Underwritten by AWP P&C S.A. for core cover. Defaqto 5 star expert rated applies to Gold and Platinum cover only.

Your backpack’s packed and you’re ready to go. There’s just one thing left to do: get travel insurance. If you’re taking a life-changing gap year or a stressbusting six months exploring the world, get the best backpacker travel insurance to suit your needs.

Our extended trip policy works great as backpacker insurance or adventure travel insurance. It’ll protect you and your belongings on longer trips, or if you’re travelling across multiple countries.

A backpacking holiday is full of adventure and a chance to explore new things. But when you’re carrying personal belongings, you can be at risk. When you’re on the go, valuable holiday essentials like mobile phones and passports can easily get lost, damaged or stolen.

You’re also likely to be carrying travel money and important documents while staying in hostels and hopping on and off public transport. It’s easy to misplace items when you’re always on the move.

That’s where travel insurance comes in. It can insure your important documents, personal baggage and even travel money up to an amount set out in your policy.

If you become ill or injured during your trip, you may need medical assistance. And if you don’t have the right level of cover, you could face a large medical bill. Backpackers can get cover for unexpected medical expenses by taking out travel insurance that can insure you whether you’re travelling across one or many countries.

Anyone heading on an adventure abroad for a longer period should consider extended trip travel insurance.

There are a few things to think about when finding the best backpacker insurance for your adventure. Start by looking at what each long stay insurance policy offers and compare them based on your needs. Think about the policy’s maximum stay length and the amount your baggage is insured for. You can also look to see if cover for flight cancellations or disruptions is included.

Whether you’re a student backpacker travelling for a year abroad, or planning to work overseas, we understand that plans might change. And if you travel for longer than initially planned, you can usually extend the cover of your insurance from wherever you are in the world. With Sainsbury’s extended trip travel insurance, it’s easy to do this, up to a maximum of 366 days.

You’ve planned your trip and now you need to decide on the best backpacker travel insurance. With our extended trip policy, you’ll get:

• Up to 20% off if you’re a Nectar member. Exclusions apply*
• Three levels of cover to choose from – Silver, Gold or Platinum
• Cover for up to 366 days of travel 
• Compensation if your flight is delayed by 6 hours or more at your first international departure point in the UK
• Access to a 24-hour helpline available in case of medical emergencies while you’re away
• The cost of lost or stolen baggage, including important travel documents such as a passport
• Cover for a wide range of pre-existing medical conditions

Limits, exclusions and excesses apply.

Whether you’re exploring the wonders of South East Asia or taking a trip down under in Australia, you should be prepared. We’ve pulled together some tips to help you blend in with the locals, stay safe and make the most of your adventure.

Our useful travel guides will help to prepare you for your backpacking holiday.

Check out our most frequently asked questions about travel insurance. If you still need to talk to us, our friendly team will be happy to help.

Call 0345 305 2622.

Sales and service lines are open 9am-5pm Monday to Friday. Closed weekend and Bank Holidays. Calls may be monitored or recorded. Calls are charged at local rates from landlines and mobiles.

Helpful phone numbers.