Check this list before travelling
Whether it is dealing with delayed trips or disasters abroad, preparation is key
THE total number of Malaysians travelling outbound is forecast to increase by 5.6 per cent each year. When we plan our dream vacation, many of us fail to consider the unexpected. What should you do when you injure a leg during a beach holiday or get caught in a snow storm?
AIG Malaysia shares some things to consider before you head off on the trip of your dreams.
1 GET VACCINATED
The Ministry of Health recommends that travellers get the right vaccinations to lower their likelihood of falling ill.
Travelling exposes you to new climates and surroundings. The sanitation levels or introduction of unfamiliar food items may increase your risk of infection.
2 DO YOUR RESEARCH
Your safety and well-being are more important than the right vacation photo. Always research your travel destination to see if it is prone to natural disasters such as typhoons or hurricanes during specific seasons.
Look out for travel advisories, security updates or other news that you should be aware of.
Visit the official portal of the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the latest travel advisories.
3 LEARN THE LANGUAGE
If you are going to a country where you do not speak the local language, look up a few key phrases in advance so you can seek for help if necessary.
Knowing the local lingo comes in handy when asking for directions, negotiating prices and especially when you run into trouble.
Locals always appreciate it when travellers take the effort to learn their language, so be sure to have a language app or pocket book on hand.
4 INFORM SOMEONE
Whether it’s a friend, family member or a colleague, you should always inform someone of your travel plans and routes.
Let them know of any changes to your plans and constantly keep them updated so the person is able to notice if anything goes amiss.
Keep in mind that you should never reveal too much information to the strangers you meet while travelling.
5 BUY INSURANCE
It is important to purchase travel insurance in the event you run into the unexpected while abroad.
As different policies offer different coverage, you need to read through your travel policy and ensure that you understand the extent of coverage and procedures for submitting claims.
AIG’s comprehensive travel insurance includes 24-hour worldwide travel assistance and cover for common travel mishaps such as medical emergencies, trip cancellation and trip postponement; baggage loss and delays; loss of money and travel documents and home away protection.
1 CANCELLED OR DELAYED TRIPS
Your luggage is packed and you are excited about embarking on your trip. Suddenly you encounter every traveller’s nightmare — your flight is cancelled.
Avoid letting a travel interruption ruin your vacation by checking the airline’s cancellation or delay policy when booking a flight.
Getting in touch with the airline’s customer service through a phone call may be quicker than joining the line of other disgruntled customers demanding solutions from airport ground personnel.
If your flight is moved to the next day or with an extended layover, be sure to ask about accommodation or compensation plans that include meal costs.
2 LOSS OF ITEMS, LUGGAGE OR PERSONAL BELONGINGS
It may be rare but sometimes you are the unlucky passenger to be left staring at the carousel as your luggage is lost. This is why you should always keep a change of clothes, some toiletries, cash and necessary medication on you to tide you by.
Most lost luggage is just delayed, and you should report your missing baggage at the airline’s lost luggage counter to find out the details.
The airline will usually deliver the luggage to your next destination or to your accommodation at no cost to you.
In the event that the luggage is declared missing, check if the airline or your travel insurer can cover the cost. Be prepared to negotiate for better compensation.
3 NATURAL DISASTERS
If you encounter a natural disaster during your travels, immediately update the Malaysian embassy in the country you are travelling in, your insurer and friends and family on your whereabouts and safety.
Stay alert to local news developments through television, radio or social media to get the most up-to-date information on evacuations, road closures and safe zones.
Most importantly, remain calm and listen and follow the instructions of the local authorities. Leave the destination as soon as you can to get away from danger.
4 MEDICAL EMERGENCY
Keep a medical portfolio on you that includes your health insurance information, emergency contact numbers, a list of medication that you are allergic to and a list of current medical conditions to allow your emergency responders to attend to you quickly.
You should ensure that your travel policy covers healthcare in a foreign country has a high medical limit as the cost of medical expenses overseas can be very expensive.
It should also have cashless hospital admission that covers both illness and accidental bodily injury, so you don’t have to fork out expensive admission fees upfront.
If there are language barriers, AIG has a team of trained and experienced multilingual medical personnel based in eight locations worldwide, including Kuala Lumpur, that is available by phone 24/7 to assist you in any emergency medical situation.
5 MEDICAL EVACUATIONS
Every emergency situation is unique and requires emergency-specific planning but sometimes costly medical evacuation is needed.
Always keep your travel insurer’s emergency assistant team informed if you require medical assistance. They will work closely with your treating doctor to monitor your progress and discuss the plans, as well as recommendations.