Tips for Women Travellers

  Planning a holiday overseas? There are just a couple of things you might want to consider when preparing for your trip, to make sure your holiday is safe and low-stress.

Tip: Make sure people know where you are

Consider leaving copies of your travel itinerary and passport ID with a friend at home. If you’re driving or hiking in a remote area, tell someone where you expect to arrive and what time you’ll probably get there. Also, it doesn’t hurt to let the concierge of your hotel know when you’ll be back, if you’re alone and heading out for the day.

Tip: Planning

Unless you plan to spend every day on the beach, you might want to spend some time planning your itinerary for each day. This will help you avoid getting lost, running out of cash when you need it, or making yourself vulnerable in other ways. You’ll also look more confident and be less of a target for thieves or pickpockets.

Tip: Dress appropriately.

What might be fine for a summer day in Australia may be unacceptable or even illegal in another country. Check the local customs and dress standards before you pack to avoid trouble. Consider leaving your jewellery at home – even if it’s not real, it may make you a target for thieves if you wear it.

Tip: Choosing a hotel

Make sure the hotel you stay at is secure, with strong lockable doors and windows and preferably a reception desk that is manned 24 hours. Also if you are travelling with valuables, take the time to lock them in your room safe, along with your passport, travel documents and credit cards, when not in use.

Tip: Luggage

Can you run with your suitcase if you need to? Travelling light is a good idea, especially if you’re on your own. A good tip is to select only what you need, then take one piece of clothing that’s warmer than you think you’ll need, and one that’s cooler – it may be the very thing you’ll wear every day! A colour theme such as navy or black, with different accessories, can keep your packing light. And, of course, never leave your luggage unattended anywhere, or carry luggage for someone you don’t know – especially boarding an aircraft.

Tip: Medications

If you take medication, bring enough for the time you’ll be away, but also check with local customs departments that you can bring it into the country. Some medications, including contraceptives, are not available in all countries, and you’ll want to make sure they’re not going to be left at Customs. And don’t forget that regulations on travelling with liquids, aerosols or gels in your hand luggage apply for all international flights.

You might want to consider packing a simple first aid kit, with bandages, bandaids, antiseptic spray or wash, painkillers and stomach remedies. And if you’re heading to Asia or India, don’t forget your Traveller’s Friend!

Tip: Ask someone you can trust

Check with the hotel concierge about places to avoid, especially if you’re on your own. If you get lost and need directions, ask an official or if there aren’t any around, ask a woman with children – it’s usually safer.

Tip: Speak the lingo

Although many people worldwide now speak English, it’s a good idea to learn a few key phrases that you might need in the local language. For example, directions to your hotel or places you intend to visit, please and thank you, ordering food and asking for help.

Tip: Stay safe online

If you’re Tweeting your trip, or posting on Facebook remember to be careful how much you reveal about your whereabouts and plans for the trip, just as you would at home. And remember to take extra care overseas with your passwords and pin numbers.

Tip: Travel Insurance

And of course, while you’re packing your sarong and getting ready for lazy days and fun nights, don’t forget your Travel Insurance. The Cannex award-winning Worldcare Travel Insurance is cost-effective, easy to tailor your insurance to your needs and can cover you for situations such as emergency medical care, lost or stolen baggage, personal liability if you accidentally injure someone, and much more. You can find out more on the Worldcare Travel Insurance website, or call their Call Centre to arrange your cover. It won’t cost the earth, and it may be the best move you ever made.

Disclaimer

Any advice here is general only and does not take into account your specific needs or circumstances. Pre-existing Medical Conditions exclusions may apply. Please refer to the Product Disclosure Statement  to consider whether our products are right for you and for details of policy benefits, limits and exclusions. Any medical advice here is general only and you should always seek advice regarding your specific situation from your medical professional. Mondial Assistance does not endorse the content of linked websites nor comments by contributors or the content of websites linked by contributors.

posted @ Monday, 8 March 2010 4:21 PM | Feedback (0)

Travel Tips for Vietnam

Getting there

Many international airlines fly into Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi from all major Australian cities. You can compare cheap flights to Vietnam on Travel.com.au,  STA Travel  or FlightCentre. You can also travel between Vietnam and China by train. There are road crossings between Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, however these are not always recommended, as there are reports of travellers being attacked. It’s best to check current conditions before setting out by road.

