gap travel insurance

What is the Best Backpacker Travel Insurance for a Gap Year?

By: Author Amar Hussain

Posted on Last updated: June 15, 2022

It’s something you buy and hope to never have to use but travel insurance should strongly be considered for anyone taking a gap year, career break or time out abroad. Travel insurance can seem like a bit of a minefield with all the different policy types, rules, exceptions and small print.

So to make things easier we’ve created this simple guide to explain what your policy means, things to look out for, pitfalls to avoid and the different travel insurance types on offer.

• Travel Insurance Basics
• Travel Insurance Pitfalls

Reciprocal Healthcare Agreements

• European Health Insurance Card
• Travel Insurance Recommendations

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Do I Really Need Travel Insurance for my Backpacking Trip or Gap Year

Backpackers travel insurance basics, backpacker travel insurance pitfalls & things to consider, eu citizen get a european health insurance card, gap year travel insurance & backpacker travel insurance, other travel insurance providers.

The decision to get travel insurance shouldn’t be an afterthought. Once you have your flight booked, you have a date set and can book a policy.

There’s the mindset that travel insurance is money you are just giving away. It just seemed like an added expense when I bought mine but when I had my surfing accident I was sure glad I had travel insurance!

Just to give you an idea, the ambulance call out was $341 plus you pay per kilometre the ambulance has travelled, not to mention the CT scan I had and the $90 a pop physiotherapy sessions that I had for weeks after.

Cancellation   –   Anything can happen so you’ll need this if you need to cancel your trip or if you need to cut your trip short if a relative falls ill for example. Just remember to check what their definition of what “close” relative means.

Delay  – You could be compensated if your flight is delayed for more than 12 hours, or sometimes more than 24 hours depending on the policy. Get a written confirmation from your airline of the delay to make sure your claim goes smoothly. Keep receipts of things you’ve had to buy too!

Baggage   –   Don’t underestimate how much your bag is worth. Adding all your belongings up, including the bag itself, and you have yourself a small fortune. Just remember that valuable items or electrical goods can have limits and you’ll need to have receipts for them.

Personal liability  – It’s fair enough being covered if you hurt yourself but what if you accidentally hurt someone else or damage something? You’ll need personal liability in case you get sued!  A cool £1m+ cover ought to do it.

Medical coverage  – This is a big one because healthcare abroad, especially in the USA, can be really expensive. A medical evacuation could cost you a cool 250,000. Take this one seriously people. Just remember that the highest travel medical insurance payout was in the region of £2m so do you really need 10?

There are a long line of travellers who have missed out on payouts because they didn’t understand their insurance or quite frankly, didn’t bother to read it. Here are some things you should look out for:

Excess  – Simply put if your excess is £100 and you make a claim for £300, the insurer will reimburse you £200. Sounds simple enough right? Now imagine your day bag is stolen with your passport, camera and wallet or purse. Is there an one excess for the whole claim or for each individual item? Yes, you’ll need to check this.

Safety  – You may have winter sports coverage but if you failed to adhere to safety procedures whilst using a ski lift or if you aren’t wearing a helmet, you insurer may not pay.

Working Holiday  – If you’re planning on working abroad, you might not be covered. Fruit picking might be your plan but it could class as manual labour and be excluded from your policy. This can be the case for both paid and voluntary work so check your policy.

Pre-existing medical conditions  – Usually these will not be covered. Play it safe and disclose any pre-existing medical conditions that you may have. You might have to pay extra to have it included in your policy but this is better than trying to hide it and a payout being refused later.

Health of others  – If a family member is ill and you decide to cut your trip short and fly home, the insurer can refuse to payout if you did not disclose that they were already ill. If you believe cutting your trip short is a real possibility, you should disclose it to your insurance provider.

Airline bankruptcy  – Travel insurance usually doesn’t include this type of cover but it is possible to get scheduled airline failure insurance. Consider buying this as an add-on if you’re uncertain about the airlines you might be using.

Paperwork – Keep all copies of report, receipts and anything they give you. In most cases, insurance companies will want to see original documents and won’t accept copies. When you submit your claim, remember to send it recorded delivery!

Policy start date  – Most people take out a policy and have it start on the day that they leave. What happens if you cancel your trip before that day? Your policy hasn’t technically started yet so you may not be covered. Check with your insurance provider whether this would be the case with your own insurance.

Diligence  – Remember you need to be on it with reporting a robbery or theft. Sometimes you may have to report the incident to the police within a certain time frame. You also must remember to get a police report otherwise you won’t be able to make a claim.

You’ve also got to remember that an insurer can refuse your claim if you didn’t take the appropriate amount of care with your possessions. Leaving your iPad on your dorm bed isn’t going to cut it.

Items bought after you start – These won’t be included in your cover. If you buy say a new camera while you are away, be sure to contact your provider and have it added on to your policy. As always, keep the receipt.

Being under the influence  – Most policies will have an exclusion clause that states you will be unable to make a claim if you have had excessive alcohol intake. Remember that.

Safe to travel  – If the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has a travel warning on a country, the chances are your policy might not cover you. If you plan on going somewhere like this, be sure to check with your insurer before purchasing to make sure you will be covered.

The UK has healthcare agreements with non European Economic Area (EEA) countries which means that if you’re from one participating country and travel to another, you can get free or subsidised public healthcare.

Countries include; Anguila, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Barbados, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, British Virgin Islands, Croatia, Falkland Islands, Georgia, Gibraltar, Isle of Man, Jersey, Kazakhstan, Kyrgystan, Macedonia, Moldova, Montserrat, New Zealand, Russa, St Helena, Serbia and Montenegro, Tajikstan, Turkmenistan, Turks and Caicos Islands, Ukraine and Uzbekistan.

The good news about this card is that it’s free and the better news is that it allows you the same treatment as the resident of the country you are visiting. You should bare in mind that treatment quality can vary across the EU.

In a lot of countries treatment will be free but you may have to pay a patient contribution which you might be able to claim back when you return to the UK.

Just remember that the EHIC card is not a replacement for travel insurance when you are travelling Europe. For example, the card will in no way help with repatriation (getting you back home) if you are seriously injured. As we’ve pointed out, medical transport can be expensive!

The EHIC card is completely free and you can get yours from ehic.org.uk or you can call the dedicated NHS line on 0845 606 2030. Please note that this isn’t a free number. Finally, just remember that this card expires every five years so be sure to renew!

We won’t recommend you a particular insurance because everyone travels in a different way and has different requirements.

To aid you in finding your perfect insurance, we’ve pulled together all of the providers that cater for gap year and backpacking travellers.

Our final piece of advice is to remember that the cheapest insurance is not always the best. Remember to check for what adventure sports activities are included, the excess amounts, the single item limit for your electrical goods and all of the other stuff we mentioned above. It seems like a lot but do it once, do it right and then you can get on and enjoy your trip!

You must always read the terms and conditions of the policy wording and description of coverage before you purchase any travel insurance to make sure it is right for you! 

1. World Nomads Travel Insurance 

If you are looking for travel insurance while you see the world during a gap year (or at other times of your life), World Nomads offers travel insurance coverage in 140 countries. Designed by travelers for travelers, their policies could fit your needs perfectly.

Main coverage areas include medical treatment for sudden illness or injury, emergency medical evacuation to reach a treatment facility (and/or return home), trip cancellation due to serious illness, injury or natural disaster, and stolen or damaged gear and luggage. Other benefits are available depending on where you are traveling and level of policy you choose.

Since the point of travel insurance is to be able to use it, World Nomads has created a claims process that will not frustrate you and will pay your claim as quickly as possible. You can make a claim while still on your trip or after you return home – whatever works better for you. World Nomads does much for clients than just provide insurance policies.

They have also produced travel guides, language guides for your phone and much more. World Nomads is trusted by well-known brands such as National Geographic Adventure and Lonely Planet, so you know they’re one of the best of the best in the world of travel insurance.

Click here to get a quote from World Nomads .

Click here to read our in depth World Nomads Travel Insurance Review .

2. Columbus Direct Backpacker Travel Insurance

Columbus Direct has been a leading specialist provider of travel insurance more than 25 years. The company has served more than 15 million customers worldwide with their award-winning products and services focused on insuring people who love to pursue their dreams by traveling.

The company comes highly recommended by those who have used it – more than 95 percent say they would have no problem recommending Columbus Direct to their friends and family.

The company’s Backpacker Travel Insurance policy could work well for gap year students depending on your needs. Coverage includes 24-hour medical assistance and medical expenses up to $1.5 million, whether that is inpatient or outpatient treatment.

Trip cancellation is also covered, as is the loss, theft of or damage to your luggage and personal belongings. More than 150 sports and activities are also covered at no extra charge.

If you are in search of award-winning travel insurance backed by decades of experience, Columbus Direct could provide exactly what you need. They know just how to evaluate clients to provide the perfect amount of coverage, even when clients don’t know what they need.

Even their claims process is built to run as smoothly as possible to minimize further difficulties for you.

Click here to get a quote from Columbus Direct .

Click here to read our in depth Columbus Direct Backpacker Travel Insurance Review .

3. JS Insurance Backpackers Travel Insurance

JS Insurance brings more than 15 years of experience to the table, and during that time, they have effectively served more than half a million customers with effective policies that have kept clients traveling time after time.

JS Insurance focuses on providing a personal touch to clients while maximizing the use of online technology to meet needs as quickly as possible. Their coverage can take effect immediately, but they don’t pressure you to buy – they simply provide the best information and let you take action.

Travel insurance products from JS Insurance include single trip insurance, annual travel insurance for those who travel frequently, and longstay/backpackers insurance.

Clients who choose the backpacker policy are instantly covered for 24-hour emergency medical assistance, holiday abandonment, and loss of passport and other travel documents.

JS Insurance provides coverage for all areas where you are traveling, so you don’t have to continually call to add countries to your policy. Their coverage also includes a laundry list of activities and sports you can partake in while you are traveling.

Click here to get a quote from JS Insurance .

Click here to read our in depth  JS Insurance Backpackers Travel Insurance Review .

