Gap Year Travel Insurance
This may seem like an expensive luxury, but it is not - it is an absolute necessity. If you take out insurance and do not have to use it then you should be thankful and not look at it as wasted money.
If you are planning an extended stay abroad then you should go to an insurance broker who specialises in this type of policy. There will be certain areas you will want your policy to cover:
Medical Expenses This is the most important part of your insurance policy and you should not step foot overseas if you do not have this.
Personal Accident This allows for the payment of a lump sum to the policy holder in the event of an accident, such as the loss of a finger or serious disablement. The sum varies depending on the injury and most policies have set amounts. These can be increased, if desired, with an additional payment.
Loss of Baggage and Money Although the independent traveller should not be weighed down by a lot of inordinately expensive items, you should be insured against the loss of your belongings and your money. Cameras are one of the most expensive items you are likely to have. If it is worth more than a couple of hundred pounds then it would be a good idea to insure it separately at home on an 'all risks' policy.
Personal Liability This insures you against sums payable if someone decides to sue you for injury, loss or damage to other people or their property. Make sure you have this.
Cancellation If the policy holder has to cancel a journey for a genuine reason such as ill health then any money already paid as a deposit will be insured.
Strikes and Delays This will mean you are compensated if your journey (from Britain) is delayed or effected by a strike.
Travel Insurance Specialists
Automobile Association
Carr Ellison House
William Armstrong Drive
Newcastle-upon-Tyne
NE4
Tel: (0870) 606 1612
Provide cover for overland travel abroad.
Campbell Irvine Ltd
48 Earls Court Road
Kensington
London
W8 6EJ
Tel: (020) 7937 6981
Offer personal and vehicle insurance.
Endsleigh Insurance Services Ltd
Endsleigh House
Ambrose Street
Cheltenham Spa
Gloucester
GL50 3NR
Good all-round travel insurance policies at very competitive prices.
The Travel Insurance Agency
Suite 2 , Percy Mews
7756 High Road
London
N12 8JY
Tel: (020) 8446 5414
Trailfinders Travel Centre
194 Kensington High Street
London
W8 7RG
Offer comprehensive cover, including up to £5 million worth of medical insurance, for a price of up to £520 for 12 months.
For general worldwide travel insurance for a year you can expect to pay upwards from £450 (worldwide insurance is generally more expensive if it includes cover for North America ). If you have a policy that has been specifically tailored to your needs (for instance you may want to travel through a war zone or be covered for abseiling down Everest) then the premium will rise accordingly. It is worth shopping around for the best policy for you.
