Scott Foster

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Search our latest articles, reviews and gear guides

• TravelFreak on Instagram
• TravelFreak on Facebook
• TravelFreak on Twitter
• TravelFreak on Pinterest

Sign up now and get the best gear, travel tips, deals and destinations, straight to your inbox.

Thank you for signing up!

• 1300 409 322 Australian Based Call Centre

Travel Insurance For Backpackers

Thousands of Australian travellers get bitten by the travel bug each year, setting off with nothing but a backpack and backpack travel insurance to explore the world.

And there’s so many places you can go when you choose backpack travel. From the cultural chaos of Southeast Asia, to the countless cuisines and castles of Europe, and the natural wonders of South America, backpacking overseas can be a life-changing experience full of new friends, great food and endless adventures.

Whether you’re backpacking at 30, 40 or over 50 years old, Fast Cover’s travel insurance for backpackers provides cover for back packers who are keen to experience the world by going on a working holiday, study, take a gap year, volunteer overseas or simply take in the sights.

6 things to know about our backpacker travel insurance

• Unlimited overseas medical cover.  You have unlimited medical cover for costs of things like hospital stays and surgeries for unexpected illness and injuries.
• Medical screening for p re-existing medical condition s.  Check out our Medical Conditions page for more information about medical screening for your existing medical and pregnancy conditions including information about the General Exclusions that may apply*.
• Cover for evacuation and repatriation.  In the event of a serious overseas medical emergency, you can be covered to be repatriated back to Australia for treatment.
• Customise your backpacking travel insurance.  Make your policy suit you by upgrading your policy to be covered for snow sports , add on the Adventure Pack  to cover higher risk activities like rock climbing, scuba diving and more.
• Return home when you want.  You can return home for as long as you want, even if it's not for a reason that is covered under your policy, and resume your trip without voiding your policy, as long as you have at least 14 days left on your policy.
• C over up to 24 months.  You can purchase your policy for up to 12 months, and then extend it for up to another 12 months if you’re having too much fun.

What is travel insurance for backpackers?

Backpackers travel insurance provides cover for emergencies during your overseas backpacking trip, whether you’re going sightseeing, taking an adventure or working for a few weeks, months or for up to 2 years. 

While no one ever plans to have an accident or have their phone stolen on their backpacking holiday, it can happen.

And if it does? Our emergency assistance team can be there to provide you with assistance so that you and your backpack can continue your travels, or even help you get home if you’re seriously sick or injured.

If you’re travelling on a shoestring, you can get backpacker   medical   insurance   which is often a cheaper option that provides just unlimited overseas medical cover.

However, travel insurance for your backpacking trip doesn’t just have to be for medical emergencies - it can cover a lot more of your trip than you think.

Backpacking travel insurance can also cover you for:

• Cancellations due to unexpected sickness, injury or death of a family member.
• Lost, stolen or damaged   luggage and personal effects   such as your devices, because let’s face it, everything you own is in that backpack!
• Snow sports including skiing, snowboarding, heli-skiing and snowmobiling.
• Adventure activities   such as tandem paragliding, scuba diving, white water rafting, bungee jumping, trekking over 3,000 metres and more!

Spending that extra bit on your backpacker travel insurance can potentially save you thousands of dollars if something does go wrong.

Do I really need travel insurance?

While you may be put off by the cost of travel insurance or think it’s all just a bit “too hard” - it doesn’t have to be that way! Fast Cover backpacker travel insurance has been designed to provide you with cover for unexpected sickness and injury while you're overseas, while also allowing you to tailor your policy to suit your specific backpacking holiday and budget. 

Backpacking travel insurance can provide cover if you’re:

Going on a working holiday

You have a working holiday visa so you can do some work in Canada under the IEC program, the United Kingdom, Europe or elsewhere to supplement your travel, and experience living and working overseas.

Studying overseas

You’ve secured a student visa to complete your education and also work part time to support yourself - don’t forget to check if your travel insurance meets the visa requirements!

Travelling for the snow season

Many Australians take seasonal work and head off to Canada, Japan, Europe and the United States each year and work in or near snow resorts to take advantage of easy access to the slopes. 

Taking a gap year overseas

You may be planning on taking a gap year after school, before you start university, TAFE or work. You can also be covered if you’re going on a family gap year to take a break from work and school. 

Travelling during study breaks

That impromptu backpacking trip to Southeast Asia or long-awaited trip to South America can help you unwind and recharge. 

Volunteering overseas

You could be considering volunteering with animals, doing conservation work, building a school or teaching English.

Whether you’re planning your own solo trip or booking an organised group tour through a company such as Contiki or Shoestring , you can purchase travel insurance to cover you for potential emergencies on your backpacking holiday.

Why should you buy backpacker travel insurance?

For the simple reason that things may not go to plan.

If something goes wrong while you’re in Australia, you’ve got your family and friends for support, Medicare for medical expenses and local emergency services to help you out.

If something goes wrong overseas? Your usual support network can be a long, long flight away, and most likely in a different time zone! If you have a backpacking travel insurance policy and you need help overseas, our Emergency assistance team are available 24/7 to assist you.

Emergency situations on international backpacking holidays that can occur:

• Lose your passport
• You become sick or injured and require a doctor’s consultation, hospitalisation or at worst, emergency medical repatriation and hospitalisation
• You’re a victim of theft or lose that new camera or GoPro you purchased for the trip
• Have to cancel your backpacking holiday (including any pre-paid flights, tours or accommodation bookings) completely due to unexpected sickness, injury or a death in the family
• Injure yourself while skiing or snowboarding
• Find yourself stranded overseas after your flights are unexpectedly delayed due to bad weather or even a natural disaster , preventing you from returning home as planned (such as in 2017, when thousands of Australian backpackers were stranded in Bali when a volcanic ash cloud ground all flights )

In any of these emergencies, your backpacker travel insurance can:

• Coordinate emergency medical evacuation and repatriation home
• Assess and manage your medical care overseas
• Cover your medical expenses and act as a guarantor for the payment of hospital expenses and medical bills
• Provide assistance with alternative travel and accommodation including organising your flights home
• Direct you to the nearest embassy or consulate
• Provide access to interpreters in non-English speaking hospitals
• Relay messages to your family or employer
• Organise for a registered nurse or family member to accompany you on an emergency flight home
• Provide advice and direction to ensure you’re safe and to mitigate the financial impact of an emergency

The cost of travel insurance for backpackers is incomparable to the thousands of dollars you would potentially have to pay for emergency hospitalisation expenses, medical evacuation or repatriation, replacing lost or stolen luggage or cancellation costs.

Did you know?

The average cost of a 3 day hospital stay in the USA is about $30 000 .

What does backpacker travel insurance cover?

Travel insurance for backpacking at its most basic can provide cover for unexpected overseas medical and hospital expenses, however, you can also have cover for other unforeseen events including trip cancellations, delays and lost luggage and more.

Regardless of the type of international backpacking you plan to do, or whether you’re an amateur or professional backpacker, you can choose the type of cover that you need for your particular trip.

