Dealing with an Emergency While Traveling

Traveling will bring you priceless memories, and you may need some time away from the demands of everyday life. But no matter how much you plan, emergencies can and do happen during your traveling. Here are tips for handling and preventing a few of the most common travel-related emergencies.

Passport Issue

Passports are one of the most important things, especially traveling abroad. Sometimes, it may be lost or stolen. You can’t leave the country without it until you go in person to the nearest Embassy or Consulate to get a replacement [1]. Sometimes, you may get a temporary one allowing you to return home which depends on your situation and timetable. Thus, remember to have an identity document copy on your computer or phone in the case of emergency. A good idea is to make two photocopies before you leave home. Keeping one on yourself and leave one behind with a friend or family member. During the trip, keep your passport in a secure place. No matter where I go during the trip, I always carry my passport with me.

Medical emergency

When you are traveling in the U.S., you can call 911 anywhere when you need immediate medical attention. If you travel abroad, you need to know the equivalent number in the country you’re visiting beforehand. The State Department provides up-to-date information by country [1]. If you are traveling out of the country and require medical assistance, the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate can help you find a doctor or hospital [2]. The cost of emergency care varies a lot in different countries. You need to check your insurance coverage before beginning the trip, being aware that your insurance may not cover care overseas. Every time I travel abroad, I will prepare some common medicines before departure in order to cope with the sudden illness on the trip when the hospitals and pharmacies are not easy to find.

Natural disaster, Terrorist attack, or Political unrest

You need to have a plan before leaving home. You may check the weather and news. You need to avoid areas the State Department advises against, and don’t go where a natural disaster such as a hurricane or wildfire is in progress or predicted [1]. If there is a disaster happening during your traveling, you need to immediately find out about schedule changes or arrange an earlier flight home. If necessary, you can contact nearest U.S Embassy or Consulate.

 

Reference:

[1]https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/how-to-handle-an-emergency-while-traveling

[2]https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/your-health-abroad.html