Here’s a summary of the cover our backpacker policies provide. For full details check our policy documents.
Backpacker travel insurance
For travellers aged 18 – 60
Covers one trip of up to 18 months
Return home for up to 7 days on 3 occasions
Make sure you’re properly prepared for your adventure overseas
You've worked out where you're going, sorted out the passport and visas, and taken your vaccinations. Now you're ready to take on the world. Add backpacker cover to our economy travel insurance, and you’ll be good to go.
Medical Assistance Plus: 24/7 holiday health support
Have peace of mind when you travel knowing health professionals are just one click away.
Medical Assistance Plus, powered by Air Doctor, comes free with all our travel insurance policies (1). It gives you access to outpatient medical support while you’re away.
Through the service you can book an in-person or video consultation with a doctor. You can also get prescriptions delivered to your nearest pharmacy.
We’ll send you an SMS reminder about the service the day before you travel (for single-trip and backpacker cover) or the day before your policy begins (for annual multi-trip cover).
(1) Medical Assistance Plus is not available for trips taken in the UK, only for international travel. The service allows up to 3 separate medical events per person listed on the policy, and up to 3 appointments per event. All appointment charges are covered by your travel insurance policy. You will not need to pay any excess fees for this service. You may need to pay for your prescription upfront and claim on your return home.
What’s covered?
An accident abroad
Few countries have total universal healthcare like the UK’s NHS. Most countries outside of the EU don’t have mutual healthcare agreements with the UK. This means the cost of getting treatment can be very expensive. Travel insurance is there to protect you and help when you’re at your most vulnerable
Lost valuables
Some holiday mishaps are down to sheer bad luck. Getting pickpocketed on a busy street. Your airline mislaying your bags. Or someone picking up the wrong rucksack at the bus stop. You just can’t plan for losing your valuables. But you can plan to get help with the replacement costs by getting a backpacker travel insurance quote with us
Sporting activities included
If you’re off travelling the world with a backpack, we’re willing to bet you can be tempted by the odd adventure sport or two. We cover over 100 sports and activities free of charge, but there are some we don’t cover at all. Check your policy wording for the full list and our terms and conditions, as some aren’t covered for personal injury or personal liability
How much cover do you get?
Our backpacker travel insurance comes with our economy cover. Here are some of the cover highlights.
|
Economy £125 excess Insurance Product Information Document (IPID) Emergency medical expenses and getting you back home Up to £5 million Cancellation and cutting short your trip Up to £1,000 Baggage (personal possessions) Up to £1,500 Money Up to £250 Travel delay and missed departure n/a |
|
|---|---|
|
Insurance Product Information Document (IPID) |
Insurance Product Information Document (IPID) |
|
Emergency medical expenses and getting you back home |
Emergency medical expenses and getting you back home Up to £5 million |
|
Cancellation and cutting short your trip |
Cancellation and cutting short your trip Up to £1,000 |
|
Baggage (personal possessions) |
Baggage (personal possessions) Up to £1,500 |
|
Money |
Money Up to £250 |
|
Travel delay and missed departure |
Travel delay and missed departure n/a |
Upgrade your cover with ease
Need cover for your policy that's not included as standard? Just pay a little more to add these upgrades – optional or mandatory depending on the trip type.
-
Trip disruption cover
This optional extra helps protect you from the impact of airspace disruption, natural catastrophes, terrorist acts or Covid-19
-
Excess waiver
If you’re happy with the cover offered, but worried about excess fees, you can opt for an excess waiver. For an additional premium, you can add it to any Post Office level of cover for zero excess fees
-
Gadget cover
Insure all your devices with our easy-to-add gadget cover. It’s perfect to protect all your smartphones, tablets, laptops and consoles
-
Winter sports cover
Specialist cover is mandatory for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. There’s greater risk of emergency costs. Make sure you’re protected on the pistes
-
Cruise cover
If you're going on a cruise, specialist cover is both important and mandatory. It covers missed departure due to breakdown, falling ill on board, being confined to your cabin, lost baggage and more
-
Trip extensions
Trip extensions are available up to 45 or 60 days, increasing from the standard 31 days
All medical conditions considered
Living with a medical condition shouldn’t stop you seeing the world. And, with the right travel insurance in place, you can enjoy peace of mind on your adventures – just in case something unfortunate happens.
At Post Office, we cover most pre-existing conditions. Contact us for a quote to see if we can cover you. It’s important to declare upfront all your medical conditions and any medication you're taking.
If we can't help and yours is a serious pre-existing medical condition, check the Money and Pensions Scheme (MaPS) directory. It lists companies that may be able to help you. Or call 0800 138 7777.
Ready to get a quote?
Let’s find the protection that’s right for your travels. Get a quote for Post Office Travel Insurance
Common questions
-
Backpacker insurance is designed for those of us who like to travel the world – and we’ve taken a lot into account. So, you can return home for up to seven days as many as three times. And there are over 100 sports and activities included, so it’s designed with you in mind.
