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Backpacker Travel Insurance   by Sam Tinky

Backpacker travel insurance is not something that many people ever think about or even know exists. If you like to backpack frequently or are planning a vacation around outdoors and backpacking activities, you should consider whether you need this type of insurance or not. Here is some additional information about travel insurance for backpackers.

The most common type of this insurance will cover medical emergencies sustained while traveling. Coverage is available through most traditional insurance companies and can be bought for a set time frame, like 2 weeks, a month, a year etc. Most policies also cover emergency dental work; lost luggage or baggage and some even cover expenses if you are forced to travel home for an emergency before you had planned to.

Like most types of insurance, it pays to know exactly what you want coverage for, how long you will need the coverage and to shop around at quite a few different insurance agencies. Pricing and coverage options can vary quite a bit and there is no need to pay more than you need to for something that you hope not to use. Understand that insurance companies have tons of statistics telling them how often a certain type of policy will be used and how much each policy actually costs them. Then they add on their profit and this is how much you have to pay.

Make sure you ask a lot of questions before buying your backpacker travel insurance. You need to know exactly what is covered, how you file a claim and exactly when the coverage starts and when it ends. I always try to find out how hard it is to actually get the help I need before an emergency comes up. For example, does the company have a twenty-four hour toll free claims line? Do they have an Internet help desk? Is my coverage really going to be available when I need it? I don't want the cheapest insurance if it isn't going to do me any good when I need it.

Another thing to consider is where you will be traveling. Will you have cell phone service to reach the insurance company? If not, how are you going to handle it if an emergency comes up? Insurance is like most things in life; it is important to be prepared and know all of your options, but there is no need to pay more than you need to and no need to buy more than you need.

About the Author

Sam Tinky recommends learning more about backpacker travel insurance at AskDeb.com

Backpacking Travel Itinerary for Thailand and Australia?

Hi All,
I am planning to go to Thailand Traveling for 3 months in Feb of 2012 before going to the East Coast of Australia. I just wondered if anyone could give me advice on the best route to take if i want to start in Bangkok and go to Ko Samui, Koh Phagnan, Phuket, Ko Tao and Koh Phi Phi (plus anywhere else that's worth seeing) also what the best most cost effective way to travel is?
Also where to start on the East Coast of OZ and whether to work my way from North to south or the other way around? I will be Backpacking all the way and staying in cheap accommodation.

Thanks Very Much

Three months all in Thailand is ALOT of time. You can probably see most of Thailand in less time than that. I noticed that your main focus is on the south, but please don't forget about the north! The north of Thailand is amazing as well. I'm going to assume, since you're backpacking, you're on a limited budget. So I will also assume that you're likely to use buses/ferries rather than flights while in Thailand. I would suggest something like this:

BANGKOK(3 days is enough):
While in Bangkok I stayed at a hostel called NapPark Hostel. It is two streets down from Khao San Road, backpacker central in Bangkok, and I loved it. It's a bit more expensive(about 450Baht/night for the 22 bed dorm with air conditioning), but it's got a really good vibe, a nice lounge area where it's really easy to meet people, and close to all the temples/other attractions.

BANGKOK TO CHIANG MAI(by bus):
I would say about 4 days to a week in Chiang Mai/area if you'd like to do some of the activities I'll list below.
I would say take a night bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. I say night bus not because it's comfortable(because it's not) but because the bus ride is about 13 hours, and by going through the night you don't lose a day of travel. You can get on a tourist night bus or take one of the thai government buses. Both are around the same price, but the thai gov't buses are much comfier. Unless you feel uncomfortable being possibly the only tourist on the bus(though I didn't have a problem).

Chiang Mai is a really cool city, tons of great budget accomodation and easy to meet people. Great nightlife, fantastic markets(the Sunday Walking Market is the best). Doi Suthep Temple is a neat thing to see as well. The North of Thailand is very popular for various treks through the mountains. Elephant treks are popular, but I discourage everyone from doing them and going to Elephant Nature Park instead if you want an experience with elephants. The training methods used for elephants to become submissive and used in trekking is quite cruel(as I learnt from my week at E.N.P). From Chiang Mai you could also see Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle, do Flight of the Gibbon, a zip-lining activity, and much more.

CHIANG MAI -- BANGKOK(backtracking, I know, but the north is worth a visit):
This is another 13 hour bus ride. If you take the bus route, I would recommend staying a day in Bangkok before catching the bus/ferry to the island. You probably won't have a choice anyways, because the night bus arrives in Bangkok around 6:00/6:30AM and then the night bus to the ferry port leaves around 6:00PM. NapPark Hostel will let you just chill there for the day/leave your bag if you want.

BANGKOK -- KOH TAO:
Of all the islands, I only went to Koh Phi Phi, so I'm not much help here, but I'll try. You would probably need a joint ticket(bus/boat) from any travel agent on Khao San(cheapest there). Bus from Bangkok to Chumphon, then ferry to Koh Tao.

KOH TAO -- KOH PHANGAN:
You would only need to take a ferry. Koh Tao is said to have the best diving.

KOH PHANGAN -- SAMUI:
About 30 minutes by ferry.

**Tao, Phangan and Samui are all on the east coast of thailand. to get to phuket/koh phi phi you need to cross to the east.***

SAMUI -- KRABI:
I'm just adding in Krabi here because Railay Beach is supposed to be a stunning place with excellent rock climbing. I'm guessing that from Samui(from looking on a map) would be a ferry and then a bus, likely a long trip though.

KRABI -- KOH PHI PHI:
This is where I went. It's between a 2 and 4 hour ferry from Krabi to Koh Phi Phi. I absolutely adored Phi Phi. Although there are alot of tourists now, it's still worth a visit. All the budget accomodation are in the same area. When you get off the ferry you'll be able to ask. There is only one hostel on the island I believe, and it's called The Rock Hostel. Around the hostel are tons of cheap guesthouses always with rooms available. I would recommend doing the overnight camping trip, where you get to travel to the surrounding islands/go snorkling/camp out on a beach OR just a day trip of the surrounding islands/snorkling. There is also tons of diving opportunities here as well. If you're looking for a good place to eat, there are two restaurants across from The Irish Pub that are good. As for nightlife, all of the beach bars are great, though I loved Stones Bar and Slinky's. There is a limitless amount of things to do in Koh Phi Phi.

PHUKET: I have heard Phuket is extremely overrated and is also extremely ovepriced. I would probably skip it and do Railay instead.

Hope this helped some!