It is a sad fact that with current world events, we have to live with terrorism and the threat of terrorism. And even if a threat is unlikely, it still makes sense to be prepared.
Here are some tips and advice that could save your life …
Travel insurance
In the event that you are injured overseas by an act of terrorism, some travel insurance policies provide cover for your medical expenses.
However, generally travel insurance will not cover you for any acts of terrorism. Usually your tour operator/ holiday provider is responsible for getting you home should the need arise. Travel insurance will not cover you for repatriation, cancellation, delay cover or any other element of your policy in the event of a terrorist attack.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
If you are travelling to an European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland, make sure that you have an EHIC. This provides you with the same level of emergency health care as someone who is a resident of the country.
If you already have an EHIC, check that it hasn’t expired and make sure you understand what it covers.
Remember, EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance - it will not cover the costs of private healthcare or services that are not part of the state healthcare system. Nor will it cover the costs of being brought back to the UK.
Don’t ignore Foreign Office advice
Do check the Foreign & Commonwealth Office's (FCO) 'Know Before You Go' website. This detailsall the latest security advice, recommendations and travel insurance information for the destination you want to visit.
If the FCO recommends that you do not travel to a certain destination, but you still do, then this could invalidate any travel insurance you have.
Details to keep to hand
- A copy of your passport.
- Details of the British Consular Office that serves your destination and its contact number.
- Your travel insurance policy details and the emergency helpline number.
- Your EHIC.
Download any apps
Not every country you visit will have a special app to alert you in the event of an attack, but it is worth checking if there is a major event going on. For example, for Euro 2016, the French government have developed an app that will alert geo-located users "in case of a suspected attack".
Minimise your risk from terrorism
Apart from keeping up to date with FCO travel alerts and generally being prepared, you can also minimise your risk from terrorism by taking the following steps:
- Be extra vigilant in public areas and places that attract foreigners and westerners, such as shopping centres, hotels, sports stadiums etc.
- If you see anything suspicious, report it immediately to the local police.
- Whenever you go anywhere (for example, a bar) always make sure you know where the closest exit is in case you need to escape quickly.
- Keep your mobile phone with you and fully charged, ensuring emergency numbers are all programmed in.
- Dress like a local and avoid wearing expensive jewellery or watches so you blend in with the crowd.
- Tell colleagues or hotel staff where you’re going and when you expect to return.
- Identify ‘safe’ places like hospitals, official buildings and police stations where you could seek refuge in an emergency.
We hope this short article has provided you with some useful information and advice on travelling and the threat of terrorism. However unlikely it is that you will be a victim of a terror attack, being prepared will stand you in better stead should it ever happen.
