If you've not already got one, you should apply for and carry a European Health Insurance Card. This will give you some health cover in the EU plus a few countries outside the EU.

http://www.nhs.uk/Healthcareabroad/Pages/Healthcareabroad.aspx

You should check before starting a policy whether there are any exclusions that apply to you for longstay or backpackers insurance policies. Some policies, for example, only cover journeys that start in the UK.

I work away for 6 months at a time on Cruise ships. I'm insured whilst on the ship by the company i work for but not if something should happen to me whilst off the ship in the ports. Will longstay cover or backpackers insurance cover me does anbody know?