Thursday, 22 July 2010

Buying travel insurance online – Read the fine print


Internet shopping has changed the way we consume almost every commodity. From groceries to houses, we hardly purchase anything in the same way anymore; the online marketplace has revolutionised everything for the better.

Travel insurance is no different, the market has expanded and diversified with multitudes of companies offering all kinds of policies, it may seem a little overwhelming. But how can you be sure you are getting the best deal? Well, as with many things, the devil is in the detail.

The true value of a travel insurance policy is not in how much it costs but how much it covers and to what degree. This information is in the Product Disclosure Statement (including Policy Wording), so make sure you read it!

If you have questions or concerns that are specific to your planned trip and if you cannot find answers to your questions in the details of the policy, be sure to ask the insurance provider. We’re available to discuss your Worldcare policy on 1800 008 614.

Hopefully you will appreciate the importance of reading the detail of your insurance policy a little more after reading this post. Even if there aren’t any specific issues that you would like to address by analysing the policy, at least getting an overview of what is covered will give you more confidence that you know what your travel insurance covers you for.

posted @ Thursday, 22 July 2010 2:19 PM | Feedback (0)


Thursday, 17 June 2010

Travelling to the UK – Things to Consider


Here at Worldcare we are not only experienced insurance providers, we are also seasoned travellers. Our ability to offer premium quality international travel insurance is reliant upon our extensive knowledge of the countries our customers visit.

In no location is this more true than in Great Britain and we’ve put together a short list of things to consider when travelling to the UK based on our collective knowledge and experience.

Weather – Hopefully this won’t be as bad as you may be expecting. Here in Australia we have a tendency to completely write off British weather and assume it is going to be a constant drizzle for the entirety of our visit. In actuality the climates of some parts of the country are quite pleasant, particularly in the south. It won’t feel like Alice Springs in the middle of summer and it could rain on any given day, regardless of the forecast, but be sure to look up what sort of weather you can actually expect, don’t just assume it is going to be miserable.

Distances – The standard description of distance on road signs around the UK will be in units of miles not kilometres. This can be useful information if calculating whether or not it is advisable to walk or cycle to the nearest pub.

Currency – The major difference between the Pound Sterling and the Australian Dollar is that all notes are more similar in colour but differ in size, getting larger as they increase in value. As a rule of thumb, pay with the smallest note you can possibly get away with. Also, UK currency is not as water-resistant as Australian money, so try and keep it dry!

History – Compared to Australia the UK is obviously tiny, yet in terms of the amount of history on offer, it is absolutely vast. Seemingly everywhere you travel around the country there are castles, churches, museums and archaeological places of interest. Be sure to enjoy some of them whilst you’re there, it would be a shame to miss out.

Football – Football and/or footy refers exclusively to soccer; and the UK is football-mad. All other sports come second to football and an enormous proportion of the world’s best players operate in the English Premier League. Whilst visiting the country it would be a shame not to experience some football at a local pub or even live if you manage to get hold of some tickets. In addition, “rugby” almost always refers exclusively to rugby union.

So there you have it, a brief overview of a few things that we think may help you prepare for your holiday. Some details you probably know, some you may not and some you might not even have considered, but we hope that some of them may come in useful for your trip. Let us know how it goes!

posted @ Thursday, 17 June 2010 8:16 AM | Feedback (0)


Wednesday, 16 June 2010

Worldwide Travel Insurance


Whatever country you are travelling to and whatever you intend to do when you arrive - it’s a good idea to take out the right travel insurance. Accidents can happen at any time, anywhere and to anyone regardless of how much you prepare and how careful you try to be. From a pickpocket theft to a car crash, safety is never guaranteed and even the smallest accident or incident can end up costing you hundreds or thousands of dollars.

International travel will expose you to different climates, customs and diets that may have an impact on your health. However, the enjoyment of these unconventional activities are part of what travelling is all about and may well be why you are visiting certain locations in the first place.

Insurance should be considered as early as possible in the booking process. Whether you are visiting a handful of similar countries in one area of the world or are planning a huge international voyage, you can purchase the correct insurance policy to protect yourself, your luggage and your fellow travellers against almost any common difficulty you may encounter.

