Gappers urged to take out comprehensive travel insurance

Around one million ski fans from the UK, including those on gap years abroad, will hit the slopes soon, with almost half not bothering to take out insurance.

Caroline Stuart Taylor, chief executive of the Ski Club, added that, of those who do, only a quarter will actually read the policy to see what is covered for their gap year abroad.

"People need to check they are fully covered for all the winter sports they intend to do, whether it is skiing, snowboarding, ice-skating or sledging," she commented.

Ms Taylor added that she is "urging" people to read the policy small print, with too often people being caught out with the insurance being unsuitable or inadequate.

The expert added that, if gap year students are wanting to ski off-piste, then they need to check what the insurer's definition of this is.

Last month's travel delays on Eurostar and the threatened strikes by British Airways cabin staff provided further evidence why travel insurance is so vital for gap year students.

Click here for gap year advice

( Last Updated: 2010-01-04 17:04:04)