Arranging travel insurance is one of the most important aspects of backpacking travel and, like your chosen destination, it is not a decision to be made lightly. Essentially, backpacking insurance provides the foundation for a great adventure – allowing you to experience it fully and as freely as humanly possible. Here’s a quick guide to the ins and outs of backpacking insurance to ensure you make the most of your trip.
Choosing the right policy
Finding an insurance policy that is perfectly matched to your circumstances is a must. If you have a taste for extreme sports for example, do not expect a basic travel insurance policy to cover your adrenaline-fuelled antics. Similarly, don’t rely on the most basic form of cover to have your back when it comes to vehicle hire on a long trek between cities or on safari.
Backpacker insurance usually comes in a wide range of price bands depending on your trip type so be sure to shop around for the best travel insurance quotes before taking off. The right insurance package may mean the difference between living the trip of a lifetime and cutting it tragically short due to illness or a lack of funds.
Medical cover
Medical bills can run up an eye-watering tab for the uninsured traveller so when choosing your backpacking insurance, it’s best to imagine the worst case scenario on your trip and prepare for that. Break down a list of any vaccines and immunisations you may need to take as well as any appropriate medical protection you may need to take with you. Consult your doctor or other experts about medical advice for travelling – leave absolutely no stone unturned when it comes to taking the necessary precautions for your trip.
Flexible travel options
Most backpacking insurance policies will allow flexibility for those who wish to make a home visit between trips. Some insurers for example now include up to two trips home for those who wish to return for Christmas or a wedding and the maximum time you can spend on each visit home is typically around 14 days. In some cases you may wish to extend your trip by up to a week or even a month so that if family plans or work obligations fall through on your return, you can remain abroad for the duration, providing that you have sufficient travel funds.
The better prepared you are for things like insurance and funds on your travels, the easier it is to enjoy every moment of your trip and expert travel companies such as http://www.realgap.co.uk will see to it that the world truly is your oyster when planning your getaway. Whether your backpacking adventures last two weeks or two years, the expert travel advisors at Real Gap make travel what it is – a unique and unforgettable experience.