4. Downunder Insurance (DU Insure)

Designed for residents of Australia, New Zealand and Great Britain, DUInsure focuses as a company on two important aspects: fantastic customer service and travel insurance at prices you can afford. Coverage is available as soon as you can get a quote from their website, so your policy will be in full effect before you leave on your next grand adventure.

DUInsure’s gap year coverage works especially well for backpacking trips, but can be used by all types of travellers. Coverage includes accidents and medical emergencies, lost, stolen or delayed luggage, lost passports and money, additional travel and lodging costs, trip cancellation or interruption, missed flights and more than 60 sports and activities.

Coverage extends anywhere in the world, so you don’t have to worry about boundaries or limitations when you travel. DU Insure’s coverage also allows you up to two visits home during your travel period with no break in coverage.

Emergency assistance can provide immediate help 24 hours a day if you are sick or injured while on your trip. This help is available 365 days a year and gives you the peace of mind of knowing that your back is covered no matter what happens during your adventures.

Click here to get a quote from DUInsure .

Click here to read our in depth  DUInsure Travel Insurance Review .

Go-walkabout.com

The Idol.com

247travelinsurance.co.uk

Endsleigh.com

InsureandGo

Multitrip.com

World-First.co.uk

Holidaysafe.co.uk

Amar was born and raised in England and embarked on an 11-country round-the-world gap year after graduation and then became well and truly hooked. The first gap year inspired a second, which ended up being a 23-country down-the-world trip from Canada to Antarctica. Since then, Amar has spent the last 14 years traveling the 7 continents.

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Saturday 3rd of January 2015

Wow I hadn't thought of all of these things. It's not something you hope that will ever become necessary but it's good to know and important to have.

Thank you for sharing.

Friday 18th of July 2014

I use World Nomads. Never had a problem when I had to claim for my camera.

Wednesday 16th of July 2014

Will American express cover other things?

How To Protect Your iPad, Kindle or Tablet On Your Gap Year Travels

Thursday 5th of June 2014

[…] you should already have gap year travel insurance but the other thing to check is whether your device will actually be covered. Look for the section […]

MightyTravels

Wednesday 15th of January 2014

American Express has a good health insurance plan that offers full coverage for emergency medical treatments with low deductibles for just $10/month (when bought as a 12 month plan).

International Gap Year Insurance for Travelers

Introducing international gap year insurance plans up to one year and renewable..

Not sure which plan to select? Scroll down for a quick summary of each Gap year insurance plan. Learn more about Gap Year insurance and view and compare rate between various Gap Year insurance plans for international travel including health insurance coverage in the USA, most of which can be renewed annually. We have also included some great resources including a gap year checklist, useful links and videos on gap year overseas traveling.

Gap Year Insurance Plans

Img patriot travel health insurance for international travel: customizable add-on benefits.

International medical travel insurance with option to add personal liability coverage and enhanced accidental death & dismemberment.

Atlas International Travel Medical Insurance Policy

Great choice for travelers with personal liability & crisis response

Diplomat International Health Insurance for U.S. and non-U.S. Travelers

International travel medical insurance that offers the option to add enhanced war and terrorism benefits to high-risk global areas

Diplomat America Travel Medical Insurance for Non-U.S. Residents

Comprehensive global medical insurance with the option to add adventure and team sport benefits

Emergency evacuation int’l. student plan

Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation insurance for international students (short-term or annual plans)

Compare a few of our GAP YEAR INSURANCE PLANS (up to one year in duration and renewable).

Scroll down for a quick summary of each Gap-year travel insurance plan.

Gap year insurance rates for U.S. Students going abroad – COMPARISION CHART

You may choose the different deductibles and medical coverage on the Patriot and Atlas International plans. The deductible only goes towards the medical coverage. Choose the Diplomat International short term plan if you are looking for the best adventure sports coverage or visit www.adventuresportsinsurance.com

*We recommend at least $500,000 of medical coverage for those doing adventure sports.

Below is a snapshot of some of the major benefits of each plan. To get a complete list of all the benefits and coverage’s please go to the link of each plan shown below.

GAP YEAR INSURANCE for U.S. Students going abroad – BENEFIT GRID

(1) Terrorism: Please note that no company will pay for political evacuation if there is a travel advisory in effect on or within six (6) months prior to the insured person’s date of arrival in the host country. Medical Evacuation won’t be done if safety of crew is in question.

Additional Information

• A Gap Year Checklist
• Some Useful Gap Year Links and Information
• A few Gap Year Videos

Gap Year World

Best Gap Year Travel Insurance

Are you thinking considering a gap year ? Started researching a trip and wondering what is the best company to buy travel insurance from? Or are you trying to find companies which offer travel insurance with covid cover?

Whether you are planning a short or long gap year and travelling overseas you really need to make buying travel insurance a priority.

After buying flights, accommodation, possibly a tour or program, you might be not keen to have the added expense of insurance, like do you really need it? The simple answer is yes.

Being covered for any emergencies overseas can help save you a lot of money, it also gives you peace of mind if anything does happen to you that you will be okay.

Whether you are going backpacking, studying, volunteering or working abroad , there are so many different companies offering policies to match your trip.

These are some of the companies we recommend who offer a range of different and affordable travel insurance policies for gap years, backpacking trips and round the world adventures.

1. World Nomads

Since 2002, World Nomads have been offering travel insurance designed by travelers for travelers.

World Nomads have been protecting, connecting and inspiring independent travelers all around the world. World Nomads are obsessed with travel, and passionate about helping you explore your curiosity and gain a deeper understanding of the world.

Choose between flexible travel insurance and safety advice to help you travel confidently. Because we believe in giving back to the places we travel to, we also enable you to make a difference with a micro-donation when you buy with us.

Website: www.worldnomads.com

2. True Traveller

True Traveller Travel Insurance has been designed by travellers for Holidaymakers, Adventure Travellers and Backpackers. They offer a specific gap year insurance to cover you for a year or more, and it also includes activities like volunteer work and manual labour.

Anyone can take out True Traveller insurance up to the age of 65, so great for career gappers too, with outstanding medical cover (up to £10m) including medical repatriation to your home country, personal liability and personal accident cover as well as legal expenses. It also covers 92 activities as standard, including trekking to 3,000m with just a small supplement payable if you want to trek the Inca Trail or work when you’re away.

Oh, and if you’re sitting in an internet café in Hanoi and you realise your insurance is about to expire, you can extend your policy as well. And if you’re already abroad and don’t have any insurance at all, True Traveller still cover you as long as you’re normally resident in the UK or an EEA Country.

Website: www.truetraveller.com

3. Alpha Travel Insurance

If you’re going on a Gap Year, you can’t just choose any old travel insurance. That’s why Alpha have created a range of Long Stay policies, to save you the endless search for the perfect insurance and to meet all your travelling needs. Unlike Annual or Multi-trip policies, Long Stay policies provide cover for those travelling across numerous destinations over a period from 1 to 24 months (depending on the insurer).

Gap Years are unpredictable, and often you’ll end up going to a destination spontaneously which wasn’t in your original travelling plans. When you purchase your policy with Alpha, you’ll have the flexibility to travel to any that are included, or call your insurer to extend and cover even more! And, if you thought this policy couldn’t get any better, it also provides cover for cancellation, curtailment, emergency medical attention and repatriation, personal possessions and activities- so you can travel knowing that everything is taken care of!

Alpha gap year insurance is ideal for: • Students – taking a gap year from studying; • Adults after a career break • Charity or volunteer workers; • Backpackers; • People who want to work or study abroad; • Adrenaline and adventure junkies – our policies automatically cover hundreds of activities free of charge, with the option to extend your cover to include many more; • Anyone aged 55 or under who wants an extended holiday.

Website: www.alphatravelinsurance.co.uk/gap-year-travel-insurance/

4. InsureandGo

We think travel insurance should be available to as many people as possible, which is why we can offer you a policy whatever your age, consider any medical conditions you might have, and cover over 50 adventure activities as standard.

InsureandGo are travel insurance specialists – we’ve been looking after people’s holidays for over 20 years and we’ve covered over 27 million travellers.

If you’re taking a gap year from your studies to travel the world or live abroad for several months, our travel insurance is the ideal choice.

The usual type of insurance for a gap year is single trip insurance. This will cover you for a one-off trip of up to 365 days, and includes cover for medical expenses, lost baggage, and lots more. Just let us know the countries you’ll be travelling to and we’ll quote you a price for the whole trip.

Alternatively, if you’re planning to travel to multiple places but return home after each trip, our annual multi-trip travel insurance could save you time any money. These policies allow you to travel as often as you want on the same policy, although each individual trip will have a maximum duration of 31, 45 or 55 days abroad, depending on which level of cover you choose.

Website: www.insureandgo.com/travel-insurance/gap-year-travel-insurance

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The real truth about gap year travel insurance

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Whether you should get travel insurance for your gap year is a question many families ponder as they start planning long-term travel. Gap year travel insurance is expensive. Will I lose a bag? Will I get sick? Will my plans be interrupted? These are all things that need to be considered when planning family travel over a long period.

The short and correct answer is yes, you do need the best gap year travel insurance, you do need to research what you want out of your insurance, and you do need to shop around for the best price. A great rule to travel by is “if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel”. Do not even consider travelling without the best gap year insurance, there are just so many variables that can happen on the road.

Do I need comprehensive gap year travel insurance?

The answer is yes, if you can afford it, comprehensive is the best travel insurance for a gap year. It will cover you for everything from cancellations, 24/7 medical care, lost or damaged luggage costs, personal liability, family emergencies, additional cover for travel delays, and alternative transport expenses.

Make sure you read the fine print and definitions, as travel insurance companies will always do their best to get out o f payment for claims if they can. Saying the right thing on the phone when reporting the incident can help with your claim when doing gap year travel.

Many insurance companies have a hotline you can call on your gap year world travel, which will direct you to their preferred medical professionals in that country. We had a situation in Battambang, Cambodia, where our insurance company wanted to evacuate us to Siem Reap because the standard of care was much better in that city.