Before you do talk to an insurance provider ensure that you have decided exactly where you are going to go, how you are going to get there and what you are going to do once you’ve arrived. This information will be vital in selecting an insurance policy that is appropriate for your plans and is the most cost-effective solution possible. Include details of likely activities which you have researched prior to departing and ask about what is covered should other opportunities present themselves.

Whatever country you may be travelling to there are likely to be certain risks. Some are general such as falling down some stairs, whereas others will depend on where you go and what you do. Your trip may be impacted upon due to unforeseen political instability, natural disasters, crime, outbreaks of disease or even simply by the activities that you personally carry out such as hiring a car or participating in some winter sports activities.

It may be that a policy covering your specific trip’s locations and travel plans is the best value for money or perhaps a more flexible solution allowing for travel to almost any country during certain dates is more sensible. The way to best assess your options is to be clear and honest about what you want to do whilst on your trip.

Adequate, worldwide travel insurance from a specialist and successful company such as Worldcare will give you the peace of mind needed to fully enjoy every aspect of your trip and make the most of every location that you visit. All the best!

posted @ Wednesday, 16 June 2010 3:45 PM | Feedback (0)


Tuesday, 8 June 2010

Travel Tips for Malaysia


Getting there

The national carrier of Malaysia, Malaysia Airlines, the capital of Malaysia. Air Asia, the low cost carrier, also flies from the Gold Coast, Melbourne and Perth to KL and frequently has cheap flight deals. You can also travel to Malaysia by train or bus from Thailand or Singapore, or bus from Brunei or Indonesia.

Culture and customs

The official language of Malaysia is Malay, though English is spoken in the main cities. In some rural areas more obscure dialects are spoken. Sometimes you might hear ‘Manglish’ - a cross between the two! According to Wikipedia, Manglish some key phrases in Manglish are:

Wat la yu? (What lah you?) spoken in a rising disappointing tone means How could you? or How stupid can you get?

Sure ah? spoken in rising question tone means Are you sure?

O.K. wat? (OK what?) spoken in rising questioning OK and lowering assuring tone means Isn't this good enough? (with intent to assure that it is good enough) or This should be acceptable, isn't it?

When ah? Who ah? How ah? Why ah? Where ah? in rising ahs mean When? Who? How? Why? Where? respectively

Practicalities – visas, vaccinations, and staying safe

SmartTraveller says that Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly, and recommend that you contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Malaysia for the most up-to-date information.

SmartTraveller also strongly advises that you reconsider your need to travel to the islands, dive sites and coastal areas of Eastern Sabah because of the high threat of kidnapping by terrorists and criminals.

According to TravMed.com, if you have come from a zone where Yellow Fever is prevalent, (ie Africa or South America) and you are over 1 year of age, you will be required to have a valid vaccination certificate. This is the only required vaccination for Malaysia, however it’s wise to ensure your childhood vaccinations are up to date and to take precautions for diseases for which there is no vaccination such as Malaria or Dengue Fever.

Currency

Malaysian currency is the ringgit. Other currencies are generally not accepted, but you can exchange currencies at licensed money changers, banks or airports. ATMs exist in most of the major cities but if you are heading out into the provinces it’s best to take some cash. You can check the exchange rate here.Weather

Malaysia has a tropical climate but without the intense heat of other areas. Waterproof clothing is recommended all year round. The rainy season in the East is mainly between November and February, while in the West it is usually August. Average day temperatures in Kuala Lumpur is 27 degrees, year-round. You can check the weather for when you’re planning to go here.

Food

Malaysian food is a fusion of Chinese, Indian and Malay food, and there is a huge variety of dishes to choose from. Popular Malaysian dishes include satay, nasi lemak, rendang, roti canai, murtabak, laksa, chicken rice, and fried noodles. Like Indonesia, it’s recommended you eat at restaurants and hotels, where the food is considered safe, rather than the street vendors. You’re also advised to avoid ice in your drinks, and it’s best to drink sealed bottled water.

Things to do and see

Malaysia is well known for diving and there are many beautiful areas to enjoy.

Diving Pleasures suggests great dive sites at Perhentian Island, Redang Island, and Tioman Island in West Malaysia. There are also well-known dive sites on the islands of Sipadan and Layang-Layang, which are in Sabah, East Malaysia (however SmartTraveller recommends caution in visiting these areas because of the risk of kidnapping). While diving in Malaysia you may see manta rays, turtles, sea horses and garden eels, or just drift along the multitudes of gorgonians and the many diverse species of corals.