-
To be eligible for Post Office Backpacker Insurance you must:
- Be aged between 18 and 60 years
- Reside in Great Britain, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man
- Be registered with a GP in one of these places
Conditions and exclusions apply. For full details of what's included with your cover, check the policy wording.
-
While we’ve included a lot of adventure sports as standard on Post Office Backpacker Insurance, you’ll still need extra cover for winter sports. You can add this to your policy for an additional premium.
You can also add excess waiver cover. With this added cover, you won’t need to pay any part of any claims that you make.
Before you buy travel insurance, you should thoroughly check our policy terms and conditions. This way you’ll be sure that any adventure sports or activities you want to take part in are fully covered. A good example is if you’re planning to do any voluntary manual work while you’re away. Please be aware that if you need to make a claim, the excess will increase to £250, and purchasing the optional excess waiver won’t remove this excess.
-
Post Office Backpacker Insurance is similar to other forms of travel insurance. It’ll cover you for medical emergency, the cancellation or cutting short of your trip, and loss of your belongings. It’s available with our economy level insurance. It’s a good idea to check our policy documents to make sure it has all the cover you need for your trip.
-
Yes, there is. We’ve partnered with Student Beans to offer a student discount. Log in with your Student Beans account to claim your discount code. Or, if you don’t have one, you’ll need to register for a Student Beans account to verify you’re a student.
When getting a quote for Post Office Travel Insurance please enter your discount code into the promotion code box. The discount will be taken off your quote total.
-
Yes, we do. We’ve partnered with Grad Beans to offer a discount to students. To claim it, you’ll need to either register for a Grad Beans account (to verify your graduate status) or log in with your existing account. You’ll be given a unique code, which you’ll need to enter in the promotion code box that appears when getting your travel insurance quote. The discount will be taken off your quote total.
- Read more travel insurance FAQs
Travel insurance policy types
-
Backpacker cover
- Cover for a one-off trip up to 18 months
- Option to return home for up to 7 days on 3 occasions.
- For people aged 18 – 60 wanting to travel the world for a gap year or career break
-
Single-trip cover
- Cover for a one-off trip in the UK or abroad
- Perfect for one-off trips or longer holidays of up to 365 days (3)
- No age limit
-
Annual multi-trip cover
- Cover for multiple-trips for a 12-month period
- 31-day trip limit, with extensions available up to 45 and 60 days
- Available for everyone aged up to 75 years
Related travel guides and services
Safe travels: where can I go on holiday?
Travel’s a great way to unwind, see the world, open the mind and expand horizons. But rapidly changing situations around the world can soon impact such plans.
Travel insurance for the Canary Islands
People flock to the Canary Islands from all over Europe. No wonder, with such appealing beaches, landscapes and temperatures to enjoy.
Travel insurance for Greece
Greece and the Greek islands have long been a popular travel destination for us Brits. But are there any travel risks or other factors to keep in mind before and when ...
Travel insurance for Japan
If you’re jetting off to Japan soon make sure you have good travel insurance to cover your trip. The right policy may offer more protection than the standard medical ...
Travel insurance for South Africa
How safe is South Africa to visit and why is having travel insurance important when you go? Our guide looks at the potential travel risks and the cover you may want to ...
Travel insurance for New Zealand
Find out what medical care Brits can access in New Zealand and travel risks to be aware of like natural catastrophes, however rare.
Don’t let illness spoil your perfect holiday – book an online doctor
There’s nothing worse than falling ill while away from home. Along with the worry of the cost of visiting a doctor and getting treatment, being poorly can put a real ...
10 tips for keeping kids safe on holiday
We all know the feeling – getting to the airport, then a wave of panic comes over you. Did you remember your passport? What time's the flight? And where on earth did you ...
Kids’ travel insurance
It's a proud feeling when children turn eighteen and start holidaying on their own. Although, perhaps it's tinged with a feeling of relief. But you can't help but worry ...
Family travel insurance
If you're travelling abroad as a family, it makes sense to take out insurance that covers you all. Especially if you have little ones.
Worldwide travel insurance
Fancy trekking in a remote Asian rainforest? A wild time in New York? Flying over Niagara Falls in a helicopter? Or maybe taking in the sights of Athens or Rome?
How to travel with your dog
Taking your best friend on holiday with you is everyone's ideal situation, but travelling with a dog can be a complicated process. Make sure you know how.
Travel insurance for Cuba
Today, Cuba is more accessible than it has been for many decades, and those who decide to holiday there can expect a mixture of colourful city life and luxurious ...
Travel insurance for Ireland
Do UK residents need travel insurance for Ireland? And what healthcare is available for Brits if they’re visiting the country?