This type of advice is invaluable when you are sick in a foreign country, you don’t know where to go, what to do, and you do not speak the language.

Can i get away with just medical insurance for my families gap year travel?

Yes, you can. Medical insurance is the most important aspect of any travel insurance. You never know when a child might fall over and a scratch turns into an infection, or when a pain in the stomach for an adult could be appendicitis or kidney stones. The quality of medical treatment varies the world over, and a good insurance policy will help you get the best treatment available.

Many Asian countries have private international standard hospitals that your travel insurance will know about and suggest for you. These types of facilities provide the best care possible. Many of these hospitals require payment upfront, with reimbursement from your gap year health insurance at a later date. We went to Royal Phnom Penh hospital in Cambodia when I had kidney stones. I had to have some scans and tests, and it cost $1500 USD, which I had to pay upfront.

Do i need theft insurance included in gap year travel insurance

Families who travel long-term typically pack light, with a small suitcase containing mostly clothes and a few electronic essentials. What you need to ask yourself is, can I afford to replace my clothes, charging cables, etc. if they get stolen? Remember, it will take a few weeks to get compensation from your gap year travel insurance company for this.

You will have to go to the police and report it, then provide that report to the insurance company. You will have to prove a duty of care for your belongings, such as that you did not leave your room unlocked or that your bag never left your sight, etc. Likewise, you will have to be able to prove that you owned the goods, which may require receipts.

On our gap year, travels we had a bag stolen on a train in Italy and the insurance company were not going to pay out because the bag was not within eyesight the whole time. Fighting with insurance companies can be a long and tiresome process, especially if you are on the road travelling.

We recommend you search Travel Insurance Masters and Cover-more for the best travel insurance for a gap year prices and options

Do i need cancellation insurance on a traveling gap year?

This depends on your style of travel. Many families on a gap year are travelling on a budget that requires them to move between spots via budget airlines, buses, etc. The cost of your cancellation may be less than the cost of your excess for your gap year insurance policy.

If there is one thing you can go without to save money on your travelling budget, it is cancellation insurance. They very rarely happen, and when they do, you can most likely just buy another ticket and continue on without much hassle.

So what do i need for best gap year travel insurance ?

There is no right or wrong answer to this. It depends on your budget and what you feel travel insurance basic you will need. At a minimum, you require medical insurance on your gap year world travel, all things after that are just add-ons. Some companies will have a policy where you can get medical only and a small amount of theft coverage

Just remember, the price of your travel insurance for gap year policy will be dependent on what excess you have. The higher the excess, the lower the price of the policy. Don’t expect your travel insurance gap year policy to perform magic, there will be things that are not covered such as extreme sports, riding scooters in Asia without a license, and so on.

What qualifies us to talk about long term travel and gap year travel insurance?

We travelled long-term for 14 months through Europe and Asia with our two daughters. We have had to seek out doctors in Indonesia and Germany and have received hospital treatments in Cambodia, Vietnam, and Germany. Furthermore, we have made claims for theft, had them denied, fought the insurance company, and won in the end with gap year insurance.

We hope this article from  Wyld Family Trave l helps with your planning for long term travel. Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions. Long term travel is daunting for anyone planning travel. If you are planning long term travel with kids or even couples, there are so many things you need to consider.

More travel inspiration for your long term travel

Keeping teens social while travelling long term

The master list of family travel tips

Planning A Once In A Lifetime Family Road Trip? Here’s How To Do It Right

Author bio:

Father, husband, traveller, and chief destination manager here at Wyld Family Travel. When Mark is not discussing travel or planning travel, you will find him working in disability support. Mark is a family travel advocate, having travelled to over 45 countries with his kids from 10 months to their teenage years. You will find his work here and on other popular websites.

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Travel Insurance

Medical travel insurance, seniors travel insurance, europe travel insurance, worldwide travel insurance, coronavirus travel insurance, gap year travel insurance.

• Unlimited medical emergency expenses¹
• Up to £10K cancellation cover
• 24/7 emergency medical helpline

Covered 27 million+ travellers

Trusted for 20+ years

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If you’re taking a gap year from your studies to travel the world or live abroad for several months, our travel insurance is the ideal choice.

What is gap year travel insurance?

A gap year is commonly a period of time when students will take a break between college and university – essentially having a gap before further education. Many use this time to travel before settling into their studies or careers, which means that they often need travel insurance which covers them for a longer period.

The benefits of taking gap year travel insurance, means you can travel to a number of different countries under one single policy.

Types of gap year insurance cover

The usual type of insurance for a gap year is  single trip insurance . This will cover you for a one-off trip of up to 365 days, and includes cover for medical expenses, lost baggage, and lots more. Just let us know the countries you’ll be travelling to and we’ll quote you a price for the whole trip.

Alternatively, if you’re planning to travel to multiple places but return home after each trip, our annual multi-trip travel insurance  could save you time any money. These policies allow you to travel as often as you want on the same policy, although each individual trip will have a maximum duration of 31, 45 or 55 days abroad, depending on which level of cover you choose.

For more detail on what you’re covered for, see our  full policy breakdown .

For great gap year travel insurance,  get a quote online  or  get in touch . We’re happy to answer any questions you may have, especially if the insurance jargon leaves your head spinning.

• Unlimited emergency medical expenses available on Black level policies.
• Based on 2,050 responses, correct as of 22/01/2024

Where do you live

All persons to be insured must reside at a permanent address within the EEC ( Excluding Switzerland, Russia, Belarus, Montenegro and the Ukraine) to be eligible for cover.

Can I take out this insurance if I am already travelling?

When cover is purchased after an Insured Person has departed their home to commence their journey, there is a fixed period of 48 hours prior to cover commencing. Any illness arising during this initial 48 hour period will be an excluded Pre-existing Medical Condition. In the event of serious injury in connection with an accident, you will be covered from the date you take out cover subject to the accident being independently witnessed and also verified by a Medical Practitioner.

There is no 14 Day Cooling off Period and no premium refund will be made if the insured Person has already travelled.

family family 

Definition of a couple

A couple is defined as 2 adults who have been permanently living together at the same address for more than six months, who intend to travel together.

If you do not qualify as a couple, please select individual(s)

Annual Multi-Trip Durations

Annual Multi Trip policies are designed for multiple short holidays leaving from and returning to your home country.

Annual Multi Trip trip limits:

Standard policy - 30 days

Premier policy - 70 days

If you need continuous cover for a year (home visits allowed on policies over 4 months long) select Single Trip or One Way. You can travel around as much as you like, to as many different countries as you like, with a Single Trip or One Way policy.

One Way Trip

Please note a Single Trip policy can cover travels with no return ticket booked, a One Way policy is intended for:

Emigrating to new country where you intend to permanently live

Returning to your home country permanently

All cover ceases upon arrival at final destination

Select the type of policy most suitable for your needs.

Single Trip: A flexible policy with no limits on how many countries you visit or how long you’re away for. Suitable for all types of travel whether it be short term/long stay or backpacking. No return ticket required and unlimited home visits offered on policies over 4 months long.

One Way Trip: Means you are Emigrating to a new country where you intend to live permanently or, returning to your home country permanently. Cover will end upon arrival at your final destination. Please note: There is no cover for emergency return travel expenses if you do not have an original return ticket.

Annual Multi-Trip: This policy covers an unlimited number of trips throughout the 12 month Period of Insurance. Each trip has a maximum stay validity depending on the type of policy chosen. For example, for Standard Policies, the maximum duration of any trip shall not exceed 30 days and for Premier policies, the maximum duration of any trip must not exceed 70 days. 

If you are already travelling it is not possible to purchase the annual multi-trip policy.

Geographical Areas

Europe: Europe means the continent of Europe West of the Ural Mountains, and includes the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands, Iceland, Jordan, Madeira, the Canary Islands, the Azores and Mediterranean Islands as well as all countries bordering the Mediterranean. Australia & New Zealand: a) For any period of cover purchased, a 48 hour stop-over anywhere in the World for both outward and return travel will be included. b) If the period of cover purchased is two months or more, a stop-over of 7 days/nights anywhere in the World will be included. Worldwide excluding North America & Mexico: (North America means the USA, Canada & Mexico.) a) For any period of cover purchased, a 48 hour stop-over anywhere in the World for both outward and return travel will be included. b) If the period of cover purchased is two months or more, a stop-over of 7 days/nights anywhere in the World will be included. Worldwide including North America & Mexico: Worldwide means anywhere in the World including the USA, Canada & Mexico.

Automatic Trip Extension   If the Insured Person is prevented from completing their travel before the expiration of this Insurance as stated under the Period of Insurance on the Booking Invoice or Validation Certificate (as applicable) for reasons which are beyond their control, including ill health or failure of public transport, this Insurance will remain in force until completion but not exceeding a further 31 days on a day by day basis, without additional premium. In the event of an Insured Person being hijacked, cover shall continue whilst the Insured Person is subject to the control of the person(s) or their associates making the hijack during the Period of Insurance of a period not exceeding twelve months from the date of the hijack. Please ensure you arrange cover for the entire duration of your travel

Where you normally reside

Where do you normally reside? Where do you normally reside? Please use the drop down box to choose your country of residence. Note we can only insure residents of the UK & EEA Countries. Can I take out this Insurance if I’m already abroad? If you are normally a resident of the UK or EEA Countries and your insurance has run out, you may take out cover online with us. This is on the understanding that nothing has occurred at the time of taking out the cover which has led to a claim or may lead to a potential claim. Note you cannot take out our Multi-Trip Insurance if you are already abroad. Do you have minimum residency requirements? No. If you are, for example, a British Passport holder and have right of abode in the UK, we are not concerned as to how many months in the past year you have been in the UK provided at the time of arranging this insurance you have a UK residential address.

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Working While Abroad

Non manual/clerical work such as working in an  office ,  bar/restaurant  work or  teaching English  as a foreign language is covered automatically.  If you'll be  volunteering ,  WWOOFing  or partaking in any sort of manual labour,  like working on a farm  or  conservation work  our activity pack add-on can cover you..

