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Monday, 27 July 2009

Top backpacking gap year tips for students!

Travelling is a great way to get over the stress of exams. Whether you are taking some time out to see the world before starting university or embarking on your career, read on for some top backpacking gap year travel tips…

Careful planning - Research your destination(s) before you travel. Remember, a visa may be required for some countries, which can take up to a few weeks to get hold of, so make sure you give yourself enough time to sort out the paperwork. You should also make sure all your regular jabs (such as tetanus) are up to date and check with your GP if you need any additional vaccinations or medication. Click here for more information from the NHS.

Insure yourself - If you arrange your 24/7 gap year travel insurance as soon as you book your trip, you will be immediately covered should you need to cancel your plans. Check your gap year travel insurance cover limits for personal possessions including valuables and single items, and think carefully before taking expensive items with you on your trip (camera, laptops and so on). You should also check that the gap year travel insurance policy covers you for any activities you plan on doing…like bungee jumping! Check out 24/7 travel insurance who automatically cover 70 activities as standard!

Where to go? - Know what you want to get out of your gap year adventure and where you want to visit. There are many hostels and guesthouses along the backpacker routes which are a basic, but usually cheap and comfortable accommodation - popular with gap year travellers! They're also a great place to meet other backpackers to exchange travelling stories with! Check out realgap.co.uk for some great backpacking gap year destinations.

Travel light - If you're backpacking around the world, you won't want you rucksack to be too heavy. Remember you can always pick up a bargain along the way. The beauty of backpacking around the world is that you can simply throw your rucksack on your back and go! Click here for a list of backpacking essential items!

Money matters – Carry your money in a secure form such as a Travel Money Card (e.g. Post Office Travel Money Card) and do not take too much in cash (note: most travel insurances have a low cash limit, typically £100). Tell your bank you’re going overseas and ask if you will incur charges if you use overseas cash machines.

For more information:
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) provides guidance for travellers on its website www.fco.gov.uk/travel. It is packed with essential travel advice, tips and up to date country-specific information.

Also, visit www.gogapyear.com for top tips and useful hints on planning your Gap Year trip.

Backpacker’s gap year travel insurance:
For those going on a gap year, the cheapest option is most likely to be a Backpacker travel insurance policy which allows you to choose cover for longer durations, typically up to a maximum of 18 months. It is important that you remember to check that the Backpacker travel insurance policy offers you the level of cover that you need for your trip before you buy it.24/7 Backpacker travel insurance is available from only £21.62!* - great value for peace of mind whilst travelling!

* Premium £21.62 includes Insurance Premium Tax based on 1 adult aged under 36 taking out a 24/7 travel insurance “Standard” (Worldwide excluding USA, Canada & Caribbean) Backpacker travel insurance policy for 2 months. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press (July 2009) and are subject to change.

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Thursday, 9 July 2009

Failing to take out holiday insurance can cost you thousands…

According to Opinion Research*, one in twelve British holidaymakers never take out holiday insurance, while one in 20 would not cover themselves for a European break. With medical costs potentially running into the thousands, especially in countries such as USA, Spain and Cyprus, read on to find out why taking out adequate holiday insurance is a must!

*source: The Guardian 2009

You never know when the unexpected can happen. Unforeseen events can lead to health related emergencies no matter where in the world you are. Without adequate holiday insurance, travellers are liable to cover all relevant medical and repatriation costs themselves.

Example medical costs†:
Broken leg in Europe - £4,000-7,000
A heart attack in Spain - £35,000

If you need to be repatriated back home to the UK, the cost of flights will depend on the class of travel required which will be dependent on the medical condition. For example, whether the passenger can travel seated or requires extra seats for a stretcher. It will also depend on their exact location and destination. Not to mention additional costs such as hotel accommodation for travel companions or medical escorts, medication, road ambulances and other transportation.

Example repatriation costs†:
Air ambulance from the East coast of USA - £30-35,000
Scheduled flight from the Mediterranean - £3,000-£4,500
Scheduled flight from Australia - £8,500

Source: Cultural Cube

Those without holiday insurance will have to meet those costs themselves. Repatriation is expensive and at a time when the number one priority is to get home, you do not want to be stranded in a far flung destination wondering why you didn’t get the travel insurance cover before you left, so check out 24/7 travel insurance for an instant online quote!

Whilst a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), previously known as the E111, does provide access to reduced-cost medical treatment in Europe, it may not provide all the cover that may be required.

For example, repatriation costs are not included under the EHIC and whilst you might think these might only be required for severe medical cases, even a broken leg may result in a hefty repatriation cost as an airline may not be able to accommodate the patient at short notice with the extra seating room required and the associated expenses.

Types of holiday insurance
When buying your holiday insurance, don’t assume that every policy is the same. Your needs may be different from others, so make sure the policy you buy provides the cover that you require. Read the policy wording, check the level of cover and ensure you are covered for any activities that you want to undertake. Carry your holiday insurance documentation with you on holiday and keep the 24 hour emergency assistance number on you at all times along with your policy number. Click here for an instant 24/7 travel insurance quote, for just £5.91** 24/7 travel insurance will cover you for a 3-day trip to Europe!

**Premium £5.91 includes Insurance Premium Tax; based on an individual traveller aged under 55 taking out a Standard single-trip policy for 3 days in Europe including personal possessions cover and purchased within 14 days of departure date. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press (July 2009) and are subject to change.

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Thursday, 2 July 2009

Watch out for airlines automatic travel insurance!

The latest report from Which? Holiday shows that a number of major airlines are still leading customers to buy holiday insurance by making buying insurance cover a default booking option when customers book their flights online.

Last November, there was an EU ruling making it illegal for airlines to automatically opt passengers into optional additional charges including travel insurance, as part of their flight package.

But still, according to Which?, airlines such as EasyJet, Jet2 and Monarch all automatically add holiday insurance as a default option* – where customers have to untick option boxes to avoid paying for the travel insurance. The costs of these additional extras can add up, especially if there are a group of adults travelling abroad together.

*Source – Which? Holiday June 2009

Customers should ensure they read the small print on the airlines travel insurance policies to check they are covered for every eventuality. You should especially take note of the age restrictions on the holiday insurance policy. Also, if you have a pre-existing medical conditions, check to see that the holiday insurance policy will cover your condition. For the more adventurous traveller, you should ensure you will be covered for any activities you plan on taking part in.

24/7 travel insurance automatically covers 70 activities as standard! Click here for a full list!

Holiday insurance is a must!

When buying your holiday insurance, don’t assume that every policy is the same. Your needs may be different from others, so make sure the policy you buy provides the cover that you require. Read the small print, check the level of cover and ensure you are covered for any activities that you want to undertake. Carry your travel insurance documentation with you on holiday and keep the 24-hour emergency medical assistance number on you at all times along with your policy number. Click here for an instant 24/7 travel insurance quote, for just £5.91** 24/7 travel insurance will cover you for a 3-day trip to Europe!

**Premium £5.91 includes Insurance Premium Tax; based on an individual traveller aged under 55 taking out a Standard single-trip policy for 3 days in Europe including personal possessions cover and purchased within 14 days of departure date. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press (July 2009) and are subject to change.

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