Enjoy the Games, but check you have the correct cover, QBE warns
Check you have the correct travel insurance for your destination and be mindful of your personal security is the advice for Aussie travellers planning a trip to Rio de Janeiro this August from QBE Insurance Australia.
Nicole Smith, Head of QBE Assist, which provides 24 hour emergency assistance to travel insurance policy holders, said: "Travelling to this year’s Olympics as a spectator is sure to be an incredible once in a lifetime experience for those lucky enough to attend."
Brazil is famous for being a colourful and exciting holiday destination, but it’s also very different from Australia so travellers should consider researching what to expect before they depart, Nicole advises.
"Carefully planning your trip can set you up for success," Nicole said. "However, as a travel insurer we know that sometimes things can and do go wrong. That’s where we come in: QBE Assist is here 24 hours a day, seven days a week to give advice if the trip of a lifetime doesn’t go to plan.
"As a global company, we have been working closely with our assistance centre in Latin America to ensure we understand the risks faced by Australians who travel to Brazil for the Olympics."
Nicole advises travellers to read their travel insurance Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to ensure it covers them for South America, as well as any specific activities they plan to engage in while holidaying.
"Be as specific as you can about the destination and activities you’re planning as well as any pre-existing medical conditions. We recommend you read your policy disclosure statement carefully and call your insurer if you’re not sure about what you’re covered for – don’t leave it to chance.
"Ensuring your personal safety is the most important preparation for any trip overseas so we always advise travellers to check the Government’s Smart Traveller website and follow advice.
"There has been a lot of coverage of the Zika virus in the press recently and we would certainly echo the Government’s advice around this.
"Most of our policies will not cover amendment or cancellation cover if you intended to travel to a country affected by Zika. However we would always urge our customers to read their Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), which outlines the extent of their travel insurance cover."
QBE Assist’s top five tips:
- Check you have the correct travel insurance – read the PDS and call and ask your provider if you’re not sure about something
- Make personal security your priority
- Visit your doctor before you depart and talk through your travel plans as well as any vaccinations or medication you may need
- Leave your valuables at home
- Email a copy of your travel documents to yourself and a friend in case you lose them.
For further information please contact:
Samantha Baden
Senior External Communications Specialist
QBE Australia
Phone: +61 2 9239 7889
Email: samantha.baden@qbe.com