Accidents on motorcycles happen, which is why World Nomads is the best travel insurance for backpackers.

Best Travel Insurance for Backpackers (2026 Guide): Is World Nomads Worth It?

If you’re planning a backpacking trip, finding the best travel insurance for backpackers should be at the top of your list.

From lost luggage and cancelled flights to motorbike accidents and emergency hospital visits, things can get expensive very quickly when you’re overseas. Especially if you’re travelling long-term, doing adventure activities, or going on a working holiday visa.

I’ve been travelling for over 10  years, and I’ve used many travel insurance providers, and World Nomads always stands out as the best travel insurance for backpackers. 

In this guide, I’ll break down what backpacker travel insurance covers, how much it costs, and how to choose the right policy for your trip.

I’ll also share my personal World Nomads review and why I use it for long-term travel and working holidays.

Best Travel Insurance for Backpackers (Quick Summary)

• Best for adventure travel: World Nomads
• Best for digital nomads: SafetyWing
• Best for short trips: Allianz or Travelex
• Best for Australian travellers: Cover-More
• Best for UK & Europe travellers: True Traveller

Want to check the most popular option for backpackers?

👉 Check World Nomads Prices

What Is the Best Travel Insurance for Backpackers?

The best travel insurance for backpackers is insurance that covers emergency medical expenses, medical evacuation, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and adventure activities.

If you’re a backpacker, you should look for a policy that covers multiple countries, long-term travel, and allows you to extend your policy while travelling.

Many backpackers choose companies like World Nomads or SafetyWing because they are designed for long-term and flexible travel.

Do Backpackers Really Need Travel Insurance? (What You Need to Know)

If you’re taking a trip around the world, travel insurance is probably the last thing you think about when planning your trip, right?

Then, because you’re so busy trip-planning the fun stuff, you never find the time to compare the best travel insurance policies or to understand the technical jargon. 

So you just pick one and hope for the best? I hear you.

Sometimes I’ve been so busy planning in the lead-up to my trip, I’ve actually booked my travel insurance last minute, in the car on the way to the airport (ok, I may have done that more than once).

Once I was so slack I even did it whilst I was waiting at the gate at the airport. 0/10 – do not recommend.

You need travel insurance to cover you for medical bills and loss of belongings. So that means, if you get your phone or camera stolen, the airline loses your luggage, or you get ill with food poisoning, you’re covered for costs.

For me, the most important factor is to be insured for Emergency Medical Repatriation.

This is the cost of evacuation to a medical facility or medical transportation to get you home in a medical emergency.

Without travel insurance, the cost of Medical Repatriation can be thousands.

Not convinced? Give it a Google search.

You might think, “Nah, I’m not going anywhere remote, I won’t ever need emergency evacuation”. 

Think this won’t happen to you? In all of these situations, you would need Medical Repatriation if you:

• Tumbled down a ravine whilst skiing on a mountain
• Fell off a camel during a desert trek
• Got ill with dengue fever on an island that doesn’t have a hospital 
• Twisted your ankle whilst hiking a rural track

And even if you’re travelling in cheap countries, without travel insurance, general medical costs can still cost a lot more than your average backpacker budget would allow. 

And we’ve all heard a first-hand story from some unfortunate traveller and their travel mishaps.

I met a woman in Cairns, Australia, who had broken her leg from falling off a wall she was sitting on. She had to cancel all her trips,  including missing out on diving the Great Barrier Reef.

A traveller I met in Thailand, who had a minor scrape on her leg that got infected (which happens easily in the humid climate of Asia), had to visit the medical clinic multiple times for weeks.
Because of the infection, she had to cancel the rest of the flights she’d booked in Asia, as she couldn’t be cleared by her doctor to fly.

What Does Backpacker Travel Insurance Cover? (And What It Doesn’t)

Backpacker travel insurance is designed to cover you for the unexpected while you’re travelling — especially if you’re on a long-term trip, visiting multiple countries, or doing activities.