Getting around

There are buses, taxis, motorcycles and bikes to get you to your destination – the drivers in blue Taxis speak English. You will need a licence for a motorbike. The roads are often in poor condition, so take care; many Australians are injured each year through road accidents in Vietnam. SmartTraveller advises that road travel within Vietnam is often hazardous and accidents are frequent. Motorcycle and intercity bus travel have particularly high accident rates.

SmartTraveller also advises you to be very careful when crossing busy streets as traffic can appear from any direction, and road rules are routinely ignored. Vietnam Culture has a video of instruction on how to cross the street in Vietnam here – you can see the traffic for yourself!

It’s best to travel with tour guides to avoid unreliable operators and trouble.

Language

Vietnam Culture has a dictionary of useful phrases for getting around in Vietnam. Here are some key words:

English Vietnamese

Please xin (som)

Thank you cám ơn (cam uhn)

Hello xin chào (sin chow)

Goodbye chào/tạm biệt (chow/tam beet-et)

Sorry xin lỗi (sin loy)

I want to buy tôi muốn mua (toy moo-uhn mooa)

How much? bao nhiêu (ba-ow nyew)

Dos and Don’ts

Guide Vietnam.com recommends that you dress conservatively, especially around temples. (You will not be required to remove your shoes at temples, unlike other parts of Asia.)

It’s best not to wear jewellery and take care that if you have a bag, it is not easy for someone to snatch it. According to Guide Vietnam, violent crime is usually rare but there is petty crime, in particular bag snatching.

Practicalities – visas, vaccinations, and staying safe

SmartTraveller advises caution in personal safety and to monitor developments in case the risks increase.

Street crime and harassment occur, especially in larger cities. Petty theft, including bag-slashing, is also common in tourist areas, markets, on crowded trains, buses and at supermarkets.

Unexploded landmines and ordnance are a continuing hazard in former battlefields, particularly in central Vietnam. Mine-free roads and paths are well marked.

Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Vietnam for the most up to date information.

You must obtain a visa prior to arrival in Vietnam. You should review all visa conditions and carefully note any conditions listed on the immigration stamp which you will receive on arrival.

According to the Australian Embassy in Vietnam, you must show a vaccination certificate for Yellow Fever if you have come from or transited through an infected area (Africa and parts of South America.)

Many expatriate doctors also advise travellers to vaccinate against diphtheria, hepatitis A and B, Japanese encephalitis, polio, and TABT (tetanus, paratyphoid A and B, and typhoid). Also, you should seek advice on malaria prevention, as malaria is prevalent in a number of areas in Vietnam. SmartTraveller also advises that as AIDS is also prevalent, if you are attacked and injured you should seek medical advice immediately.

Currency

The Vietnamese currency is the dong. Cash is best in most places in Vietnam; many small restaurants and shops do not accept credit cards. (However, take care with your cash and do not show it in the open street if you can help it.) You could also use traveller’s cheques; these can be cashed at major banks in the large towns.

You can check the exchange rate here.

Weather

The weather in Vietnam varies depending on your location. The North has four seasons and can get quite cold in winter, with temperatures dropping to 5-6 C, or below zero in the mountainous areas in the North. Central Vietnam is warmer and has two seasons; it is not as humid as the tropics. In the South, the climate is tropical, and the temperature ranges from 25-30C. You can check the weather for when you’re planning to go here.

Food

In general, eating out is cheap, and there are heaps of clean restaurants to choose from in the cities. You can find a local restaurant close to where you’re staying when you get there – and don’t forget to try the local dishes!

Insider tip: Dave from Brisbane suggests that for cheap and cheerful food, (note: there are no McDonalds in Vietnam!) try Pho (far) – a well-known Vietnamese dish.

