Finding a backpackers insurance plan that’s tailor-made to assist a traveler is imperative on long-stay excursions. Making all arrangements for a worldwide expedition is often a stressful process with so much to organize and prepare, so being able to plan the ideal travel insurance for backpackers is a welcome relieve.
Backpacking insurance is often a smart and cost-effective approach to gaining protection against possible travel disruptions. Hiking in a foreign state can bring with it a plethora of difficulties, so it is a wise choice to get well prepared for all circumstances.
A long-stay worldwide travel package is designed to offer protection in circumstances such as cancellations or travel delays, personal liability, emergency medical expenses, stolen or lost luggage, legal expenses and advice, personal property, and hazardous or extreme activities.
Long-term travel packages are idea for gap year students, backpackers, or young persons needing low-cost protection on an extended trip abroad. Plans often incorporate a flexible approach – with an indemnity period ranging from 60 days to 365 days, with a choice to extend coverage further if the need crops up.
In preparing one of these policies, make sure each destination on the itinerary is noted within the package. In addition, if planning to take part in hazardous sports or activities, are the actual events noted as an insurable risk. Activities such as kayaking, quad biking or bungee jumping can sometimes feature as one of the excluded sports.
Travel insurance for backpackers is a specific class of protection crucial for those intending on visiting an exotic destination or to venture of the beaten track.
By: Jennie Dalglish
Posts Tagged ‘Legal Expenses’
Travel Insurance For Backpackers
April 21st, 2010Travel Insurance – Is it Okay to Skimp on Levels of Cover?
November 18th, 2009
Whether your next dream holiday is an African safari, Caribbean cruise, ski trip to the French Alps, backpacking in Thailand, sunning yourself on the beach in Barbados, or a quick budget city break, the one thing you cannot afford to skimp on is travel insurance.
If you think your holiday budget is tight now, stop for a moment to imagine what the state of your finances might be like if you left home without travel insurance and the worst happened. Suppose you contracted a tropical disease in Africa, slipped on deck or fell overboard on your cruise, got caught in a tsunami in Thailand, broke your leg skiing (or injured another skier – liability), or stepped on a stinging sea creature while paddling in tropical surf. Medical bills could leave you literally gasping in disbelief as you limp back home.
Travel insurance is one area where it is not wise to bag the cheapest policy on an internet comparison-site – or rely on the one that came free with a membership. Always delve a little deeper to ascertain the levels of cover offered with a policy. They may be adequate – but they may not.
Even the wealthiest travellers, celebrities and glitterati, take out travel insurance. They may be able to afford any unexpected costs, but most are too well advised to take such a chance.
The type of travel insurance you choose depends largely on the type of holiday, the activities you plan to participate in, and the destination. The costliest problems are usually associated with Medical Expenses, Personal Liability, and Legal Expenses. Although other aspects of insurance are important, replacing personal effects and lost luggage may be insignificant in comparison. The amount of cover for Medical Expenses and Personal Liability is usually in the millions with any policy. If you are confused or unsure about the levels of cover included, it is wise to call and obtain advice from an established company – one that you trust.
Getting injured of falling ill overseas could be potentially crippling to your long-term financial health – or put a very serious financial burden on your family. In some areas of the world, especially remote locations and island nations, you may need transfer by air to the nearest country with adequate medical facilities. One thing you can count on is that hospitals and medical facilities will not skimp when they hand over the bill for their medicine and services.
One of the most expensive scenarios might involve having a heart attack, a subsequent long-term stay in intensive care, and eventual repatriation (being transferred home) via air ambulance with a medical escort. If this happened in the U.S. the costs would be truly astronomical, potentially running into tens or hundreds of thousands.
We are talking worst-case scenarios here, and the intention is not to cause undue alarm. However, when you put the cost of your holiday package on a credit card, you know that you may still be paying for it next year. Imagine the consequences of an additional £50-100,000+ in uninsured medical costs on top of that. It would put an end to your holiday plans for many years to come. It simply is not necessary or smart to expose yourself and your family to such potential financial devastation.
If you think travel insurance is not necessary because you plan to spend all your time relaxing and sunbathing on the beach – think again! Save the skimping for your swimwear! If necessary, pay a little more for adequate insurance and buy yourself not just peace of mind, but a whole lot more cover where you may need it most!
By: Jean Andrews
Travel Insurance – Family Travel
October 20th, 2009
When preparing to travel with a family, there can be a multitude of different things to sort out – from tickets to taxis to the airport, as well as packing clothes, equipment and toys in between.
In amongst all the hassle of packing, arranging and ensuring your young ones will have enough to keep them occupied until you get to the hotel or resort at your destination, the thought of arranging insurance for your holiday might slip to the back of your mind.
Checking that you have adequate travel insurance before your trip is essential in order to ensure that you and your group are covered in the event of accidents and theft during your holiday.
Annual travel insurance policies can be purchased for longer periods of time, should you be making multiple trips during a short period of time.
Such deals can often work out cheaper than single-trip travel insurance and can help cover all members of your group during your holiday your family from a range of factors.
When searching for cover it is important to shop around, research different policies and the type of cover that they offer and, most importantly, to read the small print to check for any snags which could affect any claims.
Factors will depend on location and any planned activities during the holiday. Whilst activity holidays can be fun for all, but it is important to make sure you’re covered for sports such as jet-skiing and other activities that have an increased risk of injury.
It is also essential to ensure that your possessions are covered for the duration of your trip in order to protect against any financial loss as a result of theft, luggage and passport loss, travel delays and any other legal expenses.
There are also a wide range of companies that specialise in and offer family travel insurance. These policies can be catered to meet the needs of your holiday and help to cover costs should you or your children require any medical assistance during your trip.
By: David Collins