Overseas Emergency Medical and Hospital Expenses

Medical cover is included across all our international policies. This includes something as small as a doctor’s consultation fee if you feel unwell and need a prescription for antibiotics, or for more expensive emergency situations such as hospitalisation for broken bones after an accident.

Check out our Medical Conditions page for more information about medical screening for your existing medical and pregnancy conditions including information about the General Exclusions that may apply*.

You may also be covered for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation home to Australia under medical supervision if it’s required.

While you’ll be able you use your Medicare card if you’re backpacking to a country which has a   Reciprocal Health Care Agreement  (RHCA)  with Australia, you won’t be covered for specialty pharmaceutical medicines, doctor’s visits and lab diagnostics not covered by the RHCA.

Most importantly, the agreement won’t cover you for medical repatriation or evacuation. So while you won’t have to pay for some medical expenses in those countries, you still may be liable for other costs. For countries that don’t have a RHCA with Australia, if you get sick or injured and have to see a doctor or go to hospital, you’ll be liable for all the medical expenses.

And that’s where your travel insurance for backpacking can prove handy.

The other benefits that your backpacker travel insurance can provide cover for include:

24 hour access to emergency services.

If you’re constantly moving around a country or travelling through various countries, travel insurance for backpacking can give you the confidence of knowing that if you need it, you can contact the emergency assistance team.

Unexpected Cancellations 

If you’re in a car accident before you travel and become injured, or get sick with an illness such as glandular fever or pneumonia, you will likely have to cancel your trip altogether.

Cancellation cover means you can claim for any unexpected lost deposits or cancellation fees, including flights, tours and accommodation. And once you’re better, you can organise that next backpacking holiday!

If you’re going to the snow to ski or snowboard , make sure you choose a Snow Sports Plus policy that covers those activities in case you’re injured on the snow fields. Snow cover can also provide insurance for your equipment and pre-booked snow passes.

Cover for adventure activities

Some adventure activities are covered, including bungee jumping, kayaking and white-water rafting to grade 3, hiking up to 3000m and scuba diving up to 10m.

Other pursuits can be riskier, so you’ll need to purchase the Adventure Pack add-on to have cover for activities including kayaking and white water rafting up to grade 5, hiking up to 6000m (e.g. Everest base camp), diving up to 30m and river tubing.

Riding a motorcycle, moped or scooter

Add the Motorcycle Pack to your backpacking travel insurance if you’re planning on riding a motorcycle, moped or scooter on your backpacking holiday. The motorcycle pack will cover you if you’re injured while riding a motorcycle.

Hospital cash allowance

If you’re hospitalised, the hospital cash allowance benefit will give you some extra cash to spend on your favourite snacks, a magazine or DVD to watch while you rest and recover and make your stay a little more comfortable.

Luggage and personal effects

How would it feel to lose that new camera, tablet, laptop or phone overseas? Travel insurance can cover these items, so you won’t need to pay the whole amount to replace them. You can also choose to increase the cover for any valuable items you want to take with you, including laptops and phones.

Luggage and personal effects delay expenses

Imagine the airline losing or misdirecting your checked-in backpack… hopefully you’ve packed an extra pair of clothes in your carry-on! This policy benefit will allow you to claim for the purchase of essential items to tie you over until you’re reunited with your backpack.

Travel documents

Replacing a lost or stolen passport can be expensive and cause frustrating delays. Backpackers holiday insurance can provide cover for travel documents as well as extra accommodation and meal expenses while you wait out the delay.

Loss of income

A weekly financial benefit may be paid to you if you’re unable to go back to your usual work in Australia due to an injury sustained during your backpacking holiday.

Additonal expenses

If your holiday is shortened because you, your travelling companion or relative back home is unexpectedly sick or injured, you can have cover for the extra expenses that are incurred as a result. You’ll also be covered for your reasonable additional travel and accommodation expenses if your holiday is disrupted due to other situations that are out of your control, including your scheduled transport being cancelled or delayed due to a natural disaster or you lose your travel documents.

Travel delay expenses

This benefit provides cover for additional meals and accommodation should your journey be delayed for more than 6 hours due to circumstances outside of your control.

Special event transport expenses

Did you plan your backpacking holiday with the aim of being somewhere at a certain time for a wedding, birthday or sporting event? This cover will reimburse you for your additional travel expenses to get to your destination on time if your originally planned transport is cancelled or delayed.

Rental vehicle excess insurance

A road trip with friends can take an expensive turn if you have an accident. Rental vehicle excess cover allows you to claim for the excess you would have to pay on your rental car insurance policy if your hire car is damaged.

Theft of cash

Pickpockets target travellers all around the world - even backpackers. If someone steals your money from you, you can be reimbursed up to $250.

Accidental death insurance

An accidental death benefit can be paid to your estate if you were injured during your trip and die within 12 months of the injury. The benefit can also be paid out if you’re travelling on transport like a plane which disappears, sinks or crashes and your body isn’t found within 12 months.

Personal Liability insurance

The personal liability benefit can cover the payment of compensation for death, injury, physical loss, damage to property and legal expenses for settling or defending a claim against you.

If you’re going backpacking around Australia, you can be covered with our Domestic Plus travel insurance policies . There’s no medical or hospital cover if you’re backpacking domestically; medical expenses are covered by your Medicare card and/or private health insurance.

What is not covered in travel insurance?

Before purchasing backpackers insurance, you should be aware of the events which aren’t covered by your backpacker travel insurance.

These events include:

If you were breaking the law

This includes breaking local traffic laws, driving a car or riding a moped or motorcycle without the proper licence, taking illicit drugs or being under the influence of alcohol.

If you were intoxicated

If you consume an excessive amount of alcohol or illegal drugs, and this contributed to your claim, we may decline your claim on the basis of you acting irresponsibly.

Special and risky events

Thinking of running with the bulls? High risk events such as this are excluded because you’re putting your life at risk and hence acting irresponsibly. So if you choose to participate in the Bull Run or other similar events, you do so at your own risk and own cost if you’re injured. If you’re not sure, check with us first!

If your policy doesn't cover the right destination

Make sure your backpacking travel insurance covers you for the countries that you’re backpacking to, because if you don't, you may not be covered for travel to that country. Depending on the countries that you're travelling to, you may not have to pay any more to travel there!

Similarly, unless you have cruise cover for your policy you won’t have cover on a cruise ship.

If you’re doing an excluded activity, or one you didn’t add cover for

Some activities aren’t covered by some of our travel insurance policies, including snow activities such as skiing and snowboarding and more adventurous activities such as trekking to 6,000m and scuba diving to 30m. Without specific cover for these activities, you’ll be responsible for the cost of any medical and cancellation expenses associated with the activity.

Cover for rental vehicle insurance excess

Hiring a rental car? If you don’t add the Rental vehicle insurance excess benefit to your backpacking travel insurance policy, and you have an accident in your rental car, you’ll have to pay for the rental vehicle insurance excess out of your own funds.