While coverage varies depending on the provider and policy, most backpacker travel insurance plans include the following:

What Backpacker Travel Insurance Usually Covers

Emergency Medical Expenses

This is the most important part of any travel insurance policy.

👉 If you get sick or injured overseas, travel insurance can help cover:

• Doctor visits
• Hospital stays
• Medication
• Emergency treatment

Simple healthcare can be very expensive in some countries, so this is the main reason most people get travel insurance.

Medical Evacuation & Repatriation

If you’re seriously injured or in a remote location, you may need to be transported to a better hospital or even flown back to your home country.

Medical evacuation costs tens of thousands of dollars, so having this included is essential.

Trip Cancellation & Delays

If your trip is cancelled, delayed, or interrupted due to unexpected events (like illness or emergencies), your insurance may help cover:

• Cancelled flights
• Accommodation costs
• Additional travel expenses

Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Baggage

If your luggage, passport, or valuables are lost or stolen, travel insurance can help reimburse you for replacements.

So, this would be a lifesaver for you, if, like me, you carry things like:

• Phones
• Cameras
• Laptops
• Travel documents

Adventure Activities Cover

Many backpackers take part in activities like hiking, surfing, scuba diving, or motorbike riding.

Some policies include these automatically, while others require extra cover.

This is where adventure travel insurance becomes important, as not all providers cover higher-risk activities by default.

Companies like World Nomads are popular because they DO cover a wider range of activities compared to standard policies.

What Backpacker Travel Insurance Usually Does NOT Cover

It’s just as important to know what’s not covered, as this is where many travellers get caught out.

Most travel insurance policies do NOT cover:

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

If you have a medical condition before your trip, it usually won’t be covered unless you declare it and the insurer agrees to include it.

Incidents Involving Alcohol or Drugs

If something happens while you’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs, your claim may be denied. Translation: don’t do stupid shit when you’re drunk or high, you won’t be covered by your insurance.

Reckless or Illegal Activities

You won’t be covered if you:

• Break the law
• Ignore safety warnings
• Act recklessly

Travelling Against Government Advice

If you travel to a destination that your government has advised against, your insurance may not be valid.

Unattended Belongings

If you leave your valuables unattended (for example, leaving your bag on the beach whilst swimming), insurance may not cover theft or loss.

Why It’s Important to Read the Policy

Not all travel insurance policies are the same, and coverage can vary depending on the provider and plan you choose.

Before buying, always:

• Check what activities are covered
• Look at coverage limits
• Understand the exclusions
• Read the fine print

If you’re planning a long trip or doing activities, choosing the right backpacker travel insurance policy can make a big difference if something goes wrong.

Best Travel Insurance for Backpackers (2026 Comparison Guide)

There are a lot of travel insurance companies out there, but not all of them are suitable for backpackers or long-term travellers.

Some are better for short holidays, while others are better for digital nomads, working holiday visas, or adventure travel.

Here are some of the best travel insurance companies for backpackers:

World Nomads (Best for Adventure Backpackers)

World Nomads is one of the most popular travel insurance companies for backpackers, and this is the one I personally use when I travel.

It’s especially good if you:

• Are travelling long-term
• Plan to do adventure activities
• Want the option to extend your policy while travelling
• Want to buy insurance after you’ve already left your home country

World Nomads covers a wide range of adventure activities that many other insurance companies don’t cover, which is why it’s very popular with backpackers.

Best for: Adventure travel, long-term travel, working holidays

SafetyWing (Best for Digital Nomads)

SafetyWing is very popular with digital nomads and long-term travellers because it works more like a monthly subscription than a traditional travel insurance policy.

It’s a good option if you:

• Are travelling for a long time with no fixed return date
• Are a digital nomad working online
• Want a cheaper option for basic medical coverage
• Travel to multiple countries

You can even add on extra coverage like electronics theft or dental coverage.