Things to do and see

According to guidevietnam.com, there are many Vietnam war history sites in the major cities in Vietnam which are worth a visit. Vietnam has a strong religious history, and there are also many Buddhist, Catholic and Cao Dai temples and religious sites, many of which are still being used. You could also try a homestay, or just people-watch; the Vietnamese people are very friendly towards tourists and their culture is unique.

Disclaimer

Any advice here is general only and does not take into account your specific needs or circumstances. Pre-existing Medical Conditions exclusions may apply. Please refer to the Product Disclosure Statement to consider whether our products are right for you and for details of policy benefits, limits and exclusions. Any medical advice here is general only and you should always seek advice regarding your specific situation from your medical professional. Mondial Assistance does not endorse the content of linked websites nor comments by contributors or the content of websites linked by contributors.

posted @ Thursday, 4 March 2010 5:55 PM | Feedback (0)

Travel Vaccinations – do I need them?

If you’re travelling domestically within Australia or New Zealand, its unlikely you would need any more than up to date childhood vaccinations; the same applies for the United Kingdom or the United States of America. But in other parts of the world, especially developing countries, vaccinations against other diseases are required.

The Better Health website recommends all travellers to every destination be vaccinated against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), varicella (chicken pox), measles, mumps, rubella and polio. These are covered in your childhood vaccination series, but check with your GP to make sure that yours are up to date – in some cases you might need a booster shot before you go. The Travel Doctor also recommends that you consider an Influenza vaccine.

The Travel Doctor  also recommends that all travelers to developing parts of the world should have protection against hepatitis-A. Others may need typhoid, rabies & hepatitis-B. Travelers over 65 years, & those with chronic medical problems, are generally recommended to have a Pneumonia vaccine before any overseas trip. Travelers who visit high risk areas may be recommended vaccines such as, meningitis, Japanese encephalitis, tick borne encephalitis or rarely cholera.

To find out what’s required for the part of the world you’re planning to travel to, visit the World Health Organisation’s interactive map for Yellow Fever and Malaria. WHO also has information on the spread of other infectious diseases such as swine flu, dengue fever and tuberculosis on their Fact sheets Of course, check with your GP once you’ve read this information as well.

Its best to get vaccinated at least 6-8 weeks before you travel. If you’re travelling at short notice and you haven’t organized your vaccinations yet, talk to your GP about what they recommend.

Not all traveler’s diseases (for example malaria) can be prevented by vaccines, and many travelers diseases are caused by unsafe food and water. General information on ways to limit your risk of other diseases can be found on the NetDoctor  or the WHO websites.

Disclaimer

Any advice here is general only and does not take into account your specific needs or circumstances. Pre-existing Medical Conditions exclusions may apply. Please refer to the Product Disclosure Statement to consider whether our products are right for you and for details of policy benefits, limits and exclusions. Any medical advice here is general only and you should always seek advice regarding your specific situation from your medical professional. Mondial Assistance does not endorse the content of linked websites nor comments by contributors or the content of websites linked by contributors.

posted @ Monday, 1 March 2010 5:45 PM | Feedback (0)

Seniors Medical Tips for Travelling

 Planning

Before you go, it’s a good idea to talk things through with your GP. Let him or her know where you are going and if the climate or other conditions are likely to affect you.

Research the emergency numbers and procedures of the places you’ll be visiting so that you know what to do if needed.

Check if the countries you will be visiting require vaccinations and if so, how far in advance you need to have them done. The World Health Organisation has this information available on their website, while the Centre for Disease Control Guide, which is updated every two years, has information on how medications may affect any vaccines you are required to have.

 Health and comfort

Jetlag and long journeys can make you more tired than usual so plan to get extra rest, and plan activities that you will be able to do within your limits.

If you find it difficult to sit for a long time, some airlines offer bulkhead seats for a small extra charge which will give you extra legroom or you can request a bulkhead seat when booking with your travel agent. Most airlines will also offer you assistance to and from the boarding gate to the airport entrance if you require it – you just need to book this with them over the phone.

Medications

If you take medication, you’ll need to be covered while you’re away. Plan to take enough for the length of your trip – and you might want to consider taking an extra amount in case of unexpected cancellations or delays. Carry it in your hand luggage so that if your baggage is lost or delayed, you’ll still be covered.

