There are three areas where you should be insured – (1) illness and injury, (2) accident, and (3) theft of money, luggage and documents (ie: passport).

Things to consider

Are you covered the whole time?

• Does your insurance include medical treatment, emergency hospitalisation costs and the cost of sending you home?
• Does it cover you for activities and sports or do you need to take out an extra package?
• Do you have protection for personal liability in terms of injury to yourself, to others and to property?
• Is there a 24 hour personal assistance emergency helpline number?
• Will you be covered if you have to cancel your trip?
• Do you have personal possessions cover, personal accident cover and legal expense protection?
• Check the small print – read the terms and conditions, especially the rules related to alcohol and drugs
• Do you have a pre-existing medical condition? Consider using a specialist insurer such astravelbility.co.uk and covermytravels.co.uk (a specialist travel comparison site)

Ensure that you take a copy of your insurance with you, and it may be worthwhile emailing a copy to yourself of the policy and the emergency contact numbers. Fco.gov.uk has more information and advice on what your insurance policy must contain to ensure you are adequately protected, as does gogapyear.com which is specifically aimed at gap year students.