The Traveler Guide

Now that the summer travel season is starting, a number of travelers are concerning themselves with protecting themselves, their family, and their vacation investment. What you should get is travel insurance if you are planning a trip that involves a sizable financial outlay. What can be covered in this case are missed flights, bungled connections, and illness. You can consider this as a safeguard for financial loss which can be used should there be cancelled trips, delays, or interruptions.

For travel policies, despite their variations, they include baggage loss and flight insurance, accident, sickness, and financial protection in the event of trip interruption and delay. Usually included when it comes to the best policies is medical evacuation which is a feature rarely offered by conventional health insurance plans. In this case, it comes with an expense because one or more airplanes or helicopters are used to retrieve the sick traveler. Due to illness, accident, or weather, trip cancellation is the most likely occurrence in this case. Trip interruption also is a possible scenario, usually because a traveler must cut short a trip to go home.

The price runs to around 5 to 7 percent of the trip cost per person when it comes to the cost of travel insurance. When it comes to a $3,000 per person trip, an additional $150 or $210 may be included. While you are shopping for travel insurance policies, do consider looking for one with a 24 hour hot line providing international access as this is essential for medical emergencies. Do consider checking the US State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs, Superintendent of Documents, US Government Printing Office, Washington, DC before you travel abroad. What you can obtain from them include information on crime, medical care, drug supplies, and on areas prone to natural disasters and political instability.

In this case, most US Embassies and Consulates maintain 24 hour operators or answering services to assist Americans in difficulty when it comes to robberies abroad. Here, you can get help from them when it comes to expediting the replacement of a stolen passport, canceling stolen credit cards, dealing with local police, and assisting with language problems. You can also rely on them to provide a list of English speaking lawyers, direct travelers to the right source for replacing airline tickets, and instruct travelers on getting money transferred.

If you lose your passport, they can provide you with temporary identification. What security reasons have changed is the ability for passports to be changed within 24 hours. What will be issued to Americans who lose their passports are new passports with computer generated digital photographs.

It's smart for any traveler to pack, in a separate location from the passport, a notarized copy of a birth certificate, a copy of the information pages of the passport and two passport size photos. Here, if the actual passport is stolen then the process will be speedier. In this case, the State Department advises travelers to also bring along photocopies of credit cards, airline tickets, and drivers' licenses and leave a second set of photocopies behind with a friend or family member.

When you return home, have a copy of the police report so that you can file insurance claims. It is important that a traveler contact the nearest US Embassy or Consulate for advice if he is exposed to political instability abroad. When it comes to foreign travel, you can get tips from the State Department's publication including those on street safety, driving, and terrorism. You can order a copy from the State Department or read about it online at the State Department's Web site.

There are times when travelers will be asked to pay for some services in advance and there are also instances where charges for travel arrangements accumulate to a huge expense and when these happen it is always advisable to get travel insurance. There is another option travelers can take and that is to review an existing policy they might have.

There are provisions in these policies which shoulder different kinds of losses.

If you want travel insurance, you have a choice of comprehensive package policies with broad coverage, or airport flight insurance and travel accident policies that usually only cover injuries or death while on a common carrier, such as a plane, train or boat. Brokers can offer clients a series of coverage plans at a single premium or travelers can opt to buy different coverage types at separate prices.

Losses while traveling can result from death, sudden illness, theft, accidents or emergencies, and even trip defaults and this is where a comprehensive policy works best. Policies will almost always be inclusive of other services such as that for emergency evacuation, insurance for flights and personal liability claims, financial reimbursement for lost belongings, and a daily living allowance should flights be delayed in any way. Most policy exclusions won't affect a leisure traveler.

Differences among insurance coverage plans will be discussed.

When there are possible penalties that can be incurred when travel plans are changed then it makes considering getting insurance for trip cancellations and interruptions that can amount to about five percent of a hundred dollar coverage plan. There will always be refunds even with non refundable payments should a traveler apply a policy quite like this one should there be any trip defaults. Travelers can use this policy to secure them from extra charges that can arise if they need to change their plans due to a companion not being able to join the trip as planned.

