Emergency situation abroad is something not that common to happen to every tourists. When planning a trip, certain thoughts will definitely crossed your mind at least once. For instance, What if you fall victim to life-threatening circumstances while you’re in another country? Increasingly seen in the news, tragedies such as terror attacks are a harrowing reminder.
For example, no tourist-filled destination from Las Vegas to Sri Lanka is safe from the threat of a terrorist attack. And an emergency abroad can vary from a wildfire or hurricane to a coup d’état or uprising that catches tourists in the center with nowhere to go. If during an emergency situation you happen to be in a far-off place, it is crucial to have the knowledge and resources you need to get out of risk. Here’s how you can plan, react to, and possibly prevent from being affected by the effects of incidents like these while traveling.
Travel Alerts
Tourists are unlikely to know they put themselves in danger when they are trapped abroad in an emergency. Nevertheless, if you keep up with current issues and know places to avoid when visiting other countries, especially in times of turmoil, it can sometimes be avoided. For example, it seems like a harmless itinerary item to visit a popular public square until it becomes the spot chosen for an anti-government rally.
Do your research before you travel and keep up with the news while you’re abroad; on your mobile via push notifications. Install applications that provide emergency alerts at your specific location, ranging from extreme weather to falling bridges, streaming in real time through your phone when you’re traveling abroad.
Travel Insurance
When you witness an emergency situation abroad that has a financial and/or physical effect on you. You would certainly want insurance coverage, though, which can help you both during and after the incident. Travel insurance may end up saving you thousands and even hundreds of thousands of Malaysian Ringgit. Cost and coverage policies vary, but some packages cost as little as a couple of Ringgit a day. Plans can cover everything from a stolen laptop or emergency hotel cancelation to medical care and accidental death insurance, depending on the coverage you purchase.
Make sure to get all the policy specifics before you buy so you know that if the worst happens, you’ll make protected and choose a high-tech service that offers 24/7 support. If nothing happens, it may seem like a waste of money, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. No one ever expects them to be faced with a travel crisis, so having to pay evacuation bills will bankrupt you.
Who To Call?
When an emergency situation abroad occurs, look for emergency phone numbers and contact information from the embassy before going on your tour. Hold both saved on your mobile and know how to ask for support in the native language. If you don’t know the local emergency phone numbers or common emergency words, during a life and death situation, you may end up playing phone tag.
Use SmarterTravel’s emergency number guide around the world to find the emergency number of your destination and save it before departure on your mobile. If you have the misfortune of having to use emergency services while traveling, your country embassy may also be able to assist you with evacuation assistance or other legal issues.
Request An Emergency Assistance From Travel Providers
Know that your travel providers can and should help you if you have a chance to avoid or get out of the dangerous path. But they may need to be asked, because they are probably dealing with the crisis as well. Airlines and hotels may not seem like a great source of help in daily life, or even in an emergency, but asking what you need could mean the difference between getting stuck in a life-threatening situation and completely avoiding one. This means that if an airline cancel or change your existing ticket to a high-risk area, you may need to ask them to do so. If a hotel or cruise company can change your reservation or provide alternative accommodation in an emergency, you may need to ask them to do so again.
Conclusion
Do not wait in front of a travel emergency for a call or email about an opportunity to change plans. Be diligent and inquire as soon as one’s news indicates you may need support.
Having a travel insurance can benefit the tourists as it is intended to cover medical expenses, cancelation of trips lost luggage, plane accident and other travel accidents while you are abroad. Malaysia’s most popular AXA travel insurance is now on PolicyStreet. Click this link and find the best rates today for it!
