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Travel Insurance When Backpacking

Essential travel insurance information for Americans backpacking worldwide.

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At a glance:

  • Backpacking can come with risks—injuries, stolen gear, or trip interruptions—travel insurance can help cover the unexpected.
  • World Nomads offers plans with coverage for emergency medical expenses, baggage loss, trip cancellations, and 250+ adventure activities.
  • Coverage varies by plan, including treks up to 26,247 feet/8,000 meters with the Epic Plan.
  • Optional Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage adds flexibility if plans change unexpectedly (must be added within 7 days of first deposit for your trip).
  • Access pre-trip telehealth to get essential meds, like altitude or stomach illness treatments, before you go.

Just you, your pack, and the open road. Backpacking is a rite of passage for nomads chasing big experiences on a small budget.

Whether you're out to find your crew or yourself, travel insurance coverage can help if things go off track.

World Nomads Travel Insurance covers backpackers exploring Thailand, Vietnam, South America, Europe and beyond.

How can I protect my backpacking trip with travel insurance coverage?

Backpacking looks different for every traveler—maybe you're hostel-hopping across Europe and want protection in case your gear gets stolen, or you’re trekking through the Andes where emergency medical expense coverage could be very helpful. That’s why World Nomads Travel Insurance offers flexible travel protection plans for backpackers, with coverage designed to match your style of adventure. From safeguarding your belongings to covering accidents at high altitudes, we’ve got your back.

  1. Standard Plan
    covers backpacking trips up to
    19,685 feet/6,000 meters

  2. Explorer plan
    covers backpacking trips up to
    21,325 feet/6,500 meters

  3. Epic plan
    covers backpacking trips up to
    26,247 feet/8,000 meters

  4. Annual plan
    covers backpacking trips up to
    19,685 feet/6,000 meters

Plus, our plans include coverage for 250+ other activities you might do along the way, so you can explore confidently, wherever your backpack leads you.

Why you may want to consider travel insurance to protect your backpacking trip

Backpacking is all about freedom and spontaneity—but that flexibility also comes with risk. From sprained ankles on rocky trails to food poisoning in rural villages or stolen gear on overnight buses, the unexpected can derail your trip fast. That’s where travel insurance for backpackers can help—covering emergency medical expenses, trip interruptions, evacuations from high-altitude regions, and lost or stolen passports. And if your plans change before you even leave, optional Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage may reimburse you for non-refundable, unused trip costs—ideal for travelers who like to keep their options open. Whether you're trekking through South America or hopping between hidden towns in Southeast Asia, having the right coverage gives you the confidence to go wherever the trail takes you. Certain conditions and limitations apply.

What travel insurance benefits could cover you and your backpacking trip?

World Nomads offers coverage (up to the plan maximum benefit amount) for:

  • Medical expenses:if you get hurt while backpacking and need medical attention, our accident and sickness medical expense insurance benefit may provide reimbursement for the treatment you need.
  • Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation: If your injuries are severe, acute, or life-threatening our plans may cover evacuation and transportation to a medical facility best suited for your care, subject to approval from the treating medical physician and the non-insurance 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team.
  • Baggage and personal effects protection: Our gear coverage may help with reimbursement of the cost to repair or replace damaged, lost or stolen items, including airline checked bags.
  • Trip cancellation: if you need to cancel your trip due to a covered reason such as an unexpected illness, we may be able to reimburse your pre-paid, unused, non-refundable expenses like flights, tours and accommodations. Want even more freedom to cancel? Check out the optional ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ benefit available on some plans (additional cost applies; not available in NY).
  • Natural disaster evacuation assistance: if unforeseen severe weather or natural disaster event puts a stop to your trekking adventure, your plan may cover costs to get you out of there and to the nearest place of safety. Certain conditions and limitations apply.

Get a travel insurance quote

Simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world.

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A woman hiking in front of a snow capped mountain

What may not be covered by the travel protection plan for backpackers?

Here are a few things we may not cover:

  • Being under the influence of narcotics.
  • Travel within 100 miles of your home.
  • Unattended baggage, sporting equipment or personal items.
  • Wear and tear from everyday use of sporting equipment. Gear that is in use is not covered.

Top tips for backpackers

Here are some pointers to help keep you covered while backpacking.

  • For you, does backpacking = hiking or mountain climbing? Make sure you select the right plan for your adventure sport or activities. Our article on covered sports and activities should help you decide on whether to buy a Standard, Explorer, Epic or Annual plan, as they have different levels of coverage.
  • Going wherever the breeze blows? If you want to cross the border, check with our customer service team first as your plan may not apply in all countries.
  • Traveling long-term: You can buy another plan for more travel insurance coverage while abroad (waiting periods may apply) even if you don’t have a return ticket. And if you plan to take numerous trips during the year, then the Annual Multi-Trip plan could be best for you.
  • Stay healthy: hiking requires a certain amount of strength and stamina, and in some cases (like the Inca Trail or trekking in Nepal), the ability to handle altitude. It’s best to be sure you are physically capable of it. Consider using our non-insurance service partner to initiate an online consultation to obtain prescription medications for the most common travel needs, like altitude sickness pills, delivered to your door before you leave on your trip (costs may apply).
  • Keep your receipts and paperwork:any claim you make will need supporting documentation such as receipts of your purchases and a loss or theft report. Keep these with you in printed or digital form if you need to make a claim.

