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Questions about Backpacking and Backpacker Travel Insurance

Do World First offer travel insurance for backpackers and gap years?

Yes. Our policies have been designed first and foremost to accommodate all your needs. Our sports travel insurance automatically covers over 75 different activities too, which is great news if you are heading abroad and looking to buy backpackers travel insurance for a year but unsure what you'll be doing whilst you are there.

What about water sports like banana boating, canoeing and scuba diving?

You'll be covered for them all. With our scuba diving travel insurance you'll be covered for depths up to 30m when diving within the organisers guidelines.

I have a pre-existing medical condition. Will you be able to insure me for my gap year?

Our medical screening team can offer travel insurance for pre existing conditions and associated health problems. From quite common conditions like asthma and angina to sickle cell and haemophilia travel insurance. We cover over 1,000 different health problems.

What is the maximum amout of time I can be away for?

Backpacking and single trip travel insurance policies cover up to 365 days in duration so long as your trip starts and ends in the UK.

I am visiting France. Will I need a European Health Insurance Card as well as travel insurance?

The European Health Insurance card, which was previouslly called the E111, does cover some reciprocal healthcare but does not cover transport and repatriation expenses to get you home if you fall ill or have an accident during your trip. Read more about the benefits of cover on our travel insurance features page.

I am going to take lots of seperate trips. Would I be better with annual travel insurance?

Yes. We offer cheap annual travel insurance that can cover trips lasting up to either 31 or 62 days at a time. You can even extend your policy to include winter sports like ski travel insurance.

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Payment options

World First is arranged by Rothwell & Towler, 66 High Street, Honiton, Devon EX14 1RT. Rothwell & Towler are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Travel Insurance premiums and availability of cover may vary depending on individual circumstances. A full policy wording is available on request. info@world-first.co.uk