Taking a student gap year has become increasingly popular with young people looking to expand their horizons and gain life experience. Research in 2023 from the organisation Teaching Abroad estimated that between 183,000 and 232,000 18–24 year-olds took a gap year. 

Many will take on work in the UK, but for the majority this presents a real opportunity to live and work abroad. However, moving and living abroad is not without challenge. Some key risks involved in taking a gap year, and what to consider when it comes to insurance, are outlined below.

Vaccinations
When planning international travel, the first priority should be determining the necessary vaccines for the chosen destination. Some vaccines, such as the rabies vaccine, need to be administered at least four weeks before departure. A visit to a travel clinic or doctor should be scheduled well ahead of time.

Routine vaccinations given to children and young people in the UK should also be up to date. For example, the UK was among 20 other countries whose measles immunisation rate fell below 95%. A reliable source of information on vaccinations is travelhealthpro.org.uk.

Remote locations and medical assistance
Travelling to remote locations is often part of the adventure. However, in the event of needing medical assistance, the ease of seeking or receiving help is often reliant on the capabilities of local infrastructure. For example, a gap year traveller may need emergency assistance while trekking in the Himalayas or skiing in a remote location. Travel to the nearest medical facility will have to take place by whatever means of transport are immediately to hand.  

Those planning travel to remote locations should therefore be mindful of how they would manage to get to a local medical facility in an emergency if they had to.

International medical assistance organisations can still help by having a medical professional give advice over the phone and recommending the nearest suitable medical centre. The medical assistance organisation can then further progress the patient’s case once they have been seen by a local doctor, including medical evacuation to an in-country or international medical centre of excellence if necessary.
 

The UK Department for Education estimates that between 200,000 and 250,000 students will take a gap year every year

Some gap year students may opt to work for non-governmental organisations (NGOs), many of which operate in locations facing potential conflict or political instability. Therefore, it is essential to ensure insurance cover during a year abroad is comprehensive. Reputable medical assistance companies should be able to assist in challenging environments, including countries where political instability is prevalent.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website is useful for checking political unrest that could invalidate insurance. The conflict in Haiti is a good example – someone uninformed might think that it is nothing more than an appealing, sunny location, but currently the FCDO advises not to travel there.

Risk from malaria and other insect-borne diseases
Malaria is the top infectious disease risk for travellers and is often underestimated. Following official advice is crucial; antimalarial tablets alone aren’t enough. Extra precautions – like wearing long sleeves, using 50% DEET insect repellent, and sleeping under insecticide-treated nets – significantly reduce malaria risk. Malaria symptoms vary widely, so travellers should seek medical help if feeling unwell in a malaria-prone area. Even in areas without malaria, it’s wise to avoid insect bites, as tropical insects can spread other illnesses like dengue and chikungunya.

Food and water safety
Gap year students typically relish the adventure of travelling off the beaten track. Unfortunately, this frequently means being exposed to poor hygiene. Traveller’s tummy’ is a familiar complaint among backpackers and is usually short-lived. However, food-borne illness can cause serious illnesses like cholera and giardiasis.

Travellers who follow sensible hygiene tips are likely to have a much more pleasant experience!

Pre-existing health conditions
Staying healthy abroad isn’t just about avoiding tropical diseases and poor food hygiene; many travellers fall ill due to pre-existing conditions. For chronic issues, planning ahead is key – bring necessary medications and check import regulations at your destination. Also, consider how your condition might be affected by the new environment; for example, travellers with asthma visiting a polluted city like Beijing should monitor air quality and have a plan for high-pollution days.

Avoiding accidents
Among young travellers, three leading causes of serious injury are road traffic accidents, drowning and falls.

Road traffic accidents
Road safety standards vary widely abroad. A few simple safety tips can make a big difference, like always wearing seat belts, avoiding travel after dark in remote areas, and reconsidering renting motorbikes or scooters.

Drowning
Many popular beach destinations lack coastguards, lifeguards, or emergency services. Locals can often advise on safe swimming spots, as some areas may have hidden rip currents. Travellers should be mindful of their swimming abilities and avoid swimming alone.

Falls 
Balcony falls are a leading cause of death and injury among young travellers, often due to risky behaviour while intoxicated. Jumping from a balcony into a hotel pool is dangerous and should be avoided – pools are usually much farther from balconies than they appear.

Mental health
Most gap year students enjoy their travels, but it’s common to feel homesick or anxious – and some may encounter serious mental health challenges. Coverage for mental health support varies by insurer, so it’s important to check policy details. Cover could still be declined if the mental health claim is deemed to be linked to a pre-existing mental health diagnosis, unless that was declared to the insurer at the time of purchase.

Those planning travel to remote locations should be mindful of how they would manage to get to a local medical facility in an emergency if they had to

While many insurers provide referrals to local or online mental health specialists, counselling sessions are rarely included under standard gap year plans, though emergency psychotic episodes are typically covered under medical assistance. 

For travellers with existing mental health conditions, planning ahead by packing enough medication and knowing when to seek support, 
or even consider returning home, is key.

Useful technology
Some medical assistance providers have useful technology and telemedicine facilities available while abroad. Travellers can also keep updated with pre-travel information and security alerts using apps such as Healix’s Travel Oracle, or similar.

Insurance
Understanding insurance needs for a year abroad is crucial for protection against medical emergencies, unexpected costs such as long hospital stays, or even evacuation and repatriation to a more suitable location or medical facility. A comprehensive policy with strong medical coverage and 24/7 assistance from a reputable company is ideal, including provisions for medical repatriation if needed. Medical care abroad can be costly, so having expert support ensures a good level of protection.

Travel insurance should be purchased as soon as the trip is booked to cover cancellation and curtailment. The policy should adequately cover baggage, personal belongings, and money, and include personal accident and liability coverage. 

In conclusion 
A gap year can make a positive contribution to a young person’s educational development, life experience and world view. Being exposed to diverse cultures can be an enriching experience and can have a long-lasting impact on the individual. However, a sensible approach to travel planning and preparation, along with a robust insurance policy, can go a long way to protect against those things that could go wrong. It is the smart approach to gap year planning.