Backpacking is supposed to be worry free. Traveling with one bag simply, leaving the complications of life behind as you explore new territory. No designer suitcases, no dry-cleaning, and definitely no ritzy hotel rooms. Backpacking is traveling in the face of trends and overpriced tour packages. So the last thing a traveler would need to consider is a backpacker insurance, right? Insurance is only for people that have something to lose, a meeting they cannot miss. Insurance is what you buy when you’re old. Having to think about insurance will take all the fun out of traveling, extinguish the spontaneity. Besides, the money could be saved for to cover bar tabs or pay for that extra night in a hostel. Despite these arguments, insurance is not only important, but in some cases a matter of life and death. Little do backpackers realize to what extent the costs of not buying insurance will outweigh the money that might be saved if something should go wrong.

An insurance smorgasbord

Travel insurance for backpackers comes in various forms and sizes. If you can think of it, it’s probably insurable. Flights can be insured in case they are missed or trips have to be cancelled. Luggage can also be insured in the rare event that the airline sends your bags to another destination, never again to be seen by you. However, the most important insurance - and one that is often overlooked when it comes time to budget a backpacking getaway - is medical insurance. At home your health plan may be adequate, but cross over a border and your entire world can turn upside-down. Although some employer-sponsored health plans will provide travel coverage you will likely still have to pay out of pocket in the event that something happens. Being reimbursed back at home is great, but not so much if it means handing over thousands of dollars to see a doctor in a foreign land.

No backpacker insurance : worst-case scenario

Imagine hiking the Himalayas. The weather is beautiful, your backpack snug over your shoulders, an amazing view. Life couldn’t get any better, at least not until that unfortunate step that sends you tumbling from the path, breaking a leg or two on the way down. Imagine the expense involved in having rescue crews make their way up the mountain, pull you out safely and transport you by helicopter to medical attention. The cost even before the hospital would be staggering.

Or what if you found yourself attacked by a shark off of some remote beach in the tropics? Making it back to shore is one thing, but what proper medical attention could you find once reaching the sand? Having emergency medical coverage would ensure not only medical assistance without handing over the credit card, but also the possibility of being shipped home in case of a severe emergency, or even death. Even bodies are incredibly expensive to ship home. Do you really want to leave that financial burden on the backs of loved ones?

Backpacker insurance maybe required

For backpackers looking to spend extended time overseas, some countries require proof of insurance coverage before allowing travelers across the border. In some cases, both health and workplace insurance are a must for visas if you intend on finding a job to fund your adventure. The last thing a country wants is to have to deal with a foreigner in need of attention without a backpacker insurance. Make sure you’re prepared!