Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Staying Healthy on the Road
Staying Healthy on the Road Medical info, e.g. malaria, vaccinations, travel medical tips, medical insurance, where to find a doctor.
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Like Tree4Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #31  
Old 7 May 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 42
Before I fork out big dollars to an insurer ...,

One thing I have always done beforehand is to find out exactly where their emergency hotline operators are located.

That may be some 3rd party call answering service in India who cannot contact the main office (on another continent) until the next day . Perhaps they also don't have the permission to make executive decisions , or the person who does is sick/ on holidays / day off / out to lunch etc,

..., or perhaps they only have one telephone line / or staff member working that night - where you are put on hold for ever as you try and call from overseas - which chews through all your cash before getting your call answered.



After finding out where the call centre is actually located .., I work out a time that corresponds to being "in the middle of the night" for that offices location - and I make a 'test' phone call to that office simulating an emergency just to see how promptly someone answers the phone, then see what authority they actually have.

These insurance companies all promise to provide prompt action , but from my little call tests over the years, I know that is not always true - far from it actually.

With an insurer .., I expect nothing less than a quick telephone answer - 24 hours around the clock 365 days a year - with full emergency response permission granted instantly for everything covered in the policy without any delays whatsoever.



I know for a fact , and have seen people die in third world where a hospital does not want to lift a finger to save a life - ie; before they can ensure 100% that the bill is going to get paid up front or without official confirmation from an insurer.

Any delay in conformation from an insurer for example can see you bleed out internally in the waiting room.

..., and always read your fine print (twice) , and if there is a 'what if' in the fine print that sounds like it could be a grey area , or is vaguely worded, then email the company (ie;dont call) and get the clarification in writing or consider yourself not covered. You can bet that grey area will not be interpreted in your favour when it comes to the crunch.
Insurance companies go to lots of effort to word their policies vaguely for that exact reason so they can interpret it how they see fit to avoid any payouts.

Never trust or rely on what a company representative tells you over the phone either regarding the 'what if's' to the questions you may ask .

Do not believe their verbal interpretation of the policy when it is not clearly defined in the fine print. Only trust confirmed written replies as this will be the only leg you have to stand on if things go pear shaped .
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
World Nomad's Travel Insurance JSerpa Trip Paperwork 9 8 Jun 2014 01:55
A most magical and mystifying round the world exploration The Motorcycle Thing Ride Tales 13 13 Aug 2013 08:22
World Nomads Vs Medjet Assist garrydymond Staying Healthy on the Road 15 12 Apr 2013 15:14
Rally Around the World First-Leg Ride - Nasvhville TN - Sat July 28, 2012 Bradthompson59 Motorcycle Events around the world 0 6 Jul 2012 22:49
Around the World in 80 Movies jopos Ride Tales 0 17 May 2012 09:45

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 23:02.