When going on vacation to another city or country, everyone hopes for vivid impressions, interesting meetings and positive emotions. But on the road, a tourist can also face troubles, the occurrence of which is not always possible even with the most careful preparation for the trip. Travel insurance allows you to minimize the risks associated with long trips.
Insurance for tourists allows you to protect yourself from wasting time, nerves and money in a foreign country in case of injury or illness, loss of luggage or documents, as well as in other situations when you need help. Travel insurance will give you the opportunity to feel confident on any trip, and will also be useful for obtaining a visa. You will be able to conclude an agreement insurance for tourists traveling abroad in just a few minutes with the policy delivered by e-mail.
Our travel insurance is accepted by embassies of all countries.
How to buy an insurance policy for tourists
You can obtain travel insurance (against loss of personal belongings, loss of travel and other risks) in one of the following ways.
What should a traveler pay attention to when choosing an insurance program: recommendations from experts
When choosing a travel insurance program, a traveler must take into account its features. Experts advise paying special attention to the following points.
For some countries it is strictly regulated.
Minimum amount:
Schengen area - € 30,000
USA and Canada - $50,000.
The cost is affected by the amount of insurance coverage, the age of the insured, type of holiday, additional risks.
This is the amount that the tourist will have to pay out of his own pocket. Anything above this amount will be paid Insurance Company.
Please note that VZR policies do not provide for an online franchise (with the exception of property as an additional option).
Service - involves direct support of tourists and compensation for their costs.
It is enough to call the numbers listed in the policy, and the tourist will be provided with the necessary assistance within the framework of the contract and within the limits of insurance coverage.
If the trip involves active recreation (diving, parachuting, hiking, cycling, etc.), the insurer should be notified about this. When taking out a policy, you must select the planned type of vacation.
Although the price of insurance will increase, if an insured event occurs, the insurer will fulfill its obligations and compensate the tourist for all his expenses.
If active recreation was not specified when taking out the policy, and the insured event occurred precisely while engaging in it, the insurer will refuse to pay.
What to do if an insured event occurs
If a policy is issued and an insured event occurs, the victim or his relatives must act clearly and quickly. Not only the life of the victim and the speed of medical care, but also the ability of the insurer to fulfill its obligations depends on this.
In the event of an insured event, it is necessary
Contact the service center specified in the policy in any convenient way.
Obtain instructions from the operator and act in accordance with them. The service center will select a medical institution that will promptly provide qualified medical care.
If medical insurance has been issued for travel abroad and medical expenses have been incurred, the tourist must contact the insurance company office within 30 days. He provides documents confirming this fact. The insurer compensates expenses within the insured amount.
Questions and answers
What is travel insurance?
Tourist insurance is an insurance contract concluded between the policyholder and the insurance company. The latter undertakes to provide timely assistance to the insured person and cover expenses that arose under unfavorable circumstances. The policy will allow the owner to feel financial protection if urgent medical care or treatment is needed.
Why do you need insurance when traveling in Russia?
It is a mistake to think that a policy is only necessary for those traveling abroad. Traveling or vacationing in Russia may also be associated with unfavorable circumstances that could lead to an insured event. The insurance policy for travelers within the Russian Federation covers the following risks: medical transportation and expenses, transportation expenses, urgent messages and repatriation.
How does a multiple policy work?
Multiple policy is especially popular among those who travel frequently. It is ideal for those applying for multiple-entry visas. The insurance period of a multiple policy is 365 days. The insurance will be valid for 91 days of each trip (“Business VIP”), or you can choose the number of insured days yourself (from 3 to 180) (“Multi”). The number of trips is not limited.
How to make changes to the VZR policy?
Contrary to existing misconceptions, changes can be made to the insurance policy. If a mistake was made when applying for a travel insurance policy, your last name, first name, date of birth, etc. were entered incorrectly, you should not give up and consider the insurance to be damaged. It is enough to describe the situation in a special chat on the company’s official website or write a letter to its email. The necessary changes will be made to the insurance. In cases where corrections need to be made immediately, you should call the hotline, and specialists will promptly help in this situation.
How to get a policy for several countries?
When taking out a travel insurance policy, a traveler can choose one country or several at once. To do this, you must indicate all the countries or regions that will be visited. To travel to several Schengen countries, you need to select “Schengen”. When purchasing insurance online, you must enter the name of the country and select the required one from the list. To enter another country, you need to write its name in the same line and also select it from the list. In this way, all countries where the traveler goes are mentioned.
Is it possible to take out a policy while traveling?
Of course, you should take out insurance in advance. However, situations are different. If you find that in your haste you forgot to take out insurance, no problem. The policy can be purchased even while traveling. It is especially convenient to apply for it online. However, the insurer will not recognize as insured those events that occurred before the start date of the policy.
What should I do if I do not have insurance with me at the time of the insured event?
When staying abroad, it is not always convenient to carry a completed travel insurance policy with you. Therefore, it is quite possible that if an insured event occurs, it will not be with you. This is not a problem if you record it in advance, take a photo, save it in mobile device policy number with contacts service center, because the phone is always at hand.
What is a service center?
The service center is a specialized company that provides services provided for by the rules and the insurance contract around the clock. He acts on behalf of the insurer. Service center contacts are always indicated in insurance policy and should be at hand. They should be contacted when an insured event occurs. In the future, you need to act in accordance with the instructions received from the service center.
How much does visa insurance cost?
The price of the policy depends on several factors. These include the country of entry, the amount of the sum insured, the insurance risks covered by the policy, its validity period, the intended type of vacation, etc. To find out the cost of insurance, you can use an online calculator. Enter the day of entry and exit, country and other data. If active recreation is expected, this must be indicated. Click "Calculate Cost". As a result, you can see the real cost of the policy.
How to cancel the contract and get the money back?
To terminate the contract and return the funds, before the insurance policy begins, you must contact any convenient office with a Russian passport, international passport and insurance policy and write an application for termination. Within 10 days cash will be returned. Please note: when obtaining a visa under such a policy, funds are not refundable.
Insurance terms
Insurance contract Voluntary insurance Insured Sum insured (coverage) Accident Insurance rules Insurance premium (contribution) Insurance risk Insured Insured event (event) Insurer (insurance company) Policy territory Deductible Loss
Insurance contract
Insurance contract is an agreement between the insurer and the policyholder, which regulates their mutual obligations within the terms of the chosen type of insurance.
