Backpackers urged to take out insurance

Backpackers planning to go on their Travels ought to ensure that they have adequate insurance, according to one expert.

A spokesman for Trailfinders said that backpackers should avoid taking expensive items with them on holiday, as some policies only provide cover up to a certain value.

The expert suggested that backpackers tend to need a "very different" type of insurance policy, such as one which includes a 24-hour medical assistance helpline.

"The big piece of advice is that a backpacker shouldn't pick their policy based on price alone, they need to pick it on the quality of what they're going to get rather than the cheapest policy they can find online," he explained.

However, backpackers who are only planning to take "instantly replaceable" items, could also choose not to cover their baggage and may be eligible for a discount from their insurer, he added.

AA Insurance recently reported that backpackers carry more than £1 billion in valuable in their baggage.

On average, this amounts to approximately £450 worth of goods each.

Travel Website News posted on 17/03/2008 09:00:17