Travel insurance for Dubai
Planning on living the high life with a trip to the UAE’s iconic mega-city, Dubai? Make sure you’re aware of the local culture, travel risks and have travel insurance to ...
Don't make these holiday mistakes
Booking a last-minute holiday can get the blood pumping with the sudden thrill of adventure, but it also makes it easier to overlook things.
Travel insurance for Mexico
Find out about medical care available to Brits in Mexico, as well as travel risks, transport options and the importance of taking travel insurance.
Travel insurance for Italy
Find out about the safety of travelling to Italy as well as the medical care available to Brits and how to get around.
Schengen travel insurance
The status of Schengen visas for international students resident in the UK is currently uncertain. This page will be updated when more detail is available.
Travel insurance for Spain
Every year, millions of holidaymakers from the UK head to Spain for its combination of glistening beaches, unique culture and Mediterranean cuisine.
Travel insurance for USA
The famous cliché of America is that it's big. And it is. Across its six time zones are examples of virtually every type of geography on earth, from the baked deserts of ...
Travel insurance for Morocco
Perched on the northern tip of Africa, Morocco’s long been a popular destination for UK holidaymakers. If you’re heading there soon, make sure you’ve got good travel ...
Travel insurance for France
It may be a short hop away, but a trip to France is not without its travel risks. Make sure you’re clued up on what they are and have travel insurance in place to help ...
Travel insurance for Canada
Canada is a vast country of diverse delights – everything from bustling cities to snow-capped mountains, deep forests and crystal clear lakes. If you're thinking of ...
Travel insurance for India
For many UK holidaymakers, India is an intriguing and diverse culture with colourful traditions and engrossing history. For many others, it’s a home from home.
Travel insurance for Thailand
Thailand’s idyllic beaches, azure-blue sea, buzzing cities and exciting alternative scene are a draw for Brits. A trip can be a once-in-a-lifetime event.
Travel insurance for Egypt
Make sure you’re travelling safely in Egypt with the latest advice and risks, and learn about getting around and local culture.
8 tips on staying safe while you enjoy your winter sports
The white stuff is alluring, so make sure you can enjoy it safely, are ready for the unexpected and pack travel insurance for extra reassurance.
Everything you need to know about embassies
Learn the difference between embassies and consulates, and why you might need them when travelling.
Top tips for going to festivals overseas
With festivals overseas becoming the new norm, festivalgoers need to do a bit more planning than for a UK festival.
10 ways to look after your valuables at the beach
The whole idea of lounging around on the beach is to switch off and enjoy the sunshine. But the reality is that opportunistic thieves are on the lookout for unattended ...
Travel insurance for people with high blood pressure
Travelling with high blood pressure is fine – but it’s important to make sure you’ve got the right cover in case something goes wrong abroad.
What is ATOL protected?
ATOL stands for Air Travel Organisers' Licensing, a scheme that helps make sure consumers are covered if travel firms fall into financial difficulties.
What can I take on a plane?
Ready to jet off on a much-needed break but worrying about what you can take with you on the flight?
Great tips for people travelling alone
Whether you’re travelling solo because of business, you’re hoping to meet someone, or simply because you enjoy it, being by yourself can sometimes be a daunting prospect ...
Is Airbnb safe? Tips on staying safe
The arrival of Airbnb has helped to transform the travel industry in recent years. On any one night, over two million people stay in homes advertised through Airbnb in ...
Teenagers going on holiday without their parents
Having your son or daughter go on holiday without you for the first time can be one of the most traumatic experiences for a parent, but one of the most exciting for a ...
How to protect your travel documents
Travelling while you work or vice versa
The opportunities to combine business and leisure have never been greater. You could be planning some ‘bleisure’ time, taking a ‘workation’ or diving into becoming a ...
Gap year travel advice for solo travellers
Exploring the globe can be scary, but there’s so much to find at the edge of your comfort zone. We look at some of the top destinations to visit on your own – and share ...
Do I need travel insurance for a UK break or staycation?
Travel insurance for a holiday in the UK isn't something you must have, but it might be something you want to have.
Holiday packing and pre-travel checklist
So, you’ve booked your flights, accommodation and activities. What next?
Find hot holiday destinations any time of year
If you're the type of sunchaser who looks forward to that sizzling summer break, can’t wait to escape to warmer climes in the UK’s winter months or can't be away from ...
Travel insurance for seniors and pensioners
As you get older, being able to go where you want when you want is all part of the joy. And changes in your medical needs shouldn’t stand in the way of your desire to ...
Travelling without insurance
In an average year, millions of Britons go abroad without the right travel insurance – or even without any cover at all. Are you one of them?
Need a holiday? These travel hacks could save you money
Satisfy your travel craving while making your holiday budget go further. We’ve gathered tips to help you cut out costs and hassle – and enjoy a well-earned break.
