Travel insurance a necessity says SA company

2005/01/20

The recent plight of thousands of tourists affected by the tsunamis in South Asia has highlighted the need for travel insurance.

Many South Africans that were caught in the devastating wave that ripped through South Asia have returned home, and are now dealing with the psychological trauma of what they witnessed. There are unanswered questions, the least of which may relate to travel insurance.

In the wake of this disaster, as inconsequential as travel insurance may seem, questions need to be asked and answered. What does that travel insurance you purchased with your plane ticket cover? What are you entitled to? Who, if anyone, is responsible and where do I start?

Most travelers neglect the unforeseen and assume that their travel or holiday will be hassle free. In light of recent events, it is clear that this is not necessarily the case.

According to Rouxle Van Molendorff, Operations Director of Europ Assistance South Africa (EA SA), travel insurance is not a luxury, but a necessity.

As many as one in three people experience some kind of problem, while traveling away from home on holiday, that travel insurance could solve quickly; six percent of travelers have to cancel or cut short their holiday due to unforeseen circumstances. Eighteen percent of travelers, at one time or another, experience some sort of “holiday disaster” but can’t claim for their loss because they didn’t purchase travel insurance.

Emergencies ranging from lost luggage to illness, from theft to having to cancel or cut short a holiday, suffering severe injuries or loss of life are just a few of the unthinkable events which may occur while traveling or on holiday. This is why travel insurance was invented.

“Each emergency has its own set of logistic implications,” says Van Molendorff, “For example, one of our clients, Terry Warren was on Phi Phi Island is South Asia when the tsunami struck. His right arm was severely injured and he needed the correct treatment as quickly as possible.

EA SA organised for Mr Warren to be airlifted to Singapore where his arm was operated on, and then for him and his family to return to South Africa.

According to Van Molendorff, the logistical implications vary greatly across different types of emergencies. If the death was a result of a disaster akin to the tsunami, then liaison has to take place between all the stakeholders, from the local government and the home-country government to the travel agencies and the best medium of repatriation is employed.

“During a time of crisis, the affected country’s government establishes systems and protocols with agencies, often the UN, to coordinate the logistics of relief and rescue efforts. For example, only so many airplanes are permitted to arrive, so well intended rescue or assistance efforts and insurers alike have to coordinate and cooperate with responding governments, agencies and those already operating in affected areas.”

Natural disasters, like the recent tsunamis, are more complicated due to the enormity of the situation and the extreme loss of life, than for example, one insured traveler breaking his or her leg while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

“A crippling fall is far less complicated with fewer considerations. Only landing clearance is required and weather permitting, a helicopter to airlift the client to a suitable medical facility,” explains Van Molendorff.

Companies like Europ Assistance, by the very nature of their work, are well positioned to assist in emergency-type situations with extensive international networks and years of experience.

Fifteen of the thirty-five member companies of the Europ Assistance Group have mobilised 150 employees since last Sunday to look after the needs of more than 1,000 clients that were holidaying in areas affected by the tsunamis. Assistance has included re-uniting families, care for the injured and transport of deceased.

The Group sent several multinational medical teams, as well as logistical personnel into Thailand, repatriated more than 600 able-bodied people on behalf of tour operators, and chartered 15 medically-equipped jets to transfer injured people to hospitals within the region.

“Dealing with these kinds of disasters take a tremendous amounts of manpower, logistical maneuvering and, unavoidably, money. For this reason travel insurance with a reputable company who can deliver on demand is a non-negotiable no matter where you go,” adds Steyn.

Purchasing travel insurance

Travel insurance can be obtained two ways: via the bank when airplane tickets are purchased using a credit card or by purchasing a travel policy from a travel agent. Travel insurance obtained through a credit card warns Van Molendorff, often only covers the actual airplane trip, and not emergencies that may arise during your holiday.

Travel insurance can also ensure you for what you plan to do on holiday. Bungee jumping, abseiling and scuba diving or mountaineering might not be covered by an ordinary travel insurance policy, so check the fine print of the policy. If your policy does not cater for the activities you intend to do, you choose one that best suits your needs says Van Molendorff.

Insured travelers should be issued a card containing emergency details upon purchase. This card is “your key,” says Van Molendorff, “ to accessing assistance of any kind, from reporting your surfboard stolen to reporting a motor vehicle accident you were involved in.”

“It’s essential that you notify the assistance company (EA), especially in the event of needing medical assistance. An English-speaking doctor, or whatever your preference is, will be arranged and the proper facilities or procedures organised as swiftly and with as little hassle to you as possible,” says Van Molendorff.

In a case of an injury most assistance companies will arrange transport to a medical facility and will provide all the necessary guarantees of payment. EA SA also monitor medical progress, manages the case within the hospital and arranges for safe passage home once discharged.

“When buying travel insurance, the onus is on the traveler to fully understand what they need and what they’ve bought – what that specific travel insurance policy covers and what to do, including who to contact, in the event of an emergency.

Issued by MediaWorx

For further information contact:
Rouxle van Molendorff
Tel: +27 (0) 11 359-5000
rouxlev@europassistance.co.za