The Best Insurance Plans for Backpackers

Backpackers are a unique group of travellers who have a taste for adventure and experiencing what their destination has to offer in its purest form. Thanks to their hunger for authentic experiences, they prefer to visit striking but remote places instead of major tourist attractions.

If you’re planning to backpack, you’ll need specialised insurance plans that cover specifics from long-term trips to adventure activities. Many insurance plans don’t cover international travel, so you’ll need to do a bit of shopping around to find what you need.

Backpacking across Thailand, Vietnam and Laos or Eastern Europe may sound like a dream. But if something goes wrong, you’ll want access to standardised and competent medical services you can rely on. As usual, different tiers of medical coverage are available, so do review them carefully and consider what works best for you.

Overseas medical coverage is essential for all travellers, not just backpackers. Singtel, FWD and MSIG insurance offers overseas medical expenses coverage. FWD and MSIG also have allowances for any overseas hospitalisation expenses you may incur on your adventures.

Even the best-laid plans can go wrong when trip delays and curtailments occur. These events can severely impact a backpacker’s trip. Travellers who incur hotel and transportation expenses due to cancellations, disruptions and delays may be eligible for reimbursement under FWD and MSIG’s travel insurance plans. Singtel offers the added benefit of data rescue coverage for travel delays, so you can save on sky-high roaming costs. 

Witnessing the natural beauty of remote places is one of the best feelings a backpacker can experience. But traveling to such places come with risks due to problems like inaccessibility and lack of medical facilities. With SingTel, MSIG and FWD insurance, you’ll get peace of mind even in the remotest of destinations—thanks to emergency evacuation coverage.

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When death occurs overseas, repatriation services are needed to transport the body back to the deceased’s loved ones in Singapore. Though officers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can help to put you in contact with funeral directors overseas and secure the right documentation, repatriation services can be costly. Your family members or other loved ones may be saddled with a sum between $5,000-$15,000, so it’s a good idea to check for plans that cover repatriation of remains. 

All travel plans come with an expiry date. For example, MSIG’s single trip travel plans cover you up to 180 days, while annual trips offer coverage for unlimited trips—as long as each trip only spans 90 days at a stretch. Singtel’s single trip plan is an outlier, as it covers you for up to a whole year. Review your length of travel against single trip and annual options, to pick the policy that best suits your needs.

You may be wondering why you would need coverage for medical expenses in Singapore. Doesn’t MediSave already exist? The reason why backpackers should look out for this type of coverage is because it can help with costs incurred when you return to Singapore in-between trips. For example, Singtel’s travel plan will reimburse you for follow-up medical treatment in Singapore, assuming you have already received treatment for illnesses or injuries overseas.

Every traveller is different and some add-ons may be more important to you than others. Do review your preferred policy to see if you might benefit from the following options:

• Loss of baggage

• COVID-19 coverage

• Adventurous leisure activities

• Pre-existing medical conditions

• Cancel for any reason

• Rental car excess

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1. Singtel Travel Protect – Be ready for adventure

Whether you’re a Singtel Travel Protect Value, Economy or Premium policy holder, you’re entitled to coverage for adventurous leisure activities. This makes Singtel plans a great choice for backpackers of all budgets eager to see the sights and pump up their heart rate. Do note that this protection only applies if the adventurous activities are for leisure purposes and if they are overseen by a qualified instructor or licensed tour operator. 

Singtel Protect also provides a decent amount of medical coverage, from overseas medical expenses, accidental death & total disability and even Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) coverage, for Economy and Premium policy holders.

Single trip policy holders can enjoy coverage from up to 182 days per trip, while annual trip policy holders get unlimited trips to their area of travel, with each trip not exceeding 90 days. 

Read our full review

2. FWD Travel Insurance – A great option for big planners

Are you a big believer in the value of planning ahead? If so, FWD’s 180-day Advance Purchase feature may be perfect for you. Purchasing your plan in advance gives you the flexibility to devote more time to prepping for your trip, instead of fretting over which plan to get as the date of your flight looms ever closer.

FWD travel insurance also covers evacuation and repatriation costs across all tiers, inclusive of their Premium, Business and First plans. You’ll also get coverage for overseas medical expenses, an allowance for hospitalisation overseas and even an allowance for hospitalisation in Singapore. 

FWD travel insurance also provides comprehensive coverage for loss of travel documents, baggage, credit cards, cash and emergency telephone charges—all of which are great for backpackers constantly on the move. 

Read our full review

3. MSIG Travel Insurance – A bounty of options

Get coverage for overseas medical expenses for up to $50,000, starting from just under $15. MSIG’s most basic policy, their Lite Plan, also offers coverage for loss of travel documents, baggage and cash. This makes it an ideal purchase for cash-strapped backpackers who wish to travel with peace of mind.

If you upgrade to the next tier and above, you’ll get access to more generous coverage for overseas medical expenses and protections against travel delay and cancellations. Daredevils may want to consider purchasing either MSIG’s Elite or Premier plan, since both policies cover adventurous leisure activities—inclusive of marathons up to 42km and sightseeing via hot air balloon, airplane or helicopter.

Read our full review

4. Direct Asia Travel Insurance – Comprehensive coverage at good prices

If you want a no-frills travel plan that protects against overseas medical expenses, evacuation and repatriation and travel inconveniences, it’s hard to go wrong with Direct Asia Travel’s Voyager series.

Even their most basic plan covers up to $150,000 for overseas medical expenses, with an additional $5,000 for medical expenses incurred by follow-up treatment in Singapore. Direct Asia Travel Insurance also provides generous coverage for personal liability claims of up to $200,000. This applies to any compensation you may legally be obliged to provide, should you accidentally harm anybody or damage someone’s property during your trip. 

Read our full review

>>  Learn more: Everything you need to know about travel insurance

The right plan for you may not be the right plan for your travel companion and vice versa. Put yourself on the path for finding the right plan for you by taking stock of the following.

Understand your travel plans

With so many plans available, your best shot at finding the perfect policy is to carefully match your desired coverage with factors like the length of your trip, your destination(s) and your planned activities. This will help you assess levels of risks associated with your trip, including travel to extremely remote areas and adventurous leisure activities that carry an inherent amount of danger. 

Take inventory of coverage levels needed

As discussed earlier, coverage for medical and hospitalisation expenses is crucial for backpackers. Also consider coverage for trip cancellations or delays, and emergency medical evacuation. Most importantly, if you’re planning on reconnecting with nature through adrenaline-filled pursuits like bungee jumping, zip-lining or mountaineering, you will probably want coverage for adventurous leisure activities. Take note of any exclusions or limits that may apply. 

Start with the best

While the specific "best" provider can vary depending on individual needs and circumstances, starting your search with reputable options can save you time and ensure you have a solid foundation for comparison. Some providers frequently recommended for Singaporean backpackers include:

• AIG: Known for comprehensive coverage and options for adventurous activities.

• MSIG: Offers a range of plans to suit different budgets and coverage needs, with options for long-term travel.

• FWD: Provides flexibility with advance purchase options and comprehensive coverage.

• Direct Asia: Offers no-frills plans with good coverage at competitive prices.

Remember to compare the specifics of each plan against your travel itinerary and planned activities to make an informed decision.

Whether you’re an aspiring or experienced backpacker, you’re probably accustomed to doing loads of research. Take full advantage of this ability to maximise the benefits of your travel insurance by reviewing all applicable policies carefully. Understanding the terms is key to filing a successful claim, and being able to utilise your coverage effectively. 

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