So you’re all set for your once-in-a-lifetime backpacking trip. You’ve decided to travel around the world for a year. You’ve passed the cat to your friends, halted the milk delivery, and left no forwarding address. You have your passport, spending money, and credit cards, but have you forgotten anything? Finding adequate backpacking insurance is a must-do item on your to-do list before you leave. It is not something that should be postponed until the last possible moment.
If you booked your vacation through a travel agent, they may have offered to take care of your backpacking insurance. If not, and you’re looking for a backpacking insurance policy that meets all of your requirements, there are a few things to consider. There are a few online agencies that specialize in backpacking insurance, and these might be your best option.
If you’re planning a long trip that will take you to several countries, make sure your backpacking insurance can be extended indefinitely. You should also check to see if they cover all of the countries you plan to visit. Some insurance companies only provide coverage for a limited number of countries. If you only need medical coverage, the less expensive policies are usually sufficient, but keep in mind that this may be all they cover.
If you’re going on vacation with expensive equipment, make sure it’s covered by your backpacking insurance policy. It’s possible that you’ll have to pay more for your camera or MP3 player. Even if you have expensive insurance, don’t assume your equipment is covered. Make certain that the backpacking insurance policy specifies which items must be covered in writing.
Remember, one of the most important things to keep an eye on is your insurance policy’s theft coverage. Is your money covered by your backpacking insurance? Check what insurance your credit cards provide if they are stolen abroad before you go.
Remember to double-check that you have your backpacking insurance information before leaving your house in a last-minute rush. Your insurance company should provide you with a hotline number so that you can contact them right away. Also, keep all receipts for items purchased abroad as well as cash taken from ATM machines. If your belongings are lost or stolen, most insurers will demand proof of purchase.
If something goes wrong on your trip, contact your insurance company right away. Do not put it off until the end of your journey. When looking for backpacking insurance, shop around online for the best deals; you could save a lot of money this way. Finally, when purchasing any type of insurance, read the fine print thoroughly; the extra time spent will be well worth it for your peace of mind.