Bonitas Member Magazine Issue 1. 2020 | Page 26

Travelling without travel insurance – ‘if you can’t afford travel insurance you can’t afford to travel’. Ensure you take a printed copy of your policy with you and emergency contact numbers of the insurance company. Getting injured As you are in a new place and surroundings, you should be extra aware of possible safety hazards. Slippery poolsides, loose balcony railings and walkways in need of repair can all catch an unaware tourist out and lead to serious injuries. Tummy upsets Do your research and find out if your travel destination is a high risk area for earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions or avalanches. It might also be worth your while to find out what to do in the event of a natural disaster. Make sure you speak with your travel operator or hotel receptionist for information about evacuation procedures. Travellers’ diarrhoea, also called Delhi belly by some, is very real. Check whether the tap water of your planned destination is safe to drink before you travel. In some countries they may treat water with alternative chemicals that could still cause upset tummies in the young, elderly or sensitive. And if you buy bottled water, always make sure the cap is still attached to the ring. When it comes to choosing food, vegetarian dishes and reputable eateries are the safest option. Encountering terrorism or violent outbreaks Road accidents Facing a natural disaster If conflict or political unrest has broken out at your holiday destination you have to reconsider if you really need to travel. It might be better to change your travel plans. If you have travel insurance, you should be covered for such in such an event. If you’re going to a destination where you can hire a scooter, always wear a helmet, even if the local laws say you don’t have to. Many tourists are fatally injured every year because they neglect important safety issues. Also know the rules of the road at your destination, you should know them as well as you do your own country’s road rules. Falling ill Even if your holiday is affected by illness, accident, theft, in fact, any of the above, with adequate travel insurance, you have someone to turn to for help. It will also cover your treatment financially until you get to your own country. It’s inexpensive and worth the effort, but be sure to familiarise yourself with all the scenarios it covers and don’t. Ensure you take a printed copy of your policy with you as well as emergency contact numbers for the insurance company. Health risks If you fall ill away from home, it will be more challenging as you are alone and out of your comfort zone. Before travelling, visit your doctor and ask about your destination’s specific health risks and get some emergency medicine for common scenarios. You should also check out the vaccination requirements of your destination well ahead of your holiday. Some destinations may require a series of vaccination over many weeks. It might also be helpful if you do research beforehand on where to go, should you need medical advice or treatment. As such, make sure you get travel insurance before you leave! Page 25 Bonitas members qualify for International Travel Insurance when you travel outside the borders of South Africa. This benefit covers you and your family for medical emergencies for any trip not exceeding 90 days, up to R5 million per person and R10 million per family. Visit www.bonitas.co.za/international-travel-benefit/ for more information.