Insurance for backpacking and travel: introduction

What is travel insurance to insure your trip or vacation?

• Travel insurance is insurance that provides coverage for risks during a trip or vacation abroad. This mainly concerns loss of or damage to your luggage, medical assistance in the event of accidents, for example, or repatriation costs if you need to be transported back to your home country urgently. In some cases, travel insurance coverage also applies in your home country.
• With continuous travel insurance, you are insured for all your trips throughout the year.
• With temporary travel insurance, you take out insurance for each trip for the duration of the trip.
• Cancellation insurance reimburses (all or part of) the travel sum, cancellation or accommodation costs if you have to cancel or interrupt your vacation.

Why should you take out travel insurance for a short trip, vacation, or long-distance trip?

• Travel insurance can provide coverage in the event of an accident or emergency while you are away.
• Travel insurance can provide coverage for damage and accidents during the adventurous or sporting activities you are going to do.
• Travel insurance can continue to provide coverage if your Dutch basic health insurance no longer provides coverage, or if the damage is only reimbursed at Dutch cost price.
• Travel insurance can provide coverage in the event of damage, loss, or theft of your luggage.
• Travel insurance can provide coverage if you are held liable for damage you cause to other people or their property.
• Travel insurance can provide coverage if you have to return home early because something has happened to you or your immediate family.

What is important to insure when you are going to travel?

• That you have insurance that is valid in the countries where you are going to travel and possible work.
• That you are adequately insured for the sports and activities you are going to participate in during your full period abroad
• That you are insured for emergency assistance and early return if something happens to you or your immediate family.
• That your medical expenses are insured up to the actual cost and not just for the standard costs. The costs per medical treatment vary greatly between countries.
• That you insure your luggage and take sufficient precautions against theft or damage.
• That you are well insured against personal liability.
• That you are well insured in case of accidents.
• That you only insure yourself for legal assistance if there is an immediate reason to do so, unless coverage is already automatically included in the insurance.
• That you pay close attention to choosing the right coverage when performing work or voluntary work during your world trip.

What insurance do you need for a trip or vacation?

• See the advice guides at international Insurances for Backpacking and Travel Abroad on JoHo WorldSupporter.org