Also, the rental vehicle insurance excess benefit provides cover for the rental vehicle insurance ‘excess’ only and doesn’t replace rental vehicle insurance. So if you don’t take out rental vehicle insurance with your car hire company, you won’t be able to claim the rental vehicle insurance excess from your backpacker travel insurance.

If your visa is denied

There’s no cover if you’re not able to go backpacking because:

• Your working holiday visa application isn’t granted
• You’re denied entry into a country because you didn’t have a valid work permit
• You forgot to apply for, or didn’t realise that you needed a work visa

Unsupervised belongings

If you leave your personal items unsupervised on the beach while you go for a swim or with a friend while you go to the bathroom, they probably won’t be covered by your backpacker travel insurance if they’re stolen.

Similarly, if you forget your personal items in a taxi or leave something behind in your hotel room after checking out, it’s unlikely to be covered.

Sexually transmitted infections

Sexually transmitted infections are excluded from cover, including any medical expenses you incur, or if you have to cancel or reschedule your trip because of it.

Regular medical checkups

Routine medical check-ups, prescription medications and vaccines aren’t considered medical emergencies and aren’t covered.

If you’re taking prescription medication, make sure you take enough of your prescription medication with you or be prepared to see a doctor and buy new medication at your own expense.

Destination exclusions

Travel insurance may not provide you with cover in dangerous destinations.

Always check Smartraveller to ensure your destination is considered safe by the Australian Government. There’s no cover for any claims if your destination is listed as:

• Level 4 - Do not travel

If you still choose to travel to these regions, be aware that you do so at your own risk, against the government’s advice and you will have no cover from your travel insurance policy should something happen.

Exclusions for pre-existing medical conditions

Changing your mind about your backpacking trip.

There’s no cover if you decide that you no longer want to go backpacking because you’ve changed your mind, or you’ve broken up with your travelling partner.

Does travel insurance increase closer to my departure date?

Buying backpacker travel insurance with cancellation cover closer to your departure date may be cheaper than if you buy your travel insurance a few months beforehand. However, if you’ve already paid for your trip, then buying your travel insurance closer to your departure date may mean that the deposits and payments such as for flights or tours that you’ve already paid for your backpacking holiday are at risk if you have to cancel your backpacking trip due to sickness, injury or natural disaster.

Why? Well if you buy your backpackers travel insurance at the same time that you pay for your trip, while it may cost a little bit more than if you bought it just before you leave Australia, if you’re not able to travel due to reasons out of your control, you may be able to claim for all the prepayments that you’ve already made.

Travel insurance cover can’t be applied retrospectively. For example: if you haven’t already brought your backpacker travel insurance with cancellation cover before a natural disaster occurs at your backpacking destination and you can’t travel, you won’t be covered for that natural disaster. You can’t buy it after the natural disaster occurs, you need to buy it before it does. That means that you may not be compensated for the flights, accommodation, tickets and tours that you’ve already paid for if you don't have travel insurance with cancellation cover!

Also, travel insurance premiums are subject to change. The quote that you got a few months earlier may not be the same a few months later, as the premium may have increased in that time!

Does travel insurance cover cancellation for any reason?

If we were to cover cancellation for any reason, the cost of that type of travel insurance would be huge!

Whether you’re covered for backpacking trip cancellations depends on the reason, and if that reason is due to an event that is covered under the terms and conditions of your backpackers holiday insurance.

You can claim for your trip cancellation costs including flights, cruises, accommodation, tours and tickets for events if an unexpected event occurs, including natural disaster, unexpected sickness, injury or death of a family member.

However, there’s no cover if you simply change your mind about travelling because your personal circumstances have changed including:

• Being offered your dream job in Australia
• You and your travelling companion have decided to part ways
• You just don’t want to go backpacking anymore

 What happens if you cancel a non refundable flight?

If you cancel a non refundable flight due to a reason that’s covered under your travel insurance for backpackers, you can be reimbursed for the cost of that flight. Flight cancellation costs can be reimbursed for several reasons including:

• You become unexpectedly sick or injured and your doctor advises against travel
• A close family member is unexpectedly seriously sick or injured

Make sure that you have all the supporting documentation from doctors, as this will make it easier to make your claim.

How much does travel insurance for backpacking cost?

The cost of your backpacker insurance depends on what you want to be covered for, and the type of travel insurance that you buy.

The cost of travel insurance for your backpacker holiday will be based on:

• Which countries you’re backpacking in
• How long you plan on going back packing for
• The activities that you’re planning on doing, like snow sports, adventure sports, cruising or riding a motorcycle, moped or scooter
• If you’ll be driving a rental car and want rental vehicle insurance excess
• The excess that you choose

Does backpacker, student or working holiday travel insurance cover visa costs?

To go on a working holiday, you will most likely need to apply for a working holiday visa.

Different countries have different work visa requirements, so you’ll need to do your research.

Some work and holiday visas include:

• IEC Canadian work permit
• T5 Youth mobility Scheme visa for the UK
• J1 Work and Study Exchange program in the USA
• Schengen work visa
• Z Chinese work visa
• X Chinese student visa

There’s no cover for the costs of obtaining a visa for your travel, or for any cancellation costs if your work permit application is denied or you don’t have a valid work permit.

Can I still buy travel insurance if I haven’t decided where I’m actually travelling to?

Yes! You can select your backpacker policy based on the countries that you’ll definitely be backpacking to first. If you then decide to go to other countries, you can send us an email or call us to add these countries to your policy.

Depending on the countries that you decide to visit, you may need to pay an additional premium, or not have to pay any extra at all!

Our policies can provide cover for countries you may end up backpacking to that are ‘Level 1 - Exercise normal safety precautions’ or ‘Level 2 - Exercise a high degree of caution’or 'Level 3 - Reconsider your need to travel'.

We are unable to offer travel insurance for travel to every country. To check which countries that may be covered, enter your destination country in the quote or contact us.

What is the best travel insurance for backpackers?

The best backpacker travel insurance in Australia for your holiday will depend on the type of trip you plan to take, and what you want to be covered for.

When looking for the best backpacker insurance that suits you, you should consider:

What you want to do on your backpacking trip

Including any adventurous activities, hiring a rental car, riding a motorcycle, moped or scooter or snow sports.

What you want to be covered for

Apart from overseas medical cover, you may also want to be covered in case

• You’re sick or injured before your backpacking travels and have to cancel your trip
• Your belongings are lost or stolen, including your passport or credit card
• You’re sick or injured during your trip and you have to return home
• An earthquake, volcanic eruption or flood prevents you from going on or continuing your trip
• A family member is unexpectedly sick or injured and you need to return home

If you can tailor your backpacker travel insurance to suit your holiday

The very essence of a backpacking holiday is to save money. Once you’ve worked out what you want to do on your holiday and what you want to be covered for, you should look for a backpackers travel insurance policy which you can customise to suit you, including whether or not you can extend your policy if you decide you want to continue your back packing holiday.

This way, you’re only paying for what you want to be covered for, which can be handy if you’re on a budget.

Can I take out travel insurance for backpackers already abroad?

