Shop around and save £

Shopping for travel insurance is much like purchasing travel vaccines or luggage. This post will discuss these interchangeably, but the concept is the same regardless of what you are spending your money on. Travelling and volunteering is really expensive, so it is really important to try and save as much as you can in costs in the run up to your departure.

You can get very similar products for very different prices. Each gap year company recommends there own insurance but if you look around some general companies provide backpacker travel insurance.

If you are trying to save money, so you have more available while you are away shopping around for vaccines, insurance and items for travel is important.

Consider:

Quality - what are you getting for what you pay? Sometimes the brand makes something more expensive than it needs to be and you can get a good quality less popular brand for a cheaper price. Be aware that sometimes cheap insurance policies might not give you great cover, but there are some affordable ones with similar policies to the more expensive ones suggested by travel companies.

Cost - can you afford it? There is no point blowing all your money on something just because it is branded. Be realistic as to what it is worth, and how you would feel if it did get damaged. Insurance is important but do you need to buy the most expensive policy for the sake of it and assume it gives you all the cover you need. Research is key.

Use - will you use it? Travel insurance is important as you never know when you will need it. Buying items to take travelling is fine, but if it is something you are unlikely to use then remember, not only does it waste money, you will have to carry it around for weeks on end. Take things that are functional and that will be useful for you.

Need - Do you need it. Similar concept my point above. Think about what you need while you are away and only buy/take things you need - things you want but won't use can stay at home. You can take things you like as long as there is a need to take them with you.

Just remember that all the little costs will all add up to a very expensive trip. Be considerate of how you spend your money before you go and you will have more money to take away with you. Compare products/insurance/companies to see if you can get the same or very similar at a lower price. Then all those relatively small savings will add up and you will save more than you realise