If you prefer shopping, Kuala Lumpur is a mecca for electrical goods, clothes, and computer goods. You can buy beautiful batiks (traditional Malaysian cloth) or handcrafted souvenirs; it’s best to buy these from local traders rather than major shopping centres.

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 @ Tuesday, 8 June 2010 4:16 PM | Feedback (0)


Thursday, 3 June 2010

Travel insurance information for Thailand


The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has advised on its www.smarttraveller.gov.au website, do not travel to Bangkok and that Australians should reconsider their need to travel to Thailand in general. DFAT reports:

  • Australians are advised not to travel to Bangkok (excluding Suvarnabhumi International Airport) violence. The Thai authorities have intensified military operations around a cordoned area in central Bangkok and heavy fighting is likely. There is a risk of violence breaking out elsewhere in Bangkok. Australians in Bangkok are advised to stay indoors, monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities. Australians in Bangkok without essential business should consider departing if it is safe to do so.
  • At this stage there are no reports of civil disturbances affecting the operations of Suvarnabhumi International Airport.
  • We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Thailand due to the deterioration in the security environment caused by widening political unrest and civil disorder occurring in Bangkok and other parts of the country.

What do you need to know about your policy?

If you are currently travelling and you are or have been injured as a result of the civil unrest we urge you to contact our 24 hour Mondial Assistance Emergency Assistance team on +61 7 3305 7499 reverse charge or 1800 010 075 free call within Australia.

Your policy includes cover for cancellation or rearrangement of your journey, or the unused portions of your journey, as a result of civil unrest.

  • If you are currently in, or travelling to Bangkok before 11 June, your policy provides cover for cancellation costs or rearrangement expenses, whichever is the lesser, should you wish to shorten your stay, or no longer travel to Bangkok as a result of the civil unrest. Your policy also includes cover if your scheduled transport services have been cancelled or your accommodation has been made uninhabitable by civil unrest or if you are unable to reach your accommodation/destination.
  • If you are transiting through Bangkok for 24 hours or less, and are not leaving the airport precinct, your policy does not cover cancellation or rearrangement expenses unless your transport services have been cancelled or disrupted, or your accommodation has been rendered uninhabitable.
  • If you are travelling to Bangkok after 11 June, we reserve the right to review the situation at that time. Cover may only apply when scheduled transport services have been cancelled or your accommodation has been made uninhabitable by civil unrest or if you are unable to reach your accommodation/destination. Should the situation change, a further advisory will be issued.
  • We advise you to contact your travel agent or travel provider regarding the best option in altering your trip. Some airlines are providing penalty- free options to amend travel arrangements and we also advise you to contact your airline for further details.
  • DFAT issued an upgraded travel advisory on 23 April which advised Australians to reconsider their need to travel to Thailand. Our current policy coverage advice reflects that point in time. For policies issued on or after Friday 23 April 2010, there is no cover at this time to claim for cancellation or amendment expenses relating to the current civil unrest.
  • If you choose to travel to Bangkok after 19 May , no matter when your policy was purchased, there will be no cover for any expenses that result from civil unrest, including cancellation, amendment or additional travel and accommodation expenses.

 

What next steps should you take?

  • You should take all reasonable steps to minimise your expenses and this includes rearranging your journey where possible. By reasonable we mean appropriate and consistent —for example if you have been using two star or budget accommodation on your trip to date then we advise that the replacement accommodation you seek is of a similar standard. Similarly, if you have been traveling economy, seek out economy class fares if you rearrange your journey.
  • The above information relates to Comprehensive and Annual Frequent Traveller policies. In all circumstances we suggest that you read the Product Disclosure Statement that you received when you purchased your travel insurance policy. This will give you more detail about what your policy provides cover for and what it does not. For example, if you have a Budget policy, your policy may not include cover for additional expenses or cancellation expenses.
  • Please submit your travel insurance claim to us for consideration.
  • You will need to submit all receipts for any additional accommodation and transport expenses. If you are claiming cancellation or additional expenses you will need to submit all documents showing what your original planned pre- paid arrangements were, along with any receipts and documents showing your new arrangements, and advice from the travel provider indicating the non- refundable portion of the journey.
  • Finally, to help Australians avoid difficulties overseas, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade maintains travel advisories for more than 160 destinations overseas via its website www.smarttraveller.gov.au . Its travel advice provides accurate, up-to -date information about the risks Australians might face overseas, assisting you to make well -informed decisions about whether, when and where to travel. We recommend that you stay up- to-date with its destination- specific travel advisories for the country of your destination as your travel insurance cover may be affected if you travel to high risk areas or situations.

