The number one reason for travel insurance is to pay for emergency medical expenses if you are sick or injured on your Gap Year abroad, there have been many incidents where people with no insurance have paid thousands of pounds in medical costs and to get them home.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office say they get more referrals for help from Gap Year travellers than any other type due to not being insured, and the help overseas Embassies can give is limited. This help consists of making contact with home and 'holding your hand'. No monetary help can be offered.

There are many other reasons to buy insurance such as loss of luggage and passport, cancelation of your trip, bereavement travel costs and so on.

Do's
• Buy a good quality Gap Year Travel Insurance
• Check it covers sports/activities you may do
• Check working is covered (if applicable)
• Advise Insurers of pre existing medical conditions
• Check flight is covered if airline goes bust
• Find out if insurance company covers cancelation if a Travel Warning is issued for a country you are about to visit
• Choose a policy that covers legal expenses for wrongful arrest

Dont's
• Go uninsured (25% don't insure - shocking)
• Rely on your parent's annual family travel insurance, it may not cover you
• Buy a normal tourist policy - choose one designed for the Gap Year traveller
• Skimp on cover - get this wrong and you put your (or your parents) assets at risk, it's cheaper to buy insurance than pay for the consequences later

The above advice is given by Mind The Gap Year®.
Fox’s Outdoor are an Introducer to Mind The Gap Year® and under government regulations we are not allowed to make a recommendation. Mind The Gap Year® is administered by Michael Pettifer Insurance brokers Ltd who are operated and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

Visit the MTGY website here