FAQ

Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for backpacking. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team

  • What does travel insurance cover for backpacking trips?
    Travel insurance for your backpacking trip can help cover emergency medical expenses, trip cancellations, stolen gear, emergency evacuations, and more. World Nomads offers flexible plans that include coverage for 250+ activities you might encounter on the road.
  • Do I need travel insurance for a backpacking trip?

    Only you can decide your travel insurance needs however our plans were created with backpackers – and their unique circumstances - in mind. Whether you're trekking in high altitudes or navigating unfamiliar cities, the right travel insurance coverage can protect you from unexpected bills due to injuries, illness, theft, and trip disruptions.

  • Is emergency evacuation included in backpacking travel insurance?

    Yes, our travel insurance coverage includes emergency evacuation. If you’re seriously injured or become unexpectedly ill while backpacking. If you’re in a remote area and need transport to the nearest adequate medical facility, the Medical Evacuation and Repatriation of Remains benefit may help cover the cost – which can easily run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Evacuation must be deemed medically necessary by the attending physician and approved by the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team. Always check your plans’ elevation limits and covered activities to make sure you’re protected for your specific adventure.

    • The Standard and Annual plans cover hikes up to 19,685 feet (6,000 meters)
    • The Explorer plan covers up to 21,325 feet (6,500 meters)
    • The Epic plan extends coverage up to 26,247 feet (8,000 meters)
  • Does the travel insurance coverage include protection for stolen backpacks or gear?
    Yes, backpacking gear and equipment may be covered under the baggage and personal effects benefit of our plans if it’s lost, stolen, or accidentally damaged during your trip. Coverage maximum benefits amounts and conditions vary by plan, so be sure to review your chosen plan documents – especially if your carrying high-value items like trekking poles, boots, or GPS devices. Note: coverage does not include wear and tear, or gear damaged during use. Additional terms and conditions apply.
  • What should I do if I get sick while backpacking abroad?
    If you become ill while backpacking, your travel protection plan may help with reimbursement of medical expenses. If Emergency Medical Evacuation is required it must be deemed medically necessary by the attending physician and approved by the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team. Always check your plan’s elevation limits and covered activities to make sure you're protected for your specific adventure.

Need destination inspiration for your next safari trip?

When you buy a World Nomads Travel Insurance plan, rest assured that your coverage has been crafted by passionate travelers who have lugged backpacks, battled bedbugs, and fought with food poisoning along the way as well. For trip ideas and tips, check out our article on backpacking dos and don’ts, as well as some of our favorite backpacking trips:

Climbing Kilimanjaro: What to Know and How to Prepare

6 Backpacking Tips for Staying Safe in Thailand

2 Week Thailand Itinerary: Get Your Day-by-Day Travel Guide

How Traveling Cheaply Can Also Be Good for the Planet

This is not a full list of what is and isn’t covered, so please check your plan document for a full list of maximums, terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions that may apply to your state specific plan. Any example scenarios provided above are not a guarantee of coverage. All claims are subject to review, require documentation and are considered individually. Exclusion applies to Adventure or Extreme Activities. 

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Protection

Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation.

  • Standard Plan: $2,500
  • Explorer Plan: $10,000
  • Epic Plan: $15,000
  • Annual Plan: $5,000
Trip Protection
  • Work emergency?
  • Weather delay?
  • Travel companion sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Insurance

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

  • Standard Plan: $125,000
  • Explorer Plan: $150,000
  • Epic Plan: $250,000
  • Annual Plan: $100,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?
  • Need a hospital?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Evacuation

We'll provide assistance to get you to the hospital or home quickly.

  • Standard Plan: $400,000
  • Explorer Plan: $500,000
  • Epic Plan: $700,000
  • Annual Plan: $100,000
Emergency Evacuation
  • Ambulance transfers
  • Medevac flights
  • Medical escort services

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Covers the loss, theft or damage of your bags, tech and gear.

  • Standard Plan: $1,000
  • Explorer Plan: $2,000
  • Epic Plan: $3,000
  • Annual Plan: $2,000
Protect your gear
  • Stolen I.D.s
  • Checked-in sports equipment
  • Damaged luggage

Help starts here.

The amounts listed represent the maximum benefit amount.

Protect your health

  • 24/7 Emergency Assistance Help Line
  • Emergency Medical & Dental Expenses
  • Emergency Evacuations
  • Bedside Companion Travel
  • Emergency Medications

Protect Your Trip

  • Trip Cancellation
  • Optional Cancel for Any Reason (Explorer or Epic)
  • Trip Delay & Trip Interruption
  • Missed Connection (Explorer or Epic)
  • Rental Car Damage (Explorer, Epic or Annual)

Protect Your Stuff

  • Baggage Delay
  • Passport and Visa Loss
  • Lost or Stolen Bags
  • Personal Tech, Equipment & Gear
  • Baggage Return After Evacuation

Non-Insurance Services

  • Medical & Non-Medical 24/7 Emergency Assistance Line
  • Translators Available
  • Pre-Departure Telehealth Services
  • Portable Health Records
  • Delayed or Lost Baggage Tracking and Delivery
This is a general summary for US residents only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Benefits limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Check the plan documents for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical or dental assistance or advice, emergency evacuation or travel assistance, our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.

Wherever you are, we’re here 24/7 to help you in any emergency.

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

Contact 24/7 Emergency Assistance:
Telephone: +1 954-334-8143 (Collect outside the US)
+1 877-289-0968 (Toll-free in the US and Canada

Contact the team