War Changes Things. Be Aware. Be Prepared
Since the outbreak of war in Israel and Gaza, October 7, 2023, travellers worldwide, whatever their destination, have been repeatedly warned to be vigilant of their surroundings and to avoid high-risk areas and situations.
Though combat so far has been concentrated primarily in Israel, Gaza, the West Bank and the border areas of Lebanon, Syria and Egypt, collateral conflicts are spreading throughout the Middle East igniting demonstrations in and around school campuses, houses of worship, sporting arenas, parks and boulevards in cities and transportation hubs worldwide, including America, Britain, Canada, Europe and as far away as Australia and Southeast Asia.
From day to day, threat levels change, and unexpected dangers arise-- not only for potential hostages or demonstrators motivated by conflicting ideologies, but for innocent non-aligned travellers passing-by who risk bodily injury, arrest, loss of valuables and travel documents, itinerary cancellations, and especially their connection with worried families back home. Travelling out of one’s normal environment (or comfort zone) involves a certain element of risk, and millions of travellers worldwide routinely prepare for that by arming themselves with travel insurance. That’s a good thing. But knowing what travel insurance covers, or doesn’t, and what to do in case the unexpected happens, is better, and that’s the buyer’s responsibility. The first step in fulfilling that responsibility is determining risk levels in countries and regions all along the travel itinerary.
Take advantage of the Five Eyes.
In travel advisories issued by foreign service departments of “Five Eyes” countries (an intelligence gathering alliance including Canada, US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand) risk-levels generally run an escalating scale from (1) Exercise Normal Safety Precautions, (2) Exercise High Degree (or Increased) caution, (3) Avoid Non-Essential Travel or Reconsider Travel (there are slight word variations among the Five), and (4) Do Not Travel. Often, the Avoid Non-Essential Travel rating encompasses “No Travel” enclaves and that should raise a red flag warning as most policies sold in “Five Eyes” countries may limit or pre-empt benefits for those areas. For example: Mexico, which is Canada’s most favored vacation destination next to the United States comprises 31 states—of which 14 (as of the end of October 2023) are on the Avoid Non Essential or No travel list—many of them encircling that country’s most fabled seaside resort areas.
In addition, all travel insurance policies specify that even when travelling to regions of relative peace, visitors are still subject to local laws and authorities, and any deliberate involvement in public altercations, civil disobedience, street demonstration, religious or sectarian disturbances, can trigger loss of policy benefits such as coverage of emergency medical care, costs of itinerary cancellations, pre-planned deposits, legal fees for locally-mandated court appearances, or per diem living expenses.
When in a foreign country as a guest, behaviour counts. If you see trouble or sense it’s coming: call local law authorities if possible, get out of the way, and contact your emergency assistance provider or your government’s foreign travel service for Canadians Abroad* for further guidance. *We’ll explain this vital step in our next blog.
© Copyright 2023/24 Milan Korcok. All rights reserved.
Milan Korcok is an award-winning health/care writer covering international affairs. He is a dual American/Canadian citizen resident in the U.S.
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