Yes! If you have left Australia and forgotten to take out backpacker travel insurance, you can buy an Already Overseas policy for your backpacking trip, provided you’ve:

• been overseas for less than 14 days, or
• been insured under a travel insurance policy (even if it’s with another company) since you left Australia that’s still current or has been expired for no more than 14 days.

Unfortunately, if you don’t satisfy the above conditions and other conditions that you can find in our Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) , you won’t be able to take out an Already Overseas policy. So to avoid being stuck overseas without cover for your backpacking holiday, do your research early and buy your backpacker travel insurance before you go!

Can I take out multi-trip backpacker insurance?

If you’re planning on going on several small backpacking trips within 12 months, buying our Frequent Traveller Saver backpackers travel insurance policy can be a cost effective way to cover yourself.

The maximum duration for each backpacking trip under a Frequent Traveller Saver policy is 63 days, and you would need to return to Australia after each trip.

Compare backpacker travel insurance

We know that the aim of a backpacking holiday is to spend as little as you can so you can travel longer.

However, when you’re doing a backpacker travel insurance comparison, you should look at not just the price, but also what you’re going to be covered for.

Fast Cover offer different policies to suit different budgets, so you can compare travel insurance for backpacking and find the policy that suits your type of trip:

• Comprehensive
• Snow Sports
• Standard Saver

Another way to compare travel insurance for your backpacking trip is to consider checking out backpacker travel insurance reviews like Product Review .

Cheap backpacker insurance

A good way to buy cheap backpacker travel insurance is to look for a policy that covers you for the things you want cover for, like overseas medical expenses or cover for your belongings, and not for things you may not need like rental vehicle excess, if you’re not planning on driving a hire car.

However, don’t make the mistake of foregoing features in your backpacker travel insurance just to save a few dollars upfront (or appease your parents!). Spending a little more of your budget on travel insurance may end up saving you thousands of dollars in the long run.

For more information on how you can save money when buying travel insurance, check out Fast Cover’s article on the Top 20 Ways To Save With Travel Insurance .

16 travel tips for backpackers

• Go for a health check-up and get your vaccinations early
• Register with DFAT
• Stay up to date with Smartraveller
• Apply for all necessary tourist and work visas
• Make both digital and hard copies of all your travel documents and paperwork
• Share your travel itinerary with family and close friends
• Make a list of emergency numbers
• Take your student card for discounts at attractions in various destinations
• Consider taking a pre-loaded travel debit card
• Read up about the most common travel scams at your destination
• Consider purchasing a slash-proof bag and locks
• Remember that the risk of infection from unsterilized tattoo equipment is significantly higher in some destinations such as Indonesia and Thailand
• Avoid direct contact with animals such as monkeys and dogs due to risks of infectious diseases like rabies
• Take your own first aid medical pack
• Only use popular and well researched tour companies and taxi service providers
• Check out our Backpacker Health and Safety Guide for more information on backpacking journeys, tips, tricks and advice!

Why is travel insurance an important part of a backpacking holiday?

There are a variety of emergency situations you can run into while on a backpacking holiday.

For example, you might:

• Become unexpectedly sick or injured and require a doctor’s consultation, hospitalisation or at worst,   emergency medical repatriation and hospitalisation .
• Become a victim of theft and lose that new camera or GoPro you purchased for the trip.
• Have to cancel your backpacking holiday completely due to an unexpected sickness, injury or a death in the family.
• Injure yourself overseas while   skiing or snowboarding .
• Find yourself stranded at the airport after your flights are unexpectedly delayed due to bad weather or a natural disaster, preventing you from returning home as planned.

In these types of emergencies, travel insurance may be able to provide cover for related expenses as well as connect you with a 24 hour emergency assistance team.

The cost of travel insurance for backpackers is incomparable to the thousands of dollars you might otherwise have to pay for emergency hospitalisation expenses, medical evacuation or repatriation, replacing lost or stolen luggage or cancellation costs.

As Smartraveller says:   if you can’t afford travel insurance you can’t afford to travel .

How will travel insurance help me in an emergency?

Travel insurance is an essential resource for backpackers, and may provide a range of benefits to help you in an emergency situation.

For example, your travel insurer can:

• Assess and manage your medical care overseas.
• Provide assistance with alternative travel and accommodation, including organising your flights home.
• Direct you to the nearest embassy or consulate.
• Provide access interpreters in non-English speaking hospitals.
• Act as a guarantor for the payment of hospital expenses and medical bills.
• Relay messages to your family or employer.
• Coordinate emergency medical evacuation and repatriation home.
• Organise for a registered nurse or family member to accompany you on emergency flights home.
• Provide advice and direction to ensure you are safe and to mitigate the financial impact of an emergency.

When you travel with travel insurance, emergency assistance is just a phone call away.

What countries does travel insurance cover for backpacking trips?

Travel insurance   can cover you to visit popular backpacking destinations including:

• South America
• The United Kingdom
• The Pacific Islands
• The United States

Whether you’re planning your own solo trip or booking an organised group tour through a company such as   Contiki   or   Shoestring , you can purchase travel insurance to cover your for potential emergencies on your travels.

Am I covered for my items in shared backpacker accommodation and hostels?

Travel insurance can cover expenses related to lost or stolen items during your trip. Just make sure to keep your belongings within your line of sight or stored securely in hostel lockers.

Does travel insurance cover me for special events like running with the bulls?

The  annual running of the bulls event in Pamplona  is not covered by most travel insurance companies due to its extremely high risk factor. If you choose to participate in the Bull Run, you do so at your own risk!

Will I be covered by the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement?

Australian travellers with a valid Medicare card are eligible for emergency medical care under the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement in the following countries:

• New Zealand
• The Republic of Ireland
• The Netherlands

Visit the   Reciprocal Health Care Agreement  website for more information about what the program covers.

How can I save money on buying travel insurance?

A good way to spend less on travel insurance is to look for a policy that covers you for the things you really need cover for, like medical cover or cover for your belongings, and not for things you don’t need like rental vehicle excess if you’re not planning to drive a car.

However, don’t make the mistake of foregoing essential features in your travel insurance just to save a few dollars upfront.

For more information on how you can save money when buying travel insurance, check out the   Top 20 Ways To Save With Travel Insurance .

What do I do in an emergency?

1) seek assistance immediately.

Whether you need medical assistance from a doctor or hospital, consular assistance, or reporting a theft to police or your hostel management, make sure you do so right away.

2) Contact your travel insurance as soon as possible

They will be able to assess your situation, provide you with guidance and organise assistance for you if required.

3) Gather as much documentation as possible

Your travel insurer’s emergency assistance team will also be able to tell you what kind of documentation you may need for a claim. It’s much easier to get a report or statement in person immediately after the incident than chasing it up days, weeks or even months later.

Backpacker travel insurance FAQs

Am i covered for couchsurfing and airbnb.

Yes, travel insurance for backpackers can cover you for loss or theft, medical emergencies, personal liability, and cancellations if you book your accommodation through one of these sites. 

Cover is subject to the policy terms, conditions, limits and exclusions in the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) .

Am I covered if I am working overseas?

