Gap year students can steer clear of preventable problems

Gap year students are being urged to use their common sense to stay away from preventable problems while they are abroad.

A new report by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) showed that between April 2009 and March 2010, there were still a high number of Brits being arrested for drink and drug-related offences while on their travels.

The study also found that Britons are continuing to be involved in a high number of road traffic accidents.

"Separate FCO research also highlights a risky lack of preparation, leading to many of the preventable incidents reported to staff overseas," the report said.

It added that Britons are spending an average £12 at the airport on magazines and sweets – more than double the cost of a standard single trip insurance policy – yet one in five are still travelling without travel insurance.

Sean Tipton, a spokesperson for ABTA – The Travel Association, said that medical cover is the most important aspect of any gap year insurance policy.

Click here for gap year advice.

( Last Updated: 2010-07-16 09:37:14)