Get Cover if Already Travelling

You don't need to be in your Home Country to get cover, you can buy a policy from anywhere in the world, as long as you're residential status is still in the UK or EU. Just follow the Quote form to get a price and complete your purchase.

Unlimited Home Visits

If your policy is over 4 months you can put your travels on hold and return home at any time should you feel the need. We are happy to offer completely unrestricted access back home even if you’re just feeling a little homesick! We have no limits, so you can come back for as long or as short as you like!

Extend Cover from Overseas

If at any point you realise you're not quite ready to return home, you can extend your insurance to include the remainder of your trip. Even if you don't have a Policy with us.

No Return Ticket Required

You don't need to know when you'll be returning home to get cover. So if you're on an open ended trip, or emigrating, we can cover you.

Cover for 156+ Activities

Whether you'll be scuba diving, jet skiing, bungee jumping, sky diving, trekking above 2,500m or kayaking. Our Activity Packs can cover various levels of adventurous sports.

Up to £10m Medical Cover

24 hour emergency helpline, cancellation & baggage cover, claim while you're travelling, gap year travel insurance.

With international travel increasingly affordable, every part of the world is within reach and the possibilities are as limitless as your imagination. If you need to subsidise your travels along the way, check out working holiday visas in some of the countries you wish to visit. If you fancy volunteering, there are many worthwhile schemes that assist and enrich the local populations in poorer countries in return for free food and board.

Or if you’re just into partying on a beach or getting up to crazy stuff, that’s cool too. But whatever you do, make sure you have the right Gap Year travel insurance in place to keep you safe and secure.

Big Cat’s travel insurance policies are designed for gap year travellers, backpackers, students, and people of all ages up to 69 years embarking on an extended trip abroad. We offer three great-value levels of cover - Budget, Standard and Premier - to suit your budget and the extent of the cover you require. 

Key Features of Gap Year Travel Insurance:

• Emergency Medical and Repatriation Expenses up to £10 million.
• Emergency Dental Cover.
• Cover duration of up to 24 months.
• Baggage & personal effects up to £2,000.
• Gadgets & Valuable Cover up to £1,000.
• One Way Travel.
• No return ticket required.
• Free Home visits.
• Policy Extensions whilst still travelling.
• 156+ Sports and Activities.
• Winter Sports Cover.
• Loss of Passport & Visa replacement costs.

Some FAQ's:

Riding a motorbike or scooter up to 125cc is automatically covered with all our policies. Riding a motorbike over 125cc can be covered with our Activity Pack Add-on.

If you are a pillion passenger on a motorcycle tour, such as the Ha Giang Loop, this is covered automatically and does not require any Activity Packs or any relevant licences.

When riding, you must always ensure you:

• Wear an appropriate crash helmet.
• Obey the Local road rules and laws
• Have the relevant licence(s) required to ride a motorcycle in the country or countries you will be riding in. If the country you’re in requires you to obtain a specific in-country licence to legally ride a motorcycle, then to be covered, you must obtain this licence.
• If all that’s required is an International Driving Permit (IDP), and you hold an IDP, then there’s no need to go about getting any more licences.
• Be aware that an IDP will only allow you to ride the same class of vehicle as your home licence allows. So, if you’re not licensed to ride a motorbike at home, you’re not licensed to ride a motorbike abroad under your IDP. It's up to you to make sure you are licensed for the type of motorcycle you hire.
• You should always ensure the bike is fully insured (motor insurance arranged by the company that owns the bike) as there is no Personal Lability cover whilst riding a bike. We cannot cover any participation in competitions or racing or any kind.

If you get sick while travelling or you're seriously injured you are covered for emergency medical treatment including:

• Hospitalisation
• Ambulance costs
• Surgery and follow up treatment
• Visits to the Doctor
• Repatriation
• Prescribed Medicine
• Emergency dental treatment to relieve pain and suffering (limited to £350)

24hrs Medical Emergency Assistance.

Decide Canada’s not for you, and want to return earlier than your full period of insurance?

Other insurers will tell you to wave goodbye to your money, but Big Cat lets you claim a partial premium refund for the unused time you didn’t stay in Canada.

How does the EARLY RETURN REFUND work?

Let’s say you buy a 24-month policy to cover your time in Canada. But after nine months, you decide that Canada’s not for you, and you want to return home. You may have invested a substantial amount for your 24 months Big Cat policy, most of which you’ll now no longer need. Unlike most insurers, Big Cat is happy to offer you a partial refund on the redundant portion of your insurance as a fair’s fair consolation. Please note that travel insurance premiums are not calculated on a pro-rata basis, as such, no refund is calculated in this manner either.

How does Big Cat calculate the amount of EARLY RETURN REFUND?

We take the length of time of the original policy and subtract the actual amount of time you have used, and payout the difference, deducting a £50 Cancellation Charge.

Are there other conditions that apply to my EARLY RETURN REFUND?

• Only applicable to 24 month IEC policies.
• We are not able to offer refunds to cover the first 6 months of the policy.
• No refund can be given on a policy where a claim has been made or is likely to be made prior to the cancellation of your Big Cat policy.
• You must be back in your home country and notify us by email of your wish to cancel the policy within 14 days of your arrival, please also provide us with proof of your return to the UK (flight ticket / e-ticket / boarding pass).
• All refund calculations are based on the base premium paid only. Add-ons are non-refundable.

Can you give an example of how much I could receive back in my EARLY RETURN REFUND?

Say you took out a 24-month budget IEC policy costing £525.24, then you wish to cancel the policy after 9 months. Our 9-month budget IEC policy costs £312.55. So we deduct £312.55 from £525.24 = £212.99

Then we apply the £50 Cancellation Charge, refunding you a total of £162.99.

Temporary return to home country (Single trip policies only) Where cover has been purchased for a total duration of 4 months or more, and you want to return to your home country during the period of insurance for any reason that is not directly or indirectly caused by arising or resulting from, or in connection with a claim under this insurance all cover under this policy will be suspended from the time that you clear customs in your home country and restarts after the baggage check in at the international departure point for the return flights, international train or ferry to the overseas destination. Any illness, disease, injuries, accidents which existed, showed symptoms or were diagnosed in the previous trip(s) during this period of insurance will not be covered in the restarted period of insurance.

To add any of our Activity Packs, just follow the Quote form - to stage 3 - there you will find all of the optional extras.

Means WWOOFing, fruit picking, casual farm work. Other Manual Work can be covered as long as it does not involve the use of plant/trade/industrial/agricultural machinery (other than tractors) or non-domestic power tools.

Please get in touch if you'd like to find out if we can provide cover for any light manual work you will be doing.

WWOOfing is classed as Permitted Manual Work, so with the Activity Pack, you’re covered.

(see above)

Yes, bar work or working in a chalet is automatically covered with all of our policies.

Non-manual/clerical work is covered automatically with a Big Cat policy. So, there’s nothing you need to add to be covered for things like teaching, caring or nursing.

With the Activity Pack, we can also cover work of a more manual nature. This can include things like WWOOFing, partaking in community or wildlife based conservation work, charity based supervised building / renovation projects or other permitted manual work (defined below).

Cover is excluded for any activity that involves the use of industrial machinery (other than tractors) or non-domestic power tools.

Big Cat Travel Insurance Services, a trading name of Flynow.com Ltd (registration No.FRN 745388)   is an Appointed Representative of Campbell Irvine Ltd (registration No.306242) who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. You may check this on the Financial Services register www.fca.org.uk  or by contacting them on (0) 800 111 6768. © 2023 Big Cat Travel Insurance Services.  All rights reserved.

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List of automatically covered medical conditions that do not need to be declared

Acne, ADHD, Allergic reaction (Anaphylaxis) provided that you have not needed hospital treatment for this in the last 2 years, Allergic rhinitis, Arthritis (the affected person must be able to walk independently at home without using mobility aids), Asthma (the diagnosis must have been made when the affected person was under the age of 50, and the asthma be controlled by no more than 2 inhalers and no other medication), Blindness or partial sightedness, Carpal tunnel syndrome, Cataracts, Chicken pox - if completely resolved, Common cold or flu, Cuts and abrasions that are not self-inflicted and require no further treatment, Cystitis - provided there is no on-going treatment, Deafness, Diabetes (which is controlled by diet or tablets only), Diarrhoea and vomiting - if completely resolved, Eczema, Enlarged prostate - benign only, Essential tremor, Glaucoma, Gout, Haemorrhoids, Hay fever, Ligament or tendon injury - provided you are not currently being treated, Macular degeneration, Menopause, Migraine - provided there are no on-going investigations, Nasal polyps, PMT, RSI, Sinusitis - provided there is no on-going treatment, Skin or wound infections that have completely resolved with no current treatment, Tinnitus, Underactive Thyroid (Hypothyroidism), Urticaria, Varicose veins in the legs.

Important information

If you have a medical condition in addition to any of the automatically covered medical conditions, all conditions will be excluded from cover unless declared to the medical screening helpline.

What is classed as a medical condition?

a Any respiratory condition (relating to the lungs or breathing), heart condition, stroke, Crohn’s disease, epilepsy, allergy, or cancer for which you have ever received treatment (including surgery, tests or investigations by your doctor or a consultant/ specialist or prescribed medication).

b Any psychiatric or psychological condition (including anxiety, stress and depression) for which you have suffered which you have received medical advice or treatment or been prescribed medication for in the last five years.

c Any medical condition for which you have received surgery, in-patient treatment or investigations in a hospital or clinic within the last 12 months, or for which you are prescribed medication.

Any premium for medical screening quoted can be paid directly. This can be done either before or after taking out a policy with us. The policy and medical extension connect automatically, no reference numbers need to be exchanged.

Choosing not to declare a medical condition will not invalidate cover, but any costs incurred in relation to an undeclared condition will not be covered.

If making a declaration all medical conditions must be declared, you can't choose to only declare certain conditions.

Medical conditions can only be declared for up to 12 months at a time. A second declaration will have to be made after 12 months if necessary.