However, it’s more medical-focused, so it doesn’t always include as much trip cancellation or baggage cover as other policies.

Best for: Digital nomads and long-term travellers

Allianz (Best for Short Trips)

Allianz Global Assistance is a well-known travel insurance company and is a good option for shorter trips or holidays.

It’s a good option if you:

• Are going on a short trip
• Want a well-known, established company
• Don’t need a lot of adventure activity coverage

Best for: Short trips and holidays

Cover-More (Best for Australians)

Cover-More is a popular travel insurance company for Australian travellers, and you’ll often see it offered when booking flights.

It’s a good option if you:

• Are an Australian traveller
• Are going on a working holiday
• Want comprehensive cover
• Don’t plan on doing lots of adventure sports

Best for: Australian travellers and working holidays

True Traveller (Best for UK & Europe Backpackers)

True Traveller is very popular with backpackers from the UK and Europe.

One of the best things about True Traveller is that you can:

• Buy it after you’ve already started travelling
• Extend your policy while travelling
• Choose adventure activity packs

Best for: UK and Europe backpackers

Backpacker Travel Insurance Comparison Table

Here’s a quick comparison of the best travel insurance for backpackers:

Which Travel Insurance Is Best for Backpackers?

The best travel insurance for backpackers really depends on your travel style.

• If you’re doing adventure activities → World Nomads
• If you’re a digital nomad → SafetyWing
• If you’re going on a short trip → Allianz
• If you’re an Australian traveller → Cover-More
• If you’re from the UK or Europe → True Traveller

Personally, I use World Nomads because I usually travel long-term and like doing activities, so it suits my style of travel.

Or when I’m staying in one place long-term as a digital nomad, I use Safety Wing.

Pros and Cons of World Nomads

Check out some of the pros and cons:

Pros

• Covers a wide range of adventure activities
• Good for long-term travel
• You can extend your policy while travelling
• You can buy it after leaving your home country
• Designed for backpackers and independent travellers

Cons

• Can be more expensive than basic travel insurance
• Not the best option for very short trips
• You still need to read the policy carefully to know what’s covered

Who World Nomads Is Best For

World Nomads is a good option if you are:

• Backpacking long-term
• Travelling to multiple countries
• Going on a working holiday visa
• Doing adventure activities
• Not sure when you’re coming home
• Already travelling and need to buy insurance

It’s probably not the best option if you’re just going on a short 1–2 week holiday and want the cheapest possible insurance.

Don’t get on a flight without the best travel insurance for backpackers.

World Nomads Review: Is It Worth It for Backpackers?

When I first started backpacking, I spent a lot of time researching the best travel insurance for backpackers because there were so many options and I had no idea which one to choose.

I ended up choosing World Nomads because it seemed to be the most popular option for backpackers, especially for people travelling long-term or doing adventure activities.

One of the main reasons I chose World Nomads was that you can buy it even if you’ve already left your home country, and you can also extend your policy while you’re travelling, which is perfect if you don’t know exactly when you’re coming home (which is pretty common when you’re backpacking).

After over 10 years of travelling, YES – everyone should have travel insurance when travelling. Your amazing trip isn’t worth compromising.

We hope bad things won’t happen and tell ourselves we won’t take risks, but even the most experienced travellers run into problems sometimes.

Because as we all know – shit happens.

Backpacking problems? Not when you’re covered with the best travel insurance for backpackers.

My Travel Insurance Claim Story

When I was travelling in Thailand, on the beautiful island of Koh Lanta, something happened that made me very glad I had travel insurance.

My partner got ill on Koh Lanta island in Thailand, with severe E. coli poisoning.

In the middle of the night, he started being ill, with a fever of 102, and we decided he needed immediate medical attention.

So, we went to the medical clinic on Koh Lanta straight away, knowing we’d be covered.

But honestly, if we didn’t have travel insurance, we might’ve put it off for a day, thinking it was just ‘traveller’s stomach flu’.