One will get his or her money back should reservations or travel arrangements not follow the agreed upon schedule. Financial obligations for the expenses a person may incur to catch up with a group or head back home become the responsibility of the insurance company. The only reasons that are valid for claims to be processed are cases of injury, death, or illness leading to cancelled trips.

Insurance covers the losses resulting from travel providers closing up shop and not when it is the travel agency who is at fault for the cancellation of trips. When baggage insurance is bought the cost can sometimes be based on the dollar limit and length of time. Other than a person's checked in luggage nothing else will be covered by insurance when something is misplaced or lost.

There are personal policies like homeowner's or renter's insurance which are meant to cover valuables should instances of fire and theft arise and these policies can also have stipulations to cover lost baggage during a trip. There is always baggage insurance for any possible material losses. People can avail of a year round medical insurance policy.

If a traveler is required to pay for medical services obtained on foreign trips he or she can simply apply for a reimbursement of the expenses back home. Medicare in the United States can extend limited services to Canada or even Mexico but in other areas outside the border the policy may not be as useful.

Regular Medicare coverage might be more useful in some situations.

Will a policy like this call for a huge sum of money? Take into mind this example where there is a family of four that engages in a travel package for a two week trip so they end up taking a policy amounting to a hundred and thirty four thousand dollars on a comprehensive travel insurance policy with provisions for accidental death and dismemberment, emergencies and medical expenses, flight delays and cancellations, and lost belongings. Insurance providers will usually charge a person two hundred dollars as the premium for a policy similar to the one previously discussed.

In terms of future illnesses, Canadians do not worry about this because what they have is the best health care system in the world. In itself, that is probably healthy, at least when we're at home, but things are quite different when we travel outside Canada. Financial hardship as well as real emotional and psychological stress are some of the things that you may need to deal with if you experience sudden illnesses or injury even in the United States.

For protection against such occurrences, mature travelers always consider getting enough comprehensive global health insurance before leaving Canada. For several readers, it is necessary to have an idea of when health insurance is enough and where it should be obtained from. Would you consider this adequate insurance for travelers to the U.S., to Europe? The manager of Winnipeg's major bank said that their intention was to try to provide a comprehensive package at a reasonable cost but this is not meant to replace total health coverage.

In terms of the older card members, in order to supplement these benefits they may need to get another insurance package. It is important to consider getting travel health insurance of at least $1 million as mentioned by two major insurance companies that scale their packages due to the fact that not only are there more claims from long stays but also more claims from people over 60. One company set their limit to extending their maximum coverage to those between 60 and 65 because of certain costs.

If they need assistance, travelers can ask for it when it comes to getting an insurance health plan. You need to consult with an insurance agent if you are looking for a comprehensive overview but for information about the larger companies go talk to a travel agent. There is one major insurance company that bases its rates on the length of stay and age, being under 60 and over 61. For someone over 61, coverage for a 10 day trip will amount to about $17 while for a single traveler under 60 it will only be $9.10.

If the package is for 30 days then it will amount to an expense of $23.50 for someone under 60 and $67 for those over 61. With a 48 day trip, the coverage will amount to as much as $95 and $220 respectively. The longer you are gone the higher the cost. $270 per person or $540 in total is the amount to be paid if a couple over 60 plans to be away for two months, $1,350 if they extend to four months and this is for a comprehensive health insurance package.

Considering the rates of long term health insurance, one Winnipeg couple was able to make these work for them. Annually, they do not get 120 day health packages for the four months they spend in the southern states but opt for two 60 day coverage plans instead. You will be able to find other affordable alternatives from this renowned insurance company. One other company bases its scales on age but their offerings come at substantially lower rates. For a couple over 65, $330 is how much a sixty day coverage would cost.