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Gap Year Advice

Top 10 check list for ​your gap year insurance

Written by Jenny McWhirter on 24 / 11 / 2021

Gap year insurance is more important now than ever before especially after/during the pandemic. Long gone are the days of carelessly buying the cheapest policy you find on line without so much as a glance at what it covers you for. It’s time to get switched on and find a gap year insurance policy that works in this current COVID climate to protect you and your bags whilst you are on your gap year journey.

As experts in gap year travel we can impart our top tips to help get you organised so you travel around the world safely and responsibly. So buckle up and listen up, these are the main issues to check up on.

1. Follow the FCDO travel advice

This caught so many travellers out pre-pandemic - the golden rule being - if the foreign office tells you it is currently not advisable to travel to a certain country ( or part of ) then then most regular insurance policies will be null and void. Also - pandemics are often excluded - check the small print. Thankfully we have moved on from this, as the FCDO has lifted most of their advisory bans BUT it is crutial to play the 'what if' game with your insure, asking, for example, if the FCDO changes its advice about a country you are IN, then are you insured as you arrived before it changed? We know a number of insurance companies who do cover regardless of FCDO advise,so solutions at hand - just get in touch to find out more.

2. Buy your gap year insurance when you purchase your flights or trip

As soon as you’ve bought your flight or put down a payment towards a volunteering or adventure gap year activity you need to buy insurance. Why? well quite simply if you can't go due to some unforseen nightmare (covid, accident etc) and you are not insured - you will loose all your money. 3. Check what activities are included in your gap year insurance

I know what you’re thinking, there are endless reams of small print to read. Our advice, if it’s the only part you read, check the activities and what's included. Rooky error for many as most policies do not cover bungy jumping, kayaking or scuba diving. Please check before you do any adrenaline based activity as you can always buy an add on policy on the ground. Our gap year policies will cover a range of typical gap year favourites including scuba and volunteering , but most don't, so if you come stuck, get in contact.

4. Budget for your gap year insurance

Many gap year students forget to budget for insurance. Along with your flight ticket,insurance is the other big-ticket item you’ll purchase.

Find out more about fundraising for your gap year

5. Insure your gadgets

We all travel with our phones, iPads, go-pros and the like. Many policies will limit how much you can claim per item and some will have an overall item limit too. If your limit is £250 then that iPhone you treated yourself to will definitely not be covered. Similarly, if your overall limit is £1000 and your valuables equate to more than this….

It’s always worth checking home insurance policies as many policies cover valuable items abroad, so it may not necessarily need to be covered by your gap year travel insurance.

6. Make sure your gap year insurance policy includes curtailment cover

Another small print question to dig into. This kicks in if you have to cut your trip short for medical reasons - the curtailment cover will cover the part of the trip you miss. For example if you were on our 5 week plastic ocean gap year adventure in Costa Rica - which costs about £3000 and you had an accident in week one - they will not only get you home but pay for the trip missed. Make sure this curtailment cover is enough to cover the cost of your adventures.

Do you need help with your Gap Year planning?

If you need our help with your gap year planning, then we have built an area called Leap VIP especially for you. Leap VIP gives you advice on all of the above plus:

• Latest travel updates
• Access to our global network of contacts
• Gap year zoom consultations
• Insurance and incident support team
• Access to our corporate flight team

7. Check the rules for single trip gap year insurance

This has caught so many people out before - basically if you nip home, mid travel on a single trip that is the end of your policy. You will have to buy another so best get a multi trip policy.

8. Do not be under the influence of alcohol

We all do it, and yes enjoying the nightlife of the places you visit should be part of all gap years.

However, be careful and know your limits. Most insurance policies will invalidate a claim if you were under the influence of alcohol. A couple of glasses of wine no problem but stumbling out of a club, falling off the pavement and smashing your face will not be insurable.

9. Find out the insurance claims procedure

All gap year insurance policies have a claims procedure. If this is not followed they can easily reject your claim. So, find this out before you go away, then you’ll know what you need to do if something were to happen.

We recommend you notify your insurance as soon as an issue arises and definitely within 24 hours of any incident. Keeping them in the loop and up-to-date will help you ensure any claim goes through as smoothly as possible.

10. Declare all previous medical conditions

If you have any form of medical condition or are on any treatment this must be declared to your insurance. Some insurers will still cover you but they need to know all the details before you head away.

The Foreign Office quotes £35-45,000 for air ambulance to return to the UK from the US east coast, £12-16,000 for an air ambulance from the Canary Islands, and £15-20,000 for a scheduled flight, stretcher and doctor escort from Australia.

The chances of having to use these services are not high, but the costs are so substantial that it would cause a major issue – if not bankruptcy – were they to happen to you.

Check out the NHS Fit For Travel website which has lots of advice on traveling abroad and how to prepare before you go.

We recommend you take a paper copy of your insurance with you and leave one at home, so your parents have the contacts should they need to act on your behalf.

So there you have our ten top tips for purchasing insurance – we know it isn’t the most riveting part of your gap year but it is essential and no gap year planning can start without it. Rest assured that if you book a Leap program or Join Leap VIP we will direct you to the right policy to purchase which will take a weight off your mind leaving you more time to focus on what to pack. It's a win win solution.

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Jenny McWhirter

on 24 / 11 / 2021

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Is travel insurance worth it?

April 30, 2024 | 2 min read

Planning a trip and wondering if you need a travel insurance policy? Keep reading to learn more about travel insurance to decide whether it’s right for you.

Key takeaways

• Travel insurance can provide financial protection if things go wrong before or during a trip.
• You might get travel insurance to cover potential losses from trip cancellations or delays, lost baggage or medical issues.
• Factoring in details specific to your trip and balancing with existing coverage might help you decide whether travel insurance is right for you.

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What does travel insurance do?

Travel insurance is a type of specialized protection that might help protect against financial losses from airline delays, medical issues or other unexpected occurrences. Some travel insurance plans focus on specific things, like lost baggage or health care. Others offer a wide range of benefits under a single plan. It’s a good idea to make sure you understand the terms and conditions, because coverage varies.

When might travel insurance be beneficial?

Some of the situations where it can help to have travel insurance include:

Interruptions and cancellations

Trip delay insurance covers food and lodging expenses if you experience an airline delay. Trip cancellation insurance can reimburse your prepaid costs if an illness forces you to cancel entirely.

Baggage issues

Baggage loss coverage can reimburse you if your luggage is lost, stolen, damaged or delayed.

Medical emergencies

Travel health or medical insurance can cover everything from medication to emergency medical evacuation if you become sick or injured when traveling abroad .

When might travel insurance be unnecessary?

There’s no right or wrong time for travel insurance. It depends on your circumstances. But when deciding whether travel insurance is worth it, you can consider things like:

• Type and length of trip: If the trip’s refundable, you might not need extra protection. And a short or cheap trip might not be worth the cost of coverage.
• Your existing coverage: Check existing policies and agreements. If you have coverage through your health insurance provider, credit card issuer or card network, you may not need more.

Considering travel insurance in a nutshell

Travel insurance can offer peace of mind if anything goes wrong before or during a trip. But it may not always be worth it. If you’re considering travel insurance coverage, looking at your situation, your trip and the terms and conditions of your existing insurance policies could help you determine whether the benefits outweigh the costs.

If you’re interested in getting insurance coverage from a credit card, you can check out the benefits that come with Capital One rewards credit cards .

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We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

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A new car is a big purchase, and many drivers end up making auto loan or lease payments for years. But a new car’s value can drop significantly, especially within the first year. If your new car is totaled in an accident, a full coverage car insurance policy will only cover up to the vehicle’s current market value. So how do you pay off your auto loan if you still owe more than what your car insurance will cover?

Unfortunately, you’re still on the hook for the difference between a car’s value and the amount you owe on it — unless you have gap insurance.

What is gap insurance?

Gap insurance, or guaranteed asset protection, is an optional coverage that pays the difference between what your vehicle is worth and how much you owe on your car at the time it’s stolen or totaled. This coverage supplements a comprehensive or collision car insurance payout, which can only be as high as your car’s value.

You’re responsible for paying off your car loan if your car is totaled or stolen, even if your insurance won’t cover the full amount you still owe. This is where gap insurance can come in handy.

But to be clear: If you don’t have a car loan or a lease, you don’t need gap insurance.

What does gap insurance cover?

Gap insurance covers what’s owed on a car after a total loss, whether that’s the result of an accident or vehicle theft. Gap insurance pays out after comprehensive and collision coverage, two coverage types that are typically required when you buy or lease a new vehicle. (They pay for damage to your car after things like accidents, fire or vehicle theft.)

However, comprehensive and collision insurance pay only what a car is worth at the time of a theft or accident. So when you owe more on your car loan or lease than that, gap insurance covers that amount.

In most cases, gap insurance doesn't cover your comprehensive or collision deductible. Your deductible is the amount your insurance subtracts from a claim payout.

» MORE: Why rising car prices make gap insurance worth a look

How does gap insurance work?

Let’s say someone stole your new car, and at the time it was worth $25,000. Unfortunately, you still owe $30,000 on the car. You have comprehensive insurance, which will pay for the value of your car at the time of theft. You’re responsible for your $500 insurance deductible , and then the insurance company pays $24,500 to your lender — but there’s still $5,500 due on your loan.

Gap insurance is designed to pay that final $5,500 so you don’t owe money on a totaled car. But without gap insurance, you’ll have to cover the balance on your loan as well as your insurance deductible.

Here is a visual of that example:

» MORE: What does car insurance cover?

Is gap insurance worth it?

You don’t need gap insurance unless you lease a vehicle or have a loan. You also don’t need it if your loan is paid down below the value of your car.

But if you do have a lease or loan, you may want to think about whether you can afford to pay the difference between the amount you still owe and the value of your car. If you couldn’t make that payment, or don’t want to deal with that financial stress in an emergency, then you’d probably benefit from having gap coverage.

Drop gap coverage when your car loan is less than the current value of your car. Online pricing guides like Edmunds or Kelley Blue Book can give you an idea of how much your car is worth. Insurers might not drop it automatically, so you may need to remove it.

