Exploring the Other Side of Adventure Travel
The gathering pace of economic recovery has encouraged a growing number of British citizens to travel abroad, with younger individuals favouring adventure holidays and extreme experiences in exotic locations. According to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), however, there is a pressing need for young British travellers to take out sufficient insurance and protect themselves against the risks posed by extreme activities. Without this precaution, visitors run the risk of incurring sky high medical costs that they are unable to afford in the event of an accident.
- Adventure TravelStuck in Customs / Animals Photos / CC BY-NC-SA
The Facts and Their Impact
This warning has arrived on the back of a new survey conducted by the FCO, which has revealed that two thirds of British travellers indulge in adventurous and potentially risky experiences while abroad. In addition to this, it is reported that 45% of Britons between the ages of 16 and 24 fail to check the precise terms of their travel insurance coverage and whether or not they are protected while participating in supposedly dangerous activities. So as UK thrill seekers enjoy a diverse range of exercises such as jet skiing, quad bike riding and skydiving, it appears as though they are failing to take the adequate insurance precautions.
The impact of this is potentially damaging, both in terms of financial implications and your chances of returning to full health after an accident. Given that overseas medical costs and privatized fees can grow to thousands of pounds in certain countries, Britons may face an unenviable choice between dipping into their savings or missing out on potentially vital treatment. This is a huge concern for travellers, with the Post Office reporting that the average bill for a personal accident overseas coming in at just over £ 7,500.
The Importance of Accepting Individual Responsibility
It is easy to see why accidents happen while on holiday, as the warm weather and unusual surroundings often inspire travellers to try new pursuits. 41% of British travellers said that they feel noticeably more confident while they are on holiday, and this inflated sense of assurance may encourage individuals to make more reckless and ill-judged decisions. While individuals must be empowered to enjoy themselves while abroad, it is also crucial that they take individual responsibility for their safety and seek out adequate insurance coverage.
In essence, there are two key steps that you can take to safeguard yourself while abroad. The first is to exercise caution when creating you travel itinerary, as this will allow you to establish boundaries in terms of the risks you are prepared to take and type of activities that you would like to experience. This thought process can also lead in to the selection of a relevant and comprehensive travel insurance policy, which is tailored to your needs and capable of providing tangible protection for the duration of your trip.
The Bottom Line
While a trip abroad is something that thousands of families and individuals look forward to, it is also an investment that requires genuine protection. In addition to this, you also have a responsibility to ensure that you safeguard your well being while travelling overseas, and the procurement of a comprehensive travel insurance policy can help you to achieve this goal.
[box]Lori Robinson is the senior journalist who writes for a leading travel and car insurance comparison site Monkey Insurance. With the mantra savings that matter, Monkey goes the extra step in ensuring a reliable and honest insurance quote.[/box]