Normally, a disclaimer will be given to you when it comes to several insurance policies and this will mention how for any medical condition which commenced prior to the effective date of the policy the contract will not be able to cover you. When coverage from various credit card plans expires, policies offered by some companies will take effect. Getting insurance for the entire duration of the trip is something advised by several companies.

You will be able to find some plans that do not consider age and sometimes these are more affordable. If a trip extends beyond 60 days, coverage may not be provided by these plans. There is a company that may be able to help you by giving a money saving tip that can help you offset the costs of health insurance for when you travel. Taking the travel health premium into consideration, you can include this in medical expenses not to mention your tax credit calculation for income tax purposes.

Recently, the Government of the Republic of Tanzania, through the Ministry of Social Welfare, issued a notification that the Health Surveillance Desks, which were abolished way back in the year 2001, will be reinstated in all entry points - border posts, ports and international airports. Tanzania happens to be among the countries that are at risk of being affected by the yellow fever. The health officials have therefore been instructed to deal with the control and prevention of yellow fever with regard to international travelers coming from yellow fever endemic areas. This directive is actually as a result of an advise from the World Health Organization on the same issue.

To all Tour Operators, Travel Agents and the general public, the general message is that all visitors arriving from SOME infected countries will require proof of yellow fever vaccination before entering Tanzania.

Which areas are the Yellow Fever Endemic zones in Africa?

The areas considered as Yellow fever endemic zones in Africa include:-

Senegal, Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone, Cote D'Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Nigeria, Mali, Niger, Chad, Central African Republic, Togo, Benin, Sao Tome and Principe, Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, United Republic of Tanzania, Angola, Zambia, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Somali, Sudan and Equatorial Guinea.

Which areas are the Yellow Fever Endemic Zones in America?

The areas considered as Yellow fever endemic zones in the Americas include:-

Panama, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana and Bolivia. Any exemptions to this requirements? 

Yes! Some exemptions, here:

Visitors arriving from other areas, but transiting in yellow fever endemic countries by connecting flights to Tanzania within the arrival airport BUT WITHOUT checking out of that 'transiting' airport will NOT be required to produce a yellow fever vaccination certificate when they get to Tanzania.

Any yellow fever issues with Travelers from Europe and North America?

Not really, but for personal health protection, it would be wise to heed this advise. “All clients including those arriving directly into Tanzania from non-yellow fever areas, for example Europe or the USA, may need to vaccinate against yellow fever, although it is not mandatory”

What does this mean to Tour Operators specifically?

From the Tour Operators’ and Travel Agents’ point of view, the directive raised a number of concerns. Some of the issues raised by Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) upon getting this notification were:

1. Positioning of separate health desks are not necessary as these will contribute to unnecessary delays at the entry points.

2. Adequate preparation time and proper logistics was required.

3. Sufficient publicity is required regarding the reintroduction of Yellow Fever requirement and position (status) of travelers who have transited yellow fever- endemic zones.

Subsequently, TATO has engaged the relevant government departments on the matter. According to a circular sent from the TATO Secretariat to all TATO members, the discussion held between TATO Executive Secretary and Tanzania’s senior medical personnel responsible for control of transmission of disease within population (epidemiologist)…….. they were informed that the Government is working on their concerns and will give a statement later.

However, in the interim some clarifications have been made:

Travelers to Tanzania who will NOT NEED proof of Yellow Fever vaccination:

For all travelers coming directly from Europe to Kilimanjaro and Dar es Salaam (Julius Nyerere International) Airports on direct flights, such that they did not cross or transit through an endemic country they will not need Yellow Fever Vaccination. You may however recommend yellow fever vaccination to your clients for self protection against the risk of exposure to the disease, although it is not mandatory – suggested by WHO.

Travelers to Tanzania who will NEED proof of Yellow Fever vaccination:

For all travelers coming from Europe via or transiting through an endemic country, for example. via Nairobi or Addis Ababa. They will need a Yellow Fever Vaccination card. This also applies to passengers in transit in airports where there is a risk of yellow fever transmission, for example, clients arriving on an international flight in Nairobi or Addis Ababa and connecting a regional flight within the airport to Kilimanjaro or Dar es Salaam.

