Gap year travel insurance

Why do I need gap year travel insurance?

Gap year insurance can help you financially if things go wrong during your travels. Exactly what you’re covered for depends on your provider, but travel insurance normally includes:

• Medical expenses cover - If you require medical attention during your trip, this can help cover your bills.
• Repatriation cover - This can cover the costs associated with flying you home in an emergency. For example, if a doctor thinks it’s necessary for you to be flown home to continue treatment.
• Baggage cover - This can cover the cost of replacing your belongings if your baggage is lost, stolen or accidentally damaged. There’s normally a limit to how much cover you have, so check it’s enough before you travel.
• Travel cancellation cover - If your trip is cancelled or cut short, this can cover the costs of your trip. Sometimes this covers the costs if your travel plans are disrupted by bad weather or public transport delays.
• Personal liability cover - This can cover the costs associated with you causing injury to a third party or damaging their property.

Gap year insurance can also include additional cover, such as adventure sports insurance or winter sports insurance.

Tips for taking a gap year

• Check if you need a visa - Some countries require British citizens to have a visa to enter, so make sure you research this beforehand. It’s generally recommended that you apply for any visas at least 2-3 months before you travel.
• Check if you need any vaccinations - Ask your GP whether you need any vaccinations for travelling. Give yourself enough time for this, as some might need multiple doses.
• Check government advice - The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issues travel advice for each country. Travelling against FCDO advice could invalidate your travel insurance, so make sure you check it before you travel.
• Check your travel insurance carefully - Travel insurance doesn’t cover every eventuality. Check it covers the activities you’re planning before travelling. If it doesn’t, you can contact your insurer and ask if they can add cover, but remember that this usually comes at an extra cost.
• Make a note of important information - For example, your insurer's contact details, and the location of the nearest medical provider for where you’ll be.
• Buy your insurance early - Consider buying your travel insurance as soon as you book your trip.  That way, you’re covered in case of any cancellations or disruptions in the lead-up to your trip.