Backpacker Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential when backpacking. Whether you are cliff diving in the Damajagua waterfalls in Puerto Plata or hiking on slippery terrain with flip-flops (like I did), you just never know when something unfortuante will occur. This is where travel insurance comes in. Always being prepared for the unknown is a good thing, especially when traveling for a long time in one single place or several different places.
I first learned about travel insurance several years ago on my first study abroad trip to Brazil. It wasn't much use to me because mostly everyone but me got sick on the trip. However, on my third study abroad trip to India, that's when I was really happy to have insurance. I was the only one that acquired a stomach virus and was in bed rest for almost half of my 4 week trip. Travel insurance is really up to the traveler but it is always recommended.
There are several travel insurance packages you can obtain. For backpackers, baggage, passport, and credit card, and medical and emergency protection are of hight importance.
Here are three travel insurance options:
Travel Insured: They have five simple travel insurance plans, but the most ideal is the Worldwide Trip Protector Gold, unless you want to forego all medical coverage, there is an Airline Ticket Protector Plan. The Gold Plan covers Emergency Accident and Sickness Medical expenses, Baggage Protection and Travel Protection as well as other benefits.
Travel Guard: They have fancier travel insurance plans. There are coverage options for any type of travel from a vacation to ski travel insurance. One of their convenient features is comparing coverage plans depending on your trip details which makes it easier to decide which plan is appropriate. The International Silver plan covers the backpacker's essential needs. Unless you are looking for just Medical coverage than the Travel Medical MedEvac Per Trip plan would be best.
Seven Corners: They offer much needed travel insurance plans that other companies do not, such as expatriate travel insurance. Student Insurance is also offered. It is best for students whom are studying and/or conducting research outside of their home country. In our case, the International Travel Insurance package, ideal for travelers who are abroad for 12 months or less.
On all these websites, there is an option to receive a quote.
*These plan options are suggestions. It will vary according to your specific trip details and preferences. Option to use home medical insurance If you have medical insurance where you live, call your medical insurance company and ask them if your policy includes coverage outside the US and if it covers emergency evacation and medical protection. If your insurance company does cover you outside the US then no worries about getting seperate travel insurance. I hope this helped! Until next time... Saludos!
