2

Comments

The last thing you’re probably thinking about when you’re ready for that backpacking trip that you’ve been waiting for all your life or; at least, quite some time is whether or not you need backpacking insurance.

Backpacking insurance could end up being the most valuable item on your list before you set off on your trip should something happen or go wrong and this is something that you should in no way leave to the last minute.

Travel Agent Bookings

If your trip was planned and booked with a travel agency they quite possibly have already offered to help you sort out and purchase some backpacking insurance for you. If they haven’t and you should go back to them and have them help you to find a backpacking insurance policy that is going to fit your individual needs. They are often going to have relationships with insurance agencies and it will take a little less worry off of your plate.

Should you not want to do that or haven’t booked your trip through a travel agent you can look online for an agency that deals exclusively with backpacking insurance. A good way to start is by doing a simple search in a search engine; such as Google, http://www.google.com with the term backpacking insurance policy. Make sure that you check out reviews; and like all insurance policies it’s best to not just go with the first one but rather check out multiple quotes and their coverage before you make your final decision.

Extensions

If you’re taking a longer trip and visiting many different countries you need to be sure that the insurance policy that you’re taking out is able to be extended indefinitely. One other thing that you need to be sure of with trips like this is that all the countries you are going to are covered as most of them might but there might be one or two on your list that might be excluded with the plan that you are purchasing. If that’s the case you’re likely just going to have to go with another insurance company.

If you need a cheaper policy and just having medical coverage is going to be adequate enough for you. If you need more than just medical coverage you should shop around a little more to try to find a cheaper policy that will fit into your budget.

Personal Property

With any expensive equipment that you take with you; you’re going to need to make sure that it’s covered within your policy. You’ll likely be paying a higher premium for these things. If you don’t make sure exactly what is within your coverage and experience a loss you might find yourself not only out your equipment but out the money as well if it’s not covered. This is an easy thing to make sure doesn’t happen. Weight the higher premium versus the risk of your equipment getting stolen, etc… With that said though; just because you have an expensive policy doesn’t mean that everything is going to be covered so don’t take it for granted that it is. Ask for everything to be in writing.

One of the other areas with theft is seeking out the specific language of the policy and the verbiage it has for theft. What does it cover? Does it cover your cash? Does it cover your credit cards? Like with your equipment make sure that it’s written specifically into your policy.

Bring the Policy

Never wait until the last minute when you’re rushing out of the house to make sure that you’ve taken your policy details with you. It would be a good idea just to make a copy and leave the original at your bank or in a home safe or lockbox.

Wherever you purchase your insurance through should have a hotline for you to call immediately should you suffer a loss. Save receipts for anything that you purchase and for any cash that you take out of an ATM. Should something happen insurers are going to require you provide proof of loss. No matter how honest you are they aren’t going to just take your word.

Final Thoughts

Should anything at all go wrong don’t delay in calling your insurer. When you take out any insurance policy but especially this insurance policy you’re going to want to make sure that you read all of the small print; should something happen it’ll be more than worth your time.