The best insurance for your backpacking trips

Travel worry-free with ‘Backpacker’ insurance


Travelling with a backpack is a wonderful adventure, isn’t it? Making your way off the beaten track, discovering a foreign country and new cultures, meeting local people, and staying in some of the most unusual places in the world: in a word, absolute freedom.
Whether you are travelling through Europe, exploring the Cambodian jungle, or climbing mountains, there is one guiding principle:
“Prepare for every possibility before you set off.”
As a backpacker, it is best to take a few precautions in advance. This will allow you to enjoy a great adventure without worries!

The 5 most popular backpacking destinations


A backpacking adventure can be enjoyed anywhere, but some countries are better suited to it than others. We have listed 5 very popular destinations for backpackers.
First country to visit?

Why not Australia? Everything is set up to make life as easy as possible for travellers. The nature is incredible and the weather is perfect. Before you leave, think about what you want to see and visit!

Thailand, Cambodia, the Philippines and Indonesia are dream destinations for backpackers.

You certainly will not be alone and will meet plenty of other travellers along the way. You can discover the magnificent city of Bangkok or the highly sought-after island of Bali with its countless attractions. During your journey, you can also enjoy the many beach parties held under the full moon.

Mexico, Peru and Costa Rica are dream destinations for backpackers in Central America.

Buses can take you almost everywhere, and you can easily get by speaking English. Along the way, you can admire Mayan ruins or relax on beautiful white sandy beaches.

The diversity of South Africa is enormous and will appeal to many backpackers.

Go in search of the Big Five, enjoy excellent wine, and immerse yourself in vibrant cities.

Choose the western United States and combine cosmopolitan cities with vast natural parks and magnificent valleys.

Rent a car and set off on an adventure across the United States with your backpack in the trunk.

Of course, you can also travel throughout Europe. You do not always need or want to go to the other side of the world. Most European countries are perfect for a backpacking trip. In addition, Eastern Europe is very interesting and extremely affordable to explore.

4 safety tips for every backpacker

As a backpacker, you are looking for adventure, but of course, not recklessly. It is best to keep a few safety tips in mind. Why get yourself into trouble when you can explore new horizons much more safely by taking a few precautions?

Even if you are not travelling far, the following precautions still apply:

Make sure you bring a sturdy padlock.

Your valuables are often stored in your backpack. More than once, you will need your own padlock to secure a locker in a hostel, for example. It will also be useful for locking your backpack or flight bag. Choose a strong TSA-approved lock.

Not all countries offer the same level of safety, so use common sense.

From time to time, you may come across a questionable hostel, especially in developing countries. Always use common sense and avoid suspicious accommodations. Do not venture into dangerous neighbourhoods, and seek advice from other backpackers.

Tips for long-haul destinations:

Do not bring jewellery or other valuable items.

A brand-new iPhone or an eye-catching watch? Nice to have, but as a backpacker, it is better not to show them off. Your jewellery or valuables could be stolen, putting you in a difficult situation.

Stay in touch with home.

It can be exciting to feel completely free, but keep in touch with your loved ones. Regularly let them know where you are and what your plans are. This way, an alarm can be raised quickly if something goes wrong.

Which travel insurance should you choose as a backpacker?

Want to explore the world without worries? Start with travel insurance that provides the coverage you need. Your travel insurance can cover high medical expenses in certain countries, preventing your adventure from being ruined and helping you avoid significant financial difficulties. As a backpacker, you will need a flexible insurance policy that covers several consecutive months of travel. With the temporary travel insurance‘Long Trip’, you can rely on assistance for trips an 3 consecutive months, up to a maximum of 1 year. If you are travelling for a shorter period, ‘Smart Europe’ will be sufficient.

The most important points to consider when choosing your travel insurance are:

  • The duration of your trip
  • The extent of your coverage
  • The maximum amount of medical expenses covered

Long Trip, Smart Europe or Smart World? Whatever suits you best!

  Are you planning to travel with your backpack for more than 3 months? Then choose the temporary ‘Long Trip’ policy. Discover the main guarantees below:

  • Repatriation of the victim of an illness or accident and the accompanying persons included in the policy
  • Medical expenses abroad up to €750,000 (Europe) and €1,250,000 (Worldwide)
  • Early return in the event of the hospitalisation or death of a relative in Belgium, and return to the place where you interrupted your trip
  • Assistance on and off ski slopes
  • €5,000 in search and rescue costs on the continent

‘Long Trip’ covers ? Discover them here!

Are you travelling with your backpack for up to 3 months? Depending on your destination, Europe or the rest of the world, we offer ‘Smart Europe’ or ‘Smart World’ travel insurance. Discover the main guarantees below:

  • Repatriation of the victim of an illness or accident and the accompanying passengers
  • Medical expenses abroad up to €750,000 (Europe) and €1,250,000 (Worldwide)
  • Early return in the event of the hospitalisation or death of a relative in Belgium
  • Search and rescue costs on the continent
  • Reimbursement of unused holiday days following a covered event

Are you a long-haul traveller or exploring Europe? Find out more about the Smart plan here.