Important note

  • All travel insurance policies include a number of general exclusions that apply to all claims — things like travelling against medical advice, unlicensed use of motor vehicles, epidemics or pandemics, ignoring official warnings and acts of war, insurrection or the taking of power by the military.
  • Should the current situation in Thailand escalate from civil unrest to insurrection, war or the taking of power by the military, we will need to review the situation and we will issue a further advisory with that detail.

Contact us

  • If you have questions or queries, please contact our Mondial Assistance Information Hotline on 1800 012 234.

posted @ Thursday, 3 June 2010 8:00 AM | Feedback (0)


Tuesday, 15 June 2010

Adventure Holidays


Mountain trekking in Nepal. Heli-skiing in the Andes. Cheese rolling in Canada. Any of these appeal as a holiday activity? Whether you’re planning an adventure holiday like these, or thinking about trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Piccu, cruising Antarctica, or zip-lining in Thailand, you’re in the right place to find out what’s covered with an Adventure Holiday Travel Insurance Policy – and what’s not.

Before deciding on your holiday, it’s wise to research what Travel Insurance covers and what it doesn’t. If you are unlucky enough to be injured while on your adventure of a lifetime, medical costs can mount up very quickly into the thousands of dollars in some countries. For example, 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.

You should read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) of any policy you’re planning on taking out to find out what’s not covered and what your obligations are – you can read Worldcare Travel Insurance’ PDS here.

Some examples of activities that are covered in this PDS are Scuba Diving, provided you hold a valid Open Water Diving License, mountain trekking, provided you are not using climbing gear, and racing, provided its only on foot. So diving on the Galapagos may be OK, provided your license is valid, but being an assistant driver on a Formula One qualifier is probably not. (By the way, DFAT advises to check the location of any decompression chambers close to your destination before you go). It’s likely that you would also be covered if you’re trekking in mountainous terrain, but not if you’re actually climbing the mountain using climbing gear. Chasing the Cheese in Canada would probably be OK though, provided you take due care. But if you’re planning on running with the bulls in Pamplona this year, probably best to check this one first.

Some activities that are definitely not covered are ballooning, parachuting and hang gliding. So hanging ten off the Grand Canyon is probably not a good idea – along with jumping out of an aircraft or, unfortunately, a round the world hot air balloon trip.

It’s also important to know what pre-existing medical conditions may affect your claim. So entering the Wife-carrying Championships in Finland may possibly be OK – but not if you have a history of back pain.

Whatever you’re planning, it’s wise to check the PDS and discuss your plans with your Travel Insurance provider first. That way you’ll enjoy your Base Camp trek, your Sherpa Adventure trail or your week-long Yukon kayak trip with peace of mind.

For more adventure holiday suggestions, visit adventure travel.com, or intrepid travel.

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 @ Wednesday, 26 May 2010 4:25 PM | Feedback (0)


Tuesday, 18 May 2010

Travel insurance information for Thailand


The following information concerns the ongoing civil unrest and protests in Thailand and applies to travel insurance policies issued prior to Friday 23 April 2010. This advice replaces the advice issued on 30 April 2010 and is effective 14 May 2010.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has advised on its www.smarttraveller.gov.au website that Australians should reconsider their need to travel to Thailand. DFAT reports:

  • We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Thailand due to the recent deterioration in the security environment caused by widening political unrest and civil disorder occurring in Bangkok and other parts of the country.
  • There is a strong possibility of renewed violent clashes in Bangkok between demonstrators and security forces. These clashes could involve the use of lethal force and could occur at any time. Australians should avoid any protest sites or demonstrations in Bangkok and exercise extreme caution due to the strong possibility of further violence.

What do you need to know about your policy?

If you are currently travelling and you are or have been injured as a result of the civil unrest we are able to assist you as your policy includes cover for emergency medical expenses.

  • If you need emergency medical assistance please contact our 24 hour Mondial Assistance Emergency Assistance team on +61 7 3305 7499 reverse charge or 1800 010 075 free call within Australia.
  • Your policy also includes cover for additional accommodation and travel expenses if you have been injured or if transport services have been cancelled, delayed or rescheduled as a result of the civil unrest.

