Backpackers who refuse to purchase travel insurance often have one excuse. They think that since they don’t need backpacker insurance because they are healthy and hence, they won’t get sick while on the road.
But backpacker travel insurance is not just about coverage against medical costs should something happen to you while backpacking. It covers you when your flight is canceled, or your camera is stolen or damaged. It can even cover you when a family member dies and you need to cancel your trip altogether.
Travel Agencies
There are many ways for you to get an insurance policy for your upcoming backpacking Europe trip. You can check major travel agencies such as STA Travel and Flight Centre which offer their own backpacking insurance plans.
STA Travel is one of the premier travel companies in Europe, having been in the business since 1979. Flight Centre, meanwhile, is based in Australia. It has more than 20 years of experience in the industry. To date, it has more than 10 million policy holders and offers a 14-day money back guarantee.
However, a downside to getting backpacking insurance from travel companies is that these firms may not offer as much coverage as travel insurance firms. Moreover, the fees may be higher compared to backpacking insurance offered by travel insurance companies.
Travel Insurance Companies
The easiest way to purchase travel insurance for backpackers is to buy one from a travel insurance company. There are lots of travel insurance firms that provide insurance coverage for EU residents who are backpacking in Europe.
One of the travel insurance providers that offer backpacking insurance is Globelink Travel Insurance, which offers a 51 year old age limit. This is designed to reduce the price of travel insurance without negatively affecting the cover. Globelink is thus a travel insurance firm that specifically caters to the young thrill-seekers. The backpacker policy can be extended up to a maximum of 18 months covering most popular hazardous activities and trekking for free.
Another travel insurance firm where you can buy a backpacking insurance coverage is Flexicover. The company is proud of having more than 30 years of experience in selling travel insurance.
You could also check out Virgin Travel Insurance. It also offers longer coverage, from 31 days to 18 months. Its backpacking insurance covers kids for free when they are travelling with paying parents or grandparents.
Whether you are getting a backpacking insurance policy from a travel agency or travel insurance company, it is always a good idea to shop around first and compare prices before purchasing. Also, compare the coverage of the insurance policies instead of choosing one with the cheapest or lowest fees.