26 Mar 2009

Gap year travel is more popular during the credit crisis says Direct Travel Insurance

Direct Travel Insurance has announced a 50% increase in the number of Backpacker policies sold, compared to last year. This concurs with the recent media coverage regarding the growing number of people taking an extended trip after being made redundant or before starting a new career.

Direct Travel Insurance customer trend analysis also revealed the following:

  • The average length of stay is just over six months
  • The majority of new policies sold are to Australia and New Zealand
  • The most noticeable increase relates to the following three age groups, starting with the largest: 19 year olds, 21 year olds and 36 year olds
  • Direct Travel Insurance not only offers a specially designed Backpacker product but it also automatically includes flexibility on four of the most important elements of longer travels:

  • Permissible UK return at any stage during the life of your policy for a maximum of 14 days
  • Over 100 hazardous sports are automatically covered such as bungee jumping, elephant riding or parasailing, with an additional premium option for more than 25 other hazardous sports such as black water rafting or shark diving.
  • Pay-as-you-go premiums, cover for trips of up to 12 months, with the potential to extend your cover for up to a maximum of 18 months
  • Free stopover cover anywhere in the world* for up to 14 days, even if a policy is purchased for a limited area of travel
  • For full details on our Backpacker policy, visit Direct Travel Insurance or call 0845 605 2700

    * Terms and conditions apply