Your policy includes cover for cancellation or rearrangement of your journey, or the unused portions of your journey, as a result of civil unrest.

  • If you are currently in, or travelling to Bangkok before 28 May, your policy provides cover for cancellation costs or rearrangement expenses, whichever is the lesser, should you wish to shorten your stay, or no longer travel to Bangkok as a result of the civil unrest. Your policy also includes cover if your scheduled transport services have been cancelled or your accommodation has been made uninhabitable by civil unrest or if you are unable to reach your accommodation/destination.
  • If you are transiting through Bangkok for 24 hours or less, and are not leaving the airport precinct, your policy does not cover cancellation or rearrangement expenses unless your transport services have been cancelled or disrupted, or your accommodation has been rendered uninhabitable.
  • If you are travelling to Bangkok after 28 May, we reserve the right to review the situation at that time. Cover may only apply when scheduled transport services have been cancelled or your accommodation has been made uninhabitable by civil unrest or if you are unable to reach your accommodation/destination. Should the situation change, a further advisory will be issued.
  • We advise you to contact your travel agent or travel provider regarding the best option in altering your trip. Some airlines are providing penalty-free options to amend travel arrangements and we also advise you to contact your airline for further details.
  • For policies issued on or after Friday 23 April 2010, there is no cover at this time to claim for cancellation or amendment expenses relating to the current civil unrest.

What next steps should you take?

  • You should take all reasonable steps to minimise your expenses and this includes rearranging your journey where possible. By reasonable we mean appropriate and consistent—for example if you have been using two star or budget accommodation on your trip to date then we advise that the replacement accommodation you seek is of a similar standard. Similarly, if you have been traveling economy, seek out economy class fares if you rearrange your journey.
  • The above information relates to Comprehensive and Annual Frequent Traveller policies. In all circumstances we suggest that you read the Product Disclosure Statement that you received when you purchased your travel insurance policy. This will give you more detail about what your policy provides cover for and what it does not. For example, if you have a Budget policy, your policy may not include cover for additional expenses or cancellation expenses.
  • Please submit your travel insurance claim to us for consideration.
  • You will need to submit all receipts for any additional accommodation and transport expenses. If you are claiming cancellation or additional expenses you will need to submit all documents showing what your original planned pre-paid arrangements were, along with any receipts and documents showing your new arrangements, and advice from the travel provider indicating the non-refundable portion of the journey.
  • Finally, to help Australians avoid difficulties overseas, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade maintains travel advisories for more than 160 destinations overseas via its website
  • www.smarttraveller.gov.au. Its travel advice provides accurate, up-to-date information about the risks Australians might face overseas, assisting you to make well-informed decisions about whether, when and where to travel. We recommend that you stay up-to-date with its destination- specific travel advisories for the country of your destination as your travel insurance cover may be affected if you travel to high risk areas or situations.

Important note

  • All travel insurance policies include a number of general exclusions that apply to all claims—things like travelling against medical advice, unlicensed use of motor vehicles, epidemics or pandemics, ignoring official warnings and acts of war, insurrection or the taking of power by the military.
  • Should the current situation in Thailand escalate from civil unrest to insurrection, war or the taking of power by the military, we will need to review the situation and we will issue a further advisory with that detail.

Contact us

If you have questions or queries, please contact our Mondial Assistance Information Hotline on 1800 012 234.

 
thailand  

 THIS INFORMATION DOES NOT TAKE THE PLACE OF THE ADVISORY, BUT SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE ADVISORY

PLEASE NOTE:

1. If you are transiting through Bangkok for 24 hours or less, and are not leaving the airport precinct, your policy does not cover cancellation or rearrangement expenses undless your transport services have been cancelled or disrupted, or your accommodation has been rendered uninhabitable.

2. For travel to Bangkok on or after May 28, customers are advised not to cancel at this time unless services have been cancelled or disrupted. A further advice will be issued prior to May 28 outlining the application of the policy in the situation.

General Notes:

- We will advise you to contact your travel agent or travel provider regarding the best option in altering your trip. Some airlines are providing penalty-free options ot amend travel arrangements and we also advise you to contact your airline for for further details.