According to SmartTraveller it is now an offence to carry or post medications overseas unless they are for your own use. You will need a letter from your GP stating what the medication is, the dosage, and that it is for your use.

Also, it’s best to carry the medications in the original packaging, clearly labeled with your name and the dosage. This will help you to avoid any problems with Customs.

Beware of purchasing medications overseas which may have the same name as yours, as dosages may vary from country to country, which could cause you a serious problem.

If you have to inject your medication, as well as taking enough syringes for the trip, you will need a letter from your GP if you have to carry a syringe on board for your use during the flight. Check with the airline or your travel agent.

Travel Insurance

SmartTraveller also strongly recommends that you take out Senior’s Travel Insurance to cover you against cancellations, lost, stolen or damaged baggage, and emergency medical care.

Emergency medical care is probably the most important of the three, as medical costs overseas can be considerable. For example, a stay in hospital in the United States may cost you up to $200,000 without insurance, while some hospitals will not treat you without it. In other countries, hospitals may require daily cash payments before they will treat you. While Australia does have reciprocal medical care agreements with some countries, which will cover you for emergency care, you are not covered while travelling to and from there and also, you may face a long wait.

Travel Insurance with Worldcare Travel Insurance  will cover you for emergency medical care, reimbursement of medical costs, and repatriation if it turns out that you have to travel home for care. We will also offer interpretation services in case you can’t understand what the doctors are telling you, and we’ll keep your family up to date with your condition.

If you have questions on your age and coverage, pre-existing medical conditions or anything else concerning your travel insurance policy, please visit our FAQ section or telephone our Call Centre staff on 1800 008 614.

Disclaimer

Any advice here is general only and does not take into account your specific needs or circumstances. Pre-existing Medical Conditions exclusions may apply. Please refer to the Product Disclosure Statement (including policy wording) to consider whether our products are right for you and for details of policy benefits, limits and exclusions. Any medical advice here is general only and you should always seek advice regarding your specific situation from your medical professional. Mondial Assistance does not endorse the content of linked websites nor comments by contributors or the content of websites linked by contributors.

posted @ Thursday, 25 February 2010 5:29 PM | Feedback (0)

Holiday Travel Insurance

It’s the time of year when many of us are planning a break – or even just a week or two away for the school holidays. There are some fantastic travel deals and packages available at the moment and its easy to find something within any the budget to suit you.

No matter where, when or why you’re travelling, it’s wise to consider taking out comprehensive Travel Insurance to cover you if the unexpected happens.

Why Travel Insurance?

The right Travel Insurance policy can mean the difference between a positive experience and disaster.

Frank and Joy were headed on the trip of a lifetime after Frank retired to a resort in Phuket. They thought

about Travel Insurance when booking and were urged to take it by their agent, but decided that the medical care was probably fine in  the destinations they would be visiting to, and they were both pretty healthy – Travel Insurance through the agent was very expensive. However soon after their arrival Frank injured his back severely while lifting the suitcase off the bus – all those years spent sitting at a desk and not exercising meant that his back muscles weren’t up to the task.

Ambulance, physiotherapists, a stay in hospital and medications meant that they were faced with a medical bill of $8000. Without enough saved, they were forced to dip into their superannuation to pay the bill.

Steven and Deborah were headed to New York for their first holiday without the kids in over 16 years. Steven had some pre-existing health problems but they thought that the automatic travel insurance they would get with their Visa card would cover them for any eventuality. On their arrival in New York Steven felt a bit woozy from excitement and ended up having heart palpitations. In the Emergency Department they found that not only did their policy not cover the ambulance transport, but the hospital was demanding to see their Medical Travel Insurance papers before Steven could get any more than basic treatment Their New York holiday ended with them owing more than $100,000 in medical bills. They had to refinance their house to pay the bill.

