Every year thousands of people think about taking an extended holiday.

School leavers and recent graduates make up the majority of people taking extended holidays, but many professionals also consider taking a career break to explore the world.

Only the most seasoned travellers realise the many potential problems they may encounter on such an adventure and take out a suitable travel insurance policy. Recent research has shown that as many as 25% of gap year travellers jet off without adequate insurance protection!

Many younger, less experienced travellers are likely to embark on an expedition without realising the potential problems that may occur or without taking suitable precautions to protect themselves against them.

If you are planning to travel abroad, you need insurance, but it is not something you should be sorting at the last minute as not all policies are the same and you should always read the small print. For example, is cash and indeed any of your valuables are covered? This is often not the case on very cheap policies.  Also how much excess will you need to pay in the event of a claim? Economy type policies are fine for the important health aspect, but don't expect to have your ??500 camera covered without additional payment.

The cost of Repatriating a sick or injured person by air ambulance to their home country would seriously affect most family´s life style and may even mean selling the family home to cover the cost! That has to be a compelling reason for not travelling without reliable travel insurance. If you need to be returned to the UK in an emergency it could cost you or your family a fortune. Just take a look at these estimates