How to pack a suitcase
Whether you’re heading to the beach for a much-needed break or boarding a boat for a cruise somewhere breath-taking, it’s important to know what to pack in advance so ...
Vaccinations needed for Thailand
Some vaccinations for Thailand are recommended and some are mandatory in certain circumstances. It’s important to know which vaccinations or injections for Thailand you ...
When to buy travel insurance
Do you need travel insurance for your trip? Is travel insurance worth it? And, if yes, when is the right time to buy cover?
Tips for travelling with grandchildren
Enjoy that precious time away with your grandchildren, and take some of the pressure off by getting good travel insurance – just in case something goes wrong.
Flight delays and compensation
Most of the time, getting a flight is a hassle-free event. If you only take hand luggage, have your boarding pass saved to your phone and everything’s running to plan ...
Travel insurance for the Balearic Islands
It’s one of the most popular holiday hotspots for UK holidaymakers. But what can you expect from a trip to the Balearics?
How to get a free flight upgrade
There are several ways to get to the top of the class on your flight – whether that's business or even first.
What you should do about delayed, lost or damaged luggage
The last thing you want to happen on holiday is standing the luggage carousel at the airport waiting for bags that don't appear. It's a huge inconvenience that can cost ...
European and Global Health Insurance Cards
If you're travelling to an EU country from the UK, make sure you take a Global Health Insurance Card (Ghic) with you or existing European health Insurance Card (Ehic), ...
Travel insurance for diabetics
You should be able to get the right cover to travel abroad if you’re diabetic, making sure that your medical needs are taken care of.
Travel insurance for cancer patients
If you're living with cancer but love to travel, can you get travel insurance for your trip?
Travel tips for babies, toddlers and young kids
It’s your holiday too, and good preparation can take some of the worry out of travelling with your littleuns.
Do I need travel vaccinations?
There’s no better feeling than planning an amazing trip to an exotic destination. Make staying safe with travel vaccinations top of your to-do list.
Travel insurance for Turkey
A trip to Turkey offers toasty beaches and tourist treats aplenty. No wonder it’s so popular with holidaymakers from the UK and elsewhere.
Winter sun holiday destinations to escape to
Dark mornings, cold hands, heating bills and chapped lips are among the most disliked things about the British winter, according to our new study. Half of the nation ...
The Travel Safety Index for Solo Travellers
Travelling solo means freedom and independence, making new connections and never having to compromise.
Post Office Travel Insurance Winter Sports Survey
With the winter sports season upon us, we conducted a Winter Sports Survey for the second year running. It found as many as four in 10 UK travellers (39%) planned to ...
Travelling during your pregnancy
Before your little bundle of joy arrives, you may be considering taking a holiday. But is it safe? And what precautions should you consider before making a booking?
What is ABTA?
Over 60 million people travel from the UK most years for holidays or business. The vast majority enjoy smooth, trouble-free journeys. Sometimes, though, things go wrong.
10 best holidays to take teenagers on
Holidays for teenagers can take some imagination to make sure they’ve got the right mixture of destination, activity and social life – and make sure you have a great ...
Getting travel insurance for an adventure holiday
Adventurous holidays can take many forms, from action-packed itineraries in unusual places to taking part in the odd activity during a more traditional break.
What to do if your airline or holiday company goes bust
Finding out that your airline or holiday company has gone bust is a shock – especially if you’re on holiday at the time. But there are plenty of laws and regulations in ...
How to get assisted travel at airports
Lots of people who need assisted travel at airports are missing out simply because they don’t know how to go about asking for it.
Travel insurance for Australia
Heading down under for a trip to or around Australia? Make sure you’ve got the right level of travel insurance cover for where you’ll be going and what you’ll be doing.
A complete list of backpacking essential items
Going backpacking is one of life’s great adventures. But before you set off you’ll need some packing tips so you're not weighed down on the way.
Policy documents
To access your policy documents, select your cover level then tell us the date you bought your cover.
Economy
Policy numbers starting with TC
Policies are underwritten by Collinson Insurance:
About our travel insurance
Post Office® Travel Insurance is arranged by Post Office Limited and Post Office Management Services Limited.
Post Office Limited is an appointed representative of Post Office Management Services Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FRN 630318. Post Office Limited and Post Office Management Services Limited are registered in England and Wales. Registered numbers 2154540 and 08459718 respectively. Registered Office: 100 Wood Street, London, EC2V 7ER. Post Office and the Post Office logo are registered trademarks of Post Office Limited.
The above details can be checked on the Financial Services Register by visiting the Financial Conduct Authority website and searching by Firm Reference Number (FRN).
Things you need to know
(3) For economy, standard and premier policies, the single-trip policy will cover you for one trip up to:
-
365 days for those aged up to and including 70 years
-
90 days for those aged between 71 and 75
-
31 days for those aged 76 years and above