According to SmartTraveller:

• Daily hospitalisation costs in South-East Asia regularly exceed $800.
• A stay in a general ward in Noumea's main hospital costs a minimum of $1,500 per day. Daily charges in the Intensive Care Unit start at $4,000.
• DFAT has handled medical evacuations from nearby Bali in which costs have exceeded $60,000.
• The return of a deceased person's remains from Europe can cost in excess of $10,000.
• The cost of medical evacuations from the United States regularly range from $75,000 to $95,000, and sometimes up to $300,000.

Emergency hospitalisation for Australians travelling to the US

Nat and Tom had decided to backpack through Europe for six months before starting to save for a house. As funds were limited, they didn’t take out Travel Insurance – they thought that Australia has Reciprocal Medical Agreements with most European countries anyhow and they were fit and healthy.

Australia does have agreements with the UK and Italy, where Nat injured her leg in a fall from a steep mountain path in Cinque Terre. The injury didn’t look too bad, but became infected. They were faced with a long wait as a public patient for Nat to be treated, and had to pay for expensive antibiotics which are not covered under Reciprocal Agreements.

Josh and Lachie were off on their Gap Year tour around Australia and New Zealand. Their parents had bought them a multi-stop plane trip each as a reward for doing well in their final exams. However one week into the trip they found that their bags had disappeared somewhere at Auckland airport and were not likely to make an appearance anytime soon. With no change of clothes they were not likely to get any work as waiters so they were forced to use half of their savings to buy enough clothes to stay warm in the snow season and make themselves presentable for work.

All these situations and many more unhappy ones can easily be avoided with a little planning and less expense that you might think.

Choosing the best policy for your needs

Comprehensive Travel Insurance has a range of benefits and inclusions that you can choose to cover your situation.

Frank, Nat and Steven could have taken Emergency Medical Cover which would have covered them for Emergency Medical Care, reimbursement of medical expenses, medications and ambulance fees. Josh and Lachie could have taken out Baggage Insurance which would have replaced their baggage and let them extend their holidays (It would also have covered them for the flight that was cancelled and the subsequent loss of a job in Australia due to their late arrival home).

How to purchase Travel Insurance

It’s easy to purchase Travel Insurance online, over the phone or with your Travel Agent. The cheapest option is usually online, as purchasing through an agent can carry unexpected loadings and commissions.

Worldcare Travel Insurance offers online purchase or call centre purchase options. Or you can save even more by using our Select a Benefit tool, where you can adjust the options and costs to suit your budget.

The Cannex Award-winning Worldcare is one of Australia’s premier Travel Insurance companies, and one of its most awarded. Owned and managed by Mondial Assistance, and underwritten by Allianz Australia Insurance Limited, we’ve been assisting Australians overseas who are ill or injured for more than 10 years.

Through its relationship with Mondial Assistance, Worldcare’s assistance services include 33 round-the-clock operations centres in 25 countries, spanning all continents. Its staff of nearly 8000 people speaks 40 languages, and is supported by a worldwide network of 400,000 service providers, including medical professionals and institutions, building specialists and home repair experts, auto mechanics, dealers and leasing agents, and airline and rail companies.

Disclaimer;

Any advice here is general only and does not take into account your specific needs or circumstances. Pre-existing Medical Conditions exclusions may apply. Please refer to the Product Disclosure Statement  to consider whether our products are right for you and for details of policy benefits, limits and exclusions. Any medical advice here is general only and you should always seek advice regarding your specific situation from your medical professional. Mondial Assistance does not endorse the content of linked websites nor comments by contributors or the content of websites linked by contributors.

posted @ Monday, 22 February 2010 4:56 PM | Feedback (0)

Tips for choosing Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a great way to protect your investment in your holiday. You never know what may happen before or during your trip, and you’ll want to be prepared for accidents, emergencies or cancellations.

However, not all policies are the same and it pays to shop around and read the fine print. Our top tips on selecting the right travel insurance can help travellers make the right decision.

Buy direct

Worldcare Travel Insurance offers both online purchase and call centre purchase options – you can even tailor your own policy to save money.

Shop around

Compare prices and make sure you’re getting the best deal. Prices can vary a lot, and a high price may not necessarily be the best deal for you – it may have inclusions you don’t need.

What cover do you need?