My partner was examined, given IV antibiotics and admitted to stay overnight in a private room. He was also given medication to continue taking after he was discharged. The cost of the clinic stay plus the medication was around 250 USD.

I contacted World Nomads and submitted a claim online, and the process was actually much easier than I expected. After I submitted all my documents and receipts, my claim was approved, and I was reimbursed to cover our costs.

That experience alone made the insurance worth it for me.

And the peace of mind we had with travel insurance meant we could go straight to the medical clinic, even in the middle of the night, without worrying about the cost. 

And that experience is one of the many reasons I never travel without travel insurance now.

At the Koh Lanta medical clinic.

Sunset on Long Beach, Koh Lanta, Thailand.

Do You Need Travel Insurance for a Working Holiday Visa? (Australia, NZ & Canada)

If you’re planning a working holiday, travel insurance is something you definitely shouldn’t skip.

While it’s not always a strict requirement, most countries strongly recommend having travel insurance for a working holiday visa, especially because you’ll be living overseas for an extended period of time.

Healthcare can be expensive, and if something goes wrong while you’re working or travelling, you don’t want to be stuck paying out of pocket.

Working Holiday Insurance in Australia

If you’re heading to Australia on a working holiday visa, travel insurance isn’t mandatory for most travellers, but it’s still highly recommended.

Australia has good healthcare, but it’s not free for everyone. If you’re not covered under a reciprocal healthcare agreement, you’ll need to pay for medical treatment yourself.

Travel insurance can help cover:

• Doctor visits and hospital stays
• Accidents and injuries
• Emergency medical evacuation
• Lost or stolen belongings

If you’re planning on working, travelling around the country, or doing road trips, having insurance gives you peace of mind.

Working Holiday Insurance in New Zealand

For a working holiday visa in New Zealand, travel insurance is actually a requirement.

You may be asked to show proof of insurance when you enter the country, and you’re expected to have cover for:

• The full length of your stay
• Medical care and hospitalisation
• Repatriation (getting you home if needed)

New Zealand’s healthcare system is great, but visitors are usually not fully covered, so insurance is essential.

👉 Read more in my guide about why having travel insurance in New Zealand is essential.

Working Holiday Insurance in Canada (IEC Visa)

If you’re applying for a working holiday visa in Canada through the IEC program, travel insurance is mandatory.

You’ll need to show proof of insurance when you arrive, and it must cover:

• The entire duration of your stay
• Medical care and hospitalisation
• Repatriation

If you don’t have insurance for the full length of your visa, immigration may only grant you a shorter stay.

Why Travel Insurance Is Important for Working Holidays

Working holidays are very different from short trips. You’re usually:

• Travelling for months (or even years)
• Moving between different places
• Working different jobs
• Doing more day-to-day activities

That also means more chances for things to go wrong, from work injuries to getting sick or having your belongings stolen.

This is why many travellers choose companies like World Nomads, as they offer flexible policies that work well for long-term travel and working holidays.

Final Tip for Working Holiday Insurance

Before you buy travel insurance for a working holiday visa, make sure you:

• Check the policy length (it should cover your full stay)
• Make sure working is covered (some policies have restrictions)
• Check what activities are included
• Read the fine print carefully

Working holidays are an amazing experience, but having the right insurance in place means you can enjoy it without stressing about the “what ifs.”

The best backpackers travel insurance is one that covers you for bungee jumping anywhere.

Can You Buy Travel Insurance After Leaving Your Country? (What to Know)

Yes — you can buy travel insurance after you’ve already left your home country, but not all insurance companies allow this.

This is actually one of the biggest differences between standard travel insurance and backpacker-friendly policies.

Buying Travel Insurance While Already Travelling

Most traditional travel insurance providers require you to purchase your policy before you leave your home country.

But if you’re backpacking, plans change all the time. You might:

• Decide to extend your trip
• Forget to buy insurance before leaving
• Start travelling and realise you need better cover
• Move between countries long-term

That’s where more flexible providers come in.

