Backpacker travel insurance is usually for travellers who are off on one extended trip across many countries, for longer than a month but less than a year.

They usually incorporate cover for visiting different countries and working abroad, as well as some sport and adventure activities. But it is important to check your policy thoroughly and check that the work and countries you plan to do are covered.

Here are some other backpacker travel insurance tips:

• Look for the policy that best suits your trip and circumstances rather than what insurance policy offers the cheapest deal. You’ll save much more money in the long run by protecting yourself thoroughly rather than paying out more in the long run.




• Check if your policy has a twenty-four hour helpline – if you’re going to be the other side of the world, alone in an unfamiliar country, having that vital connection should something go wrong will be a lifesaver.




• Read the small print within the policy and make sure it covers your circumstances. Does it cover the countries you’re planning on visiting? The job you’re planning on doing? If you do sports and adventure activities? It is important to make sure you’re covered before you leave for your trip, otherwise you could find yourself needing to claim and not being covered.




• Make sure you plan and book your vaccinations before you leave. Check with your doctor which vaccines you need for the areas you’re visiting and give yourself time before your trip to have them all. They can often make you feel ill afterwards, so give yourself plenty of time so you don’t feel bad on your trip. Also check if you will be visiting an area where malaria is prevalent, and ensure you are prescribed the appropriate malaria tablets.




• Give yourself plenty of time to apply for your tourist or working holiday visa, these can often be complicated and take some time to be approved. Ideally you should make sure your visa is approved before you make any other arrangements. Make sure you fill in the form carefully and adhere to the criteria.




• Pack copies of your paperwork such as your visa and backpacker travel insurance policy details, so they are on hand should you need them.




• Make a note of all your emergency numbers in case your mobile phone stops working or you get into an accident and family needs to be contacted. Include your emergency insurance helpline on this as well, and the local UK embassy.

Ben Austin is CEO of Cost.co.uk, an online comparison site allowing users to compare travel insurance, car insurance, business insurance as well as money saving deals for travel, prepaid credit cards and currency.