Yes, our policies provide cover for both your work and leisure hours. If something does happen while you’re working, you should seek compensation from your employer first. 

Am I covered if I am doing Volunteer Work overseas?

Yes, as long as you are not performing any dangerous activities.

You should always follow the Australian Government's warnings regarding traveling to unsafe places.

Backpacker Travel Insurance related articles

^ Price as at 20/03/2024 compared to the price calculated today for this policy.

* See Product Disclosure Statement for full terms and conditions and exclusions and limits that apply.

† Fast Cover has a referral arrangement with this company.

The entity that referred you does not act for Fast Cover and may receive remuneration from us. You can ask them or us for more details. Make sure any information listed in any quote provided remains accurate and if not, please change it on our website.

Travel Insurance for Backpacking to Asia

If you’re currently concerned about finding an agency or operator that offers the best conditions for a travel insurance product called travel insurance for backpacking in Asia, your search can come to an end. Our service will assist you in obtaining health insurance and various additional coverages. Moreover, you can do it conveniently online, without leaving your place, and at the most accessible and honest prices.

How to Choose Travel Insurance for Backpacking in Asia

Top 10 most popular locations every backpacker should visit in asia, top 10 best water-based backpacking destinations in asia, top 5 best services for finding affordable accommodation in asia for backpackers.

The correctness of choosing a set of services that your travel insurance for non-resident backpacking in Asia will consist of directly affects not only the cost of the certificate but also the level of your protection in various unforeseen situations. If you consider yourself a very calm and sensible backpacker, leading a purely healthy lifestyle, not even engaging in minimal extremes like trekking, a basic backpacker travel insurance policy might be sufficient for you.

However, if your life is more adventurous and filled with enjoyable activities, if you have a penchant for risk and a love for reasonable challenges, then scrimping on potential overseas treatments is definitely not advisable. It’s better to spend a bit more on the policy but get practically unlimited coverage. A comprehensive travel insurance for backpacking Southeast Asia will include numerous options, among them:

• Water sports;
• Winter sports, including extreme ones;
• Other dangerous activities;
• Risks related to alcohol intoxication, and much more.

Of course, the cost of such a policy will be higher, but your protection will be significantly enhanced. Read reviews from other travelers – almost all of them say that this kind of backpacker travel insurance for Asia is considered the most appropriate.

We’ve prepared a summary table for you with ten of the most interesting and popular places in the Asian region that every true backpacker should visit.

Water tourism is a distinct branch of backpacking, and the favorite spots for this kind of travel with a backpack are also special. Here they are:

In our day, it’s very difficult to be a traveler without using numerous services that make life easier for millions of tourists. It’s not just about online services for obtaining travel insurance for backpackers. Take a look at these five interesting startups that help you find accommodation at accessible and fair prices. This is just as important as having a reasonably priced yet dependable travel insurance for backpacking in Asia from our service.

What’s the best-value medical insurance?

Determining the right set of options involves many criteria. If you travel frequently, we recommend getting an annual backpacker travel insurance. For shorter, one-time trips, even daily-rate policies can work.

What risks does basic travel insurance for South East Asia cover?

The standard package includes basic medical coverage, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, and baggage protection. But you can always enhance this by adding numerous additional options for a more interesting and advantageous offer.

Are one-way policies available?

Yes, certainly, you can also get backpacker travel insurance for a one-way journey, with terms that are attractive to you.

1300 327 984

• Travel Insurance
• International
• Annual Multi Trip
• Existing Medical Conditions
• Emergency Assistance
• Existing Policies

Easy Travel Insurance

Get Active In NZ

10 Sporting activities that should be on your New Zealand bucket list, all covered automatically with your Easy Travel Insurance travel cover.

Backpacker Travel Insurance

For many who are planning an extended trip with just a passport and a few clothes, lightweight travel insurance is simply essential but you still need heavyweight cover.

Backpackers are savvy and resourceful and are known for sharing great travel tips between their travel companions, well here is the travel tip on the lips of many. Easy Travel Insurance - Just buy the level of cover You need and don't pay for extras that are not required.

If you have come to Australia from overseas to explore our diverse, exciting and truly vast land from the city to the coast, the rainforest to the reef and the outback to the ocean then the Inbound   travel plan should be first on your list to consider to protect you and your trip.

Australians exploring the Lucky Land can equally find themselves in need of help and our  Domestic  travel plans offer a great range of benefits to help any Australian in need.

In the case of Domestic Annual Multi Trip travel plans you need to be more than 250 km from home or your trip needs to include a pre paid component such as a hotel, Bed & Breakfast (B&B), serviced apartment or peer to peer services such as Airbnb.

If you are going further afield to experience the big wide world then our  International  travel plans could be just the ticket.

Our travel policies are priced for the budget conscious with levels of cover that will even keep your parents happy and you can organise your travel insurance up to 12 months prior to commencement of your trip meaning you can get another bill out of the way early AND protect your plans as soon as you start laying them.

We know you are a free spirit when you set off on your adventure and flexibility to extend your policy is your key to the world.

So once you set off to tour Asia for a couple of months and you decide to pop over to Africa for an extra month while you are in the area, no problem; then you suddenly remember your lifelong ambition had always been to have a a look at the States and Europe too - Easy, hop online, send us an email or give us a call and well keep extending your cover until your travel desires are fulfilled.

Keep on travelling!

Payment Options

Underwritten by

• Privacy Policy

Limits, sub-limits, conditions and exclusions apply. Easy Travel Insurance is administered by eReliance Pty Ltd (ABN 48 147 939 277), an Authorised Representative (AR 1267985), of Cover-More Insurance Services Pty Ltd (ABN 95 003 114 145, AFSL 241713) on behalf of the product issuer, Zurich Australian Insurance Limited (ABN 13 000 296 640, AFSL 232507). Any advice is general advice only. Please consider your financial situation, needs and objectives and read the Combined Financial Services Guide and Product Disclosure Statement before deciding to buy this insurance. For information on the Target Market and Target Market Determination for these products, contact Cover-More on 1300 77 88 22

The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Through Southeast Asia

E mbarking on a backpacking adventure through Southeast Asia is a dream for many travelers seeking vibrant cultures, stunning landscapes, delicious cuisine, and unforgettable experiences. With its rich history, diverse traditions, and budget-friendly options, Southeast Asia offers an incredible journey for backpackers of all ages and interests. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to plan an epic backpacking trip through this enchanting region.

