Gap year travel insurance

Students taking a gap year either between school and university or after graduation should make sure they have the right travel insurance for their trip. 

A typical gap year will include multiple destinations and some adventurous activities. 

Travel insurance for gap year students is relatively cheap for the amount of cover you receive in return – you’ll often be covered for up to £15m in medical costs and £4,000 for baggage, for example. 

The main benefit of a specialist gap year travel insurance policy is that it will cover you to travel to a number of foreign countries in one trip. This means you don’t have to organise separate cover for each country you travel to. 

The right travel insurance policy provides peace of mind and covers unexpected events during your travels – meaning you can focus on having the time of your life. 

Understanding gap year insurance 

Gap year insurance is also known as backpacker insurance or long-stay travel insurance. Student gap year insurance is designed for young people, but older travellers can buy gap year cover too. 

Some policies cover up to 12 months of travel, to multiple countries. You can get extended travel insurance for longer trips too, such as 18 months or two years. 

Some policies may cover working holidays and extreme sports. 

Gap year travel insurance is different to annual or multi-trip travel insurance – these policies cover unlimited trips in a 12-month period, but there is usually a limit of 30 or 60 days per trip. Gap year travel insurance covers longer trips and continuous travel for a year (or more). 

Single trip travel insurance is more suited to shorter trips to one destination. 

Can I return home during my gap year? 

Some student gap year travel insurance policies allow for returning home and then travelling again. For example, you might come back for Christmas, a wedding or a family event. Some policies will limit the number of trips back to the UK and the duration of these visits, so check the policy wording. 

However, not all policies include trips back to the UK and you might find that even a brief visit home invalidates your policy. 

Why do I need gap year insurance? 

Travel insurance covers you for a whole range of unexpected, and potentially expensive, events that may happen while you’re on holiday. 

Having cover is even more important on a longer trip including different countries, various travel arrangements, multiple accommodation bookings, adventurous activities, carrying high-tech gadgets, and possibly some work too. 

A good travel insurance policy should cover the following: 

Lost baggage & belongings: Up to £4,000 in case your baggage or personal belongings are lost, damaged, or stolen while you’re travelling, allowing you to claim for their full or partial value. 

Cancellation cover: Up to £7,000 if you need to cancel your holiday for reasons specified in your policy, such as illness or bereavement. 

Emergency medical expenses: Protection for medical bills or emergency medical treatments, with up to £15million of cover. 

Travel disruption: You can claim for delays if bad weather, strikes, or something breaking down affects your flight, ferry or other mode of transport. 

Repatriation: If you or a family member becomes injured or falls seriously ill while you are away, emergency repatriation can cover the costs to bring you home. 

Personal liability: Protects you if you are involved in an at-fault incident that results in legal costs or damages while you are on holiday. 

Insurance for travellers with pre-existing medical conditions 

When you take out gap year travel insurance, the insurer will ask if you have any pre-existing health conditions. It’s important to tell the truth about any medical issues you have – lying or omitting the truth can invalidate your insurance policy. 

Many common health conditions will be covered as standard. Others can be covered for an extra premium. If you have a serious or long-term health condition you may have to use a specialist insurer to cover you, and this will cost more. 

Do I need gap year travel insurance if I have an EHIC or GHIC? 

If you’re travelling in Europe, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health insurance Card (GHIC) entitles you to medical treatment in certain countries for free or at a reduced cost.  

However, this isn’t a replacement for travel insurance as it won’t cover you for private medical costs, nor will it be useful for rescue and repatriation. It also doesn't offer additional protection for your belongings and possessions, accommodation, or flights.  

Some insurers insist you carry a EHIC or GHIC before they will pay medical expenses. 

Key considerations when purchasing backpacker insurance 

Destinations 

Where you plan to travel will affect your insurance premium as the risks and cost of medical treatment varies between different countries. In general you’ll pay more for travel insurance if the US, Canada and Caribbean are part of your itinerary. 

Extreme sports 

Check coverage for any adrenaline-fuelled activities you might do while you’re away as adventure travel insurance can vary between policies. Common pursuits such as hiking and scuba diving are usually covered as standard, but you might need to pay extra to cover bungee jumps, skydives and white-water rafting.  

Double check if winter sports are covered if you plan to go skiing or snowboarding during your gap year. 

Working abroad 

Gap travel insurance can also provide cover if you decide to work abroad for either all or part of your gap year, typically for up to 12 months. 

This might incorporate anything from sports coaching to fruit picking - but read the policy wording carefully for any potential exclusions, especially if you are planning any form of manual labour. 

Working unpaid as a volunteer, such as teaching English in a school, may also be covered under gap year insurance, again usually for up to 12 months. As always, check your policy for details. 

Age limits 

As gap insurance is generally aimed at young people, it is normal for some insurers to impose an upper age limit on this type of policy, typically around 35. Don’t worry though, you can still source cover if you are over this age and there’s always the option of an extended single trip policy. 

Extensions 

If there is a chance that you may decide to extend your trip whilst you are away, opt for a longer duration of cover or a policy that permits a delay to your return date under the same cover. 

Common exclusions on gap year insurance 

All travel insurance policies come with exclusions – these are things that are not covered. 

• You won’t normally be covered for travel to areas the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDC) advises against travel to – normally warzones or areas of civil unrest. 

• If you’re doing any adventurous sports, check the exact policy wording. Some policies only cover you for one bungee jump, for example. There may be depth limits for scuba diving and altitude limits for hiking or mountaineering. 

• Be careful if you get drunk or take drugs during your gap year. If you have an accident or an incident occurs while you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, most insurers are unlikely to pay out. 

• Your insurance also won’t pay out if you change your mind about travelling to a particular destination. For example, if you have booked a flight and no longer want to take it, your only option is to ask the airline to change the flight. 

It’s a good idea to read up on your policy’s exclusions before you travel, so there are no surprises if you need to make a claim. 

Gap year preparation tips 

• Consult your GP for advice about vaccinations and anti-malaria medication. Do this at least two months ahead of your trip as some vaccinations take time to take effect. 

• Check visa requirements for each country you plan to go to and follow FCDO travel advice. 

• Email yourself a copy of your passport in case you lose it. Also email yourself a list of phone numbers for your travel insurer, bank, credit card company and mobile network in case your stuff is lost or stolen. 

• Make note of student travel safety tips. Staying in hostel accommodation and using bus services designed for backpackers will be much safer than going off the beaten track alone. 

• Have a variety of ways to pay for things on your travels. A smartwatch with Apple Pay or Garmin Pay is a good option as you can wear it at all times, including while sleeping or swimming in the sea. 

• Check any gadgets you take, such as smartphones, laptops, cameras and smartwatches, are covered by your travel insurance.  

• Since Brexit it has become trickier to take long trips in Europe if you have a British passport. In general, you can only spend a maximum of 90 out of 180 days in the European Union without a visa. 

Gap year policy comparison 

• Choose a policy based on your trip’s activities, destination, and duration. 

• Comparing policies can help you find the right coverage at a suitable price. 

• Check if your chosen policy can be extended if you decide to travel longer than the 12 or 18 months insured. 

• Don’t automatically opt for the cheapest price when shopping around for your gap year insurance – compare policy features too. 

• Check the excess on your policy – this is the amount you’ll need to pay towards any claim. 

• If you’re going with other people, check if couples travel insurance or group travel insurance might be a good option. 

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