Voluntary insurance
Voluntary insurance is a form of insurance that arises on the basis of an insurance contract voluntarily concluded by the insurer and the policyholder.
Insured
The insured is a participant in the insurance contract in respect of which it was concluded. This individual, whose health, life or ability to work are the objects of insurance protection.
Sum insured (coverage)
Sum insured (coverage) - the amount of money specified in the contract, within the limits of which the policyholder insured his interest.
Accident
Accident - sudden physical impact certain external factors (thermal, mechanical, chemical, etc.) on the insured, which occurred against his will and led to bodily injury, impairment of physiological functions or death. Accidents do not include any forms of chronic, acute and hereditary pathologies.
Insurance rules
Insurance rules are an integral part of the insurance contract. They reflect the essential conditions of insurance, define the rights and obligations of the insurer, policyholder, and the object of insurance. A complete list of insured events is provided, as well as exceptions to them when the insurer is released from liability.
Insurance premium (contribution)
Insurance premium (contribution) is a payment for insurance transferred by the policyholder to the insurance company for the contract. Its size is determined by the insurer's tariff rate, the amount of the insured amount, the insurance period and other factors.
Insurance risk
Insurance risk is a perceived danger or accident as a result of which an insured event may occur, as a result of which the insurer will have to make an insurance payment.
Policyholder
The policyholder is an individual or entity concluding an agreement with the insurer. According to the contract, the policyholder must promptly pay the company for the fact that it undertakes to make a payment upon the occurrence of an insured event.
Insured event (event)
Insured event (event) is an unfavorable event stipulated by the insurance contract. In this regard, the insurer undertakes to make insurance compensation to the insured or his legal representative specified in the contract (beneficiary).
Insurer (insurance company)
Insurer (insurance company) is a legal entity that, for a fee, undertakes the obligation to make an insurance payment or compensate for losses incurred upon the occurrence of an insured event specified in the contract.
Policy territory
Policy territory - region, country or several countries in whose territory the insurance policy will be valid.
Franchise
Franchise is the amount of damage that, upon the occurrence of an insured event, is not reimbursed by the insurer. The insured must pay it.
Loss - expenses incurred by the insured or his representative, supported by documents. Subject to compensation by the insurer according to the terms of the contract.
Insurance for tourists traveling abroad
Anyone planning to travel abroad needs to know that travel insurance is just as important as train or plane tickets. The cost of travel insurance is not comparable to the price of medical expenses abroad. In order not to pay out of pocket for doctor or hospital services if they are suddenly needed on vacation, you need to purchase a VZR policy. Also, without medical insurance to travel abroad, you will not be able to obtain a visa, and sometimes even enter the country.
Traveling around Russia
Calculation of the cost of insurance for travel in Russia, online purchase of a policy in 5 minutes. Valid at a distance of >90 km from the populated area where the insured person permanently resides.
If you are sending a group of children to a camp or sports training, going on vacation or traveling around Russia, the AlfaTRAVEL insurance policy will become the protector of your financial interests in the event of an accident. The program covers medical and transportation expenses, dental care, urgent messages, post-mortem repatriation of the body, etc.
Passenger insurance
When purchasing a train or air ticket online, you can additionally purchase insurance protection for the duration of transportation and/or stay on the trip, as well as protect yourself from the risk of being unable to complete the trip.
A special type of insurance - voluntary passenger insurance - allows you to minimize the risks associated with air travel. When you go on a trip with a passenger insurance policy from AlfaStrakhovanie, you can be sure that you are under reliable protection.
Green map
If you are going to travel abroad by car, you will need to purchase a policy compulsory insurance"Green Card"
If you are going to travel abroad by car, you will need a Green Card insurance policy. This international analogue OSAGO insurance, which is accepted in 46 countries around the world. By becoming the owner of such a policy, you will protect yourself from the costs of compensation for damage caused by you to the health, life and property of third parties while driving a vehicle outside of Russia.
In order to count on prompt treatment and receive monetary compensation in the event of an accident, you must purchase a medical policy with the additional risk “Accident” from AlfaStrakhovanie.
Taking out travel insurance online will save you time. The policy will allow you to quickly receive payment in case of injuries (as a percentage of the insured amount), and also provides for the payment of the insured amount in the event of complete disability or death of the insured.
In the latter case, the money will be paid to the beneficiaries (heirs).
Medical expenses
AlfaStrakhovanie will make sure that you do not have to spend money on medical care that may be required during your trip.
Within the framework of the chosen program, you can count on reliable protection and guaranteed assistance.
The policy will save you from additional expenses and will reimburse medical expenses for dental care, medical care. transportation, repatriation, urgent messages, etc.
Depending on the insurance territory and the duration of the trip, you can choose a suitable program with the optimal list of insurance risks.
If you do not have the opportunity to visit the AlfaStrakhovanie office, apply for a policy online. It's quick and easy. You can pay by card and receive the policy by email.
Travel cancellation insurance
No matter how a trip abroad is planned, there is always a risk that it will not take place. If you take out insurance against travel/failure to travel abroad, the payment will partially compensate for the cost of missing tickets and vouchers.
Protect yourself in case your planned trip is cancelled. Insurance against travel/failure to travel abroad is what you need.
This option involves monetary compensation in the event of such risks as dangerous infectious diseases, failure to obtain a visa (with the exception of a refusal that was received due to non-compliance with the conditions for submitting documents or if they were met, but the US and UK consulates still refused), participation in legal proceedings, hospitalization or death (including relatives of those traveling abroad), etc.
Travel cancellation insurance is included in the Premium insurance program and allows you to return the money spent in the event of a sudden change in your plans, with the exception of the case of failure to receive a visa.
Baggage insurance
A policy with the included luggage insurance risk provides a payment that compensates the cost of lost items within the limits specified in the contract. To save time, you can buy travel insurance online.
Losing luggage on the road is always associated with a spoiled mood and financial expenses for buying a new wardrobe. To protect yourself from this, you can include an additional risk “Luggage Insurance” in your policy.
The amount of payments depends on the insurance coverage chosen when concluding the insurance contract.
You can quickly issue a policy on the website and receive the document by email.
