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!
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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.