What isn't covered
As with any travel insurance policy, there are things that fall outside the scope of cover. For long-term travellers, these are particularly worth knowing about.
Manual work
Post Office Backpacker Insurance doesn't include cover for injuries sustained while doing certain ‘manual work’. As set out in our policy guidelines, we define this as work ‘that is physical, including but not limited to construction, installation, assembly and building work. Including working with domestic or wild animals. Humanitarian or carer work, or work in any medical capacity. This does not include bar and restaurant staff, non-professional musicians/singers and fruit/vegetable pickers’.
Digital nomads working remotely on a laptop would be covered. The manual work exclusion relates to physical labour, not to desk-based or knowledge work carried out remotely.
High-risk activities
Standard cover includes a wide range of sports and activities, but some require an additional premium (winter sports, for example) and others are excluded entirely. It's worth checking the sports and activities section of the policy before you go, especially if your trip includes anything adventurous like motorbikes above 125cc, scuba diving below 30 metres, or activities that require specialist training or qualifications.
Alcohol, drugs and travelling against official advice
Claims for incidents that occur while you're under the influence of alcohol or drugs won't be valid. Similarly, if you travel to a destination against Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advice, or in breach of government travel restrictions, you won't be covered. Always check the FCDO's travel advice page for your destination before you depart, and make sure you understand any local laws or customs that could affect your cover.
