Gap-year students told to take out insurance

Gap-year students have been advised to ensure they take out travel insurance before embarking on a year abroad.

The founder of gapyear.com, Tom Griffiths, has warned students that there are serious implications if the correct travel insurance has not been acquired.

He remarked that many students do not understand how much accidents can cost.

'People think that it's only about bungee jumping and riding mopeds and sky-diving, but the reality is that for most people it's about falling off a kerb, falling off a donkey or a camel; it's the little things that cost so much money,' he said.

Mr Griffiths stated that bills can cost as much as £50,000, which could see some parents struggling to pay for the medical expenses.

He added many students make the common mistake of taking part in activities they had not expected to while they are away and are consequently not insured.

Research by ACE European Group discovered recently that 10% of travellers in July 2007 took out a policy the day before they left the country.