If you’re an Australian resident travelling domestically, you might want to consider insurance for flight cancellations and lost or damaged baggage as your airline will have a capped to compensation allowance.

If you’re travelling overseas, however, medical insurance coverage is something you might want to consider. Worldcare Travel Insurance can provide you with emergency medical care, reimbursement for medical or hospital expenses, or medical repatriation if you have to fly home.

According to Christina Pfeiffer of News.com, if you're travelling to the US, Japan or Europe it's wise to have unlimited medical cover. Some countries (Finland, the Republic of Ireland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Sweden and the UK) have reciprocal agreements with Australia, where Australians are entitled to benefits similar to those offered by Medicare. Please refer to the Product Disclosure Statement to consider whether our products are right for you and for details of policy benefits, limits and exclusions.

Frequent traveler?

If you’re planning on taking more than one trip this year, or you travel frequently, consider an annual policy, which may be much cheaper than paying for each trip.

Find out more about Worldcare’s Annual Travel Policy here

Any no-go zones?

Check that there are no destination restrictions on your policy. Most insurers, for example, will not cover you for trips to destinations that have DFAT Do Not Travel warnings, for cancellations due to acts of terrorism. You can check travel warnings and restrictions on the SmartTraveller website.

Check what’s covered

Make sure your policy covers you for everything that could happen on your trip but also for any special activities or excursions. Some extreme sports or adventure activities like bungy jumping or heli-skiing are not covered by all insurers. Also if you’re planning on doing something like riding a moped in Thailand, make sure you’re wearing a helmet and have appropriate license – most companies won’t pay if you do not take all reasonable steps to keep yourself safe from harm. You can check Worldcare coverage and exclusions here.

Pre-existing medical conditions?

Before you purchase your policies, check what pre-existing medical conditions are excluded. Most travel insurance companies will not pay if you have a condition excluded in their Product Disclosure Statement and have not arranged to have it covered. You can check the pre-existing conditions you need to declare with Worldcare here

Buy early

It’s a good idea to buy insurance early in your planning so that you have cover for cancellations that unexpectedly arise before you leave – this could apply to flights, tours or even events you were planning to attend. And buying before your trip is much safer than purchasing while you’re travelling.

This is general advice only and does not take into consideration your specific needs or circumstances. Please refer to the product disclosure statement to consider whether our products are right for you.

Disclaimer

Any advice here is general only and does not take into account your specific needs or circumstances. Pre-existing Medical Conditions exclusions may apply. Please refer to the Product Disclosure Statement to consider whether our products are right for you and for details of policy benefits, limits and exclusions. Any medical advice here is general only and you should always seek advice regarding your specific situation from your medical professional. Mondial Assistance does not endorse the content of linked websites nor comments by contributors or the content of websites linked by contributors.

posted @ Monday, 30 November 2009 4:15 PM | Feedback (0)

Family travel

Travelling with your children is an opportunity to give them experiences they’ll remember for a lifetime. With a little care and planning, you can ensure that their memories are great ones, and instil in them a lifelong love of travel and understanding of what the world has to offer them.

Planning

Many websites recommend involving the children in planning the trip. That way you get to see the Louvre and they get to do Eurodisney! Seriously, making sure that your itinerary includes a major stop for everyone can make for a much happier trip.

If you’re up for an adventure, Intrepid Travel has some great ideas for family adventures in Nepal, Morocco or Italy. Reids Guides has some great suggestions for travelling in Europe with children, while closer to home, TravelWithKidz has some great suggestions for memorable family breaks in Australia and New Zealand.

Travelling

If you’re flying long haul, check the In-Flight Entertainment guide before you book. Most airlines have these on their websites and good IFE can make the difference between a pleasant journey and a nightmare! For little ones, lots of toys and books to read to them can help but make sure the toys will be OK to pass through airport security! If you’re not sure, check the CASA Dangerous Goods description here.

You might want to consider purchasing a portable DVD player for both air and car trips –or take the laptop or the iPhone with their favourite TV episodes preloaded! Music that everyone can sing along to is great too.