Property for the duration of the trip
To protect yourself from the hassle of losing money, documents, and other personal property, you will need TPR insurance with this additional risk. In order not to buy a document directly at the insurance company’s office, issue a policy online on our website.
When going on vacation or a business trip, we want to be sure that our apartment or country house nothing will happen.
In order not to worry about the problems that may arise during your vacation, you can conclude a property insurance contract in case of theft, destruction, loss or damage due to fire, gas explosion, lightning strike, failure of plumbing and other systems.
You can add this additional service to your travel insurance contract.
Traveling to Tunisia or Thailand can be very dangerous if you travel through these countries alone. The Federal Tourism Agency recommended that our citizens be more careful in places where many people gather, and not purchase random excursion tours from strangers. Similar warnings have been published before, but now they contain new, much more alarming wording. Read more from Vesti FM correspondent Sergei Artemov.
Our fellow citizens traveling to Tunisia and Thailand need to be extremely careful and cautious. The Federal Tourism Agency reported on its website about the dangers that could threaten Russians there. In particular, in Tunisia, which borders Algeria and Libya, where the IS terrorist group banned in Russia is active, tourists should observe personal safety measures, be vigilant and cautious, especially while staying in popular resort areas - Sousse, Hammamet, Monastir and the island Djerba. There is no need to go on unorganized, especially solitary, trips to the south of Tunisia, especially to the border areas, and it is better to avoid crowded places.
In Thailand it is noted high level terrorist threat against Russians from radical Islamist groups operating in the country. And then there are new phrases that have not previously been found in such documents: “Attacks can be carried out in the form of emergency situations with branded tourist vehicles, arson, biological and chemical contamination of accommodation sites and display objects with imitation of the natural causes of these events.” According to our information, information about potential terrorist attacks came from the intelligence services. Their analysts do not exclude the possibility that criminals could install their people as bus drivers, cooks and waiters in restaurants, and cleaners in hotel rooms and corridors. And – probably even guides to historical and cultural attractions. A recent example of sophisticated mimicry: 2 years ago, militants attacked hotels on the Tunisian coast, dressed in the uniform of the Tunisian army. 30 people were killed then.
In addition, the department instructed travel agencies operating in these areas to inform clients about possible threats. We contacted one of the companies to buy a tour to Tunisia. Her employee, Elizaveta, turned out to be unaware that tourists need to be warned:
- We have not yet received such information from Rostourism.
- So, you don’t warn tourists yet?
- No…
Also, nothing about the department’s instructions was heard in another company where I tried to arrange a trip to Thailand:
- We haven’t received anything like this from Rostourism yet. Not yet. If they send it to us within 24 hours, then there will be talk that Rostourism has made such a mailing.
The Rostourism document also urges travelers not to buy local excursions from strangers. The company manager Olga said that this is standard advice from travel agencies. For obvious practical reasons:
- Don’t buy excursions from different comrades - we always talk about this, yes. You have representatives who are responsible for you. If you buy excursions on the street, then your health insurance does not work. Nobody bears any responsibility for you.
The warning from the Federal Tourism Agency is, of course, a serious matter, and those who are planning to travel to Tunisia and Thailand soon should definitely listen to it. But, the document itself is not a basis for returning an already purchased voucher at full price, Olga explained to us:
- As it was with Turkey - when the country at the leadership level decided that visiting Turkey was prohibited, then there were full returns.
- Then there are no penalties?
- Yes, sure. If Rostourism simply doesn’t recommend it, let’s say, but people are flying, and at some point you decided to cancel because that’s how it is, then there will be no 100% refunds. There will be penalties under the contract.
That is, if a tourist becomes very worried and decides to return the tour package to Tunisia or Thailand, he will lose money. The more, the less time remains before the trip. Official representatives The Federal Agency for Tourism declined to comment on their warning, but recommended that tourists, if they find themselves in dangerous places, follow all instructions from the local police and always keep with them the telephone number of the nearest Russian consulate.
Once upon a time with my wife
We were returning from the cinema,
We met someone in the darkness.
Gentlemen, take off your fur coats!
Once! And they took it off!
Arkady Severny
Traveling is not only a good pleasant vacation, but also always a kind of risk. Especially if you are going to a foreign, unfamiliar country. It is important to remember that here you will inevitably encounter a language barrier, different traditions, culture, different mentality, and in many ways you will find yourself somewhat unarmed.
Therefore, it is important to constantly take care of your safety, not to get involved in all sorts of adventures, and not to take risky steps. It will also be your direct duty to take care of the safety of your friends and relatives who are traveling with you.
Your fellow travelers may not know about a number of dangers while traveling, so you need to tell them about it and advise them on how to behave correctly in a given situation.
Choosing a tour operator
Unexpected dangers often arise because travel companies cannot always clearly inform you about how to behave correctly. various countries. There is a financial issue involved in order to quickly arrange a trip and sell tickets - the manager is silent about certain nuances. This is, of course, how incompetent tour operators behave, with all sorts of “horns and hooves.”
In view of this, you should always choose reliable companies that have proven themselves in the travel industry market when traveling. Carefully study the travel company’s website and its certificates. It is best if it is a well-known international tour operator, which must have a quality certificate and a number of other documents confirming high competence to work with people.
Culture of different countries
It is important to remember that while traveling you should never consume alcoholic drinks. This increases the risk of danger, and can even turn into a real tragedy. The same applies to cigarettes: in some countries, smoking in the wrong place can lead to serious liability.
For example, many citizens, going on vacation to Muslim countries, do not think twice about the fact that drinking alcohol is strictly prohibited here. in public places. The law is very harsh for everyone and punishment will be inevitable.
Also, according to Muslim customs, it is strictly forbidden to expose shoulders and knees where local girls walk veiled. Appearing in excessively revealing clothing can lead to a number of troubles with both the police and local residents. This is a strict violation of local traditions, which in itself is a gross violation of etiquette.
Elementary compassion can also be a serious danger when traveling. For example, if in the USA you see a crying child on the street and approach him to calm him down a little and pat him on the head, you can instantly get in trouble with the police for “pedophilia.” Russian compassion here simply will not be understood.
