When things go wrong

No matter how careful you are, things just go wrong. When they do, it pays to be prepared.

If your passport is lost or stolen, contact the nearest embassy or consulate immediately - this is when a photocopy of your passport details and visas can make a big difference in obtaining a replacement passport quickly.

If your money, travellers cheqes or credit cards are lost or stolen, phone your bank immediately to cancel the cards and notify your travellers cheques provider. Travellers cheques can usually be replaced within 24 hours. You can get money wired to you quickly via services such as Western Union. Alternatively, you can have money transferred to you through your bank, but this can take a few days.

Whenever your documents, money or luggage are lost or stolen, it's important to file a report with the nearest police station, noting as far as possible the individual items that have gone missing and providing serial numbers and other details that might aid in identification. It is essential to keep a copy of the report as you will need it for us to pay your claim when you return.

If you are ill and have to seek emergency medical attention, evacuation or you're hospitalised, initially you may not have much choice in your standard or place of care. It's vital that you call us immediately so we can make contact with family back home and ensure you are properly cared for.

Useful online resources

Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade
DFAT's Online Registration page
UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office
The Travel Doctor (TMVC)
UK Department of Health traveller advice
Hospital for Tropical Diseases, UK
World Health Organisation
Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Safer Air Travel information
Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service