- The best backpackers travel insurance plans
- What exactly is backpackers travel insurance?
- The price of backpackers travel insurance
- What backpackers travel insurance covers
- The conditions of backpackers travel insurance
- Why take out backpackers travel insurance?
- How to Choose the Right Backpackers Travel Insurance
- Do my current insurance policies cover backpackers travel insurance?
- FAQ
Backpackers travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Backpacker insurance is for long-term, multi-country trips, offering flexible medical and travel coverage while abroad.
2. Price: A one-week policy for Europe can cost between $30 and $70 CAD, depending on your coverage.
3. Coverage: It typically covers medical emergencies and repatriation but often excludes pre-existing conditions and high-risk, unlisted sports.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Provincial plans (OHIP, RAMQ) and credit cards offer very limited coverage, insufficient for backpacking trips.
5. Tips: Prioritize policies allowing extensions from abroad and covering all your planned destinations and adventure sports activities.
6. Other useful info: Many policies can be purchased even after you have already started your trip from Canada.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analyzing 41 travel insurance policies available in Canada, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best backpacker travel insurance.
The best backpackers travel insurance plans
Here is a selection of the best backpackers travel insurance plans available for Canadian travellers in 2025.
These policies are recognized for their high medical reimbursement, low deductibles and straightforward conditions, making them suitable for long-term or multi-country trips.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | $1,500,000 | $0 | Eligible for trip extensions abroad.High baggage and theft coverage.Covers emergency evacuation.24/7 global support. |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | $1,000,000 | $0 | Covers most adventure sports.24/7 medical helpline.Upfront payment to hospitals.Quick email claim system. |
| Tourist Card | $1,000,000 | $0, $100 for USA/Canada | Travel delays included.Mobile app for easy claims.Good for working holidays.Covers travel in multiple countries. |
| World Travel | $1,500,000 | $0, $100 per claim | Support for repatriation.Mental health coverage.No extra fee for multiple destinations.COVID-19 expenses included. |
| Globe Partner | $1,000,000 | $0 | Flexible coverage for up to 24 months.Easy online extension.Paperless application process.Includes adventure sports. |
| Globe Traveller | $1,000,000 | $0 | Ideal for round-the-world journeys.Multilingual assistance.Automatic coverage renewal.Covers students and youth. |
The best backpackers travel insurance may vary according to your personal plans. We invite you to use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find the plan that matches your needs and subscribe directly online.
Compare the best travel insurance policies for freeI compareWhat exactly is backpackers travel insurance?
Backpackers travel insurance is a policy designed for Canadians travelling for extended periods, often across multiple countries with flexible plans. It covers long trips, various adventure activities, and can be extended while abroad.
This insurance typically includes emergency medical care, trip interruption or cancellation, baggage loss or theft, personal liability, and 24/7 assistance.
Backpackers insurance is sometimes known as long-stay travel insurance or youth travel insurance. It is distinct from standard single-trip or annual multi-trip insurance which may not cover extended travel or adventure activities.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out backpackers travel insurance is especially important for travellers from Canada:
- For trips lasting several months or more outside of Canada.
- When visiting multiple countries during a single extended journey.
- If you plan on doing adventure sports like hiking or scuba.
- For a working holiday visa or an international internship program.
- When your travel plans are flexible or uncertain.
- For travel to countries with high healthcare costs like the USA.
- When your provincial health plan offers insufficient out-of-country coverage.
The price of backpackers travel insurance
On average, backpackers travel insurance costs between 3% and 6% of your total trip cost.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month backpacking in Thailand and Cambodia | $2,800 CA | $85 CA to $170 CA |
| 3 months in Europe (France, Spain, Italy) | $6,200 CA | $190 CA to $370 CA |
| 6 months through South America | $10,000 CA | $300 CA to $600 CA |
| 12-month round-the-world trip | $20,000 CA | $600 CA to $1,200 CA |
These prices are provided as an indication and may vary depending on the type of plan chosen (standard or premium) and the specific conditions of each insurer.
The price of your backpackers travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: the longer the trip, the higher the insurance cost.
- destination: countries where healthcare is expensive, like the United States or Japan, usually raise the premium.
- traveller’s age: insurance is more expensive for travellers over 40 and especially over 60.
- level of coverage: the more comprehensive or premium the plan, the higher the cost.
- activities: adventure sports or manual work may incur a higher premium.
- medical history: pre-existing conditions can increase the price or limit coverage.
What backpackers travel insurance covers
Backpackers travel insurance is a policy for Canadians taking extended, multi-country trips with greater flexibility than standard travel insurance.
