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Backpacker travel insurance

If something unexpected happens, we’ve got your back – pack or no pack.

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Just you and the open road, the basics on your back, the world at your feet. Backpacking is a rite of passage for many nomads seeking maximum experience for minimum expense.

You might be setting out to find your crew or yourself, to connect with a destination or frolic at every festival.

But even if you can do without your creature comforts, travel insurance may still be a good idea.

World Nomads covers backpackers residing in Brazil as they travel all over the world with travel insurance designed for backpacking in Europe, US, Canada, Australia, China, the Caribbean, and more.

Why buy backpacker insurance?

If your travels take you on the wrong kind of adventure – like a sudden illness or injury, a freak natural disaster, stolen or misdirected belongings, or an emergency that means you have to head home pronto – travel insurance may be able to help you with expenses. Plus, our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team is here for you in a crisis, providing guidance and pre-approving costs.

What does backpacker insurance cover?

World Nomads supports backpacking adventures of all types, with protection for:

  • Trip cancellation for the recovery of non-refundable trip costs.
  • Emergency medical expenses for accidents, injuries or sicknesses.
  • Emergency evacuation for hospital transfers or a flight back to your home.
  • Baggage delays on route to your destination.
  • Trip interruption for emergencies that can cut your trip short.

Travel insurance tips for backpackers

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

  • Are you traveling long-term, you lucky thing? You can extend your policy or buy travel insurance while abroad (waiting periods may apply) even if you don’t have a return ticket. World Nomads policies offer coverage for up to six months at a time. 
  • For you, does backpacking = hiking or mountain climbing? Make sure you select the right policy for your adventure sport or activities. Remember, you can’t upgrade your coverage after you purchase, so it’s important to get this right on the first go.
  • While having fun is a must-do, risky behavior isn’t covered. Yes, you can enjoy a few drinks and take the road less traveled but incidents that occur while under the influence may not be covered under your plan.
  • Going wherever the breeze blows? If you want to cross the border, check with our customer service team first as your policy may not apply in other countries.

When you buy a World Nomads travel insurance policy, your coverage has been crafted by passionate travelers who have lugged backpacks, battled bedbugs and waited in line for the restroom too. For trip ideas and tips, check out our article on backpacking dos and don’ts and much more.

This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. You should read your policy wording in full so you understand what is and isn’t covered. That way there won’t be any surprises if you need to use it. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Protect your trip against unexpected cancellation.

  • Explorer Plus: USD $1,500
  • Explorer Plan: USD $1,000
  • Standard Plan: USD $500
Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalised?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Close relative suddenly dies?

We’ve got your back.

Medical Expenses Overseas

Take the pain out of medical costs.

  • Explorer Plus: USD $100,000
  • Explorer Plan: USD $70,000
  • Standard Plan: USD $30,000
Medical Expenses Overseas
  • Need meds quick?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation

Emergency medical transportation: we’ll get you to hospital or home quickly.

  • Explorer Plus: USD $80,000
  • Explorer Plan: USD $60,000
  • Standard Plan: USD $40,000
Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • Medivac home?

Help starts here.

Checked-in Baggage Loss

Covers the loss, theft or damage of your bags by a common carrier.

  • Explorer Plus: USD $1,200
  • Explorer Plan: USD $1,000
  • Standard Plan: USD $500
Checked-in Baggage Loss
  • Passport or tech stolen?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Bags delayed?

Help starts here.

  • Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
  • Trip Cancellation or Interruption
  • Baggage
  • Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatration
  • 24 Hour Assistance Services
  • And more (depending on your country of residence)
This is a general summary for Brazil residents only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Benefit 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 are available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

Your World Nomads policy is provided through Chubb Seguros:

Phone: +1 212-315-1806 (from anywhere in the world)

Phone: 0800-591-1043 (from Brazil)

WhatsApp message: +54 911 3053-3959

Get an instant travel insurance quote

Simple and flexible travel insurance designed by travelers, for travelers. See why over 3 million travelers have chosen World Nomads for more than 20 years.