Why the Vietnam Tragedy is a Wake-Up Call for International Travellers

The Vietnam Boat Tragedy: A Sobering Reality

Island-hopping and coastal excursions are standard activities in Southeast Asian countries, but they can turn tragic due to unforeseen circumstances. Holiday risk management is something not many people want to think or talk about, but navigating the unforeseen has become crucial for Indians travelling abroad.

This includes booking with high-rated tour operators, ensuring proper safety checks, understanding the risks and preparing for them accordingly. Travel insurance is among these crucial safety checks, preparing you and your loved ones for the aftermath of such tragedies.

Both travellers and organisers must understand that safety can’t be outsourced entirely to local operators. It requires proactive vigilance and preparation before stepping into any vessel.

Crucial Safety Compliance Checklist for Indians Travelling Abroad

A ferry capsizing is a rare incident, and nobody can avoid incidents beyond their control. But it is possible to understand the risks of any activity and prepare for the worst-case scenario. Here are some important safety compliances for various activities abroad.

Water Sports & Boat Tours

For Indians who have planned activities like snorkelling, jet skiing or ferry rides, ensure the following:

Mountain Trekking & Hiking

Even when going on easy trails, you must always ensure the following:

Theme Parks & Water Parks

Theme parks are the most popular tourist destination for people travelling abroad with children. But these places are also prone to tragic accidents due to overtourism, lack of crowd management, and a general lack of vigilance on tourists’ part. Here are some safety checks for tourists visiting theme parks abroad:

Keeping these safety checks in mind before paying for your tour booking or holiday package will help you avoid any compromised organisers. 

While booking a safe and responsible tourist package is important, securing your holiday with a good travel insurance plan is equally important. Especially if you plan to try these recreational activities or other adventure sports, make sure to buy travel insurance with adventure sports add-on. It covers treatment costs of injuries caused by adventure sports and offers crucial support in case of a crisis.

How Travel Insurance Can Provide Crucial Support During a Tragedy Abroad

1. Comprehensive Emergency Medical Coverage

   Healthcare abroad can be twice or more costlier than in India. A standard trip insurance covers immediate hospitalisation, ICU charges, and emergency surgeries required for patient’s safety.

2. Medical Evacuation and Repatriation of Remains

   In case of a critical injury or a fatality, the last thing a family wants to deal with is the logistic of bringing back the loved one. This requires international coordination with foreign airlines, local forensics and customs authorities. A robust policy will cover these high costs as well as help navigate these logistics.

3. Compassionate Visit/Emergency Travel for Family

   If a traveller falls sick abroad and is hospitalised, they can’t navigate the recovery alone. Some of the best travel insurance policies in India offer a benefit called ‘Compassionate Visit’ which covers the flight cost of one designated family member to visit the patient. This feature covers the round-trip economy airfare and hotel for the member to be at the patient’s bedside. 

4. Personal Accident Cover

   This coverage is a grim but essential financial security in case the insured suffers permanent disability or accidental death abroad. The policy provides a lump-sum payout to the insured or their designated nominees. While no amount of rupees can replace a human life, this feature tries to provide financial relief during a very difficult time.