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Organising a gap year takes a lot of time and planning, now imagine the unexpected happens and you need to cancel your trip or need medical treatment whilst abroad. What would you do? Thankfully, gap year travel insurance is there to help you.

Accidents and illness can strike at any time, but failing to have appropriate backpacker travel insurance cover could leave you footing the bill for thousands of pounds for medical or travel expenses.

Gap year travel insurance is a lot cheaper than having to fork out on expensive medical bills if the inevitable happens whilst you are out exploring the world. The cost of medical treatment abroad or the travel expenses involved in getting you back home can run in to thousands of pounds.

Be careful when choosing your student travel insurance, don’t fall into the trap of choosing the cheapest insurance policy out there. It is important to check that the cover provided is suitable for your needs. Make sure your policy covers you for the entire duration of your trip and for each country you plan on visiting – especially if you’re going on an around the world adventure or a gap year.

If you plan on taking part in any activities like bungee jumping, trekking or watersports whilst backpacking, remember to check that these are covered by your gap year travel insurance policy. If in doubt, contact your insurance provider.

Of course, it goes without saying that you should read your insurance policy carefully and check out any risks associated with your destination from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) before travelling. The FCO’s website provides guidance for travellers and is packed with essential travel advice and up to date country specific information.

With all the excitement of travelling to new places and meeting new people, you may run the risk of losing your personal possessions or having them stolen. Sometimes you may be too tired to be on guard – especially after a long flight or bus journey. Never leave your belongings unattended or with strangers, especially at airports, stations or unattended in a vehicle. Be especially careful when travelling on public transport, including buses. At your hotel, keep valuables and cash in a safe deposit box or in the hotel safe. When out and about, keep all valuables, passports and money on you and never pack these items in checked in baggage on the aircraft as your backpacker insurance policy may class these items as unattended if you need to make a claim for them.

Remember to keep your gap year travel insurance 24-hour medical emergency assistance helpline details on you. If you do discover that your items have been stolen, get a local police report confirming lost items as soon as possible to support your insurance claim.

It’s a good idea to keep copies of important documents such as your travel itinerary, flights, and copies of your student travel insurance policy on a secure online account and with a relative at home for that added security.

So remember…

To really enjoy your gap year, don’t forget to take out your cheap backpacker insurance as soon as you book your trip. It is important that you check your student travel insurance policy offers you the level of cover that you need for your trip before you buy it.

When buying your backpacker travel insurance, don’t assume that every policy is the same. Your needs may be different from others, so make sure your travel insurance for backpackers provides the cover that you require. Read the small print, check the level of cover and ensure you are covered for any activities that you want to undertake. Carry your gap year travel insurance documentation and the 24-hour emergency assistance number on you at all times along with your policy number so you’re prepared for every eventuality!



London’s Luton Airport is the 7th largest airport in the UK, with over 6.5 million passengers passing through its terminals each year. It is the home of more than 15 airlines and flights from Luton fly to over 60 destinations.

Officially opened on 16 July 1938, the airport was owned by the Borough of Luton and was considered a northern terminal for London. During the war, the airport was used as an airbase for 264 Fighter Squadron and as a place where civil and military aircraft were designed and built.

In the 1970s the airport established itself as Britain’s most profitable airport, playing an important role in the development of package holiday’s in the UK. However, in August 1975, major package holiday operator Clarkson’s and its airline Court Line, went bankrupt and Luton Airport was hit hard.

Over the next 15 years the airport was developed, recognised as being a fundamental part of London’s airport network. In 1985, a new international terminal building was built and opened by HRH The Prince of Wales. Originally named Luton International Airport, in 1991, the airport’s name was changed to London Luton Airport in a bid to reconnect the airport to the capital.

Low cost airline Ryanair originally flew from the airport to Ireland, but in 1991, the airline transferred its base to Stansted airport. Towards the end of the year, after a failed attempt to sell the airport, a new management team was appointed to improve passenger numbers and minimise the airport’s loss.

This led to a £30 million investment to develop the airport and its facilities. Improvements included a new air traffic control tower, new cargo centre, the extension and refurbishment of the passenger terminal and the extension of the car park.

Passenger levels increased rapidly after the upgrade, which coincided with introduction of Airtours flights and low cost airlines Easyjet and Debonair.

In autumn 1999, the airport underwent an £80 million development programme which included further work on the terminal, modern baggage and flight information systems and a wide range of restaurants, shops and bars. London Luton Parkway station was also developed making the airport accessible from London in under 30 minutes.

The airport plays a vital role in the local economy and as the popularity of all inclusive, package holidays continues to grow, so will the number of passengers.