Gap Year Travel Insurance and Gapyear holiday cover
Gap Year? Get Covered! Over 30,000 students this year are expected to defer their
entry to university and grab the opportunity to spread their wings and see the world
backpacking, before they knuckle down to some serious study.
The one thing that these intrepid explorers should not board their plane without
however is quality travel insurance.
Having no cover in place could mean that hard earned cash, which was supposed to
last the entirety of the trip, being spent out for example on medical expenses or
replacing lost luggage. Or even worse their families having to foot a huge bill
instead.
Perry Wilson, from travel insurance specialists InsureandGo, warns that this could
be exactly the case: "More and more students are taking the opportunity to have
a year out to explore the world. They will have the time of their lives but without
insurance this could all change in a second should an accident or incident occur.
"For example an individual in a coma as the result of an accident could be looking
at a bill of over £40,000 should they need to be flown back to the UK and
that's just for the flight. With no insurance such a huge amount could mean his
or her parents having to re-mortgage, or worse sell, their house to cover the cost.
Even for a broken leg an individual could be looking at a bill of around £10,000
- hardly short change.
"This may seem extreme but backpackers have to be aware of the risks of not taking
out insurance - especially when they are travelling so far from home for an extended
period. By taking out our effective cover they, and their families, can be secure
in the knowledge that they are covered for any eventuality and at a price that will
not take a huge chunk out of their savings."
InsureandGo understands that for backpackers every penny counts and offers some
of the lowest cost, but highest value policies available. The company's dedicated
website for backpackers insurance offers a quick quote facility, along with advice
on equipment, country information and a job network.
For the adventurous traveller InsureandGo's packages cover over 40 activities at
no extra cost including bungee jumping, scuba diving, water skiing and white water
rafting. Winter sports are included automatically in standard priced policies.
InsureandGo Backpacker Insurance Prices:
- Europe, three months: Standard - £37.08, Budget - £26.69
- Australia/New Zealand only, 12 months: Standard £187.98, Budget - £135.34
- Worldwide (exc USA and Canada), 12 months: Standard - £209.11, Budget - £150.56
- Worldwide (inc USA and Canada), 12 months: Standard - £240.39, Budget - £173.08
Figures correct as at 25 June 2003