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There may never be a more important time to take out travel insurance then when on an extended trip to far flung often underdeveloped locations. The risks to your health can be much higher then when we take a fortnights holiday to Europe.
Backpacking is often planned as a gap year excursion and our policies can be taken to last up to 18 months. You will need to decide on your route and plan where you will be and what type of vaccinations you may need. Your local travel clinic will be able to give you the best advice on health issues.
A tetanus jab is a definate must if you are planning a trip. Even if you have already been vaccinated years ago it is worth checking that you are not due for another jab. If you were immunised as a child you should ask your doctor about a booster otherwise you will need a course of three injections. Tetanus is particularly dangerous where medical facilities are not available for immediate treatment. The spores that cause tetanus are found worldwide, mainly in soil and manure.
Malaria is a consideration as are other diseases such as dysentery. Insurance does not just cover you for the inconvenience of illness but also the loss of money and equipment.
Travellers' diarrhoea is very common, especially in hot countries. Travellers' diarrhoea, as well as diseases such as cholera, typhoid and hepatitis A, can be caught from contaminated food and water.
BUT THEY CAN ALSO LARGELY BE AVOIDED BY TAKING SIMPLE PRECAUTIONS:
- Always wash your hands after going to the lavatory, before handling food and before eating.
- If you have any doubts about the water available for drinking, washing food or cleaning teeth, boil it, sterilise it with disinfectant tablets or use bottled water – preferably carbonated with gas – in sealed containers.
- Avoid - ice unless you are sure it is made from treated and chlorinated water. This includes ice used to keep food cool as well as ice in drinks.
- It is usually safe to drink hot tea or coffee, wine, beer, carbonated water and soft drinks, and packaged or bottled fruit juices.
- Eat freshly cooked food which is thoroughly cooked and still piping hot.
- Avoid - food which has been kept warm.
- Avoid - uncooked food, unless you can peel or shell it yourself.
- Avoid - food likely to have been exposed to flies.
- Avoid - ice cream from unreliable sources, such as kiosks or itinerant traders.
- Avoid – or boil – unpasteurised milk.
- Fish and shellfish can be suspect in some countries. Uncooked shellfish, such as oysters, are a particular hazard.
You may also want to include winter sports cover as well as cover for those more adventurous sports and activities which may include bungee jumping, white water rafting and mountain climbing. All of these and more can be added to our specialist long stay backpacker policy which is available to all those aged under 49.
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