YELLOW FEVER VACCINATION ON ARRIVAL AT KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Yellow fever vaccination is provided at Kilimanjaro and Dar es Salaam airports at a cost of USD 50 per passenger. This service is for passengers who are required to hold a yellow fever vaccination certificate but have none on arrival in Tanzania.

ENTRY PROCEDURE

On arrival, international & regional passengers must first go to the health desk then to the Immigration desk; no passport will be accepted at immigration desk without a stamp from Health Desk.

Final word of caution: If you find yourself in a situation that does not fall under any of the ones described above, the most reliable source remains the Tanzania government through the high commission or embassy that you find closest to you. Or ask your travel consultant or destination specialist for Tanzania Safaris to contact them for you.

Professional thieves tend to hang around hotels and resorts, especially the lobbies, looking for tourists and travelers that are easy pickings.  Here are some travel tips that may help you feel more safe and secure in your hotel room when you are traveling, or are on vacation. First of all, the lobbies of hotels and resorts should never be considered secure, even the upscale ones.  They are all easy pickings for opportunistic luggage thieves, especially at peak times when the hotel reception staff is extremely busy with new guests arriving and other guests that are trying to check out.  Never leave your luggage unguarded unless you know for sure that it being looked after by a bellman.

If you are having a bite to eat in a hotel restaurant, especially a buffet, never leave your laptop, briefcase, or handbag unguarded to get a drink or something more to eat.  It takes thieves only a split second to make off with them.  It is impossible for the hotel staff to be constantly on the lookout for these criminals. When booking your room, try to book one that is on the second, third, fourth, or fifth floors, as ground floor hotel rooms are more susceptible to break ins.  Keep in mind that rooms above the fifth floor may not be accessible by many fire engine ladders if a fire breaks out in the hotel.

Always check to make sure that the door to your room locks properly, and that the windows and sliding doors open, but also lock securely.  Most hotels use electronic card keys for their hotel room doors as they offer more security than the standard metal keys.   Don't carry you key card in its folder if the folder has the room number on it.   Write down the room number on a piece of paper, keep it on your person when you go out, and leave the folder in your room.

Always identify unexpected staff or visitors to your room before opening the door.  Call the front desk if in doubt as to the authenticity of that person.  It is advisable to not give out your room number to anyone that you don't know and trust.

It may not be a good idea to hang a "please clean the room" sign on the door knob when you go out, as it signals to a would be thief that there is probably no one in the room. 

Don't assume that your hotel room door is locked just because it closes automatically when you go out.  Check to make sure that it has really locked.  If your room has a balcony make sure the sliding glass door is also locked as it may be possible for someone to climb on to your balcony from a balcony beside, above or below yours.

Do not leave any valuables lying around in plain view in your hotel room.  They may be too tempting for some cleaning staff to resist.  Place any small valuables in your in-room safe if there is one.  Keep in mind that safes that use metal keys are not as secure as the ones that use electronic key cards. The next best bet if there is no safe in your room is to lock your small valuables in your largest suitcase when you go out.  Locked, hard sided luggage offers the best security.

Some travelers even use duct tape to secure small valuables to the underside of the hotel room furniture. Always use your door's deadbolt or chain lock at night before you go to sleep or if you feel like taking a nap. There is a small, inexpensive, battery-operated, motion-sensitive, burglar alarm that can be hung on the inside hotel door knob, or there is a wedge-shaped alarm that you can wedge under the door that accomplishes the same thing.  If someone tries to open your door, the alarm will sound.

There are two less sophisticated methods you could use.  You can move a chair in front of the hotel door and place the back rest under the knob, or wedge a standard rubber door stopper under the door.  Either of these two methods are also effective. When you pack and get ready to check out of your hotel, don't forget to empty your room safe.  And last but not least, count the number of pieces of luggage when you check out and make sure that everything has been put in your taxi.