Best Travel Insurance for Backpackers in Colorado

Backpacking in Colorado means high altitudes (the Rocky Mountains!), significant weather exposure (freezing temperatures!), and some of the most memorably beautiful views you can ever imagine. Exploring the trails of Colorado or hiking the many 14,000 foot peaks (called 14′ers or fourteeners) can be some of the most exciting backpacking available in the world. Whether you are want a breathtaking escape from the summer heat or a daring slog through ice and snow, backpacking in Colorado is many a backpacker’s dream, but you’re going to need backpacker travel insurance to protect you from potential mishaps.

Staying safe is essential … but slightly more difficult

Planning your trip details is even more essential when backpacking through Colorado because there can be a lot of distance between you and your next meal or place of rest. Not all backpackers are traveling on a budget, staying in hostels, or camping in tents, but many are, and most are traveling in remote areas. To ensure that you – and your travel companions – stay safe on your backpacking trip, it is important to recognize the essential risks with backpacking.

Some of the risks you face as a backpacker are specifically related to people you may encounter while traveling in this manner, and some of the risks are, of course, related to this particular type of travel – by foot in remote areas with significant environmental exposure. When backpacking, there is a risk that important personal possessions – your money, identity cards, for example – may be lost or stolen. You also face greater than normal risk of physical injury and accidents by exposing yourself to the elements.

Essential Precautions when Backpacking

Of course, the best defense is to be suitably cautious and protect yourself from possible crime. Take your backpacker trip insurance policy details with you and ensure you keep the contact information and policy number in a separate place in case the policy copies are stolen or misplaced. Keep your receipts for purchases (including ATM slips for cash withdrawals) in case you need to make a claim. Be cautious about trusting the people you encounter too.

Essential Features in your Backpacking Travel Plan

These are the essential coverage features you want to have in your travel plan if you are backpacking:

• Emergency Medical – this covers the cost of emergency travel medical expenses for any injury or illness you may experience while traveling. These costs may not be covered by your regular insurance plan, depending on the coverage.
• Rescue and Repatriation – this covers the costs relative to evacuation if you are in need of medical rescue due to a travel accident.
• Personal Possessions and Money – this coverage helps replace your personal possessions – think cameras, credit cards, global positioning equipment – if lost or stolen on your trip.
• Trip Cancellation – if your trip is canceled due to work reasons or a sudden and unexpected change in plans, you won’t lose all the money you spent on the trip.
• Travel Delays – this covers the costs related to delayed departures at any leg of your trip.

Optionally, it is good to look for special features such as sports equipment coverage that may cover backpacking gear. Always carefully check the policy to be sure your gear is covered before you count on it.

You may also want to consider coverage that includes AD&D, which pays you or your beneficiary in case of your death or permanent dismemberment. It’s not something any of us want to think about, but considering the types of injuries that are possible with this type of travel, it may be wise.

… and don’t wait too long before purchasing your coverage. Finding the right backpacker coverage is important and you don’t want to leave it to the last minute.

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