Companies like World Nomads and True Traveller allow you to buy travel insurance while already overseas, which is a huge advantage for backpackers and long-term travellers.

Are There Any Limitations?

Yes — there are usually a few conditions to be aware of.

For example:

• There may be a waiting period before your cover starts
• You won’t be covered for anything that has already happened
• Some benefits (like trip cancellation) may be limited

This is why it’s always better to get insurance before you travel if you can — but it’s good to know you still have options if you don’t.

Can You Extend Your Travel Insurance While Travelling?

Yes, some companies also allow you to extend your policy while you’re travelling, which is ideal if you’re on a long-term trip or don’t have a fixed return date.

This is another reason why backpackers often choose World Nomads, as you can adjust your cover as your plans change.

Is It Worth Buying Insurance After You’ve Left?

If you’re already overseas and don’t have travel insurance, it’s still worth getting it as soon as possible.

Even basic cover is better than nothing, especially when it comes to:

• Emergency medical expenses
• Hospital stays
• Accidents or injuries

Travel insurance gives you peace of mind, and it can save you from very expensive situations if something unexpected happens.

If you’re already travelling and need cover, you can check your options here:

Is World Nomads Worth It?

In my opinion, yes, World Nomads is worth it for backpackers and long-term travellers, especially if you plan on doing activities or travelling to multiple countries.

Travel insurance is one of those things you hope you never use, but if something does go wrong overseas, it can save you thousands of dollars.

Quick Travel Insurance Tips Before You Buy

Before you buy travel insurance, here are a few quick tips:

• Always read what activities are covered
• Check the excess (the amount you pay if you make a claim)
• Make sure your valuables are covered
• Make sure motorbike riding is covered if you plan to ride
• Check if you need cover for working on a working holiday visa
• Keep copies of your receipts and documents in case you need to make a claim

More Backpackers Travel Insurance Tips

• Always read your policy!  I cannot stress this enough. So many people don’t read the policy before they buy – this is so important, because you need to know it covers your needs. 
• Make a note of your policy number and the emergency contact number in your phone.  Once you’ve bought your policy, you’ll get emailed or mailed the policy documents. Make a hard copy, take it with you and leave the original behind with someone, if you can.  Also, I keep the policy number & emergency contact number in my phone, and a notepad backup in case my phone is lost/stolen. 
• Research your destination: Before you travel anywhere, check the latest advice on the FCO or your country’s official foreign office website. I also like to note down my country’s Embassy or Consulate emergency phone number and address, in the country I’m visiting. 
• If you’re from the UK, get a UK GHIC card as well as travel insurance. Don’t solely depend on the UK GHIC, though – it doesn’t cover everything. Apply for a UK GHIC here.
• Document your belongings and keep all medical documents. If you want to make a claim, you’ll need proof of purchase or proof that you had it with you. I recommend keeping all purchase receipts and a dated picture of your backpack/luggage and belongings – it might help if all your stuff gets stolen. 
• Ask for a medical certificate if you get ill. Always keep all of your medical documentation and receipts, and always ask the hospital or clinic for a medical certificate. This is very important for claiming with your travel insurance.
• Be travel smart. Aside from researching your destination for fun & interesting things to do, also make sure you’re aware of the following: any vaccinations you’ll need, any epidemics or outbreaks to be aware of – check the WHO website for updates, the country’s local laws and customs, any cultural dress codes, the emergency services number, where your local hospital is and how to get there, allowing for any language barriers.

FAQ: Backpacker Travel Insurance FAQ (Common Questions Answered)

Your travel insurance questions answered:

What is the best travel insurance for backpackers?

The best travel insurance for backpackers depends on your travel style, but World Nomads is one of the most popular options for long-term travellers and people doing adventure activities.

Other good options include SafetyWing for digital nomads and Allianz Global Assistance for shorter trips.

Is World Nomads travel insurance worth it?

