Outbacker launches emergency contacts app

The app, called My SOS Family, allows backpackers to contact all of their chosen network of family and friends simultaneously, allowing them to easily share vital information about their condition and whereabouts.

Access to the app will be provided at no additional cost to Outbacker policyholders, as well as to travellers purchasing a backpacker policy from the company’s sister brand, CoverForYou.

Key features of the My SOS Family app include:

• A one-click function that allows backpackers to update their location, and send a photo, video or message
• An SOS Timer that will automatically send out the traveller’s location and a pre-recorded message if not disabled within a time limit – even if the phone is switched off or out of service
• In an emergency, backpackers can simultaneously contact their network if they need help at the touch of a button, sending their live location, a text, and an image via SMS or email. The first person to pick up “takes ownership”, and all other contacts are notified that the emergency is being dealt with. Local emergency services can also be contacted via the same trigger.

“Cautious parents and free-spirited backpackers”

The app was created in response to a report commissioned by Outbacker of 2,000 UK parents of 18–25-year-old backpackers.

The report found that while 67% of parents expect their children to make contact several times a week while travelling, and 25% wanted to be contacted daily, only 15% of backpackers actually made daily contact. Additionally, 44% of backpackers wouldn’t be happy if their parents used a tracking device.

The number one worry for parents was that their child could be injured or worse while travelling (24%), followed by a fear that they would go missing (22%). Despite this, most (62%) parents were “cautiously excited” about their children going backpacking, with over half (59%) personally making the purchase of backpacker travel insurance.

“We got a real sense from our clients there was a disconnect, literally, between cautious parents wanting to give their children freedom, but naturally worrying, and free-spirited backpackers wanting to explore and experience,” said Alan Dean, Managing Director of Outbacker and CoverForYou. “The study found our instincts to be spot on, so we looked at a neat, relevant and useful solution that would appeal to both parties – My SOS Family ticked all the boxes.”

The student travel insurance sector is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.1% over the next eight years.