Why You Need Travel Insurance for Your Upcoming Gap Year

The gap year is often a time filled with self-discovery, adventure, and a newfound sense of independence. If you’re planning on using this exciting post-grad period of your life to travel, near or far, it’s important to go in at least a little bit prepared. With spontaneous plans, thrilling itineraries, and tight budgets (let’s be real here), travel insurance is the protection that your upcoming trips will need. Read on to find out why. 

Unexpected Medical Expenses 

With so much fun on the horizon and so many new people to meet, the last things you want to be worried about on your next gap year trip are unexpected medical expenses. Even on the safest of trips, medical emergencies can and do happen. That’s why Emergency Medical Travel Insurance is so important. Visiting your old classmate abroad and unexpectedly need to visit the doctor? That’s where travel insurance comes in, helping you to avoid massive hospital fees that could otherwise tank your savings. 

Trip Cancellations or Interruptions 

As you probably know, delays and cancelled flights are such a common part of travel these days. Insuring your trips with Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption Insurance is the best way to ensure that these scheduling speedbumps won’t cost you a fortune. Heading back from a volunteer trip abroad when your flight gets pushed to the next day due to extreme weather? Don’t worry, TuGo’s Trip Interruption plan could cover the cost of your extra night at a hotel, meals, and additional transportation fees.  

Lost or Stolen Baggage 

For many, a huge part of the gap year experience is backpacking and staying in hostels. This is a great way to meet fellow adventurous travellers, take advantage of budget-friendly accommodations, and maintain flexible travel plans. However, some people might worry about security, especially in lower-budget hostels. This is why non-medical add-ons, like TuGo’s Baggage Insurance, is so beneficial. This option may cover the cost of baggage or currency that’s lost or stolen, anywhere in the world. It even covers the additional costs you might have if your baggage is ever delayed throughout your trip. 

Sports and Activities Coverage 

Planning on embarking on a hike or two on your next trip? Purchasing Emergency Medical Insurance will give you the peace of mind you need to let go of your worries and focus on the nature around you. Maybe you’re more of a daredevil and are interested in activities like skydiving or rock climbing. In that case, TuGo’s additional Sports & Activities coverage may be just the coverage for you. It covers you for extreme sports that might be a little riskier, but well worth it, and obviously tons of fun.  

Emotional Assistance 

A great complimentary feature of our insurance plans is TuGo Emotional Assistance, powered by Assistenza. Mental health and well-being should always be a top priority, even on vacation, and TuGo understands that. That’s why, with eligible TuGo plans, we offer access to 24/7 emotional support, worldwide. You can be connected with a registered psychiatrist, psychologist, or counsellor easily through our toll-free number. However you’re feeling, we’ve got your back. 

Whichever way you choose to spend your gap year adventures, solo trekking across Southeast Asia, reuniting with old friends, or even road tripping through the Canadian Rockies, travel insurance will give you the financial protection, safety net, and peace of mind you’ll need. Looking for more information on insurance or some trip planning inspiration? Keep up with TuGo’s blog for the latest on all things travel. 

Bye for now, 
Jacqueline