- You should take all reasonable steps to minimise your expenses and this includes rearranging your journey where possible. By reasonable we mean appropriate and consistent - for example if you have been using two star or budget accommodation on your trip to date, then we advise that the replacement accommodation you seek is of a similar standard. Similarly, if you have been travelling economy, seek out economy class fares if you rearrange your journey.

- The above information relates to Comprehensive and Annual Frequent Traveller policies. In all circumstances we suggest that you read the Product Disclosure Statement/Policy Wording that you received when you purchased your travel insurance policy. This will give you more detail about what your policy provides cover for and and what it does not.

- You will need to submit all receipts for any expenses. If you are claiming cancellation or additional expenses you will need to submit all documents showing what your original planned pre-paid.

posted @ Monday, 17 May 2010 5:26 PM | Feedback (0)


Tuesday, 1 June 2010

Travel Tips for Fiji Getting there


Nadi International Airport is the main airport for Fiji, and Pacific Blue, Air New Zealand and Air Pacific all have regular flights between Fiji and Australia.

Culture and customs

Bula! (Hello or greeting) is heard everywhere in Fiji. Almost everyone in Fiji speaks English, but they will be delighted if you can say a few words in their language, such as :

Please yalo vinaka (yalo vee naka)

excuse me tulou (too low)

yes io(ee-o)

thank you vinaka (vee naka)

no seqa (senga)

For a full list of phrases in Fijian, visit Tropical Fiji.com. 

You can also find information here about Fijian festivals, Fijian culture, and much more.

Practicalities – visas, vaccinations, and staying safe

SmartTraveller has a number of travel advisories for Fiji and currently rates the whole country as Exercise Caution, with Exercise Extreme Caution in the capital, Suva. It’s advisable to be cautious especially at night - avoid crime by staying in your hotel and do not venture into dark areas. It’s best to avoid travelling at night as well, because of crime, stray animals and the poor quality of the roads.

According to SmartTraveller, Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Visit the nearest Fiji consulate or embassy before you travel.

Travel Doctor has information on required vaccinations for Fiji. These vary according to the length of your stay but for trips less than 6 months, you should at least have current vaccination certificates for Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Yellow Fever – Transit and Tetanus.

Accommodation

Fiji can be quite expensive to visit, in particular for accommodation.

Locals advise that it’s best to book your accommodation before you travel, and avoid booking through agencies at airports, as they may steer you towards venues that pay high commissions rather than those that suit your needs. There are many places to book online ranging from 5-star to backpacker, such as:

Tourism Fiji

Fiji Resorts and Accommodation

Wotif

Fiji 4 less

TripAdvisor lists accommodation in Fiji, and you can read other travelers’ reviews before you book.

Currency

The currency of Fiji is the Fijian dollar, which is accepted everywhere. The best currency to exchange from is Australian, New Zealand or US dollars. You can check the exchange rate here.

Weather

Fiji has a tropical marine climate, with a cyclone season between November to April. You can check the weather for when you’re planning to go here.

Food

Native Fijian food combines tropical fruit, coconut milk, seafood, rice and taro, and spices. According to iExplore, specialities include:

Kokoda (raw fish marinated in coconut cream and lime).

Rourou (a taro leaf dish soaked in coconut cream).

Tavioka (manioc or tapioca, often boiled, baked or grated and cooked in coconut

cream with sugar and mashed bananas).

Duruka (an unusual asparagus-like vegetable in season during April and May).

Lovo (a covered pit or underground oven used to cook meat, fish, and vegetables).

Most local restaurants include steak and seafood on the menu, and often a local speciality.

Things to do and see

Postcard-perfect Fiji is well-known for its beautiful beaches, colourful exotic birds and plants, waterfalls and coral reefs – so you can spend your time exploring, diving or snorkelling, hiking or even birdwatching. There are championship golf courses or whitewater rafting for the more energetic – or you can shop for souvenirs, local artefacts and arts, or clothes. For something a little less strenuous, you can visit the famous Mud Springs at Sabeto (Sabeto Hot Springs) for a healing soak, or just relax and enjoy a drink of the local Kava – a non-alcoholic mildly sedative drink.

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, 13 May 2010 3:53 PM | Feedback (0)


Thursday, 13 May 2010

Travel insurance information for Greece


The following information concerns the ongoing strikes and riots in Athens, and applies to travel insurance policies issued prior to Wednesday, 5 May 2010.