I twist, I twist, I want to confuse
A very risky step would be to play card games with strangers. Just like in thimbles and others gambling. The 90s taught our compatriots a lot, but still some unlucky travelers sometimes want to try their hand and win the main prize. The result is usually quite disastrous.
Increased risk areas when traveling are airports, train stations, places of tourist and mass pilgrimage. One thing should be understood. There is a kind of hunt for every tourist.
Local petty thieves, beggars and professional pickpockets prey on tourists. You should carefully monitor your belongings, finances and documents. Try not to go to places with large crowds of people. Here they might accidentally get caught in the crowd or accidentally trip over you.
As a rule, scammers have schemes for stealing money that have been perfected over the years. I remember the great schemer O. Bender with his phrase: “I personally have four hundred honest ways seizure of banknotes."
Therefore, it is necessary to be very vigilant and stand on guard all the time.
Robbers on bicycles
Even in developed foreign countries, trouble can lurk. For example, while admiring the local attractions, you can easily become a victim of gypsies who will pick out your pockets and take all your most valuable items.
In Prague, more than 250 citizens a year apply to have their lost passport restored. In Brazil and a number of Latin American countries, people can be robbed even during the day. There are many slums and dangerous neighborhoods here, unmarked.
There are also dangerous neighborhoods where they can easily be attacked and robbed. There are many thieves who ride bicycles, snatching bags from your hands. Remember the American cinema, where these scenes were shown. However, it would be naive to believe that Van Damme will immediately appear around the corner and return your handbag or wallet.
In the evening, you also need to be extremely vigilant, completely avoid night walks, jogging in unfamiliar places, and try to walk only along the central pedestrian streets of the city.
Werewolves in uniform
The scheme is painfully simple: dubious grass is found in the detainee’s bag, of course, planted in advance by an employee law enforcement, and ask for relatively small money in the amount of 150-200 euros for silence. In these countries, avoid lingering at airports and train stations, and try not to catch the eye of the police again.
Unlucky beachgoers
Warm beaches in Rio de Janeiro can also pose a danger. It is here that the police receive a host of complaints from unlucky tourists. People go swimming, and when they return to the shore, they discover that, in fact, legs have been attached to the things.
As in the immortal novel “The Master and Margarita”: “When wet Ivan danced up the steps to the place where his dress remained under the guard of the bearded man, it turned out that not only the second, but also the first, that is, the bearded man himself, had been stolen. Exactly in the place where the pile of dresses was, there were striped long johns, a torn sweatshirt, a candle, an icon and a box of matches.”
Such cases are not uncommon. Contacting the police, as a rule, will not return stolen items.
Neatness on the streets
While vacationing in Naples, danger can await you on small narrow streets. Crazy motorcyclists often run around here. The goal, as a rule, is one - to snatch a handbag, an expensive hat or a camera.
The port of Baria, in Italy, where several ships with tourists arrive every day, has gained fame as a very crime-prone place. As soon as a tourist’s foot steps off the ship’s ramp, cunning thieves try to cut off his camera, bag, and actively pick out his pockets in the crowd of tourists.
Hotel
If you leave the hotel for a walk, you should not leave your mobile phone in your room. The fact is that the maid can cleverly use your phone for her own selfish purposes. It will be very annoying to find a significant debt on the number. The same applies to large sums of money; even in the room’s safe, they can get their hands on it.
Warm countries
A significant danger lies in various experiments with foreign cuisine. Excessively spicy foods or foods that are unusual for your stomach can lead to both mild stomach upset and hospitalization with sharp pains. As they say, there is no friend according to taste.
IN tropical countries An additional risk is the risk of contracting a viral infection. The cause may be poisonous insects. It is to prevent such phenomena that it is necessary to undergo the vaccination procedure. To avoid poisonous bites, it is better to choose clothes made of thick fabric with long sleeves. Make sure that your hotel or apartment has protective mosquito nets on the windows, and apply special creams to your body while you sleep.
In hot countries it is necessary to consume large quantities drinking water, in order to quickly restore the body’s water balance and somewhat reduce exposure to hot sun rays. But it is best to buy bottled water in supermarkets. Any other water, from sources, etc., must be boiled, and only then used on the farm.
Hot Spots
Countries with an unstable political situation pose a particular danger. In troubled times, the level of crime, both petty and more extensive, increases greatly. As a result, your tour bus may simply be stopped and robbed, or even take all the tourists hostage. Therefore, you should not take risks and try to travel to such dangerous places.
Railway
On long-distance trains, especially to the countries of the former CIS, you should not relax. Keep documents and money with you, put them under the seat or under the pillow at night. As a child, we ourselves became victims of scammers when our compartment neighbor, under a strange pretext, put his things in our box. In the morning, of course, he reached for his knapsack (which was probably empty), and at the same time grabbed our provisions.
Megacities
In large cities, you can inadvertently encounter aggressive youth subcultures. One such example is football fans. It’s worth remembering the movie “Eurotrip,” when a group of young people entered an average English pub and found themselves face to face with a whole gang of aggressive guys.
Therefore, if you see a group of untied, excited people, under no circumstances should you approach them, and generally show all sorts of attention. Themed pubs where broadcasts take place are also very dangerous. sports games or heavy music concerts.
You need to be extremely careful on the streets, in the metro and public transport of megacities, as professional scammers often operate there. Visitors are easily identified by their restless, shifting eyes and try to somehow make money.
There is also a danger of falling under the hot hand. Therefore, it is better not to react to threats and insults. For example, in Moscow, cases of fights and brawls in the subway have long been common, often with the use of traumatic weapons. Moreover, not only ordinary citizens, but also celebrities from the Moscow elite, and even politicians, become victims.
Precautionary measures
Only a number of strict measures to protect your life and a clear awareness of the country to which you want to go will help you avoid danger. It is better to familiarize yourself with all the information in advance and thoroughly find out from the tour operator about all the features of the area.
Find out the currency exchange rate, customs clearance rules, recommendations for the type of clothing, required vaccinations, find out the cost of basic products, taxi and public transport, write down the telephone number of the local Russian consulate and local police, ask where the nearest hospital is, and always take it with you business card of your hotel.
Documents and money should be stored especially carefully. Just in case, make electronic copies of basic documents in case of loss, in order to somehow prove your identity. It is better to have both an electronic and printed copy.