If you’re driving, many websites have activities for long car trips – check out Yahoo Travel for some great ideas to keep children entertained. Magnetic board games and MagnaDoodle boards are great. You can buy small cheap ones from many discount stores. I Spy is a good simple game to keep them busy and you can use colours instead of letters if the children are very little (or can’t spell!). And don’t forget that regular breaks where everyone can stretch will help the journey. A good walk around can help carsickness too.

Accommodation

Many hostels such as YHA offer family rooms at budget prices, or you could check on Wotif for last-minute deals in Australia and New Zealand.

Health

Vaccinations apart from the standard childhood ones are not required for travel within Australia or to New Zealand. However if you’re travelling to Bali, Phuket, other places in Asia or parts of Europe, vaccinations may be required. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has a list of required vaccinations for all countries; its good to check this early on as some vaccinations need to be given some time before the trip.

If you are travelling to places where the quality of food and water might be not as good as Australia, the WHO also has some great tips for making sure what you eat and drink is as safe as possible. Travel Doctor (also has great advice for what to do if the children do get sick while you’re travelling.

And don’t forget to drink lots of water during the flight to help with jetlag and dehydration.

Cover against the unexpected

Even with all the planning and precautions, sometimes the unexpected happens. You could lose your bags, your flight could be cancelled or a family member could become ill or injured. No one likes to think about things like this happening but it’s best to be prepared. Worldcare Travel Insurance can cover you for a range of occurrences including transport or event cancellations, lost, stolen or damaged baggage, and, if you’re travelling overseas, medical emergencies. (You don’t need medical coverage if you’re an Australian citizen travelling domestically because Medicare covers you.)

Why not protect your family with Travel Insurance? You can choose from a range of coverage options to suit your holiday and your budget. And don’t forget that Worldcare Travel Insurance includes children under the age of 21 for free – find out more in the Product Disclosure Statement. If you want more information before you choose, our Tips for Choosing Travel Insurance will give you the basics to think about beforehand. Or you can fine-tune your insurance package to suit your budget with our easy to use online Select a Benefit tool. Once you’ve decided what you need, it’s easy to either purchase online at call our friendly Call Centre on 1800 008614

Disclaimer

Any advice here is general only and does not take into account your specific needs or circumstances. Pre-existing Medical Conditions exclusions may apply. Please refer to the Product Disclosure Statement to consider whether our products are right for you and for details of policy benefits, limits and exclusions. Any medical advice here is general only and you should always seek advice regarding your specific situation from your medical professional. Mondial Assistance does not endorse the content of linked websites nor comments by contributors or the content of websites linked by contributors.

posted @ Monday, 30 November 2009 4:08 PM | Feedback (1)

Baggage – things to remember

Size and weight – restrictions

If you’re flying, check the size and weight restrictions for your checked and carry-on baggage and make sure you stay within these. Many airlines now enforce an excess baggage charge, especially if the plane is full, which can end up being quite expensive.

Tip: if you’re buying a new suitcase, check the weight before you purchase – it can often add extra kilos that you’d rather have for your clothes.

How much to take?

Can you get by with just hand luggage? Many airlines (for example Jetstar,  RyanAir or Easyjet) charge extra for checked baggage – so if you can get away with wearing that shirt for another day, or you’re staying in a hostel where there’s a laundry, it’s worth considering whether you really need a suitcase as well as hand luggage. Luggage Limits has a great online tool which will give you the weight and number of bags for many major airlines.

Travelling with bulky baggage

If you’re planning on taking your golf clubs or surfboard with you, check the airline’s policy on bulky baggage – most baggage that is not suitcase shaped and sized has particular requirements and restrictions. Also, many airlines have special requirements for packing bicycles that you’ll need to follow if you want to take your bike.

Suitcase or backpack?

Choosing a suitcase or a backpack will depend on the type of trip you’re planning and how much you plan to take. However, if you’re planning on staying in budget accommodation, remember that often pensiones or hostels and suitcases do not mix as many of them do not have lifts – so you’ll have to lug your suitcase upstairs!

Security

If you’re concerned about security, many airports have baggage wrapping services that will prevent your baggage being opened while you’re in transit. Even if your bag is wrapped, it’s still a good idea to carry valuables such as laptops or cameras with you on board.