According to a Reuters news agency report on 4 May 2010, Greece’s main public sector union vowed on Monday 3 May to step up its fight against austerity measures by strike action that will test the government and its new deal with the European Union and International Monetary Fund on a 110 billion Euro bailout of the Greek economy. The union, which represents about half a million Greek public sector employees, condemned cuts in wages and pensions and said it would stage a 48-hour walkout starting on Tuesday instead of the one-day strike it had planned for Wednesday.

News agencies have also reported on violent riots occurring in Athens on 5 May 2010, which have left at least 3 people dead.

What do you need to know about your travel insurance policy?

Your policy includes cover for cancellation of your journey, or the unused portions of your journey, as a result of the strike / riot action.

» If you are currently in, or travelling to Athens, your policy provides cover for cancellation costs or rearrangement expenses, whichever is the lesser, if your scheduled transport services have been cancelled or your accommodation has been made uninhabitable by the strike / riot action or if you are unable to reach your accommodation / destination.

» We recommend you contact your travel agent or travel provider regarding the best option in altering your trip. Some airlines may provide penalty-free options to amend travel arrangements and we advise you contact your airline for further details. If you are claiming cancellation expenses under your policy, you will need to supply written confirmation from your airline that these costs are not able to be claimed through them.

Your policy includes cover for additional accommodation and travel expenses as a result of the strike / riot action.

» If you are currently travelling and your scheduled transport services have been cancelled or your accommodation has been made uninhabitable by the strikes / riots or if you are unable to reach your accommodation / destination your policy provides cover for reasonable additional accommodation and travel expenses.

» Under European Union regulations, airlines may be required to provide accommodation and meals for any passengers delayed due to strike / riot action. If you are claiming accommodation expenses under your policy, you will need to supply written confirmation from your airline that these costs are not able to be claimed through them.

If you are currently travelling and you are or have been injured as a result of the strike / riot action we are able to help as your policy includes cover for emergency medical expenses.

» If you need emergency medical assistance, please contact our 24 hour Mondial Assistance Emergency Assistance team on +61 7 3305 7499 reverse charge or 1800 010 075 free call within Australia. Your policy also includes cover for additional accommodation and travel expenses if you have been injured as a result of the strike / riot action.

If you purchased your policy on or after Wednesday 5 May 2010, there is no provision to claim for expenses relating to the current strike / riot action in Athens.

What next steps should you take?

» You should take all reasonable steps to minimise your expenses and this includes rearranging your journey and seeking reimbursement from your airline where possible. By reasonable we mean appropriate and consistent—for example if you have been using two star or budget accommodation on your trip to date then we advise that the replacement accommodation you seek is of a similar standard. Similarly, if you have been traveling economy, seek out economy class fares if you rearrange your journey.

» The above information relates to Comprehensive and Annual Frequent Traveller policies. In all circumstances we suggest that you read the Product Disclosure Statement that you received when you purchased your travel insurance policy. This will give you more detail about what your policy provides cover for and what it does not. For example, if you have a Budget policy, your policy may not include cover for additional expenses or cancellation expenses.

» Please submit your travel insurance claim to us for consideration.

» You will need to submit all receipts for any additional accommodation and transport expenses. If you are claiming cancellation or additional expenses you will need to submit all documents showing what your original planned pre-paid arrangements were, along with any receipts and documents showing your new arrangements, and advice from the travel provider indicating the non-refundable portion of the journey.

» Finally, to help Australians avoid difficulties overseas, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade maintains travel advisories for more than 160 destinations overseas via its website www.smarttraveller.gov.au. Its travel advice provides accurate, up-to-date information about the risks Australians might face overseas, assisting you to make well-informed decisions about whether, when and where to travel. We recommend that you stay up-to-date with its destination-specific travel advisories for the country of your destination as your travel insurance cover may be affected if you travel to high risk areas or situations.

Important note

» All travel insurance policies include a number of general exclusions that apply to all claims—things like travelling against medical advice, ignoring official / mass media warnings and insurrection.

» Should the current situation in Athens escalate from strike riot action, we will need to review our policy cover and we will issue a further advisory with that detail.

