Ian Jennings, widely known as ‘The Travel Insurance Expert,’ is advising young adventurers and their families to be ‘SMART’ about travel insurance, ensuring they have thorough protection before embarking on backpacking trips this autumn.
With over 30 years of experience, including his own backpacking journey, Ian encourages travellers to carefully review their insurance policies, making sure there are no gaps that could leave them vulnerable while abroad.
In addition to his industry expertise, Ian is the founder of Explorer Travel Insurance, established in 2011. He has recently introduced the ‘SMART Backpacker Checklist,’ a free downloadable guide designed to assist backpackers in selecting appropriate travel insurance coverage.
SMART Checklist Essentials
The SMART checklist Sort it now, Medical Expenses, Activities and Work, Return Home, and Tech/Gadgetsoffers straightforward advice. It highlights the importance of securing a policy that includes at least £1 million in health coverage, ensuring protection for travellers working abroad, and ensuring the policy remains valid if the individual returns to the UK but plans further trips before the coverage expires.
Ian elaborates, “Understanding the specifics of your policy can make a significant difference. For instance, some policies may have exclusions for certain high-risk activities or may not provide sufficient medical cover if you work while abroad. These factors can have serious implications for backpackers, especially those engaging in adventure sports or working abroad temporarily.”
Ian’s Key Message
Ian emphasizes the need for comprehensive travel insurance, especially for backpackers, stating: “Travel insurance is always crucial when going abroad, but for backpacking trips, the risk of illness or injury tends to be higher. When planning to visit multiple countries and participate in adventurous activities like scuba diving or white-water rafting, the potential risks should not be overlooked.”
He adds, “Feeling assured that your insurer will stand by you in case of any issues is crucial. While we are fortunate to have free healthcare through the NHS in the UK, that’s not the case in most parts of the world. Backpackers can find themselves in challenging situations, and having the right coverage can make all the difference.”
Peace of Mind for Backpackers
Ian developed the SMART checklist to provide backpackers with greater peace of mind, helping them address aspects of travel insurance they may not have considered. He emphasises, “The checklist aims to highlight essential aspects that may be overlooked, particularly by those depending on a standard annual policy usually meant for trips within Europe. The last thing anyone wants is for their dream trip to turn into a nightmare due to inadequate insurance coverage.”
To further support young travellers, Ian has also included practical tips on what to do in the event of an emergency abroad, such as how to access local healthcare and who to contact for assistance.
Explorer Travel Insurance: Tailored for Adventurers
Explorer Travel Insurance offers a range of specialized travel insurance options, including Single Trip, Annual Multi-Trip, Winter Sports, Cruise, and Backpacker policies. Their Backpacker Travel Insurance package covers over 100 adventure activities as standard, with the option to add coverage for an additional 70 more extreme pursuits. It also includes up to £10 million in medical expenses coverage, 24-hour emergency assistance, and protection for gadgets, return home, and terrorism cover as part of the package.
In conclusion, as young backpackers prepare for their autumn adventures, Ian Jennings stresses the importance of being proactive about travel insurance. With the right coverage in place, travellers can embark on their journeys with confidence, knowing they are protected against the unexpected.
