Things and events can be very unpredictable and can be very stressful, especially if unexpected things happen when you are away from home. Emergencies, disasters, misfortunes, and calamities can happen to anyone, anytime and anywhere. It pays to always expect the unexpected so that when it comes, you are not left unprepared and in a panic state. Here are some travel tips on how to deal with emergencies when traveling:
Need Medical Assistance
If you are a smart traveler, then most likely you already have insurance. It is a good idea to talk to your insurance representative prior to traveling and clarify things that will be covered by the insurance when you are overseas. If your insurance does not cover traveling, it is always a good idea to get it for yourself, especially if you travel a lot. You should also save hospital numbers in your mobile phone when in another country.
Need Legal Assistance
This can be a real problem when you are in a foreign land. If in case you get arrested or you need legal assistance, you have the right to call your country’s embassy or consulate to ask for help and assistance. Even if you are a tourist or a foreigner, this does not give you immunity from the law. Always remember that you are subjected to the laws of the country you are in, and keep in mind the rights you have.
Lost/Stolen Passport
If in case your passport is stolen or lost, the first thing to do is contact your embassy or consulate and ask for assistance. Sometimes, instead of calling, it is best to go to their office because they will interview you and you need to provide as much details as possible about yourself to prove your identity. If you want a faster process, you can call someone from home and ask them to contact an overseas assistance service for citizens and they can just mail you your passport. It is also a good idea to keep a photocopy of your legal documents in a separate bag or container because these can help you prove your identity if you lose the original ones.
Lost/Stolen Money
The first thing you can do is try to retrace your steps and activities and try to locate your things. If you are unsuccessful in finding them, you have to deactivate your cards immediately by calling your credit card companies. They can also assist you in paying for things even if you do not have your card with you. If you need cash and do not have anything with you, you can ask your embassy or consulate to assist you.
Lost/Stolen/Damaged Luggage
If you lose your things during your flight, you should immediately call the airline and inform them about it. Tell them where they can bring your luggage once they find it. Some airlines give out reimbursement fees or damage fees until such time they find your luggage.
Flight Concerns
Issues and concerns regarding your flight, like delays, should immediately be discussed with the airline company you booked your flight with. Some airlines provide reimbursements for customers, like a free meal or a hotel stay, depending on the reason behind the delay. Be sure to call your travel insurance company when this happens.
