Financial matters: Jill Kerby

Protect yourself in Australia

A backpacker plan might suffice for a gap-year student or independent traveller, but it won’t cover you if you’re working abroad Pic: Getty

Medical emergencies can turn into financial catastrophes for visitors who lack adequate insurance while on holiday in Oz

Last week, red lights started flashing when I heard these words: “Don’t worry, Mum, we have it all sorted out.” They were said by my 25-year-old son, who declared: “We’re covered in Australia by a reciprocal health service agreement and we’re going to buy backpacker insurance.”

A comprehensive backpacker plan might be sufficient for the ...