| In a recent poll on 4 out of 5 backpackers said that | | | | Here are a few things that you should check up on |
| they take out travel insurance when they travel. | | | | before buying a backpacker travel insurance policy: |
| But every insurance company seems to offer | | | | ¥ Are the Insurers accessible? Make sure there's |
| something different, and every insurance company | | | | a 24/7 medical emergency helpline, as this means you |
| seems to take a different approach. So with the | | | | are always close to help, whenever you need it. |
| rather wide and baffling variety of insurance policies | | | | ¥ Does it cater for working holidays? If you plan |
| out there, it can sometimes be hard to pick the one | | | | on working overseas, make sure that there is cover in |
| thats going to give you the best deal. | | | | place for the type of work you're likely to do, such as |
| Knowing how hard you guys save, trying to make | | | | bar work, nursing, fruit picking, an office job etc. |
| each hard-earned cent go just that little bit further, a | | | | ¥ Are most adventure activities covered? Check |
| number of Insurers have focussed their efforts on | | | | to see if your policy covers EVERY sort of sports |
| developing travel insurance products that are | | | | and activities you're likely to do, like bungee jumping, |
| specifically geared towards the independent traveler. | | | | scuba diving and even tandem skydiving Ð the |
| Good news right? Remember, at the same time, these | | | | kind of spontaneous leaps we often don't plan but end |
| companies need to make money, and so they need | | | | up taking when traveling. |
| the total premium they earn to always exceed the | | | | ¥ Is there cover for terrorist acts? Terrorism |
| amount in total claims they pay out. For this reason, | | | | knows no boundaries, and attacks can happen at any |
| you should always check the small print. | | | | time, with innocent bystanders getting caught in the |
| Naturally, buying travel insurance direct and cutting out | | | | fray. In a situation like that, far away from home, it's |
| the travel agent or tour operator can bring the price | | | | essential to have backup. Make sure you have full |
| down substantially, as these middlemen tend to earn | | | | medical cover in the event of such an attack. |
| high commissions. | | | | |