Contact us

» If you have questions or queries, please contact our Mondial Assistance Information Hotline on 1800 012 234.

posted @ Tuesday, 11 May 2010 5:20 PM | Feedback (0)


Tuesday, 18 May 2010

Travel Tips for Indonesia


Culture and customs

Blonde Traveler has some insider tips for safety and to help you get along:

For women, always carry a sarong – they are light and cheap, and you may need to cover up if you find yourself near a temple or mosque.

No prices are fixed, even if the vendor says it is. You can always bargain.

Learn how to say ‘no’ to the hawkers politely; a simple but strong “Tidak, termia kasi” (Tee-dak, ter-ee-ma ka-see) will do the trick.

The dogs in Indonesia (particularly Bali) are known to be rabid. And they’re everywhere. If you find one following you, hiss at it loudly. Never run.

When there are monkeys around, protect your belongings because they are curious and love to steal things!

Practicalities

You can also find out about telephoning, emergency numbers and time zones in Indonesia on Virtual Tourist

Visa information can be found at SmartTraveller – this page also has general information and advice for Australians planning to travel to Indonesia.

Blonde Traveler lists these useful phrases in Indonesian:

Good morning Selemat pa-gee (or just pa-gee)

Good afternoon Selemat see-ang (see-ang)

Yes Ya

No Tee-dak

OK Be-res

Thank you Te-ri-ma-ka-si (or ma-ka-si)

You're welcome Ma-ka-si Kam-ba-li (or Sama-Sama)

How much? Be-ra-pa?

Can you discount? Moo-ra-heen (to an old lady say Moo-ra-heen-bu)

Please Toe-long

Excuse me Permisi

Safety

SmartTraveller http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Indonesia currently advises travellers to “reconsider your need to travel to Indonesia” due to the very high threat of terrorist attack against Australians and other foreigners. In some areas there is also a high level of unrest and political tension. Petty crime is common, and increasing, in particular bag-snatching from motorbikes. Cases of robbery and temporary confinement involving taxis have been reported in urban areas, particularly in Jakarta. Read about how your personal safety can be affected here, and check with your travel insurer if you will be covered fully if anything happens to you in Indonesia.

Currency

The local currency is the Rupiah. US dollars are also accepted, however be careful of the exchange rate that is quoted to you; it may not always be as accurate as at the currency exchanges! You can check the exchange rate here.

Weather

Like all tropical climates, Indonesia has two seasons – Wet and Dry. Wet runs from September to January (the heaviest rainfall is December and January) and the Dry for the rest of the year. The average humidity is 70%. You can check the weather for when you’re planning to go here.

Food

In most tourist areas, it’s likely that street vendors will approach you selling food. Most experienced travellers to Indonesia recommend you don’t buy from them because of the risk of Cholera and ‘Bali Belly’. Bottles of mineral water, if you’re sure they’re sealed, would probably be OK. Better places to eat are the major or well-known restaurants, or hotels – as a rule of thumb if the restaurant is crowded, it’s probably good to eat there.

If you can find a local chef to cook some of the specialities for you, such as Gado-Gado or Nasi Goreng, even better! Some Indonesian food is very spicy (the word for spicy is ‘padas’) – so enquire beforehand – and its best to enquire on the prices as well before you order.

Things to do and see

Bali is well known as an Indonesian tourist destination, but there are many other beautiful and interesting places to visit in Indonesia.

Lombok is a good place to escape the tourist areas and see the real Indonesia. It also has many high quality hotels, shops and restaurants, and is often cheaper than Bali.

Bandung is good for textiles and clothes of both local and western styles.

Yogyakarta is full of beautiful arts and culture, old temples and examples of Indonesian history.

Mangga Dua, in Jakarta, is a good place to buy clothing but also electrical goods such as iPhones and PCs.

If you’re looking for somewhere to go diving, Manado in Northern Sulawesi is a good spot.

View a map of all these destinations here. Blonde Traveller also recommends that you travel between the islands by ferry rather than the local airlines, some of which are blacklisted internationally.

A contributor to Virtual Tourist suggests that the rice fields are very beautiful in Jatiluwuh, Bali; the best time to see them is at planting time.

Other contributors suggest watching the local fishermen (at most villages by the beach) fish the traditional way with a boat and hand net. Small boats (2 or so fishermen) will often sell you their catch straight from the sea and the fish is good if you can find someone to cook it 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 @ Thursday, 6 May 2010 3:38 PM | Feedback (3)


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