When buying your student travel insurance policy, make sure you check the student travel insurance policy carefully as they can vary - you need to know exactly what you are and are not covered for.

Some handy tips for students shopping around for a student travel insurance policy:

• Check what the student travel insurance policy covers you for? Make sure adequate emergency medical and repatriation cover is included.
• Where are you going and how long are you going for? Make sure the student travel insurance policy covers you for every destination and the whole of your trip, including your departure and return dates.
• If you are going to be involved in any activities, check the student travel insurance policy to make sure that these are covered. If in doubt contact the student travel insurance provider to make sure that you are covered for all your activities. Sometimes it may be necessary to take out a more specialist policy to cover your activity. (Note: 24/7 travel insurance covers a wide range of activities as standard but please check the list on the website to make sure you are covered).
• If you have any current or pre-existing medical conditions, be sure to check the student travel insurance policy carefully as it may be necessary to disclose these to the travel insurance provider. Don't forget, this includes those of anyone you are travelling with. (Note: the 24/7 travel insurance policy contains a 'Health Declaration and Health Exclusions/Medical Warranty' which all persons to be insured must read. In the event that you cannot comply with this, you will be offered an alternative product and quotation via our 24/7 "Free Spirit" website - this is a specialist policy specially designed for travellers with pre-existing medical conditions).
• If you are taking any valuable items with you (such as jewellery, watches, cameras, audio/video/computer equipment), check the student travel insurance policy limits for such items. It may be necessary to get these covered under your Home Insurance policy.
• If you are travelling within the European Union make sure you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which entitles you to free or reduced cost emergency medical treatment. Please note: The EHIC is NOT a substitute for travel insurance. For more information and to apply for this card, pick up the EHIC form from the Post Office, call 0845 606 2030 or visit: www.dh.gov.uk/travellers

• Check out any risks associated with your destination. The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) provides guidance for travellers on its website www.fco.gov.uk/travel. It is packed with essential travel advice and up to date country-specific information. Also, you can visit www.gogapyear.com for top tips and useful hints on planning your Gap Year trip
• Find a good guidebook and get to know your destination including its local laws and customs.
• Ensure you have a valid passport that's in good condition and the necessary visas
• Check what vaccinations you may need - visit the Department of Health website - www.dh.gov.uk for health advice for travellers.
• Make sure you have the following with you when you're abroad: - name of your student travel insurance company - the student travel insurance company's 24-hour international emergency telephone number. Consider programming it into your mobile phone - your student travel insurance policy number - it is also useful for your family and friends to have this too
• Make copies of your passport, student travel insurance policy plus 24-hour emergency number, and ticket details. Leave these copies with your family and friends.
• It's a good idea to set up a secure Internet email account. Email yourself and trusted friends or family details of your insurance policy, passport, itinerary and emergency contact numbers (insurance company, credit card company and British Consulate) - just in case. Also sign up for regular FCO Travel Advice updates so you can find out about any potential hot spots.
• Take enough money for your trip and some back-up funds, e.g. travellers cheques, sterling or US dollars
• If you decide to organise your trip with a Gap year company, research it thoroughly before committing. Find out how long they have been operating and how many people they have taken abroad in the past. It's a good idea to speak to past gap travellers who have used the company to find out about their experiences.
• Keep an eye on your possessions. Never leave your luggage or valuables unattended or with someone you don't completely trust. Be aware of pickpockets who tend to operate in crowded areas and lock up your luggage with padlocks. Make sure you have copies of all-important documents such as your passport, tickets, student travel insurance policy, itinerary and contact details. Keep these separate from the originals.
• If you have an emergency whilst abroad which necessitates admittance to a hospital or clinic as an inpatient or for outpatient/clinic costs or before any arrangements are made for repatriation or curtailment, you must contact the Insurer's Emergency Medical Assistance Service before incurring expenses if at all possible. If you do incur expenses which you may wish to reclaim, ensure that you have independent evidence such as receipts to justify the need for that expenditure. You will need them if you have to make a claim.
• Make sure you have written evidence of any medication you may be taking and any allergies you may have noted in the language of the country that you are visiting.