It’s estimated that as many as 20% of gap year travellers don't take out any insurance at all. That’s risky business if anything should go wrong.

Let’s face it for many teenagers or young adults these are their years when they are probably more likely to take a risk or two. Call it the arrogance of youth or just the absence of mortality reasoning that allows for lack of caution over that of having a good time or a laugh. There’s nothing wrong with having a youthful bravado and making the most of a year out but having proper travel insurance is a good safety net.

Things to consider when looking at gap year cover are will you be working when away? A lot of policies exclude working while away from home. This could be important if you have an accident while at work abroad because you may not be able to rely on your employer. Remember the rules that apply in the UK might not be the same if you are in another country.

Extreme sports are a popular part of many gap years, but regular travel insurance policies are unlikely to cover bungee jumping, diving, climbing, rafting or surfing, for example.

A useful organisation for those planning a gap year is Year Out Group (www.yearoutgroup.org). It's a not for profit organisation and gives useful guidelines on a variety of topics, including the Know Before You Go checklist issued by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office.