Artisans in Oaxaca Mexico: Vacation Travel

Backpacker, Student, And Gap Year Travel Insurance Explained

Most backpacker travel insurance policies contain a clause relating to failed examinations. This is a very important matter for students to consider. If exams are failed they may be required by the college or university to sit them again. If the student is already off travelling the world the cost to return quickly for a re-sit could be high. However, be warned that claims on the insurance may be denied if travel insurance is not taken out prior to the sitting of all exams which lead up to the final result.

Insurance terms like curtailment and repatriation do not even enter the equation for most young people when planning a gap year. It is surprising how many don't know, or care, what the words mean - or might entail. These are just two of the words to be concerned about. Cancellation, of course, refers to insurance cover for an emergency situation arising before the departure date, causing cancellation of travel plans.

Imagine you are a student well into a gap-year backpacking adventure round the world. You've had a trouble-free trip so far and are in the last month of your travels in an African country. You fall sick with a fever and violent vomiting and diarrhoea. You and your traveling companion both have backpacker insurance. You have some over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies with you and try everything, but nothing seems to work. Your condition deteriorates and you have to seek help from the nearest medical clinic. The doctor finds that you are severely dehydrated and rushes you by air ambulance to the nearest major hospital.

Your companion gets in contact with the claims handler for your travel insurance and alerts them to the problem. A week later your condition has stabilized, but you are still very weak. The doctors advise you to return home (curtail your trip) to continue with your recovery. The claims handler approves the arrangements for the new return flights for you and your companion.

Now imagine all the above happened and you had decided to save money and not bother with purchasing travel insurance. Who would pay for the air ambulance, hospital care, the curtailment of your trip (change of flights), and repatriation?

It is surprising how many young people take the risk of traveling without travel insurance. The statistics are something like one in five, which means there are thousands of young and vulnerable adults wandering about the world with no help at hand and exposed to all manner of risks. Many think it's not necessary because they are just backpacking and using hostels. However, their unsuspecting parents would probably end up footing the bill if the worst should happen.

Who would help if you were involved in a traffic accident, terrorist attack, had your backpack and travel documents stolen, or were the victim of a mugging? Most people have no clue how much it would cost for emergency repatriation from the other side of the world - from places like Australia, Africa, and South America.

Backpacker insurance policies vary but are normally heavy on the medical cover and liability and light on baggage cover. Many cover participation in adventure sports (on a limited basis) for activities like scuba diving, wind surfing and bungee jumping. Winter sports cover can be added to the policy for an extra premium. If the USA is on your travel itinerary, expect to pay a bit more for the insurance because of the high cost of medical care. Most backpacker policies do not cover risks relating to work (paid or volunteer) so you will need to shop around for the appropriate type of cover.

Remember the words 'repatriation' and 'curtailment' and don't let them come back to haunt you. Repatriation means that in the event of some type of emergency situation your insurance will cover expenses to return you back to your country of origin.Curtailment means cover for expenses incurred as a result of your trip being cut short due to an emergency after you have already left home. Don't wait until it's too late to find out what they mean!

Travelling the world before starting university - or after university and before putting your foot on the career ladder - can be a valuable, worthwhile, and fantastic experience. It is false economy, and frankly plain dumb, to save a bit of money by skipping the travel insurance. Why risk spoiling all those wonderful memories - and getting your career off to such a bad start?

Jean Andrews is a freelance writer living in the UK. She regularly contributes articles for TIA Ltd who offer backpackers travel insurance.

