An expert insurance firm has said it is "vital" to get hold of
cheap travel insurance before travelling abroad.
According to research from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, nearly 20 per cent of 18-35 year-olds impulsively decide to try out potentially dangerous activities like jet-skiing while on holiday, and frequently they are not insured for accidents. Considering that the average cost of seeking treatment for a broken leg in the United States is nearly £25,000, travellers could find themselves facing huge debts if they travel uninsured.
John Boyles, account manager at Endsleigh Insurance, said: "If you travel abroad without insurance then in my opinion you must be crazy. The costs can be enormous and nobody is exempt or immune from something untoward happening".
With popular travel destinations such as New Zealand and South Africa appealing partly because of the wealth of extreme sports and outdoor activities on offer, good travel insurance is especially important.
Backpackers should also check policies to ensure they provide cover for the specific activities they're looking to get involved in.
Going, going, gone. Downunder for
cheap travel insurance.