What to buy for loved ones embarking on a gap year

So, your loved ones are busy planning and packing for their gap year! 

While they’re busy figuring out where they’ll flat in London (or South Korea, or Spain), you might be wondering how to ensure they’re fully prepared for the journey ahead. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with thoughtful and practical gift ideas that will help them start their trip on the right foot.

Give the gift of peace of mind: Insurance for travellers living and working overseas 

Before you start thinking noise-cancelling headphones or travel adapters, consider an idea that might be a little different – but one that will allow them to get the most out of their working overseas experience. 

A travel insurance policy might not come in a shiny box, but it’s one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give. It’s peace of mind for you and your loved ones, knowing they’re covered no matter what unexpected turns their adventure may take.

Travel insurance is designed to offer that reassurance – whether it’s for a short trip or a longer overseas adventure. A Working Overseas travel insurance policy provides cover for people who are temporarily living and working overseas, or on a working holiday. You can buy cover for up to 12 months online and may purchase a second policy if agreed, provided your total continuous cover of subsequent policies doesn’t exceed 60 months without a six-month return to Australia.

Why do Aussies need special insurance for working overseas? 

When embarking on an overseas adventure, having the right insurance is essential. Our Working Overseas policy ensures your nearest and dearest are covered for their entire journey, whether they’re making their mark in a Soho office, or sunning on the beach in Spain.  

It’s important to understand that our International Comprehensive policy doesn’t cover people for work unless they’re attending conferences, trade fairs, business training courses and business meetings. The Working Overseas policy is more suitable for anyone planning a longer journey like a gap year who is planning to work while they’re away, including doing voluntary work.  

Australia has a reciprocal healthcare agreement with some countries like the UK which is good news if travellers need basic medical care while they’re away. However, there are situations where greater assistance is needed, and that’s where the Working Overseas policy can help. This includes cover for lost or stolen bank cards and passports, emergency medical evacuation, or if travellers need to cancel or change their journey before they leave. 

What jobs does a Working Overseas policy cover? 

The policy covers office-based work, educational work, healthcare and some manual work, including retail and hospitality. It doesn't cover professional sports or hazardous work such as armed forces, construction work, logging, search and rescue, or working in any type of mine. Travellers should check our Product Disclosure Statement to ensure they’re covered for the work they plan to do.  

Is there an age limit on the Working Overseas policy?  

Yes. Our Working Overseas policy is perfect for those embarking on their OE or gap year journey, with coverage available for those from 18 up to 65. Whether you know a young traveller heading off on a working holiday or someone in their 40s exploring new opportunities, we’ve got them covered.  

If you or a family member have decided to spend time living or working overseas, you can find out more about our Working Overseas policy here. We also recommend checking out our handy moving overseas checklist. 

A gift guide for Australians abroad 

Once you’ve ensured their travel insurance is sorted, it's time to think about other gifts that will make your loved ones think of you, no matter where they are in the world. 

Ideally, you need a gift that’s useful and won't take up valuable luggage space. Check out our guide for some thoughtful and practical gift ideas for Australians living and working overseas. 

Health and wellness gifts 

Help intrepid adventurers stay safe and healthy on their overseas journeys with these thoughtful, practical gifts. They’ll appreciate the care and thoughtfulness, knowing they’ve got support from home. This is especially important for anyone heading abroad for a long period of time. Show your loved ones you care with these thoughtful gifts that might inspire some self-care amidst their busy journeys.

• A compact first aid kit
• A collapsible water bottle and filter
• Sleep mask and travel pillow
• A subscription to a meditation or fitness app 

Subscriptions and vouchers 

Your loved ones are already travelling light, so why not give them something that doesn’t add to the weight but still makes a big impact? 

The beauty of gift subscriptions and vouchers is they don’t take up any space and you can treat friends and family to an experience or service they might not buy for themselves, especially on a backpacker’s budget! How about: 

• A gift card for a local attraction – to ride the London Eye, visit the Louvre or travel on a Japanese bullet train 
• A subscription to a streaming service 
• A subscription to a language app 
• An e-reader pre-loaded with books 

Travel essentials  

Even if the goal is to travel light, there are a few items every traveller needs. Help them out with these useful gifts and they’ll thank you for making their time away go more smoothly. 

• Air Tags 
• Power bank 
• Noise-cancelling headphones 
• Good quality luggage 

As your loved ones set off on their exciting OE or gap year adventure, giving them the gift of travel insurance ensures they’re covered no matter where their journey takes them. And with a thoughtful mix of practical and meaningful presents, you can help them feel supported and connected, no matter the distance. So, whether it’s peace of mind with insurance or a small token of home, your gifts can make their travels even more memorable. Safe travels to all the adventurers out there!