• Research destinations: Southeast Asia is vast and diverse, so research countries and regions that interest you. Popular destinations include Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
• Consider your interests: Are you drawn to ancient temples, pristine beaches, bustling cities, or lush jungles? Tailor your itinerary to include activities and attractions that align with your interests.
• Budget and duration: Determine your budget and how long you plan to travel. Southeast Asia offers options for all budgets, from shoestring backpacking to luxury travel, so plan accordingly.
• Lightweight backpack: Choose a durable and comfortable backpack that fits your body and can hold all your essentials.
• Clothing: Pack lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for the region’s tropical climate. Don’t forget to include swimwear, comfortable walking shoes, and a waterproof jacket.
• Travel essentials: Bring essential items such as a passport, travel insurance, visas (if required), a money belt, a first aid kit, and a universal adapter.
• Toiletries: Pack travel-sized toiletries, sunscreen, insect repellent, and any necessary medications.
• Overland travel: Southeast Asia has a well-established network of buses, trains, and ferries that make overland travel between countries relatively easy and affordable.
• Budget airlines: Take advantage of budget airlines for longer journeys or when traveling between islands. AirAsia, VietJet, and Lion Air are popular options.
• Local transportation: Embrace local transportation options such as tuk-tuks, motorbike taxis, and songthaews for short distances within cities and towns.
• Hostels: Backpacker hostels are plentiful throughout Southeast Asia and offer budget-friendly accommodation with dormitory beds or private rooms.
• Guesthouses: Guesthouses are a step up from hostels and provide affordable private rooms with basic amenities.
• Homestays: Experience local culture by staying with a local family through homestay programs, particularly in rural areas.
• Street food: Southeast Asia is renowned for its delicious and affordable street food. Embrace the local culinary scene by trying dishes such as pad Thai, pho, nasi goreng, and banh mi.
• Local markets: Explore bustling markets to sample fresh produce, tropical fruits, and local delicacies. Don’t be afraid to haggle for the best prices.
• Hygiene precautions: While street food can be delicious, exercise caution to avoid foodborne illnesses by choosing stalls with high turnover rates and observing food preparation practices.
• Vaccinations: Consult with a healthcare professional or travel clinic before your trip to ensure you are up-to-date on routine vaccinations and receive any recommended vaccinations for specific destinations.
• Travel insurance: Purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen circumstances.
• Personal safety: Exercise caution and common sense when traveling, particularly in crowded areas, at night, and when using public transportation. Keep valuables secure and be aware of common scams targeting tourists.
• Respect local customs: Familiarize yourself with local customs, traditions, and etiquette to show respect for the cultures you encounter.
• Dress modestly: In many Southeast Asian countries, particularly in rural areas and religious sites, conservative dress is appreciated. Avoid wearing revealing clothing and always cover up when visiting temples and mosques.
• Learn basic phrases: Take the time to learn basic phrases in the local language, such as greetings, thank you, and please. Your efforts will be appreciated by locals.
• Angkor Wat, Cambodia: Explore the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant archaeological sites in Southeast Asia.
• Ha Long Bay, Vietnam: Cruise through the stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO-listed natural wonder.
• Phi Phi Islands, Thailand: Relax on the pristine beaches and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the Phi Phi Islands, known for their breathtaking beauty.
• Bali, Indonesia: Immerse yourself in the cultural and natural wonders of Bali, from vibrant temples and lush rice terraces to world-class surfing spots and vibrant nightlife.

Backpacking through Southeast Asia is a transformative experience that offers a blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. By planning your itinerary, packing essentials, embracing local transportation and accommodation options, and respecting local customs, you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime. So grab your backpack, embark on an unforgettable journey, and discover the wonders of Southeast Asia for yourself.

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

Home » Budget Travel » ULTIMATE Guide to Solo Travel in Central America | Destinations & Tips for 2024

ULTIMATE Guide to Solo Travel in Central America | Destinations & Tips for 2024

Solo travelling in Central America is life-changing. After hearing countless spellbinding stories and backpacking lore from travellers on the road about Central America I just had to go.

Wedged between the giants of North and South America, you’ll find this solo traveller’s paradise. Where you can wake up in a hammock to the sound of the ocean in Belize, marvel at erupting volcanoes in Guatemala or learn to salsa dance with locals in Panama.

Whether you’re diving into the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean or trekking through cloud forests in Costa Rica – you’ll find the perfect blend of thrilling adventures and tranquil moments.

As a solo traveller, Central America welcomes you in with open arms, full of communities eager to share their culture and hidden spots off the beaten track. It’s the ultimate playground for those looking to explore, connect and discover more about themselves along the way.

Last year, I spent over five months solo in the region and I’m now ready to spill the beans about solo travel in Central America and what makes it one of the best places IN THE WORLD for solo travel – let’s get into this!

9 Things to Do in Central America When Travelling Solo

5 best solo destinations in central america, the best travel apps for solo travel in central america, safety tips for solo travellers in central america, tips for solo travelling in central america, final words for your solo central america trip.

There is such a wonderful variety of activities for travellers in Central America to discover. Whether you want to sit on a tropical beach with a coconut in hand or embark on epic adventurous missions up active volcanoes, there is something for everyone in this magical land.

Central America is geographically blessed. It’s nothing short of paradise for nature and ocean lovers.

Both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts are packed with astonishing marine life, surf towns, beaches and straight-up chill vibes. Inland, you have a variety of dense tropical jungles, ancient Mayan ruins and gorgeous colonial cities. As well as some wicked topography with some of the best natural viewpoints in the world.

One of the best things about solo travel in Central America is making new like-minded mates from all over the world. One of my favourite ways of fusing making real connections and having memorable experiences whilst on the road is to join group tours.

Whatever is your cup of tea, you’ll find it in Central America; and I can promise you that!

Note: Despite many people suggesting that Mexico is part of Central America, it has been excluded from this guide as it’s too damn big. Check out this guide to solo travel in Mexico if you’re off to taco-land.

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.

1. Get Off The Beaten Track

Embarking on a solo travel mission presents one with the unique scenario in life of having to answer to no one. Whilst following the crowd can be fun at times, the magic of solo travel is best experienced when going a little bit rogue.

There is nothing more empowering than wandering off the beaten track , getting lost on purpose, and then finding more than you ever imagined.

Some of my personal favourite travel experiences have been when I’ve hopped on a moped and driven into the middle of f*cking nowhere. It’s in these remote corners where you can not only find tourist-free hidden gems but also make deep connections with local people who aren’t so used to seeing tourists.

When Travelling Solo, Travel Safely!

It’s EXTREMELY important to do things like this safely and carefully. Always take travel safety precautions, especially as a female. Whilst getting lost is fun, it can be dangerous. It’s up to you to decide how much you are comfortable with.

2. Visit Ancient Mayan Ruins

Over some 4000 years ago, the Maya civilisation sprawled over 40 cities, some with populations reaching over 50,000 individuals. Central America is littered with enchanting remains of this ancient civilisation.

Mayan sites can be found in Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador and Mexico. I personally explored a nice sample of Mayan sites and can confidently say that none blew my socks off quite like Tikal, in Guatemala. I took a guided day tour of Tikal National Park and it was a highlight of my trip, for sure.

3. Witness the Wildlife (ETHICALLY!)

Now then, Central America is home to some of the most INSANE wildlife I have ever seen. The oceans are teeming with all sorts of weird and wonderful creatures and the dense tropical jungles boast some of the highest biodiversity rates in the world. Particularly in countries such as Costa Rica and Guatemala.

I saw some pretty incredible exotic animals in Central America. My favourite was  seeing the iconic sloths of La Fortuna and Monteverde National Park in Costa Rica. I also got to see the rare Quetzal bird in Guatemala’s Tikal National Park. 

