Long Stay Backpackers Travel Insurance

Long stay backpackers travel insurance is a policy designed for those who plan on backpacking for longer periods of time than your typical holiday. Long stay, also referred to as gap year, extended stay, student travel, or even work abroad means spending at least a month and up to two years outside the UK. Students make up a large portion of those who travel for extended periods and as such, there are now a number of long stay backpacker travel insurance providers to cater to this growing demographic. Of course, you don’t have to be a student to backpack abroad for long periods.

Long stay backpackers travel insurance will cover four standard policies with regions including Europe, Australia and New Zealand, Worldwide (Excluding the US and Canada) and finally Worldwide (Including the US and Canada). Whilst most providers have an age cap of up to 40 years, there are some insurers who will honour those up to 65 years of age. However, be aware that older backpackers may have to pay a higher rate. Depending on the long stay backpackers travel insurance policy, the period of coverage can range from 1 to 18 months, sometimes 24 months.

Since most backpackers choose to travel on a budget, long stay backpackers travel insurance policies can be flexible by offering lower rates for higher excess fees. This is something to be determined when talking to prospective insurers. Backpackers love the sense of freedom and may partake in spontaneous sporting activities such as scuba diving or bungee jumping. Most backpackers insurance policies will cover a wide range of sporting activities but if you are unsure, simply ask your provider if the sporting event you plan to engage in is covered on the policy.

Another concern to be aware of in regards to your long stay backpackers travel insurance is whether the country you plan to visit is included or excluded on the policy. For example, there are some countries considered unsuitable for travel. Also, if you plan to venture off the beaten path where an injury would require search and rescue then be sure this is included in your long stay backpackers travel insurance policy.

As a budget conscious backpacker, you should look for the best insurance plan to suit your needs. However, don’t get hooked into thinking a cheaper policy is automatically better since you may end up having to pay a high excess fee. Simply by having long stay backpackers travel insurance you can rest a lot easier than if you travelled without protection. But, it’s also important to take necessary safety precautions whilst on holiday to help protect yourself and your possessions. Remember, insurance is there in an emergency, but the best holidays are injury and trouble free.