It addresses the unique risks of long stays and is often called long-stay or youth travel insurance.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| 🛑 Trip cancellation | Covers your expenses if you cancel before leaving for a covered reason. | A minimum cover of $1,500 is advised, with deductibles under $50. Cancellation for visa refusal or lack of documentation is typically excluded. |
| 🚫 Missed departure | Pays extra transport if you miss departure due to delays outside your control. | Look for at least $250 cover, ideally with no deductible. No cover if you are late or have no written proof of delay. |
| 🎒 Baggage loss or theft | Covers belongings lost, stolen, or damaged in transit or abroad. | Select at least $1,000 in protection and avoid deductibles above $30. Unattended baggage and high-value items are not usually covered. |
| 🕓 Travel delay | Pays a lump sum for travel delays above a specified number of hours. | You should get at least $100 after 4h delay and never accept a high deductible. Delays under 4h or lacking written proof are excluded. |
| 🏥 Medical expenses abroad | Key guarantee. Pays urgent medical or hospital care during your trip. | Get at least $1,000,000 cover, deductible of $0–$50. No routine care, chronic condition, or pre-existing illness claims. |
| 🚑 Medical repatriation | Key guarantee. Organizes your return to Canada if medically required. | Opt for unlimited or very high limits and arrange by insurer only. Refusal of repatriation or voluntary returns are not covered. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental care | Pays urgent dental treatment resulting from an accident during your trip. | At least $200 recommended, with deductible under $30. Ongoing or cosmetic dental care and dental illness are excluded. |
| 🧬 Adventure sports coverage | Covers certain sports like hiking or scuba if injured while participating. | Make sure activities are named and covered up to the full medical maximum. Extreme or professional sports are often excluded. |
| 👤 Personal liability abroad | Pays if you injure someone or damage property outside Canada. | No less than $500,000 coverage, deductible under $100. Deliberate acts, vehicle incidents, and damage to family property excluded. |
| ⚖️ Legal assistance abroad | Legal fees or bail abroad if involved in an incident. | Seek $3,000 in legal costs and $7,500 for bail. Alcohol, drugs, and criminal acts are generally excluded. |
Cancellation for visa refusal or lack of documentation is typically excluded.
No cover if you are late or have no written proof of delay.
Unattended baggage and high-value items are not usually covered.
Delays under 4h or lacking written proof are excluded.
No routine care, chronic condition, or pre-existing illness claims.
Refusal of repatriation or voluntary returns are not covered.
Ongoing or cosmetic dental care and dental illness are excluded.
Extreme or professional sports are often excluded.
Deliberate acts, vehicle incidents, and damage to family property excluded.
Alcohol, drugs, and criminal acts are generally excluded.
Reimbursement limits vary depending on the insurer and the plan selected (eco, standard, premium). They must always be checked in the general terms and conditions.
To find the backpackers travel insurance best suited to your trip and needs, easily compare offers on HelloSafe.
The conditions of backpackers travel insurance
To make sure your backpackers travel insurance will apply, several essential conditions must be met. They may vary depending on the insurer and policy, but here are the most common and important ones :
- Canadian residency: you must be a resident of Canada at the time of purchase.
- Purchase before departure: you must buy the insurance before starting your trip, not while already abroad.
- Trip duration limit: your total trip length must not exceed the maximum duration specified in your policy.
- Activity coverage: only activities listed in your policy are covered, high-risk sports might require extra options.
- Geographic restrictions: coverage applies only in countries and regions allowed by your insurer.
- Exclusion of pre-existing conditions: most policies do not cover conditions existing before your departure.
- Prompt incident reporting: you must report any medical event or loss as soon as possible as per insurer guidelines.
- Proof of claims: supporting documents like receipts and medical certificates are required to process any claim.
Watch out!
A common myth is that any travel insurance can be purchased after leaving Canada. While some specialist backpacker policies offer this, most standard plans must be bought before departure. Relying on this assumption can leave you with limited, more expensive options or, worse, completely uninsured.
Why take out backpackers travel insurance?