If you head to Caye Caulker in Belize, you’ll find a shallow-water aquatic paradise packed with sharks and rays. That is pretty damn incredible too.

Whatever sort of wildlife tourism you decide to involve yourself in, PLEASE make sure it is with an ethical and reputable company. Ethical animal tourism is for the good of everyone and everything. If you truly love wildlife, ensure they are being treated with respect.

4. Learn Some Spanish at a Spanish School

If you are a solo traveller who wants to have meaningful conversations and create connections with local people, there is no better way to do so than by learning Spanish. I’m no expert at Spanish but I’m so glad I spammed Duolingo for 100 days before getting here, it helped me sooo much.

One of the most popular ways of learning Spanish in Latin America is in a Spanish school. Many solo travellers find themselves here and it’s a good way to meet others who have a similar mindset and goal to yourself. Some of the best locations to join a Spanish school are in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala and San Jose, Heredia or La Fortuna in Costa Rica.

5. Hike an Active Volcano!

Hiking a volcano in Central America should be on everyone’s bucket list. There are over 100 volcanoes scattered across the region, many of them still active.

One of the highlights of my life was hiking Guatemala’s Acatenango and Feugo volcanoes overnight where you can see eruptions every 15 minutes. Nicaragua, Costa Rica, El Salvador and Panama all have awesome volcano hikes too, but Guatemala is the country to do this – 100%.

6. Learn to Scuba Dive or Snorkel!

Central America is one of the cheapest places in the world to dive . Utila in Honduras is a notorious diver’s hotspot and many other locations such as Belize and Costa Rica have awesome dive cultures.

Scuba diving or even just snorkelling solo (as part of a tour) is such a fabulous and personal learning experience – whether you’re learning to snorkel or have been doing it for years. From swimming with turtles to learning how to dive into the deep blue – immersing yourself in the underwater world is a grounding experience. Joining a group tour of the Belize barrier reef is possibly the best option for elite sea life.

7. Take Some Surfing Lessons

As I said before, Central America is geographically blessed. On both sides of this narrow strip of land, there are two glorious bodies of water – the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.

Both of these are seriously blessed with some superb waves in the right conditions and are perfect for all types of surfers. If you’re a beginner, I suggest hitting up Costa Rica, somewhere like Tamarindo for surf lessons . If you’re a pro, head to the barreling beasts of Bocas Del Toro in Panama or anywhere in El Salvador.

8. Embark on a Coffee Plantation Tour

Central America produces some of the world’s best coffee. If you’re a caffeine addict like me, touring coffee farms on ATV’s and trying all the local coffee is such an awesome experience.

If you are an extrovert, you can chit-chat away with other coffee lovers on one of these kinds of tours and learn so much about where your favourite speed juice comes from. But, if you’re a quiet, introverted individual, try to enjoy the drive!

9. Slide Down a Volcano on Your Bum!

Near Leon, in Nicaragua, is Cerro Negro. Cerro Negro is the home of  volcano boarding tours .

What’s volcano boarding you ask? Well, it’s sliding down a volcano… on your backside. It’s truly an adrenaline-pumping and unique activity that I can absolutely recommend to everyone.

Yes, you read that right. Forget snowboarding or surfing,  volcano boarding is where it’s at .

Central America is deceivingly large. Most of it is good, some of it’s great, parts of it are awe-inspiring, and some bits are, well, meh.

Central America is overall a safe location to visit, despite what your family or friends will tell you. That being said, some locations are definitely more suited to solo travellers than others; especially solo female travellers .

Here are five of the most popular backpacking locations for solo travellers in Central America.

1. Ometepe, Nicaragua

Isla Ometepe is a volcanic island in the middle of Lake Nicaragua – the largest lake in Central America. Ometepe is straight out of a fairytale and is one of my favourite locations in the world.

The travelling community in Ometepe is thriving and there are tons of cool things to do here. Hiking volcanoes, kayaking through mangroves, drinking cocktails on black sand, mango tree-covered beaches and epic moped driving trips are all on the standard backpacker’s Ometepe itinerary .

Nicaragua in general (Ometepe included) is one of the most affordable countries in Central America and my gosh it’s insane value for money. What you get for your money here is simply astounding compared to what you get in neighbouring countries like Costa Rica.

If you are heading to Ometepe, which you absolutely should, stay in El Zopilote . It’s a gorgeous off-grid hostel and permaculture farm with a good social vibe that’s perfect for solo travellers. Beds are available for just $5 per night!

2. Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

Lake Atitlan is a staple location for those backpacking in Guatemala . Surrounded by volcanoes on all sides, Lake Atitlan is a gorgeous lake with numerous picturesque towns scattered around its perimeter.

Some notable locations include Panajachel, San Marcos, and my personal favourite – San Pedro La Laguna. San Pedro La Laguna is one of the most fun and action-packed little towns in Guatemala. It’s a solo travellers paradise.

Some of the best things to do in San Pedro La Laguna include attending a Spanish school, which is extremely popular amongst backpackers. Another popular activity in San Pedro is to party the night (or day) away; the drinking culture here is elite.

If you want to indulge in a more peaceful time, hike up the Indian Nose for astounding lake views or head to San Marcos. This town is well-known for its yoga retreats and zen vibe.

If you head to San Pedro and want to party, stay in Mr. Mullets . This super social party hostel is fantastic for extroverted solo travellers. Each Thursday, it hosts the most epic boat party in the middle of Lake Atitlan that lasts all day and will have you meeting new travel buddies with ease!

3. Bocas Del Toro, Panama

Located on Isla Colon in a Caribbean archipelago is Bocas Del Toro. Bocas Del Toro is undoubtedly the best location in Panama for backpackers of all types, including solo backpackers. Bocas itself is a lively beachside town with a thriving Caribbean culture and an abundance of activities for backpackers.

Solo travelling in Bocas Del Toro is just so much bloody fun! Some of the best activities for solo travellers in Bocas Del Toro to do are renting bicycles and exploring, beach hopping tours, surfing lessons and of course, attending the famous Filthy Friday party .

Whilst Bocas Del Toro is definitely not the cheapest place to visit on this list, it is definitely one you cannot miss. The tranquil white sand beaches of Bocas and the many surrounding islands are divine.

If you are looking for a place to stay in Bocas Del Toro I can recommend Bambuda Bocas Town . This hostel is better than the overpriced and busy Selina nearby and has amazing decking right on the sea where you can see starfish and swim in the gorgeous clear water.

4. Antigua, Guatemala

I had to get at least one city on this list. Antigua in Guatemala is definitely my favourite city in Central America (sorry Panama City), and to be honest, I think most backpackers would agree with me on this one.

Staying in Antigua is fan-bloody-tastic , and nothing short of perfect for solo travellers! This extremely affordable and charming city is so photogenic. Hike up to the Cerro de la Cruz for a brilliant view or simply wander the cobbled streets with a good travel camera in hand. You won’t want to miss these photo-ops. My fav camera to travel with is the Panasonic LUMIX ZS100 .