Never carry bags for someone you don’t know, or leave your baggage unattended. If the bag you are carrying is inspected and found to have illegal goods, you will be liable for them no matter whose bag it is.

Also, make sure that your travel documents – passport and visa – are secure. Top Tips for Travel suggests you leave a photocopy of your visa and passport identification page with someone you trust at home, as well as taking a copy with you. Others suggest that you also carry them in a zipped up pocket at the front of your clothing, or zip them in your handbag with the strap looped over your opposite shoulder. If the hotel requires your passport, make sure you have a copy and get the original back as soon as you can.

Places to leave your bags after you check out

Most hotels will keep your bags for you after you check out for the day if you’re planning on staying in the area. Some train stations also have lockers where you can leave your baggage. Research this before you go and you can save yourself a lot of effort and time.

Identifying your bag

Many bags look alike so tying something distinctive such as a coloured ribbon on the handle can help make sure you pick up the correct one from the baggage carousel. Also, put your name and contact information inside and on the outside of your bag.

Lost bags

Report a lost bag immediately to the airline or travel company that should have delivered it. Keep your bag tags and any identifying paperwork to make sure your bag can be tracked. It’s a good idea to pack an extra set of clothes in your carry-on bags just in case your bag is lost or delayed.

Baggage insurance – domestic and international.

You might want to consider taking out baggage insurance if you are travelling, either domestically or overseas. Baggage insurance can cover you for lost, stolen or damaged bags; you can read more about baggage insurance options here

Disclaimer

Any advice here is general only and does not take into account your specific needs or circumstances. Pre-existing Medical Conditions exclusions may apply. Please refer to the Product Disclosure Statement to consider whether our products are right for you and for details of policy benefits, limits and exclusions. Any medical advice here is general only and you should always seek advice regarding your specific situation from your medical professional. Mondial Assistance does not endorse the content of linked websites nor comments by contributors or the content of websites linked by contributors.

posted @ Monday, 30 November 2009 3:55 PM | Feedback (0)

Worldcare Travel Insurance wins multiple Canstar Cannex 5-star ratings.

Worldcare Travel Insurance scored a 5-star rating in three out of three categories in the recent Canstar Cannex Travel Insurance star rating awards.

Worldcare Travel Insurance won in all three categories:

1. International Travel Insurance
2. Domestic Travel Insurance
3. Medical Travel Insurance

Canstar Cannex provides data and ratings to Australian consumer and financial institutions. They collect, research and analyse over 20,000 products in the Insurance and Banking sectors. Its Canstar Cannex star ratings system is highly regarded as influencing consumers in decisions to buy.

Worldcare was rated against 43 other travel insurance brands, and was assessed as providing outstanding value in all categories.

Worldcare Travel Insurance is owned and managed by Mondial Assistance and offers online travel insurance to Australians travelling domestically and overseas. Mondial Assistance Group offers services in 33 round-the-clock operations centres in 25 countries, spanning five continents. Its staff of nearly 8000 people around the world speaks 40 languages, and is supported by a worldwide network of 400,000 service providers, including medical professionals and institutions, building specialists and home repair experts, auto mechanics, dealers and leasing agents, and airline and rail companies.

Allianz Australia Insurance Limited underwrites Worldcare Travel Insurance Products.

The travel insurance customer profiles used to assess the policies were for singles, couples travelling together and a family of two adults and two children. Policies covering destination in Australia, Asia, Europe, the Pacific and worldwide were assessed.

View Canstar Cannex’ full report here (PDF, 3.2 MB)

Disclaimer

Any advice here is general only and does not take into account your specific needs or circumstances. Pre-existing Medical Conditions exclusions may apply. Please refer to the Product Disclosure Statement to consider whether our products are right for you and for details of policy benefits, limits and exclusions. Any medical advice here is general only and you should always seek advice regarding your specific situation from your medical professional. Mondial Assistance does not endorse the content of linked websites nor comments by contributors or the content of websites linked by contributors.

posted @ Monday, 30 November 2009 3:44 PM | Feedback (0)