While travelling, many risks can arise unexpectedly and medical expenses can become very high in some countries, especially for Canadians abroad.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs abroad:
| Type of treatment | Average cost | Covered by insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Foot sprain (X-ray and consultation) |
| Up to $1,000,000 depending on the plan |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Up to $1,000,000 (after deductible) |
| Intestinal infection (consultation and treatment) |
| Up to $1,000,000 |
| Emergency tooth extraction |
| Up to $2,000 maximum for dental care |
| Medical repatriation to Canada |
| Often covered up to $500,000–$1,000,000 |
- Europe: $400
- North America: $1,200
- Asia: $200
- Europe: $350
- North America: $1,000
- Asia: $150
- Europe: $300
- North America: $900
- Asia: $120
- Europe: $400
- North America: $1,500
- Asia: $250
- Europe: $15,000
- North America: $50,000
- Asia: $20,000
Coverage varies greatly depending on the plan chosen (standard or premium) and the insurer. Refer to the general conditions and always compare with tools like HelloSafe.
In addition to medical expenses, backpackers travel insurance may also include other guarantees which are very useful when travelling: trip cancellation or interruption, stolen or lost baggage, personal liability abroad, repatriation assistance and 24/7 emergency services.
Good to know
Your provincial plan won't cover a $50,000 medical evacuation. Backpacker insurance is your essential financial safety net abroad. For a small price, a policy from an insurer like Chapka covers major medical emergencies, repatriation, and lost baggage, letting you explore with total peace of mind.
How to Choose the Right Backpackers Travel Insurance
Not all backpackers travel insurance plans are equal: coverage amounts, reimbursement limits, and exclusions can change a lot between providers. Always compare contract criteria carefully before choosing insurance for your trip from Canada.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💰 Reimbursement limits | Major accidents or hospitalizations abroad can be very expensive | Choose at least $1,000,000 in medical coverage for multi-country or adventure trips. |
| 💸 Deductible | Amount you will pay out of pocket before insurance reimbursement | Opt for a low deductible, ideally $0–$100, to minimize financial risk if you need care. |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Some benefits only apply if the policy is purchased before departure | Buy your backpackers plan before leaving Canada to avoid coverage exclusions. |
| 🕒 Trip duration | Some schemes limit coverage length or renewals for long trips | Choose a policy that lets you extend coverage abroad or covers at least the full trip length. |
| 🗺️ Geographic area | Not all policies cover every destination you may visit | Ensure all countries on your route are covered, including side trips outside your main area. |
| 🧗 Planned activities | Risky sports or adventure hikes may not be covered as standard | Declare any adventure activities like trekking or scuba, and check for policy exclusions. |
| 👥 Traveller’s age | Premiums, maximum age, and coverage options may depend on age | Confirm your age is eligible and check for age-based restrictions before purchasing. |
| 🧳 Baggage and valuables | Backpackers are at risk of theft or loss of belongings | Look for at least $1,000 baggage cover and review limits for electronics or valuables. |
| 📱 Online management | Easier policy updates or claims submission while you’re abroad | Select insurers with a customer app or online claims portal for fast help worldwide. |
Do my current insurance policies cover backpackers travel insurance?
It is legitimate to wonder if your current insurances, such as credit card insurance or your public health plan, can offer you a backpackers travel insurance, but unfortunately it is often not enough. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Backpackers travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why travel insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (OHIP, RAMQ) | Never | Limited emergency health care abroad, maximum $400/day for hospital fees. No coverage for evacuation, repatriation, adventure sports, or lost luggage abroad. | Travel insurance reimburses up to $5,000,000 CA. Travel insurance covers repatriation, baggage loss, sports, trip interruption, and more abroad. |
| Private health insurance (Sun Life, Manulife) | Almost Never | Only partial emergency medical, usually short-term, up to $1,000,000–$10,000,000 with add-ons. No coverage for adventure activities, trips over 60 days, or working holidays for backpackers. | Travel insurance protects for 12 months or more, up to $5,000,000 CA. Travel insurance covers all adventure activities, long trips, sports injuries, and trip extensions. |
| Classic credit card (TD Rewards Visa, RBC Visa Platinum) | Never | May cover medical up to $1,000,000 CA, usually 15–25 days only. No baggage or sports. No cover for trips longer than 25 days, adventure sports, or working abroad as a backpacker. | Travel insurance offers up to $5,000,000 CA for long or multi-country trips. Travel insurance protects for months, covers baggage and sports, not just cards. |
| Premium credit card (BMO World Elite, CIBC Aventura) | Limited coverage | Up to $2,000,000–$5,000,000 CA medical, but only 15–25 days. Limited interruption and baggage. No coverage for working holidays, adventure sports, extensions, or worldwide trip changes required by backpackers. | Travel insurance protects up to $5,000,000 CA globally for 6–24 months. Travel insurance covers working, sports, bag loss, change of destination, and longer stays. |
No coverage for evacuation, repatriation, adventure sports, or lost luggage abroad.