Most backpackers who find themselves in Antigua also embark on the Acatenango overnight hike to witness erupting lava right in front of their eyes! However, if you’re a beginner hiker or you are looking for an easier or more accessible hike, head to the nearby Pacaya Volcano.

My favourite hostel in Antigua is Adra Hostel . There is a great social vibe at Adra and I met some buddies to hike Acatensngo here too! There is also a gorgeous rooftop where you can marvel at Volcán de Agua all day long.

5. La Fortuna, Costa Rica

There’s one thing you should know before we proceed. Costa Rica is expensive! With that out the way, let’s talk about my favourite place in Costa Rica, La Fortuna.

Costa Rica may be expensive, but it’s expensive for a reason. The pura vida lifestyle in Costa Rica is one to be desired, for sure.

La Fortuna in Costa Rica is a small, lush, jungly town situated close to the marvellous Arenal Volcano. There are a bunch of backpackers in La Fortuna and it’s a great place for solo travellers to come and hang out. Amongst some of the best activities areas are, of course, exploring the Arenal Volcano National Park, and checking out the stunning and famous Fortuna Waterfall.

There are so many cute Airbnbs in La Fortuna but if you are a solo traveller, you’ll probably want to stay in a hostel. Arenal Backpackers Resort is the most popular hostel in town and has the best, most social atmosphere to suit you solo travellers.

Having the  right apps for travel  can make your life a whole lot easier. Solo travel in Central America can be hard, but with some of these tools in your pocket, it can make life just that little bit easier.

• Hostelworld  – The best way to search and book affordable dorms or private rooms
• Booking.com – For all of your other accommodation needs at great prices
• Couchsurfing  – Ideal for budget travellers but not advised for solo female travellers
• Tinder  – Suitable for meeting friends (and lovers) in foreign places
• Hinge  – Designed for dating and meeting likeminded travellers
• Bumble  – Ideal for making new (special) friends
• Maps.me – Downloading offline maps can be an epic way to get off the beaten track
• Rome2Rio – An elite travel app that helps you get from any A to B in the world
• Currency – To check exchange rates and conversions for all the different currencies you’ll need
• Duolingo + Google Translate – Brush up on your Spanish and let Google Translate do the rest
• Holafly  – An e-SIM application that allows you to download a data-only SIM card without installing a physical card

If meeting like-minded travellers is your goal, check out the current popular Facebook groups for travellers in Central America.

Stop stressing about your phone service when you travel abroad.

Holafly is a digital SIM card that works smoothly like an app — you simply pick your plan, download it, and voilà!

Roam around Europe, but leave the roaming charges for the n00bies.

Staying safe in Central America is much easier than most people think. Whilst Central America definitely can be a very dangerous place at times, if you take some pretty basic travel precautions, you should be fine!

Some countries in Central America are most definitely safer places than others. And even within these countries, there are some safe areas and some no-go places. I’ve done my best to break down the Central American countries with some basic safety info for ya’.

• Guatemala – Safe enough. Most of the touristy areas are very safe. Guatemala City is perhaps the least safe location in the country. Antigua, Lake Atitlan, Xela and Flores are all very safe for tourists.
• Belize – High crime rates, but mostly gang-related. If you stay out of the way, (especially in Belize City) you’ll be fine. Solo female travellers should take extra care in Belize. Caye Caulker is safe.
• El Salvador – Used to be VERY unsafe for travel; nowadays just IS safe for travel. Play it safe.
• Honduras – Perhaps the least safe country on this list. Utila and Roatan are safe. Most of the mainland can be travelled safely, but is for experienced travellers only. Do not wander at night.
• Nicaragua – Nicaragua is mostly safe. Popular locations like Ometepe, San Juan Del Sur, Popoyo, Leon and Granada are all safe for backpackers. Standard travel tips apply, beware of petty crime.
• Costa Rica – The safest country on this list. Take some care in San Jose and other major cities, but you will be safe in most backpacker hotspots: La Fortuna, Monteverde, Tamarindo, Puerto Viejo etc.
• Panama – Very 50/50. Locations such as Bocas Del Toro, Panama City and Boquete are safe. DO NOT travel to remote areas solo in Panama, it is unsafe. Research your chosen destinations well.

Travelling safely in Central America is done by knowing your limits, trusting your gut and most importantly, using common sense.

I’ve come up with eight quick tips to make your experiences in Central America better. All of these tips can enhance your solo travel experience, or save your ass (especially the final tip).

• Plan YOUR own trip. Keep plans flexible, but don’t let others stop you from doing what you want.
• Budget accordingly and time spent in different regions. Beware that Costa Rica, Belize and Panama are far more expensive than other countries like Nicaragua or Honduras.
• Know a basic level of Spanish  – vital in more remote regions. However, Spanish fluency isn’t essential to travel to Central America, and you can get by knowing minimal Spanish.
• Be bold! Approach people, express yourself and engage with local people and businesses.
• Join group tours and hike volcanoes! Hiking Acatenago and sliding down Cerro Negro are cool. Tours are a great way to make friends in Central America whilst ticking off bucket-list adventures.
• Stay in a hostel! Some of my favourites in Central America include the super-remote, jungly Greengo’s Hotel and the castaway private beach feel of Surfing Turtle Lodge .
• Try to fly into Cancun or Medellin to enter (or exit) Central America. Solo flight tickets can be found to and from these locations at cheap prices, globally.
• Travel insurance is essentia l for solo travellers. With no one there to watch your back, you need to have some backup. Some good travel insurance is the best way to cover yourself.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Solo travelling in Central America will be one of the best experiences of your life – and I can guarantee that. I’ve never met a solo traveller who has set foot in this incredible land and said otherwise.

I would suggest that you spend a minimum of two months travelling in Central America if you want to even scratch the surface of the magnificent region. If you plan on visiting each country in Central America, you may want to begin and end your trip in either Cancun or Medellin respectively (depending on your direction of travel). These hotspots offer the best flight rates and are a bunch of fun in their own rights.

The route that most backpackers take skips out either Honduras or El Salvador and sometimes Belize too. These countries are “skippable” (if that’s even a thing). I’m not sure it is.

One thing I’m sure of though is that Guatemala and Nicaragua are absolutely UNSKIPPABLE. They are two of my favourite countries in the world.

When travelling solo it’s also important to have flexible plans. You never know, you may meet the love of your life, a bunch of great new mates or fall in love with a specific place and want to stay.

I hope you’ve been inspired to solo travel in Central America. All that’s left to do now is to pack your bag , book that flight and GO! You got this, I believe in you.

• Check out the best  Central America travel guide  on the net for all your inspo!
• Don’t forget the essentials with our in-depth  backpacking packing list .
• Make sure you know where to stay in Costa Rica BEFORE you get there to save $!
• Make sure you’re prepared for anything using our guide to staying safe in Nicaragua .
• And  bring your travel camera  to capture the breathtaking views Central America has to offer!
• Get ready for your onward journey with our guide to backpacking South America .

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Joe Middlehurst

Share or save this post

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.