Planning a year out or an extended backpacking trip away? Backpacker travel insurance is available from a host of insurers with policies tailored to travellers visiting multiple destinations and in some cases, returning to the UK in between journeys. Cover is normally offered from between 31 days to a year and in some cases, may hold an age restriction.

Be careful to check what is included in the policy before purchasing ensuring items like your passport are covered should it get lost or stolen during your trip. In addition if you are planning any extreme sports such as skiing or scuba diving whilst away it is also worth checking you are fully covered for these under your policy.

One company which offers excellent rates for backpackers is Direct Travel. Their backpacker policy is tailored to the needs of young travellers (up to the age of 36) and includes cover for over 100 sports and activities, natural disaster cover and includes a return trip to the UK during your travels. There is also the option to Pay as you go and extend your cover up to 18 months whilst you are away. Direct Travel offer a flexible and comprehensive policy for backpackers and gap year travellers.

INSURER	PRODUCT	FEATURES
VIRGIN INSURANCE	Virgin Backpackers Insurance GET A QUOTE →	Travel insurance for backpackers Up to 18 month cover European & worldwide cover Unlimited medical cover option 40 adventure sports covered Up to £400 cover if you get mugged Travel Advice Line
Direct Travel Insurance	Direct Travel Insurance GET A QUOTE →	Online travel insurance Single & Annual Trip cover European & worldwide cover 24h emergency service Backed by a dedicated claims unit Wintersports extension Backpacker cover available
	InsureFor.com Travel Insurance GET A QUOTE →	Cheap travel insurance from £4.36 Single & Annual Multi Trip cover Standard & Premier levels of cover GAP year & backpacker policies 24 hour emergency assistance UK call centre Secure online booking
	Endsleigh GAP Travel Insurance GET A QUOTE →	10% internet discount GAP year insurance Choose essential or comprehensive cover 24h medical claims line Annual, Single & Multi Trip Immediate cover available Winter Sports cover Business travel insurance
	Avanti Travel Insurance GET A QUOTE →	Quality low cost travel insurance Single & Multi Trip insurance Winter sports & ski cover European or Worldwide cover Worldwide business cover Terrorism cover Medical Expense cover up to £5m Cover for lost & stolen baggage