How to get gap insurance

You can generally only add gap insurance to your policy if you still owe money on the vehicle or lease. Although insurers’ guidelines vary, a company may require one or both of the following:

Your car is no more than two to three years old.

You are the original owner of the vehicle.

There are two main ways to buy gap insurance:

From your auto insurer, as part of your regular insurance policy.

Through the dealership or lender, rolled into your loan payments. With this arrangement, you’re paying interest on the cost of your gap insurance over the life of the loan, making the coverage far more expensive.

If you buy through your dealership or lender:

Check your auto loan contract to see if you’re required to have gap insurance — not all lenders require it. However, your lender will generally require you to buy comprehensive and collision coverage.

A dealer may automatically include gap insurance if you lease your car, so make sure to check your lease agreement.

If you already bought gap insurance from your dealer and want to buy it from your insurer, you may be able to remove it from your car loan contract. Make sure you have coverage during the transition if you switch providers.

NerdWallet recommends buying gap coverage through your auto insurer rather than from a dealership to avoid paying interest on it. Not all car insurance companies provide gap coverage (or an equivalent) or offer it in all states, so if you decide you want this type of insurance, you may need to switch companies .

Which insurance companies sell gap coverage?

Some of the largest insurance companies that offer stand-alone gap insurance (or an equivalent) as add-ons to car insurance policies are:

American Family.

Auto-Owners.

Liberty Mutual.

Nationwide.

» MORE: Get the cheapest car insurance

See what you could save on car insurance

How much does gap insurance cost.

Auto insurers typically charge a few dollars a month for gap insurance or around $20 a year, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Your cost depends on individual factors, like your car’s value. You’ll also need to buy comprehensive and collision coverage. To find the best company for you, compare car insurance rates with at least three insurers.

Lenders charge a flat fee of around $500 to $700 for gap insurance, according to United Policyholders, a nonprofit consumer group. But if you add the coverage to your loan, you’ll also pay interest on it. That means you could pay more than that $500 to $700 for three years of gap coverage from a dealer, compared with around $60 from your auto insurer for that same timeframe.

Prices and interest rates will vary, so always check with your dealer and car insurance company to accurately compare costs.

» MORE: Car insurance quotes: What you need to know

Alternatives to gap insurance

Gap insurance isn’t the only way to protect yourself if your car is stolen or totaled. Depending on your needs, you may want to add one of these coverage options instead of gap insurance:

New-car replacement insurance : If you’re more worried about buying a new vehicle than paying off your old one, new-car replacement coverage might be a better choice for you. While it is more expensive than gap insurance, this coverage helps pay for a new car of the same make and model, minus your deductible, to replace your vehicle with a new one.

Better-car replacement coverage: If your vehicle is declared a total loss, this type of coverage will give you money for a model that is newer and has less mileage.

On a similar note...

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AIG Travel Guard insurance review: What you need to know

Whether you need an annual plan or a policy for a last-minute trip, travel guard can deliver..

Travel Guard is one of CNBC Select 's picks for best travel insurance , thanks to its wide range of customizable policies. But are any of them right for you? Below, we review the provider and its offers and how they compare to the competition to help you choose the right travel insurance for your next trip.

Travel Guard review

Other insurance offered, how it compares, bottom line, travel guard® travel insurance.

The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote

Policy highlights

Travel Guard offers a variety of plans to suit travel ranging from road trips to long cruises. For air travelers, Travel Guard can help assist with tracking baggage or covering lost or delayed baggage.

24/7 assistance available

• A variety of plans are available to help cover different types of trips
• Not all products are available for purchase online

Travel Guard® is a global travel insurance provider specializing in plans for leisure and business travelers. Its online travel insurance packages include five options, from basic and last-minute trip coverage to more comprehensive plans. This allows travelers to pick a plan that best matches their situation.

For example, budget-minded travelers might go for the Essential Plan which offers basic protections, such as trip cancellation, interruption and delay insurance, coverage for lost, damaged and delayed baggage, and medical, evacuation and death coverage.

On the other hand, the Deluxe Plan — the most comprehensive option — adds such extras as missed connection coverage, security evacuation, travel inconvenience benefits and more. It also boosts high limits for essential coverages.

Last-minute travelers can opt for the Pack N' Go Plan which only includes certain post-departure coverages. Or, if you travel often, the Annual Plan can cover your trips throughout the year.

Finally, Travel Guard offers "offline" travel insurance packages, meaning you'll have to call if you're looking for a specialty plan.

Coverage types

Depending on the plan, here are the types of protection Travel Guard can include in your package:

• Trip cancellations
• Trip interruption
• Baggage coverage
• Baggage delay
• Travel medical expenses
• Travel inconvenience benefits (reimbursement for such situations as runway delays, cruise diversion and other unforeseen situations)
• Medical evacuation
• Trip Saver (reimbursement for meals, hotels and transportation if you need to begin your trip sooner due to weather or airline changes)
• Trip exchange (reimbursement in case you have to cancel your trip and book a new one due to covered unforeseen circumstances)
• Security evacuation (due to a riot or civil disorder)
• Flight guard (coverage for accidental death or dismemberment that occurs when traveling by plane)
• Pre-existing medical conditions exclusion waiver

You can also customize your plan with add-ons, such as car rental insurance and "cancel for any reason" coverage .

Travel Guard landed on our list of the best travel insurance companies thanks to its variety of coverage. With plenty of options to choose from, both online and offline, it's easy to build a policy that meets your needs.

Travel Guard also features 24-hour concierge services that you can use to book a new flight in case of an emergency or delay.

The provider's website also offers informational resources — here, you can check travel news, read safety tips and find general travel advice. Additionally, the website lets you modify your plan, file a claim and check its status, or apply for a voucher or refund.

As of writing, Travel Guard doesn't offer any discounts. That's common for travel insurance — you're more likely to find deals when shopping for other types of insurance, such as home and auto insurance .

Travel Guard is a portfolio of travel insurance and travel-related services offered by AIG Travel, a member of American International Group (AIG). AIG also offers life insurance and a variety of business insurance products.

Travel Guard makes it easy to get a travel insurance policy customized to your needs. But before you purchase coverage, it's always a good idea to shop around.

For example, if you're going on a cruise, you might want to look at Nationwide Travel Insurance . The provider advertises cruise-specific insurance with three plan options available. This type of coverage is designed with issues unique to cruises in mind — from ship-based breakdowns to missed pre-pard excursions.

If you're planning a more active trip filled with rock climbing or sky diving, Berkshire Hathaway offers the AdrenalineCare® plan which features coverage for unforeseen costs that result from participating in extreme sports on your trip, as well as reimbursement for sporting equipment delay. Pre-existing conditions are covered under this plan (if you meet qualifying conditions).

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has multiple plans to cover vacations from luxury travel to adventure travel. The brand's LuxuryCare offers the highest limits of travel insurance coverage offered by the company. Quotes and policies are available online.

As you can see, offerings vary by provider. It can be helpful to compare multiple companies and the plans they offer to find what works best for you. It's even better if you gather several quotes to ensure you're getting a good price for your policy.

Money matters — so make the most of it. Get expert tips, strategies, news and everything else you need to maximize your money, right to your inbox.  Sign up here .

Travel Guard offers plenty of ways to customize your policy, making it a solid choice for travel insurance. You can also access additional options by giving Travel Guard a call. However, make sure to check out other travel insurance companies too — comparison shopping is essential when picking any type of financial product.

Why trust CNBC Select?

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every insurance review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of insurance products . While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics.

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• Best overall
• Best for expensive trips
• Best for exotic trips
• Best for annual plans

How we reviewed travel insurance for seniors

Best travel insurance for seniors of may 2024.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

Reaching your golden years doesn't mean your adventures have to end. In fact, in this stage of life, you'll hopefully have more time and resources to travel. But as a senior citizen, you'll want to ensure you have travel insurance that covers any health-related issues arise while you travel.

Our top picks for the best senior travel insurance

• Best overall: Allianz Travel Insurance
• Best for expensive trips: John Hancock Travel Insurance
• Best for exotic trips: World Nomads Travel Insurance

Best for annual plans: Travel Guard

How we rate the best senior travel insurance companies »

Compare travel insurance for seniors

Your health gets more unpredictable as you age, which makes travel insurance more important for seniors. Unfortunately, it's also more expensive. The best travel insurance for seniors won't have too steep of a price hike compared to rates for younger travelers. It will have high coverage limits for emergency medical coverage, trip cancellations, and and emergency medical evacuation. It's also important that your travel insurance offers pre-existing condition waivers , ideally at no extra cost to the traveler. 

Here are our picks for the best travel insurance coverage for seniors in 2024.

Best overall: Allianz

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Good option for frequent travelers thanks to its annual multi-trip policies
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Doesn't increase premium for trips longer than 30 days, meaning it could be one of the more affordable options for a long trip
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some plans include free coverage for children 17 and under
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Concierge included with some plans
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Coverage for medical emergency is lower than some competitors' policies
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Plans don't include coverage contact sports and high-altitude activities
• Single and multi-trip plans available
• Trip cancellation and interruption coverage starting at up to $10,000 (higher limits with more expensive plans)
• Preexisting medical condition coverage available with some plans

Allianz Travel Insurance is one of the most widely recognized names in travel insurance, and it stands out as one of the top travel insurance providers for seniors. It offers a wide range of policies covering medical treatments overseas and emergency medical transport.

Allianz also provides options for varying trip lengths. Its annual multi-trip policies , for example, cover any trip you make during your policy period, even if they aren't yet planned, making it an excellent option for seniors who vacation multiple times per year.

Read our Allianz Travel Insurance review here.

Best for expensive trips: John Hancock

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers 3 travel insurance plans
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancel for any reason rider available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable travel insurance premiums
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews of claims process are mixed
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Buyers may not get specialty coverage for sports equipment and other high value items
• Trip cancellation for 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption insurance for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000 per person
• Medical evacuation coverage of up to $1,000,000

John Hancock Travel Insurance plans for seniors offer some of the best coverage available. It provides generous maximum benefit amounts while still offering affordable prices.

