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A 24-hour emergency number that customers can use while traveling is a common feature of travel insurance companies. The phone number can usually be found on the travel insurance policy you received, or on the insurance company’s website or mobile app.
Why should you have to call the assistance number?
These 24/7 support numbers are an important safety net if you run into trouble while traveling, both major problems and minor inconveniences.
“In the event of a natural disaster at your destination or sudden unrest, everyone may try to leave the site at the same time, which can overload transportation resources. A good travel aid provider can be an asset, ”said Scott Adamski, spokesman for AIG Travel.
When you shop for one Travel insurance Adamski says it’s important to find a robust emergency response service as the need for these services can arise frequently (including rebooking flights or hotels, coordinating missing connections, and vehicle return).
Ideally, you’ll have access to an assistance service that has a full in-house department and full integration between teams, he says. That way, you can expect a more turnkey experience, along with the knowledge that someone will take a thorough look at your needs with every call.
Find medical support services 24/7
AIG Travel’s Adamski notes that support offerings can vary around the clock. It is therefore important that travelers check with their provider. However, a travel insurance plan should include at least a 24-hour ambulance and emergency services.
“If there is a medical need, this help can be very important,” says Adamski. “Dealing with a complex medical event, especially overseas, and navigating through different health systems, medical facilities, and doctors can be challenging. Therefore, there must be a dedicated team with knowledge of the national language and customs as well as their own medical expertise is invaluable. “
The 24/7 assistance services can also answer questions about insurance coverage and options available in the event of a medical or travel emergency, says Kasara Barto, spokeswoman for Squaremouth, a travel insurance company.
The travel aid number is not only intended for emergencies
While natural disasters can ruin a trip, minor issues can also cause big ripples in your plans.
This can include a wide range of 24/7 help for:
- Transfers
- Emergency relay
- Organization of medical evacuation or repatriation
- Emergency translation
- Cash transfer in an emergency
- Prescription replacement
- Payment guarantees for medical facilities abroad
- Legal advice
For example, in addition to emergency medical assistance, AIG travel plans include a range of services such as global travel assistance, security assistance and concierge services.
It’s important to note that the benefits vary depending on the policy, and many providers also offer additional services, says Barto. For example, the assistance service of a travel insurer can help with lost luggage or lost travel documents.
Look for other benefits
One component of traveling is navigating an unknown destination. In an emergency, this can be especially daunting and emotional for travelers.
Allianz Travel, for example, is planning a team of multilingual employees to solve travel problems.
Daniel Durazo, an alliance spokesman, says travelers usually seek help finding a doctor, hospitals or pharmacy, need help with lost documents including passports, or seek resources like ATMs, grocery deliveries or ground transportation.
Another insurer, Trawick International, has an alert system that provides notifications of new safety guidelines, critical weather conditions, and political and safety warnings before travelers go on vacation.
It’s also important to note that 24-hour emergency services aren’t actually payable coverage, says Bailey Foster, a spokesman for Trawick International. The 24-hour hotline coordinates assistance, but the traveler is responsible for payments such as prescription drug replacement or a bank transfer.
Check the list of 24/7 services offered by your travel insurance so you know what help will be available before and during your trip.
