What's included in your gap year backpacker travel insurance policy?

Why do you need travel insurance?

For some forms of travel you are required to prove you are insured, for all types of travel it is your responsibility to make certain you are insured adequately. When you are shopping around of course you need to make sure the minimum is covered but it is also advisable to check that pointless items are left out if it saves you money.

Backpacker travel insurance

Backpacking on a budget carries a high risk of accident and injury and generally makes likely theft or illness. It’s the risk that makes it appealing though so rather than being put off, getting a decent insurance package will give you peace of mind, and might even make you a bit braver. There are lots of us going off for 2 to 14 months backpacking and as you would expect, plenty of specialist insurance policies as a result. A normal single policy for a trip might do at a push but you will find the specialist packages cater far better for your needs. Make sure it includes as a minimum: Emergency medical cover with rescue and repatriation; Personal liability; Cancellation in case you have to cancel your trip early and come home; Theft of possessions in case your bags or documents (passport mainly) gets nicked or lost (including cash)

Get covered before you get active

Can you picture yourself riding the waves in Bondi Beach or bungee jumping in New Zealand? It’s a good idea to try to think about what holiday activities you are likely to take part in. Trying your hand at snowboarding, scuba diving or white water rafting is bound to seem more tempting when you’re there.

A recent survey of 18-35 year olds found that 1 in 2 went jet-skiing or scuba diving and 2 in 3 went bungee jumping without knowing if their insurance covered them. This is just crazy. You are probably more likely to be in need of medical insurance while you are taking part in one of these activities than during the entire rest of your trip. Most companies are very happy to cover sports or higher risk activities for a small additional premium. Just ask if you are in doubt, and get covered!

Check for policy exclusions

You should check the small print of your insurance policy very carefully to see if any exclusions might apply. Exclusions could include injury or death through acts of terrorism or nature; accidents caused through drinking alcohol or engaging in dangerous sports (and the list of these varies from policy to policy); or problems arising from a previous illness that you have not declared to the insurer. If you are not sure whether you are covered for any of the above, you should check with your insurer.

What is usually included in your travel insurance policy?

All policies can vary, which is why you need to spend the time checking what is covered, as well as the small print and exclusions. Generally, a good comprehensive travel insurance policy will cover you for the following:

Cancellation
You should be able to reclaim the cost of your holiday if you have to cancel any or part of your trip due to illness or another valid reason. Make sure this cover starts from the date you book your holiday.
Medical expenses
If you are taken ill or involved in an accident while you are away, you should be covered for medical treatment, hospital stays, any additional accommodation required, travel costs, and emergency repatriation (flying you home).
Personal accident
In the unlikely event of your death or permanent disability while you are travelling, your insurance company will pay out a sum of money. The level of money depends on the extent of the disability.
Personal belongings/possessions
You should be compensated for any costs associated your belongings being lost, damaged or stolen. This should include passport, tickets, camera, money, luggage etc. This cover usually has an upper limit on the total claim and the per item claim, so make sure you individually name anything that is expensive. Remember that any theft needs to be reported to the police within 24 hours. Your insurance company will ask for a police report before paying out.
Delays
This includes compensation for luggage delays and missed departures.
Personal liability
This covers you if you injure someone or damage their property and are subsequently sued, and may include legal expenses cover if you need to take legal action against a third party.

The EHIC card

When travelling in Europe, you are covered for health treatment as long as you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) – click here or ask at your Post Office for forms. This entitles you to reduced-cost, sometimes free, medical treatment that becomes necessary while you’re in a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland. Even if you have this, you still need medical cover under your travel insurance policy as this would pay for your return trip home.