Money - cash and credit cards are best kept separate. It's ideal if you're traveling with your spouse and essentially have two different wallets. If there is no safe in the room, it is better to put some of the money in the safe at the reception. If there is no place to leave money at the hotel, then it is better to carry less cash and withdraw money from an ATM more often. If possible, it is best to split the money between two accounts on different bank cards.
When traveling, it is best not to show your worth. Expensive clothes, gold jewelry, iPhone and iPad - all these things are best left at home. You should also exchange large bills in advance, and do not carry purchases in one large bag, so as not to attract special attention.
Always carry a first aid kit with you containing all the most necessary medical supplies. Be sure to take anti-poisoning, allergy, anti-flu, painkillers and anti-sickness medications. Plasters, dressings and disinfectants can be taken at your discretion, because... They are definitely available in any pharmacy.
If you are going to engage in extreme sports while traveling, you should definitely familiarize yourself with the certificates of conformity of the quality of services provided at the organizer’s office. Some companies neglect mandatory certification in order to save money, which poses a high threat to the health of visitors.
Be sure to find out if your insurance covers all types of injuries sustained from a motorcycle fall or car accident. When renting a scooter, be sure to ask for a helmet. Personal safety rules should never be neglected. Statistics show that in many countries, foreign tourists almost regularly fall to their deaths. This amounts to very large numbers.
When walking alone, you should be restrained and not talk to strangers, especially not trustworthy people. You need to study the map of the area in detail in advance and keep it with you, but you should also not walk around, as they say, running your nose over the map, attracting a dangerous contingent.
Watch yourself, be careful.
Have a good holiday!
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Part of eastern Ukraine, which is now considered territory outside the control of Kyiv, has become a kind of forbidden territory. It is not so easy to enter the territory of the unrecognized republics, but it is even more difficult to leave there. However, even here there were enterprising people who were not at a loss and came up with a lot of ways to make money from a military conflict. Nobody holds a grudge against them - after all, they help solve a number of problems, and if a person is able to pay, then he is happy to resort to their services. But those who don’t have money have to seriously risk not only their health, but also their lives.
Journalist Alexander Gayuk spent the whole day on the border between the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic and Ukraine, where he prepared a photo report especially for Open Asia Online.
Business on documents
First of all, those who want to formalize a marriage, the birth of a child, the death of a relative, restore lost documents, etc. leave the DPR. Stern Ukrainian border guards carefully check everyone's passport, and some may be denied entry without explanation. Apparently, because of this, people have appeared at the border who offer to solve any such issue “without a client.” For example, a new passport costs from 200 dollars, a license – from 400. And since every day the Ukrainian authorities are finding gaps in their licensing system, the cost of such services is constantly growing.
- Ukrainian-style rights are internationally recognized, so we have to use this service. After all, it is simply impossible to leave the DPR for a couple of months to attend a driving school - you have to leave your family and work. And so you studied here, and they brought you a legal license from Ukraine. Expensive, of course, but there’s nowhere to go,” said 30-year-old Alexey Molchanov, who recently became the proud owner of a silver Lanos.
Business is next
IN different days There are from two hundred to a thousand cars in queues on the border with the unrecognized republic, and this is about five hundred people who will definitely want to eat, drink and, of course, relieve themselves throughout the whole day. And if the last point was fulfilled by hastily assembled semblances of toilets or bushes, then there was nowhere to buy food in the field. But demand creates supply, and the border area was chosen by sellers of sandwiches, coffee and water. It’s clear that the price for simple provisions is almost twice as high, but people don’t have much choice. Especially for those who did not have time to pass through the checkpoint before evening and stayed overnight in the field.
But if you don’t want to stand in line, you can use the services of carriers who somehow cross the border without hindrance. One seat in such a “discount” car costs about 12 dollars. For about the same amount, people who are standing at the very beginning of the queue can give up their place to you. Many people make a living this way.
If you decide to cross the border on foot, then there are your own problems: between the zero post, where Ukrainian territory already begins, and the customs office, where people are checked, the distance is about 3 kilometers. It's not easy to walk through it in the heat. There is, however, a bus here, but it runs very rarely. That's why it appeared the new kind services - pedicab. According to the principle of Indian cab drivers, a guy for 6.5 dollars can transport two passengers to customs and back.
19-year-old Sergei Morozov recently came up with such a service. In Kharkov, he ordered the necessary transport, and now he has his own business.
There are enough clients, I hope to pay for this bike very soon and maybe I’ll even take someone else with me as a partner. When pedestrians are quickly let through, I can’t cope alone, and this is a missed opportunity to make money,” said Sergei.
“Don’t go there!”
But not everything can be solved with money. For example, if citizens of Kazakhstan decide to come to the DPR, they simply will not be allowed through. At Ukrainian customs, military personnel said that in this case, foreigners must have relatives in the self-proclaimed republic. Only this basis allows you to submit an application on the SBU website to receive a pass to the war zone. It is not surprising that here, too, people appeared offering to obtain an entry permit for a fee. However, as practice shows, there are many scammers among them - the pass may turn out to be fake, and then its owner may have serious problems.
Alternatively, you can enter the DPR through the Russian border, but if the Ukrainian authorities find out about this, they will prohibit the violator from entering the territory of Ukraine and impose a fine.
There are other incidents related to travel to the ATO zone. For example, 35-year-old Valentina Solyaeva went on vacation to Berdyansk with her 10-year-old daughter. But the woman did not know that to travel across the border, you need a notarized permission from the father to take the child out. And it turned out that they were released from the DPR, but they are not allowed back. Now Valentina will wait until her husband returns from a business trip and they can return home together. In the meantime, she will have to look for a place where they can be sheltered for a while.
“We would stand for a day and hold out for the night”
Well, ordinary citizens can only wait their turn. Moreover, in Lately more and more time. If previously it was possible to cross the border in 3-5 hours, now this process stretches for a day, or even two people spending the night together in a field. By the way, there is never a dull moment here at night - people become eyewitnesses to fights and incidents, and sometimes become victims. Even more often people die here because they go into ditches to relieve themselves or try to drive around the road in a car. There are a lot of mined areas here that are not marked in any way. This leads to big losses. In order to somehow protect people, security forces do not remove blown up cars from minefields...
