I didn’t think that I really needed travel insurance either. Then I had a look at the government’s website on travel advice, and I was horrified, because the statistics on Aussies getting sick overseas and the cost of medical treatment was really quite frightening. I was planning to backpack and work, so I hadn’t considered travel insurance, but that site brought home how necessary it is.

As well as more expensive insurance to cover different kinds of travel, I found that you can actually get travel insurance in Australia that’s aimed at backpackers. It was really quite cheap in the end, and a heaps better option than getting stuck overseas with no back up.

I’m really glad I got insurance, and I’m massively excited about my travels in far lands; I leave next week!