subject: Why backpacker insurance is necessary for all travellers [print this page] The number of young people getting into trouble abroad is growing, and travellers are being reminded that to protect yourself, backpacker insurance is essential.
With the number of people needing help from the government after ending up in hospital abroad growing by 15% last year, it's a very real risk that travellers need to explore.
The BBC reported the case of a man working as a DJ in Malia, Crete. He was driving home from work on his moped when a car crashed into him. He was hospitalised after breaking his leg, burning his limbs and cutting his neck. He had private Greek insurance to pay for medical expenses, but didn't have any insurance to provide for his return home.
His family and friends had to raise more than 8,000 to pay for his flight home, a medical escort and transport from the airport to a hospital in Nottingham.
There's nothing more stressful than being unwell and stranded in a foreign country, especially if you can't speak a foreign language and you have to outstay your companions. The best backpacker insurance policies will allow you to return home to seek medical help.
Many young people want to enjoy the various activities offered abroad, but sometimes - even if they've bought travel insurance - they might not be covered if they injure themselves whilst taking part in what is considered a dangerous activity. The best backpacker insurance policies will cover you for many of these kinds of activities, ranging from something as simple as aerobics or golf to gorilla trekking or motorcycling if you have an appropriate UK license.
There are many ways to reduce the risk of coming to any harm whilst backpacking, such as taking sufficient medication away with you and stocking up on sun block.
If you're worried about losing money, or it being taken from you, make sure you have emergency cash and a spare ATM card kept somewhere else just in case that happens. When you're in your hostel, lock up your belongings in a safe, and when travelling don't let your bag out of your sight. Simply applying common sense, and being aware of your surroundings, will help reduce the risk of encountering danger, but only the best backpacker insurance policy will be able to repair the situation should something go wrong.
Why backpacker insurance is necessary for all travellers
By: Herbert Miller
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