65-year-old Sergei Vasilchenko often travels from Donetsk, where he works, to Kurakhovo, where he has his home and farm. Taught by the bitter experience of standing in lines in the thick of it, he now never leaves without bottles of frozen water and a large beach umbrella. He attaches it to his old Volga and escapes in the shadows.
When people's patience goes beyond all limits, they begin to block the road and not let anyone through. It is especially difficult for disabled people and families with children - they, as a rule, are always sent to the very end of the line. Therefore, they save “travel” money from their benefits so as not to stand for a day and a half, risking their lives. Let me remind you that the tax starts from 12 dollars...
According to Russian legislation in the field of tourism, insurance for those traveling abroad is the main form of ensuring their safety during their stay abroad. From December 28, 2015, the insurance policy must provide coverage for medical expenses in the amount of at least 2,000,000 rubles. But in addition to the services of a doctor, a tourist may need other assistance, for example, administrative, legal, etc.
The purpose of any type of travel insurance is to protect citizens during organized trips, independent travel, shopping tours or business trips abroad. Such insurance is considered risky. At the same time, risk is understood as the likelihood that one or another unfavorable or unforeseen situation may occur.
Tourism and insurance features
All risks in the tourism sector may differ in such characteristics as the reasons that caused the possibility of the occurrence of a particular negative event, the breadth of action, and the scale of consequences. What these cases have in common is the emergence of a sudden negative situation for the tourist.
Types of risks in tourism
All types of risks in tourism can be roughly divided into three main groups:
- Threat to the life and health of tourists
Travelers may have many reasons to worry. These are, for example, sanitary and epidemiological standards in certain countries (for example, in many countries in Africa and Asia), unfamiliar food, dangerous flora and fauna, and other factors that may threaten the life and health of vacationers. - Risk of damage or loss of property
This includes loss of luggage, damage to any valuables (for example, photo and video equipment, your own vehicle, personal belongings, etc.). However, trouble can happen in unexpected places. For example, while a tourist is vacationing abroad, his house or apartment may be robbed or flooded by neighbors from above. - Risk of civil liability
During travel, any situation may occur as a result of which a tourist may unintentionally cause harm to the health or property of third parties. That is why insurers advise including civil liability insurance in your policy - this coverage may be especially relevant for athletes or lovers of active pastimes. - Financial risks
This could be cancellation or rescheduling of a flight, cancellation of a trip for various reasons, and much more. It is difficult to completely protect yourself from such force majeure situations, but you can at least insure yourself in order to be able to compensate for their consequences.
Travel insurance can be mandatory or voluntary, group or individual. The fact that this service is mandatory for those traveling abroad is determined by the legislation of the host country. There are states that you can enter only if you have medical policy. The fact is that they simply will not issue you a visa without such a document. This rule is relevant, for example, for all countries included in the Schengen area.
Optional insurance includes additional services such as insurance for civil liability, lost luggage or trip cancellation. Unfortunately, we have to admit that there is a relatively low demand for these types of insurance. This is due to the general low level of tourist culture in the field of insurance. However, the situation is gradually changing for the better. This is largely due to the fact that the number of such insured events is constantly growing.
What can happen to a tourist abroad?
- Acute sudden illnesses;
- Accident;
- Loss of luggage and other valuables;
- Adverse weather conditions at the resort (for example, lack of snow on the ski slopes);
- Long flight delay.
Insurance for traveling abroad
In the end, it remains to add that when planning a vacation, try to take care of your protection from possible risks and threats that could cause harm to life and health, as well as disrupt your vacation plans. Insurance allows you to make your trip as comfortable and convenient as possible.
Once upon a time with my wife
We were returning from the cinema,
We met someone in the darkness.
Gentlemen, take off your fur coats!
Once! And they took it off!
Arkady Severny
Traveling is not only a good pleasant vacation, but also always a kind of risk. Especially if you are going to a foreign, unfamiliar country. It is important to remember that here you will inevitably encounter a language barrier, different traditions, culture, different mentality, and in many ways you will find yourself somewhat unarmed.
Therefore, it is important to constantly take care of your safety, not to get involved in all sorts of adventures, and not to take risky steps. It will also be your direct duty to take care of the safety of your friends and relatives who are traveling with you.
Your fellow travelers may not know about a number of dangers while traveling, so you need to tell them about it and advise them on how to behave correctly in a given situation.
Choosing a tour operator
Unexpected dangers often arise because travel companies are not always able to clearly inform you about how to properly behave in different countries. There is a financial issue involved in order to quickly arrange a trip and sell tickets - the manager is silent about certain nuances. This is, of course, how incompetent tour operators behave, with all sorts of “horns and hooves.”
In view of this, you should always choose reliable companies that have proven themselves in the travel industry market when traveling. Carefully study the travel company’s website and its certificates. It is best if it is a well-known international tour operator, which must have a quality certificate and a number of other documents confirming high competence to work with people.
Culture of different countries
It is important to remember that you should never drink alcohol while traveling. This increases the risk of danger, and can even turn into a real tragedy. The same applies to cigarettes: in some countries, smoking in the wrong place can lead to serious liability.
For example, many citizens, when going on vacation to Muslim countries, do not think twice about the fact that drinking alcohol in public places is strictly prohibited here. The law is very harsh for everyone and punishment will be inevitable.
Also, according to Muslim customs, it is strictly forbidden to expose shoulders and knees where local girls walk veiled. Appearing in excessively revealing clothing can lead to a number of troubles with both the police and local residents. This is a strict violation of local traditions, which in itself is a gross violation of etiquette.
Elementary compassion can also be a serious danger when traveling. For example, if in the USA you see a crying child on the street and approach him to calm him down a little and pat him on the head, you can instantly get in trouble with the police for “pedophilia.” Russian compassion here simply will not be understood.
I twist, I twist, I want to confuse
Playing card games with strangers would be a very risky step. Just like in thimbles and other games of chance. The 90s taught our compatriots a lot, but still some unlucky travelers sometimes want to try their hand and win the main prize. The result is usually quite disastrous.
Increased risk areas when traveling are airports, train stations, places of tourist and mass pilgrimage. One thing should be understood. There is a kind of hunt for every tourist.
Local petty thieves, beggars and professional pickpockets prey on tourists. You should carefully monitor your belongings, finances and documents. Try not to go to places with large crowds of people. Here they might accidentally get caught in the crowd or accidentally trip over you.