Each plan includes coverages like trip cancellation, emergency accident, and emergency medical, with the option to add benefits like CFAR (cancel for any reason) . Plus, getting a free online quote is a quick and straightforward process.

Read our John Hancock Travel Insurance review here.

Best for exotic trips: World Nomads

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Coverage for 200+ activities like skiing, surfing, and rock climbing
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Only two plans to choose from, making it simple to find the right option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. You can purchase coverage even after your trip has started
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. If your trip costs more than $10,000, you may want to choose other insurance because trip protection is capped at up to $10,000 (for the Explorer plan)
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't offer coverage for travelers older than 70
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) option
• Coverage for 150+ activities and sports
• 2 plans: Standard and Explorer
• Trip protection for up to $10,000
• Emergency medical insurance of up to $100,000
• Emergency evacuation coverage for up to $500,000
• Coverage to protect your items (up to $3,000)

World Nomads Travel Insurance is a great choice for active senior citizens under 70 who want comprehensive travel insurance. The key difference between World Nomads and many other providers is that it covers 200+ adventurous activities like scuba diving, mountain biking, surfing, skiing, and even bungee jumping. In addition, World Nomads' trip cancellation and emergency medical coverage includes COVID-19-related issues. Many other insurers are excluding that type of coverage now.

For adventurous senior citizens over the age of 70 years, World Nomads suggests working with its partner, TripAssure .

Read our World Nomads Travel Insurance review here.

Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost and trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the cost, for all three plan levels
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. CFAR covers up to 75% of total trip costs (maximum of $112,500 on some plans) 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Medical coverage of up to $500,000 and evacuation of up to $1,000,000 per person
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes COVID coverage 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Above average baggage loss and delay benefits
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High medical evacuation coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Premiums may run slightly higher than competitors

Travel Guard is a well-established and highly rated name in the travel insurance industry. It offers three main coverage options to choose from, and in general its policies have above-average coverage for baggage loss and baggage delays, plus high medical evaluation coverage limits.

• Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Preexisting medical conditions exclusions waiver must be purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment
• Annual travel insurance plan and Pack N' Go plan (for last-minute trips) available

Travel Guard  offers comprehensive insurance plans for shorter and longer trips. One of its more unique offerings is its Travel Guard Annual Plan.

This annual travel insurance comes with standard coverage benefits (trip delay, baggage loss, etc.) and substantial coverage amounts, which is important for seniors who travel multiple times per year. Travel Guard also offers a preexisting medical condition waiver, meaning those with certain medical issues can still gain coverage.

Read our AIG Travel Guard Insurance review here.

Understanding travel insurance for seniors

Before diving into the specifics, it's essential to understand what travel insurance is and why it's particularly important for senior travelers. The best travel insurance offers financial protection against unexpected events affecting your trip, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.

Types of coverage

• Medical Coverage: Ensures your medical expenses are covered in case of illness or injury.
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage: Provides reimbursement if your trip is canceled or cut short due to unforeseen events.
• Baggage Coverage: Covers loss, damage, or theft of personal items during your trip.

Benefits of travel insurance for seniors

• Peace of Mind: Knowing you're covered in case of emergencies can make your travel stress-free.
• Financial Protection: Shields you from potentially overwhelming medical costs and trip cancellations fees.
• Assistance Services: Many plans offer 24/7 assistance services, providing help whenever and wherever you need it.

Making the most of your plan

After choosing a plan, it's crucial to understand your policy fully and know what services are available to you in case of an emergency.

Understanding your policy

• Read the fine print and understand the claims process to avoid surprises.

Emergency assistance services

• Familiarize yourself with the emergency assistance services offered by your plan and keep all necessary contact information handy.

How to pick senior travel insurance

It's wise to compare several different travel insurance policies for the best coverage and pricing, as premiums vary widely between insurers and depend on factors like your age and travel destination.

That said, some of the more essential coverages to look for if you're a senior citizen include:

• Travel medical coverage - This coverage will pay for your medical bills outside the US.
• Medical evacuation coverage - If you're injured or become sick while traveling, this coverage will transport you to the nearest hospital or even back home if your condition necessitates it.
• Preexisting conditions - Coverage for known health conditions. You'll need to purchase travel insurance within a certain time period from when you book your trip to qualify for a preexisting condition waiver .
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) - The name says it all! It'll cost extra and you'll need to purchase insurance early, but it's the most comprehensive trip cancellation coverage you can get. Note that CFAR insurance usually only covers up to 75% of your trip fees.
• Trip cancellation insurance - This coverage provides reimbursement for your prepaid and nonrefundable costs if you cannot make your trip due to an unforeseen event.
• Baggage delay insurance - This coverage will reimburse you for essentials like toiletries and clothes if your bags are delayed.
• Lost luggage insurance - This coverage will reimburse you up to a specified amount if your bags get lost en route.

Of these, the most critical to note are whether or not your policy covers preexisting conditions and the limits for travel medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation.

Some insurance companies offer a waiver that will cover preexisting conditions. You'll have to follow the requirements for adding a waiver to your policy, like insuring the entire cost of your trip. Or purchase the policy within a specific time after making your first trip deposit payments.

You'll also want to find a policy with high maximum limits for travel medical and emergency medical evacuation coverage. These types of expenses can be substantial, so you want to have appropriate coverage.

When comparing senior travel insurance options, we looked at the following factors to evaluate each travel insurance provider:

• Coverage limits: We looked at each travel insurance company's coverage amounts for benefits like medical emergencies and trip cancellation.
• Flexibility: We looked at how customizable a policy is, so you can choose what your travel insurance policy covers .
• Coverage for preexisting conditions: Preexisting conditions are one of the more critical factors for travel insurance for senior citizens, so we looked at travel insurance companies that offer the best coverage for preexisting conditions.
• Price: We compared travel insurance providers offering reasonable basic and comprehensive coverage rates.
• Benefits geared towards seniors: We compared travel insurance companies that offer solid coverage for senior citizens, like medical evacuation, COVID-19 coverage, and trip cancellation.

You can read more about our insurance rating methodology here.

Seniors should look for travel insurance policies that offer comprehensive medical coverage, including for preexisting conditions and emergency medical evacuation. They should also consider policies with higher coverage limits to ensure adequate protection. Additionally, seniors should seek travel insurance plans that provide 24/7 assistance services, as well as coverage for trip cancellations, interruptions, and baggage protection.

The cost of senior travel insurance coverage can vary depending on your age, overall health, state of residence, travel destination, and length of your trip. However, assuming all other factors are the same, you'll pay more for travel insurance at 70 than at 30.

All travel insurance companies, except World Nomads, included in this guide offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions as long as you buy your policy within the qualifying period from when you placed your trip deposit.

Allianz is the best travel insurance for seniors due to its wide array of medical coverages and emergency medical transport. Allianz also offers multi-trip insurance policies , which could make sense for seniors who travel frequently.

In some instances, travel insurance companies will have age eligibility restrictions, often only insuring people 80 years old and younger.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

**Enrollment required.

• Main content

Money latest: McDonald's to start selling bigger burgers - as it makes very rare changes to classic items

The fast food giant has revealed its chefs have created a "larger, satiating burger" in a bid to boost sales. Read this and all the latest consumer and personal finance news below, plus leave a comment in the box.

Wednesday 1 May 2024 20:00, UK

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Ask a question or make a comment

Are you struggling because of high interest rates? Sky News is keen to hear from people who are due to refix their mortgages this year or are on a variable rate or tracker mortgage or trying to get on the housing ladder. 

Email us your stories at  [email protected]  - or WhatsApp us  here .

The Fed has issued its latest policy statement, announcing it will keep interest rates at the same level. 

It did note inflation has eased over the past year, and it is still leaning towards eventual reductions in borrowing costs. 

However it pointed out recent disappointing inflation readings, suggesting moves towards more balance in the economy had stalled. 

If you're wondering why we're telling you this, it's because there is a link between the Fed's interest rate and the Bank of England's base rate. 

The interplay between the two can affect the value of the pound and currency alternatives such a gold.

Market expectations for the UK base rate are often heavily influenced by what's going on in the US. 

Untreated sewage was released into designated shellfish waters for 192,000 hours last year, new research has found.

The hours of sewage dumping were spread across 23,000 separate incidents.

Some fishing waters in Cornwall were forced to close last year after high levels of e.coli were found in oysters and mussels, and norovirus can also be transported via human waste.

Read the full story here ...

Shares in luxury carmaker Aston Martin have plummeted as much as 14% today after it announced bigger than expected losses. 

Aston Martin revealed adjusted pre-tax losses of £111m for the first three months of the year, compared with £57m a year earlier. 

Analysts had expected a loss of £93m. 

The losses were due to higher finance costs and the timings of its car launches.

B&Q is introducing plastic plant pot recycling stations at more than 100 of its stores across the UK. 

Customers will be able to drop off their unwanted pots in store so they can be recycled and turned into new planters. 

B&Q's 100% recycled plastic Blacksmith Planters will be available in stores for £4. 

UK supermarkets could soon see a "healthier" version of white bread, according to scientists.

A team of researchers at Aberystwyth University will be studying the milling and blending process for white flour.

Peas, beans and oats could be added to wheat flour to boost its nutritional value.

The research project has been funded by Innovate UK, the UK's national innovation agency.

Parents taking their kids to Taylor Swift concerts this summer might be worried their lack of knowledge will leave them feeling a bit left out.

But what if we told you you could be a mastermind?

That's the promise of a new college course ahead of the biggest pop star in the world hitting the UK in June.

The 7 May course, which is run by the  Glasgow Cylde College and is free, will give members of the public a jam-packed session that will leave them ready for the singer's upcoming  Eras Tour.

Those who enrol in a one-off college masterclass will learn about the pop star's music, set lists, crowd chants and even her "evolving wardrobe and hairstyles".

A statement on the college website reads: "Ahead of her hugely anticipated arrival, Glasgow Clyde College is offering a one time-only masterclass aimed at preparing parents and plus ones of Taylor superfans, providing the full Love Story on all things Eras Tour to help them have the best night of their lives.