World Nomads can be worth it if you’re travelling long-term, visiting multiple countries, or planning to do activities like hiking, diving, or motorbiking.

It’s designed specifically for backpackers, and one of the biggest advantages is that you can buy or extend your policy while you’re already travelling.

How much does backpacker travel insurance cost?

The cost of backpacker travel insurance depends on:

• Your age
• Where you’re travelling
• How long you’re travelling for
• What activities you plan to do

As a rough guide, it can cost anywhere from $80 to $300+ per month for long-term travel.

Can I buy travel insurance after leaving my country?

Yes, some companies allow this — including World Nomads and True Traveller.

This is really useful for backpackers who didn’t organise insurance before they left or who decide to extend their trip.

Does travel insurance cover motorbikes?

Some travel insurance policies cover motorcycle riding, but usually only if:

• You have the correct licence
• You’re wearing a helmet
• You follow local road laws

Coverage varies between providers, so always check the details of your specific policy before riding.

Do I need travel insurance for a working holiday visa?

In many cases, yes — or it’s strongly recommended.

Countries like Australia, New Zealand, and Canada don’t always make it mandatory, but healthcare can be expensive if something goes wrong.

Travel insurance helps cover medical costs, accidents, and unexpected issues while you’re living and working abroad.

👉 Read my post about how to apply for a Working Holiday Visa in New Zealand.

What does backpacker travel insurance cover?

Most backpacker travel insurance policies typically include:

• Emergency medical expenses
• Medical evacuation
• Trip cancellations or delays
• Lost or stolen luggage
• Some adventure activities

Coverage varies depending on the provider and policy, so it’s important to check what’s included before buying.

What is not covered by travel insurance?

Travel insurance usually does NOT cover:

• Pre-existing medical conditions (unless declared and accepted)
• Incidents involving alcohol or drugs
• Reckless or illegal activities
• Travelling against government advice

Always read the policy details carefully so you know exactly what’s covered.

Is travel insurance worth it for backpackers?

Yes — especially for long-term travel.

Even a simple hospital visit overseas can cost thousands of dollars, and an emergency medical evacuation can cost tens of thousands.

Travel insurance gives you peace of mind and financial protection if something goes wrong.

What travel insurance is best for long-term travel?

For long-term travel, backpackers usually choose:

• World Nomads (best for adventure + flexibility)
• SafetyWing (best for digital nomads)

Both allow flexible policies and are designed for people travelling for extended periods.

Renting a motorbike in SE Asia? You’re covered with the best travel insurance for backpackers.

Is World Nomads the Best Travel Insurance for Backpackers? Final Thoughts.

If you’re planning a backpacking trip, travel insurance is one of those things that might not seem important now, but it can save you thousands of dollars if something goes wrong while you’re overseas.

After trying different travel insurance over the years, I personally use World Nomads when I travel because it’s designed for backpackers, long-term travellers, and people doing adventure activities.

I also like that you can extend your policy while you’re travelling and buy it if you’ve already left your home country, which is perfect if your travel plans change.

Of course, the best travel insurance for backpackers depends on your trip, where you’re going, and what you’re doing, so it’s always a good idea to compare a few options and read the policy details carefully before you buy.

If you want to see how much travel insurance will cost for your trip, you can see what’s covered here:

Travel insurance is one of those things you hope you never have to use, but if you do need it, you’ll be very glad you have it.

Falling off Trolltunga…try not to do that.

Don’t Travel Without Insurance

Backpacking is amazing, but things don’t always go to plan when you’re travelling. Flights get cancelled, bags get stolen, and people get sick or injured — it happens more often than you think.

Travel insurance won’t prevent things from going wrong, but it can help prevent a bad situation from becoming very expensive.

And that’s a wrap for this post on why World Nomads is the best travel insurance for backpackers.

I hope you found this post helpful and that you now know more about World Nomads and what they cover.

Happy & Safe Travels 🙂

Alial 

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