As a rule, scammers have schemes for stealing money that have been perfected over the years. I remember the great combinator O. Bender with his phrase: “I personally have four hundred honest ways to take away banknotes.”
Therefore, it is necessary to be very vigilant and stand on guard all the time.
Robbers on bicycles
Even in developed foreign countries, trouble can lurk. In, for example, while admiring the local attractions, you can easily become a victim of gypsies who will pick out your pockets and take away all your most valuable things.
In Prague, more than 250 citizens a year apply to have their lost passport restored. In Brazil and a number of Latin American countries, people can be robbed even during the day. There are many slums and dangerous neighborhoods here, unmarked.
There are also dangerous neighborhoods where they can easily be attacked and robbed. There are many thieves who ride bicycles, snatching bags from your hands. Remember the American cinema, where these scenes were shown. However, it would be naive to believe that Van Damme will immediately appear around the corner and return your handbag or wallet.
In the evening, you also need to be extremely vigilant, completely avoid night walks, jogging in unfamiliar places, and try to walk only along the central pedestrian streets of the city.
Werewolves in uniform
The scheme is painfully simple: they find dubious grass in the detainee’s bag, of course, planted in advance by a law enforcement officer, and they ask for relatively small money in the amount of 150-200 euros for silence. In these countries, avoid lingering at airports and train stations, and try not to catch the eye of the police again.
Unlucky beachgoers
Warm beaches in Rio de Janeiro can also pose a danger. It is here that the police receive a host of complaints from unlucky tourists. People go swimming, and when they return to the shore, they discover that, in fact, legs have been attached to the things.
As in the immortal novel “The Master and Margarita”: “When wet Ivan danced up the steps to the place where his dress remained under the guard of the bearded man, it turned out that not only the second, but also the first, that is, the bearded man himself, had been stolen. Exactly in the place where the pile of dresses was, there were striped long johns, a torn sweatshirt, a candle, an icon and a box of matches.”
Such cases are not uncommon. Contacting the police, as a rule, will not return stolen items.
Neatness on the streets
While vacationing in Naples, danger can await you on small narrow streets. Crazy motorcyclists often run around here. The goal, as a rule, is one - to snatch a handbag, an expensive hat or a camera.
The port of Baria, in Italy, where several ships with tourists arrive every day, has gained fame as a very crime-prone place. As soon as a tourist’s foot steps off the ship’s ramp, cunning thieves try to cut off his camera, bag, and actively pick out his pockets in the crowd of tourists.
Hotel
If you leave the hotel for a walk, you should not leave your mobile phone in your room. The fact is that the maid can cleverly use your phone for her own selfish purposes. It will be very annoying to find a significant debt on the number. The same applies to large sums of money; even in the room’s safe, they can get their hands on it.
Warm countries
A significant danger lies in various experiments with foreign cuisine. Excessively spicy foods or foods that are unusual for your stomach can lead to both mild indigestion and hospitalization with acute pain. As they say, there is no friend according to taste.
In tropical countries, an additional risk is the risk of contracting a viral infection. The cause may be poisonous insects. It is to prevent such phenomena that it is necessary to undergo the vaccination procedure. To avoid poisonous bites, it is better to choose clothes made of thick fabric with long sleeves. Make sure that your hotel or apartment has protective mosquito nets on the windows, and apply special creams to your body while you sleep.
In hot countries, it is necessary to drink large amounts of drinking water in order to quickly restore the body's water balance and somewhat reduce exposure to hot sun rays. But it is best to buy bottled water in supermarkets. Any other water, from sources, etc., must be boiled, and only then used on the farm.
Hot Spots
Countries with an unstable political situation pose a particular danger. In troubled times, the level of crime, both petty and more extensive, increases greatly. As a result, your tour bus may simply be stopped and robbed, or even take all the tourists hostage. Therefore, you should not take risks and try to travel to such dangerous places.
Railway
On long-distance trains, especially to the countries of the former CIS, you should not relax. Keep documents and money with you, put them under the seat or under the pillow at night. As a child, we ourselves became victims of scammers when our compartment neighbor, under a strange pretext, put his things in our box. In the morning, of course, he reached for his knapsack (which was probably empty), and at the same time grabbed our provisions.
Megacities
In large cities, you can inadvertently encounter aggressive youth subcultures. One such example is football fans. It’s worth remembering the movie “Eurotrip,” when a group of young people entered an average English pub and found themselves face to face with a whole gang of aggressive guys.
Therefore, if you see a group of untied, excited people, under no circumstances should you approach them, and generally show all sorts of attention. Themed pubs where sports games or heavy music concerts are broadcast are also very dangerous.
You need to be extremely careful on the streets, in the metro and public transport of megacities, as professional scammers often operate there. Visitors are easily identified by their restless, shifting eyes and try to somehow make money.
There is also a danger of falling under the hot hand. Therefore, it is better not to react to threats and insults. For example, in Moscow, cases of fights and brawls in the subway have long been common, often with the use of traumatic weapons. Moreover, not only ordinary citizens, but also celebrities from the Moscow elite, and even politicians, become victims.
Precautionary measures
Only a number of strict measures to protect your life and a clear awareness of the country to which you want to go will help you avoid danger. It is better to familiarize yourself with all the information in advance and thoroughly find out from the tour operator about all the features of the area.
Find out the currency exchange rate, customs clearance rules, recommendations for the type of clothing, required vaccinations, find out the cost of basic products, taxi and public transport, write down the telephone number of the local Russian consulate and local police, ask where the nearest hospital is, and always take it with you business card of your hotel.
Documents and money should be stored especially carefully. Just in case, make electronic copies of basic documents in case of loss, in order to somehow prove your identity. It is better to have both an electronic and printed copy.
Money - cash and credit cards are best kept separate. It's ideal if you're traveling with your spouse and essentially have two different wallets. If there is no safe in the room, it is better to put some of the money in the safe at the reception. If there is no place to leave money at the hotel, then it is better to carry less cash and withdraw money from an ATM more often. If possible, it is best to split the money between two accounts on different bank cards.
Rarely does a trip go exactly according to a given plan, and the unexpected turns of a vacation are not always pleasant. Almost all the travel dangers that tourists face have long been known to everyone, but circumstances may develop in such a way that it is extremely difficult to predict them.
