{"type":"document","data":{"id":"f406352a-0f48-4eb9-afc1-cc2dbfdb9154","localeString":"en-GB","publishDate":"2026-03-19T13:07:30.358+01:00","contentType":"onecms:productPage","hasMacro":false,"flexPageMetadata":{"afmBanner":false,"robotInstruction":{"noIndex":false,"noFollow":false},"description":"Your guide to the best travel insurance for backpackers"},"mainHeaderZone":{"componentType":"productHeader","coreHeader":{"body":"Backpacking guarantees adventure, freedom, and unforgettable experiences. But it also comes with risks. Having good travel insurance while backpacking is essential to avoid unexpected costs and worries. Discover what backpacking travel insurance includes, what options you have, and what to look out for.","headerImage":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/ab32a6e7-f900-494f-b94d-21faa6cf7997/Two-backpackers-hiking-trail-in-highland-and-oak-trees-are-around-in-misty-weather","type":"image","width":5472,"original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/2cae261d5166ba34/original/Two-backpackers-hiking-trail-in-highland-and-oak-trees-are-around-in-misty-weather.jpg","extension":"jpg"},"title":"Travel insurance for backpacking"},"backLink":{"textLink":{"url":"/en/personal/insurances","text":"Insurance"}}},"flexZone":{"flexComponents":[{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Backpacking? Here’s why travel insurance is a must!"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>When backpacking, you’re often away for a long time and traveling through different countries. Consider these benefits of having <a href=\"https://www.ing.nl/en/personal/insurances/annual-travel-insurance\">travel insurance</a>:</p><ul><li>Protection against high medical costs: Accidents or illness can happen anywhere. With travel insurance, you avoid being stuck with sky-high bills.</li><li>24/7 assistance: In case of trouble or an emergency, you can count on professional support—wherever you are.</li><li>Coverage for lost or stolen luggage: Backpacking comes with risks for your personal belongings. Insurance provides financial compensation</li></ul>"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"What types of travel insurance can I choose?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>You can choose from two types of travel insurance:</p>"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"Short term travel insurance","richBody":{"value":"<p>Suitable for a single trip or a short period. This insurance only covers you during the specified duration of your trip. Want to know more?</p>"},"textLinks":[{"url":"/en/personal/insurances/short-travel-insurance","text":"Explore the ING Short-Term Travel Insurance"}]},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"Annual Travel Insurance","richBody":{"value":"<p>Ideal for frequent travelers or long backpacking trips. You’re covered all year round, no matter how often you travel.</p>"},"textLinks":[{"url":"/en/personal/insurances/annual-travel-insurance","text":"Sign up for an annual travel insurance"}]},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"What’s the cost of travel insurance for backpacking?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>The cost of travel insurance depends on:</p><ul><li>The type of insurance (short-term or annual).</li><li>The duration of your trip.</li><li>Any additional coverage, such as worldwide coverage or extra baggage insurance.</li></ul><p>A short-term policy is usually cheaper for a single trip, while an annual policy is more cost-effective if you travel multiple times a year.</p>"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"What to look out for when choosing a travel insurance"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>Not every travel insurance offers the same coverage. So pay close attention to the following points:</p><ul><li>Worldwide coverage: Do you need travel insurance for backpacking in Asia or Thailand? Make sure to add a module that covers these regions.</li><li>Deductible: How much will you pay yourself in case of damage or loss?</li><li>Duration of the insurance: Choose a policy that covers your entire travel period.</li></ul>"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Frequently Asked Questions"},{"componentType":"accordion","accordionList":[{"title":"Do you really need travel insurance?","richBody":{"value":"<p>Yes, especially for longer trips like backpacking. Unexpected costs, such as hospital stays, can become extremely expensive.</p>"}},{"title":"Which travel insurance is best for backpacking?","richBody":{"value":"<p>This depends on your travel duration and destinations. For long trips, an annual travel insurance policy often offers more convenience.</p>"}},{"title":"Is it possible to travel without travel insurance?","richBody":{"value":"<p>In theory, yes, but it’s a big risk. Travel insurance gives you peace of mind and support in emergencies.</p>"}}]},{"componentType":"linkList","iconTitle":{"title":"Insurance"},"textLinks":[{"url":"/en/personal/insurances/annual-travel-insurance","text":"Travel insurance"},{"url":"/en/personal/insurances/car-insurance","text":"Car insurance"},{"url":"/en/personal/insurances/home-insurance","text":"Home insurance"},{"url":"/en/personal/insurances/liability-insurance","text":"Liability insurance"},{"url":"/en/personal/insurances/legal-expenses-insurance","text":"Legal expenses insurance"},{"url":"/en/personal/insurances/student-insurance","text":"Student insurance"},{"url":"/en/personal/insurances/czdirect-health-insurance","text":"Health insurance"},{"url":"/en/personal/insurances","text":"All insurance"}]}]}}}