Why gap year insurance is important

Travel insurance is an important part of any holiday – but it's especially crucial for people taking gap years.

Part of the problem, though, is that it can be easy to get caught up in the excitement of planning a year out and take your eye off the ball a little when it comes to certain matters.

While gap years are undoubtedly becoming more varied and diversified, many people still take 'traditional' years, or shorter breaks, out, heading to far-off destinations, often alone.

That's the appeal of a gap year – new experiences in formative years. But if anything, the risks can be increased when on a gap year, making effective cover extremely important.

Failing to take out adequate insurance could come back to haunt you. If you need medical care, it could mean you'll be facing a fairly hefty medical bill. And if you need to be repatriated, it could be even worse.

To that end, it's important that gappers seek out either tailored, structured gap year insurance, or other holiday insurance that they're confident will give them the cover they need.

When choosing insurance, gappers should factor in where they are going and what possible risks they might face, in order to work out what will suit them best.

It's also a good idea to read the small print and think about whether any optional extras – like cover for winter sports – might be necessary.

Click here for gap year advice.