MORE ARTICLES:

Discount Last Minute Puerto Vallarta Packages To The Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita
We managed a discount last minute Puerto Vallarta package to the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita. In truth the discount was the bonus, because we fully intended to go there anyway, and pay the full price, but thanks to some work online, we got a huge discount. A quick thank you to The Vacation Bargain Finder, details of which can be found at http://www.worldwidevacationspots.com/pages/Vacation-Bargain-Finder.html

Win a Luxury All-Inclusive Mexican Vacation for a Family of Four in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Family Scavenger Hunt Leads to 4-Day/3-Night Mexican Vacation at Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort

A Mexico Vacation Special To The Maroma Resort In The Mayan Riviera
Some very good reasons for booking a Mexico vacation special and choosing the best of luxury hotels the Maroma Resort in the Mayan Riviera

A Mexico Travel Special To The Mexico Caribbean Coast
A Great Mexico Travel Special should include time spent on the Mexico Caribbean Coast, where you will find so much to do and so many things to enjoy. You can easily organise a Mexico Vacation Package that will allow you to travel around Mexico seeing some of the Country?s amazing sights and then allow you to finish with a relaxing time on the Mexico Caribbean Coast.

Puerto Vallarta: The City of Festivals
After Puerto Vallarta found its way onto the international tourism map following the release of ?The Night of the Iguana,? the city became a meeting place for artists, musicians and anyone seeking a cosmopolitan destination amongst incredible natural beauty As a result, numerous festivals have developed in Puerto Vallarta, celebrating everything from independent film to haute cuisine

Dream Destination Wedding in a Puerto Vallarta Villa
Every woman dreams of her wedding at some exotic destination with beautiful white sand beaches, pristine clear waters, magnificent Villa and surrounded by her close ones. If you thought this is just a dream then you could not be more wrong. You can have your wedding with great style and sophistication in a luxury Villa in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Iconic Mexican Performers Take Flight In Puerto Vallarta
Every weekend in Puerto Vallarta, a group of famous Mexican performers take flight From a central location on the Malec?n ? Puerto Vallarta?s beloved boardwalk ? the Papantla Flyers dazzle visitors with six performances each Saturday and Sunday

Uncovered: A New Resource for Real Estate Investment Opportunities in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
fundVallarta announces a full online resource for discovering real estate investment opportunities in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. With conditions similar to the property boom in California, Puerto Vallarta is poised to become an international performer with a solid return on investment. Visitors are able to access a significant knowledge-based investment resource center at the fundVallarta.com website.

Livin' La Vida Loca at Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Mexico is in itself a paradise with its lot of places that offer nothing but the best comfortable life to anyone. Out of the several coastal resort-type offerings in the region, Puerto Vallarta is possibly the greatest epitome of wonderland.

Resort in Mexico's Riviera Maya Offers Luxury, Family Fun, and Culinary Excellence
A recently completed expansion provides all-inclusive getaway at the Hotel Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort.

Puerto Vallarta Vacation Review
Just returning from a wonderful trip to Puerto Vallarta, I've decided that tropical vacations are good for the "soul". It's important to take the time to get a way from the everyday routine.

Spring Break Soccer Training and Spanish Language Camp in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Spring break soccer training and Spanish language camp will take place in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

La Casa Que Canta In Zihuatanejo Mexico Pacific Coast
It is difficult to do justice to the La Casa Que Canta in Zihuatanejo , but for a start, you only have to think of no kids. no noises. No distractions...just pure beauty, and total relaxation. A perfect choice for a Mexico romantic honeymoon hotel.

More Vacations at Puerto Vallarta MX
Puerto Vallarta MX is definitely one of the places where people can stay and enjoy more vacations Puerto Vallarta MX is in the state of Jalisco and is one of Mexicoýs premier resort cities

The Beaches Of Puerto Vallarta
The beaches in and around Puerto Vallarta may be the most diverse in Mexico. Located at the midpoint of Banderas Bay, the area surrounding Puerto Vallarta boasts 34 miles of coastline, 26 of which are sandy beaches. Within the city, the beaches are elegant and pristine, bordered by restaurants and resorts. Beaches to the north of the city tend to be longer and wider, with great opportunities for surfing and swimming. South of Puerto Vallarta, the mountains topple into the sea in places, creating placid coves and intimate sandy pockets.