Travel insurance 'essential for gap years'

Taking out insurance must be a priority for travellers.

An annual insurance policy covering travel to a variety of countries may be an appropriate option for those heading on gap years.

John Lawler, operations manager at Madventurer.com, warns these documents must be taken out by anybody going travelling.

"Everybody is recommended to check they have a certain amount of health insurance when going on any adventure [holiday], mainly health and travel insurance," he says.

Single trip travel insurance may also be an option for such individuals, who must make sure they visit a doctor before setting off.

They should then obtain a "fit for travel" letter and be comfortable with the terms and conditions of the single trip insurance policy well in advance, Mr Lawler suggests.

His comments follow a Travelex survey of 2,000 people, which found 55 per cent of Britons over the age of 50 are planning a holiday to warmer overseas destinations during the coming months.

By Bret Clement