I've never needed, wanted or expected government assistance of any form in my travels so for me it really doesn't make any difference.

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Garry from Oz - powered by Burgman

Have you ever been in jail in a foreign country? Ever been fooked up so bad you've couldn't move without shitting yourself? Ever been Dead in a foreign country? Who takes care of you? Who even knows your dead? Or alive?

Sadly, in this regard the USA is like the UK. Under only rare circumstances will US State Dept. step up to help ... and would most likely bill you for getting you out. Nothing new there.

Nowadays with the Bush/Cheney invented Homeland Gestapo, you can end up on a
"No Fly" list just for visiting certain countries. And here's the kicker: You can't even find out if you're on said "list" or do anything to plead your case or get off the list. "No Fly" means essentially they bring in the FBI and hold you as long as they like anytime you attempt to board a plane or cross a border. Welcome to America. Land of the Free.

I'm hoping Obama can eventually reverse some of these despicable Bush/Cheney policies implemented to spread fear on a so-called "war on terror", while suspending basic constitutional rights.

The sad fact is, there are too many idiots getting into situations they have no business in. This is no doubt the reason the French are instituting this policy. Truly stupid and reckless, irresponsible people should pay their way out, IMHO.

But if someone is in jail on some BS charge (very common) or in hospital somewhere from an accident, or a political prisoner, then this, to me, is when your home Govt. should step up and do the right thing. Re-patriate free of charge. Of course all has to be on a case by case basis. Drug dealer? ah, sorry.

Having dealt with dead bodies in Bolivia and jailed folks in Colombia and Argentina, I can tell you that help from US State Dept. officials was welcomed.

But don't ever count on the US to help you out unless you have certain connections. Be careful out there folks.

I don't think you're going to find anyone on this, or any other forum, who's going to answer yes to that one.

Mate, I've been riding bikes around the globe for over 35 years and come up against all sorts of crap - slept in a jail in Tanzania, been caught in war zones, been so sick that I coudln't move a metre away from a toilet bowl for days on end.

It's my responsibility - it's my decision to go there and take those risks, and I go there with the full knowledge that I alone have to face, and accept, the consequences of the decisions I make. I have no expectation that the government or anybody else is going to help me out of these situations - anyone who does is either a fool or severely naive. If someone can help then well and good, but whatever you do don't expect or depend upon it.

At the end of the day Mickey, the only statement that counts is your last sentence - but substitute 'your government' for 'the US' because this should apply to all travellers wherever they hail from.

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Garry from Oz - powered by Burgman

Govt should repatriate for free if sick????? Bollocks - that's what your insurance is for. Didn't bother with insurance? - bad luck son.
Consular assistance is for very specific issues e.g. jailed in foreign country, lost passport. That's it.
Does anyone really, honestly think that their governments give a shit about their citizens? You do? - wake up and smell the coffee.

They sure do, when its time to pay your taxes. outside your tax dollars, for all they care, you and I can go fornicate with ourselves.