"From set lists and crowd chants to need-to-know information on each Era, the masterclass, which is being delivered by a Taylor Swift expert, will give people a whistle-stop lesson that'll leave them ready for the gig."

You can book your Swiftie masterclass here .

The cocoa market is in a particularly turbulent period, with the price of the ingredient falling to its lowest level in a month. 

It comes after prices reached their highest peaks in more than four decades earlier in the year, making it reportedly more expensive than copper. 

Traders had been betting on an acute supply shortage driven by poor harvests in West Africa. 

However, the rally made it more expensive to maintain positions and prompted traders to pull out of the market - leaving the product vulnerable to big price swings. 

The price has now fallen by 16% since the end of last week, offering some relief to chocolate makers/eaters.

The fast food giant has revealed its chefs have created a "larger, satiating burger" in a bid to boost sales, according to Bloomberg. 

The mega-sized burger is reportedly designed to attract customers who want more filling patties. 

It will be introduced in certain markets first to test its appeal. 

McDonald's unveiled plans in December that bosses hope will boost growth by focusing on core menu items. 

The chain has seen sluggish sales, partly due to its perceived support of Israel in Middle East and Muslim-majority markets. 

McDonald's has denied taking any position in the ongoing conflict and said it is not responsible for the actions of its franchisees.

So far, it has launched an ad campaign highlighting what it says are improvements to its Big Mac, quarter pounder with cheese and double cheeseburger.

This is apparently the first time in the company's 84-year history that it has made changes to its classic burgers.

By Emily Mee , Money team

Discovering a hole in your favourite pair of jeans or a rip in your well-worn cosy jumper is certainly irritating - but it doesn't mean those items are destined for the bin. 

In fact, ethical fashion campaigners say that's the last place your items should be going. There is usually plenty you can do to repair them - or even to avoid damage in the first place. That way, you can keep your best-loved pieces in your wardrobe for years to come. 

Katrina Caspelich, from fair fashion campaign Remake, takes the Money blog through what you can do...

Store your clothes better

Clean them before storing them: Always ensure that clothes are clean before storing them. Launder or dry clean them according to the care instructions on the label. Stains and dirt can attract insects and cause fabric deterioration over time.

Use breathable storage containers: Opt for breathable storage containers such as cotton canvas bags or boxes instead of plastic bins. This allows air circulation and prevents moisture build up, which can lead to mould and mildew.

Avoid direct sunlight: Store clothes in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can cause colours to fade and weaken fabric fibres over time.

Hang clothes properly: Invest in quality hangers that provide adequate support to garments. Use padded or wooden hangers for delicate items like suits, dresses and knits. Avoid using wire hangers, as they can cause garments to lose their shape. Don't hang wet clothes on hangers - they can stretch.

Use garment bags: For long-term storage of formal wear or seasonal clothing, consider using garment bags to protect items from dust, insects, and moisture.

Rotate clothing: Rotate your wardrobe seasonally to prevent garments from being stored for too long without use. This helps to prevent fabric deterioration and ensures that all pieces are worn regularly.

Avoid overcrowding: Avoid cramming clothes into storage containers or closets. Overcrowding can cause wrinkles, stretching and distortion of fabric fibres. Leave some space between garments to allow for air circulation.

Store leather items properly: Leather garments should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use padded hangers to maintain their shape and avoid folding, as creases can become permanent.

Does how you wash clothes make a difference?

What exactly makes a gentle wash gentle? For delicate fabrics, you should always use cool to lukewarm water. (Hot water isn't needed unless you are concerned about bacteria and diseases like COVID-19). 

Pro tip: Be wary of wringing out your wet clothes. It can seriously alter the shape of your garments.

Other options

Wash your stuff less. The only clothes that should always be washed after one wear are underwear and sweaty clothes. Most garments worn regularly should be okay to wear two to three times before washing. Unless your denim has a bad habit of stretching out, experts say you should wash them after three or four wears so they age better. You can also throw them in the freezer to kill bacteria.

Spot clean your clothes. To clean a spot, start by removing any excess spillage and blot away as much moisture as possible with a paper towel or hand towel. NO RUBBING. Use some stain remover or gentle detergent on just the stained spot. Let it air dry or use cool air to speed up the process.

Air dry. Hang your clothes outside, Italian style. For heavier items that could stretch when hanging, lay them out flat on a surface to dry.

When should you dry clean?

Read the care tags! Don't be so quick to adhere to every garment's dry clean only tag - there's lots of chemicals involved that lurk on dry-cleaned wool, cotton and polyester. Plus, lots of brands put those tags on when they lack confidence in our ability to properly and gently wash our clothes.

If it is made of wool, linen, silk, cotton or cashmere - which is likely a majority of your closet - these fabrications can handle gentle hand washes so long as you pre-treat and single wash anything with stains, as well as wash items in groups determined by fabrication and colour.

If you aren't 100% sure what exactly a garment is made of, you can always test a little spot under the sink water to see if you get a ton of colour bleeding, warping or shrinkage before going all in.

If your garment has any fancy embellishments, flocking or beads attached by glue then you should probably take it to the cleaners if it's not just in need of a little spot clean.

Pro tip: When you find yourself at the dry cleaners, you can try asking for alternatives like a liquid carbon dioxide cleaning, which uses pressurized CO2 mixed with other gentle cleaning liquids as opposed to perc.  Another option is requesting a wet cleaning method , a wash that resembles a normal washing machine but utilises special soaps and conditioners for an extra gentle wash.

How do you know when a broken item is repairable, or when it's no longer usable?

It's important to always assess the extent of the damage. Small tears, missing buttons, loose hems or minor stains are usually repairable with basic sewing skills or by taking them to a tailor. 

Considering the condition of the fabric is also important. For example, if the fabric is in good shape apart from the damaged area, it may be worth repairing. 

However, if the fabric is severely worn out or faded in multiple places, it may not be worth repairing. Also, some types of damage such as large holes, extensive fraying or irreparable stains may render the garment unusable or not cost-effective to repair. 

Finally, it's important to consider the sentimental value of the item. If the piece holds sentimental value or is a high-quality piece, you may just want to hold on to it and invest in repairs.

If the item is no longer usable, you could upcycle or repurpose it. Get creative and turn the item into something new. Some ideas include turning old jeans into shorts, using fabric scraps for quilting or crafts, or transforming a worn-out tee into a cleaning rag. 

Donation is another option. If the clothing item is still in decent condition despite the damage, consider donating it to a local charity or thrift store as some organisations accept damaged clothing for recycling or repurposing.

Finally, look for textile recycling programmes in your area. Many communities have textile recycling centres or programmes that accept old clothing, even if it's damaged, to be recycled into new textiles or other products.

How about shoes?

Like clothing, extending the wear of your shoes requires proper care and maintenance. Some ideas include rotating your shoes between different pairs of shoes every day to allow each pair to air out and recover their shape between wears. 

Clean your shoes regularly to remove dust, dirt and stains. 

It's also a good idea to apply waterproofing spray to protect your shoes from water, stains, snow and other environmental damage. Like clothing, it's important to attend to any signs of damage or wear as soon as possible, replacing worn-out soles, repairing loose stitching, and fixing damaged heels to prevent further deterioration. Definitely consider taking your shoes to a professional cobbler for these regular repairs! 

By Connor Sephton , news reporter

Bitcoin has suffered its biggest monthly loss since June 2022 - amid signs that market euphoria is starting to cool.

The world's biggest cryptocurrency saw its price plunge by almost 15% in April.

Even though we're just 12 hours into a brand-new month, Bitcoin is continuing to fall further.

This digital asset is often valued in dollars rather than pounds - and certain price points tend to have psychological significance for traders.

Over the past few weeks, Bitcoin had successfully managed to avoid a big fall under $60,000 (about £48,000).

But all of that changed in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

After the $60,000 threshold crumbled, a sharp drop to $57,000 soon followed.

So... with Bitcoin down 7% over the past 24 hours, what happens next?

Well - traders are now engaged in what can best be described as an arm wrestle.

If Bitcoin manages to hold stable around $57,000, its value may start to recover.

But if selling pressure grows as American investors start to wake up and see what's happened, further declines are to be expected.

Bitcoin has now fallen by 22% since hitting an all-time high of $73,750 in March - which technically puts this cryptocurrency in a bear market.

However, avid enthusiasts will insist this is nothing more than a healthy correction, and Bitcoin's longer-term prospects are good.

One thing is clear: this is a volatile asset, and investors should only put in whatever they can afford to lose.

In what seems to be becoming a daily occurrence, four more lenders have announced mortgage rate rises.

Halifax, BM Solutions and Virgin are all doing so for the second time in around a week. They're joined by Nottingham Building Society.

Halifax are increasing rates on purchase products by up to 0.2%; BM Solutions by up to 0.24%. These begin tomorrow.

Virgin increased rates on products between 0.08% and 0.2% yesterday evening, while Nottingham has lifted rates this morning by up to 0.25%.

Mortgage rates have spiked in the last two weeks as financial markets have moved from pricing in a base rate cut in June to thinking it will come in August. Expectations of three cuts this year are now two.

The backdrop is sticky inflation in the US - and concern the global and domestic battle against rising prices isn't over yet.

Skipton had actually announced some decreases - but any optimism from this proved momentary.

Dariusz Karpowicz, director at Albion Financial Advice, told Newspage: "The atmosphere in the mortgage market is rather grim, with major players like Halifax, BM Solutions, Virgin and Nottingham Building Society repeatedly raising their fixed rates.

"This pattern of frequent rate hikes, sometimes occurring multiple times within a week, is casting a shadow over market sentiment. 

"The anticipated 'spring bounce' is nowhere in sight; instead, we're witnessing a continuation of mortgage woes. 

"Higher rates are expected to dampen buyer enthusiasm and potentially delay any positive momentum. 

"As for when borrowers can expect relief, it hinges on broader economic stabilisation. For now, the outlook remains cautious and subdued."

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