Travel insurance covers repatriation, baggage loss, sports, trip interruption, and more abroad.
No coverage for adventure activities, trips over 60 days, or working holidays for backpackers.
Travel insurance covers all adventure activities, long trips, sports injuries, and trip extensions.
No cover for trips longer than 25 days, adventure sports, or working abroad as a backpacker.
Travel insurance protects for months, covers baggage and sports, not just cards.
No coverage for working holidays, adventure sports, extensions, or worldwide trip changes required by backpackers.
Travel insurance covers working, sports, bag loss, change of destination, and longer stays.
Expert advice
Your bank card or provincial health plan often excludes trip interruption for a relative’s illness. Read the conditions carefully to avoid surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe to a dedicated travel insurance policy tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Is backpackers travel insurance mandatory?
In some countries, backpackers travel insurance is required for entry or for obtaining certain visas, such as Schengen or working holiday visas. While not legally mandatory for most destinations, it is strongly recommended. For example, if you have an accident hiking abroad, you could face medical bills of thousands of dollars without insurance.
When is it recommended to purchase backpackers travel insurance?
The best time to buy backpackers travel insurance is right after booking your trip and before you depart Canada. This ensures coverage starts on your departure date, including for trip cancellation. Waiting until you are already abroad may result in restricted coverage or waiting periods, and possible claim denials.
How do I purchase backpackers travel insurance?
First, compare available plans using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to find the right fit. Next, carefully check the guarantees and exclusions, especially coverage for adventure sports and trip extensions. Then, make your purchase online. Finally, receive your certificate by email for use at borders or in emergencies.
Can I purchase backpackers travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you can generally purchase backpackers travel insurance even after booking your trip and sometimes even after you have left Canada. However, some insurers may exclude pre-existing incidents or impose a waiting period if you are already traveling, so it is best to purchase before departure.
How do I make a claim under backpackers travel insurance?
If you need to make a claim, contact your insurer’s emergency assistance service for guidance and forms. Collect all bills, receipts, and supporting documents related to your claim. Most insurers offer online claim submission for faster processing. Keep copies of all communications for reference.
Does backpackers travel insurance cover adventure sports and activities?
Many backpackers travel insurance plans cover popular adventure activities, such as trekking, surfing, or scuba diving, but some sports may be excluded or require an extra premium. Check the policy’s list of covered activities and exclusions. Be sure you are covered for any activities you plan to do during your trip.
Are pre-existing medical conditions covered by backpackers travel insurance?
Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions varies by insurer and policy. Some plans may cover stable conditions if declared when purchasing, while others may exclude them entirely. Always disclose your health history fully and confirm how your condition will be treated before buying insurance.
Is backpackers travel insurance mandatory?
In some countries, backpackers travel insurance is required for entry or for obtaining certain visas, such as Schengen or working holiday visas. While not legally mandatory for most destinations, it is strongly recommended. For example, if you have an accident hiking abroad, you could face medical bills of thousands of dollars without insurance.
When is it recommended to purchase backpackers travel insurance?
The best time to buy backpackers travel insurance is right after booking your trip and before you depart Canada. This ensures coverage starts on your departure date, including for trip cancellation. Waiting until you are already abroad may result in restricted coverage or waiting periods, and possible claim denials.
How do I purchase backpackers travel insurance?
First, compare available plans using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to find the right fit. Next, carefully check the guarantees and exclusions, especially coverage for adventure sports and trip extensions. Then, make your purchase online. Finally, receive your certificate by email for use at borders or in emergencies.
Can I purchase backpackers travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you can generally purchase backpackers travel insurance even after booking your trip and sometimes even after you have left Canada. However, some insurers may exclude pre-existing incidents or impose a waiting period if you are already traveling, so it is best to purchase before departure.
How do I make a claim under backpackers travel insurance?
If you need to make a claim, contact your insurer’s emergency assistance service for guidance and forms. Collect all bills, receipts, and supporting documents related to your claim. Most insurers offer online claim submission for faster processing. Keep copies of all communications for reference.
Does backpackers travel insurance cover adventure sports and activities?
Many backpackers travel insurance plans cover popular adventure activities, such as trekking, surfing, or scuba diving, but some sports may be excluded or require an extra premium. Check the policy’s list of covered activities and exclusions. Be sure you are covered for any activities you plan to do during your trip.
Are pre-existing medical conditions covered by backpackers travel insurance?
Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions varies by insurer and policy. Some plans may cover stable conditions if declared when purchasing, while others may exclude them entirely. Always disclose your health history fully and confirm how your condition will be treated before buying insurance.
