25th August 2008: Shocking new figures released today by InsureandGo (
www.insureandgo.com), the leading travel insurance company, reveal that
one in 11 of Britain’s young backpackers, equivalent to more than
1.3 million people, have been a victim of theft while on their travels. A further
409,000 backpackers (
3%) have been mugged while they have been abroad.
The study also reveals that male backpackers are much more likely to be victims of theft or mugging than females. 13% of male backpackers claim to have been a victim of theft, compared to only 4% of females, and 5% of males had been mugged compared to 1% of females.
Perry Wilson, founder of InsureandGo, said: “Travelling should be about having fun, but young people have to remember that they are not indestructible. Backpackers can easily end up as victims of crime when they are abroad, and they should always be careful not to put themselves in dangerous situations if they can be avoided. We would urge everyone planning on going travelling to be as vigilant as possible and make sure they have comprehensive travel insurance before they depart.”
Regionally, backpackers from Greater London are the most likely to have been victims of theft while travelling (14%), with those from the North East or Yorkshire & Humberside next most likely (11%). Only 5% of backpackers from Wales and the West have been victims of theft.
Region |
Percentage of travellers aged 16-34 who have been a victim of theft |
Number of travellers aged 16-34 who have been a victim of theft |
Greater London |
14% |
246,000 |
North East/Yorks & Humber |
11% |
253,000 |
North West |
9% |
132,000 |
Midlands |
9% |
257,000 |
South East/East Anglia |
8% |
244,000 |
Scotland |
6% |
81,000 |
Wales & West |
5% |
111,000 |
Source: InsureandGo
Unfortunately, it seems that many of Britain’s young backpackers are not taking heed of warnings to take care, as many of them are still embarking on their travels uninsured. While 38% of them do not always have travel insurance while away, one in five (20%) of them rarely or never have it, meaning they would not be covered for any stolen possessions or medical bills resulting from a mugging that might occur while they are abroad.
InsureandGo’s backpacking policies offer a range of benefits such as a 24 hour worldwide emergency helpline, available 365 days a year and automatically cover a wide range of adventure sports and activities.
-Ends-
Notes to editors
(1) Research was conducted online by independent research company TNS between 1st-12th May 2008. 1216 GB adults aged 16-34 were interviewed.
About InsureandGo
InsureandGo (www.insureandgo.com) was established in 2000 and has grown rapidly to become the UK’s largest direct travel insurance specialist. Over two million holidaymakers a year choose to cover their travels with its low cost, high value policies.
All InsureandGo policies cover children under 18 for free and include over 40 adventure sports, while its annual policies include winter sports automatically.