However, when going on vacation to a foreign country, you need to remember the possible dangers.
Theft
When traveling by train or bus, the likelihood of being robbed is very high. In this regard, the countries of the Caucasus, the Middle East and Asia are the most dangerous. On almost every train there are dozens of thieves, for whom robbing tourists is almost a permanent income.
These thieves work standard scheme- they get on the train, steal luggage, documents or money, and then just get off, which makes it almost impossible to catch them, especially in a foreign country.
Preventing this is quite simple - you just need to sleep on your luggage and close the compartment door tightly. If the journey does not take much time, then it is better not to fall asleep at all. Also, you should not drink alcohol, as it weakens your attention. You should keep all money and documents with you, and under no circumstances put them in bags.
Thief on a scooter
However, robberies do not only happen in poor and undeveloped countries. For example, every year a little more than a thousand US citizens contact the American Embassy in Italy with a request to restore a stolen passport.
Luggage and personal belongings are stolen much less frequently in European countries, but there is always a demand for documents, phones and money.
Most often, property is stolen on beaches, from hotel rooms and rented cars. In Sicily, robberies with a pistol or a sawn-off shotgun still sometimes occur - in this case, it is better to give up money and jewelry without questions if you do not want to lose your life.
In France, you can easily become a victim of gypsies who will distract you with their conversations, and in the meantime they will clean out your bag and pockets. And in presentable southern resorts, if you leave the hotel at night, you can easily become a victim of an armed attack and robbery.
In Latin American countries, and especially in Brazil, which is popular among tourists, tourists can easily be robbed even in broad daylight. While on vacation, for example, in Rio, you should remember that it is enough to walk a few tens of meters - and from a prestigious street you can get into the slums, where a tourist instantly becomes a victim of robbery, and sometimes something worse.
Police
Despite the fact that the main task of law enforcement agencies is to protect everyone, including tourists, in a number of countries it is people in uniform who should be feared more than ordinary thieves.
In Malaysia, Thailand and India, many police officers practice arrest on unfair charges. The salary of police officers in such countries rarely exceeds $200, and they try to earn as much as they can.
Basically, the police work according to this scheme - they arrest a tourist at the airport, finding drugs in his luggage that they themselves just planted there. For “silence” they demand approximately 200 dollars, which it is better to give them - otherwise there is a chance to spend the rest of your days in prison - not a single foreigner has been acquitted in Thailand over the past twenty years.
Mexico City Police
But in European countries, the fraudulent scheme of the “police” is of a completely different kind. In the Czech Republic, cheerful people in police uniforms can approach unwary tourists and begin to demand in a stern voice to pay a fine. The reasons for such fines may be different, but the first thing to do is to require proof of identification. If a person in uniform refuses, you can safely call for help.
Police in Egypt and the United Arab Emirates are known throughout the world for their rudeness towards tourists. They can react especially nervously to aimed camera lenses. Even random shots taken by guests can lead to detention, confiscation of the camera, or even a broken shutter with threats of physical violence.
Countries such as Iran have so-called “morality police” on the streets of large cities. These are the most ordinary police officers who monitor the execution of the dress code that complies with Muslim law. They can fine women for having too short skirts or not wearing a headscarf, and men for shorts and unbuttoned shirts.
The danger for tourists is that fines in such countries may not have fixed rates. For foreigners, they can even be exorbitant. You can avoid problems - you just need to follow the basic rules of conduct and laws of the country where you choose to spend your vacation.
Important: Any conflict situation with the police in another state should be resolved as quickly and as politely as possible - without mutual insults. The first thing you should do is call the embassy of your country and describe the situation in detail: where, when and for what reason they are trying to detain you or bring you to justice.
Animals
In addition to the unconditional human factor, we should not forget about the natural factor - wild animals in any climate zone can bring tourists a lot of trouble.
Visiting National parks Thailand, don't forget about its most famous inhabitants - monkeys. In the minds of the average person, these cute little animals are harmless, but in reality this is not the case at all.
Before going into the jungle, all tourists are warned to leave jewelry, equipment and valuables in the hotel storage room. Primates often steal from tourists, or simply snatch things from their hands.
In special cases, tourist groups may be accompanied by specially trained people. Monkeys often behave aggressively, periodically attacking particularly curious tourists.
Often people are robbed by monkeys
Basic safety precautions must also be observed on safari tours. Many people want to go to tigers or lions in their natural habitat, but few remember that you cannot get out of the car under any circumstances.
A separate discussion is about snakes. Despite the fact that the chance of meeting a dangerous king cobra in India is quite small, do not forget that the bite of this reptile is often fatal. Dangerous species of snakes live almost everywhere where tourists have set foot - in Turkey, Thailand, Vietnam or Indonesia.
Scuba diving can also be marred by encounters with unpleasant inhabitants of the deep sea. In addition to sharks, several dozen species of dangerous fish and other animals can be found in the waters of Egypt.
Forbidden entertainment
If drugs planted by corrupt police officers are an exception to the rule, then tourists who consciously go in search of thrills in a foreign country are a sad everyday occurrence that also applies to Russians.
You can legally buy marijuana or any recreational drug in only a few countries, and almost all of them are in Europe. In other cases, no matter how they try to lure the guest with various “smoking mixtures,” this is a direct violation of the law. And, if in the West the case can be limited to a large fine, then in the eastern region it is a serious crime, with punishment up to death penalty.
Netherlands
Important: Drug dealers often collude with the police, luring frivolous tourists into planned raids. The result of such “adventures” is very sad - either you will have to pay off the law enforcement officers with a tidy sum, or wait for your sentence in prison.
Another forbidden fruit is prostitution. In most countries popular among Russian tourists, it is strictly prohibited, but so-called sex tours have long become an unspoken commonplace.
The methods of luring tourists here are similar, only instead of dealers, pimps will offer the “product.”
Precautionary measures
Based on all that has been said, one conclusion can be drawn. To protect yourself on vacation, regardless of the country, you need to do only two things: follow the law and remain vigilant.
And, of course, it’s worth mentioning alcohol, because it is the cause of most of the troubles that have ever happened to Russian tourists. Moderate drinking will help you avoid many troubles, including with the law.
