Holiday accident claims and gap year travellers
We in the West live in an era of unprecedented global privileges. Whereas international travel was once the exclusive preserve of only the very wealthiest people, it is now a reality for many people from ordinary backgrounds. Perhaps this is best shown by the thousands of students who undertake gap travel each year. However, however fearless and intrepid a gap year traveller might be, it is always important to take every possible precaution against suffering a holiday accident.
It is estimated that between 30,000 and 50,000 UK school-leavers embark on gap year travel every year. While there is little doubt that gap year travel benefits both travellers and tourism industries across the world, many parents worry that their children will leave under-prepared for the challenges they will face during their travel.
All kinds of worries jostle for supremacy in a parent's mind. Most of these can be alleviated by a thorough approach to planning the gap year. Vaccinations, first aid training, pre-arranged overseas employment and a solid itinerary can all help to ease any parental anxieties.
However, one thing that will always remain a worry is the risk of a holiday accident. This is one of the reasons it is so important that gap year travellers take out comprehensive travel insurance. For while travel insurance might not be a substitute for common sense, travel operator safety or simple good fortune, in the event that it is needed, it will always repay its cost.
Paul Wilson, spokesperson with gap year travel insurance specialists InsureandGo, explains the benefits of having a foolproof policy, "More and more students are taking the opportunity to have a year out to explore the world. They will have the time of their lives but without insurance this could all change in a second should an accident or incident occur.
"For example an individual in a coma as the result of an accident could be looking at a bill of over £40,000 should they need to be flown back to the UK and that's just for the flight. With no insurance such a huge amount could mean his or her parents having to re-mortgage, or worse sell, their house to cover the cost. Even for a broken leg an individual could be looking at a bill of around £10,000 - hardly short change.
"This may seem extreme but backpackers have to be aware of the risks of not taking out insurance - especially when they are travelling so far from home for an extended period."
YouClaim's UK-leading no win, no fee lawyers
Gap year travel should be an opportunity for young people to broaden their characters and experience.
Any injury a gap year traveller suffers as a result of another person's negligence is a serious matter. The impact of such an injury can have significant effects on a person who is still at a formative age.
YouClaim appreciate all these factors, that is why we recruit only no win, no fee solicitors from the very best firms to work on our holiday accident litigation panel.
Win or lose, making a compensation claim with us is always free of legal costs and fees and no-cut commitment ensures all our winning clients 100% compensation.
If you would like to discover more about how we might be able to help you, fill out a claim form or have an e-chat.
Alternatively if you would like to speak with a legal advisor about your holiday accident claim over the telephone, simply call us on 0800 10 757 95.
