Travel insurance ‘particularly important’ for gap year students

Buying travel insurance can become “particularly important” when taking part in a learning holiday on a gap year, one financial expert has claimed.

STA Travel said that ensuring that the appropriate cover is in place can ensure a traveller is well protected against the unexpected.

A spokesperson for the firm said that learning holidays can be life changing but the initial costs quite high.

“It is imperative that the passenger covers themselves against potential costs if they were forced to cancel due to circumstances outside their control,” she added.

Insurance can help protect a traveller from the expenses of having to return to home in the event of an illness of accident occurring.

STA Travel also said that some sports such as kite-surfing can be dangerous so it is important for a traveller to make sure they are covered for any activity they take part in.

Up to 25 per cent of young travellers travel uninsured or underinsured, putting their parents’ homes and financial security at risk.

Tags: year one, Gap, place, security, sports, potential costs, financial security, illness

Travellers need to remember European Health Insurance Card

Travellers need to remember to take their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with them when they go to Europe, warn insurance experts.

According to the AA, the card, previously known as the E111 form, offers health insurance which is always a “good idea” when travelling.

Ian Crowder, public relations manager for the AA, said that the EHIC is a reciprocal agreement with the NHS should allow holidaymakers to receive treatment in EU countries free or at low cost should it be required.

“[However], depending where you are may depend on the standard of service you get,” he added.

Research from gapyear.com states that a quarter of those who go travelling do so uninsured or underinsured which can put their parents’ homes and financial security at risk.

Up to 230,000 people take a gap year between the ages of 18-24 who have an average spend between £3-4,000.

A further 90,000 people take a gap year between the ages of 25 and 35 and spend an average sum between £6-9,000.

Tags: standard, security, eu countries, nhs, Ian Crowder