As the weather starts cooling down and Halloween approaches, we are reminded that sometimes the scariest moments aren’t just found in haunted houses and dark forests, but in the midst of our travel plans!
From eerie missed connections to spooky medical emergencies, these real-life travel horror stories are enough to send shivers down your spine. But don’t worry, this isn’t a tale of doom and gloom. We’ll show you how travel insurance can turn even the most terrifying situations into manageable moments.
So grab your flashlight, and let’s dive into these real-life travel nightmares submitted to VisitorsCoverage that show how travel frights are more common than you think.
Startling Sting in Acapulco Bay, Mexico
“While chaperoning a school trip in Mexico, a student had been stung in the waters of Acapulco Bay. Luckily, there was a clinic nearby where she received the proper care…It was a very scary situation. That was my first experience with students in a foreign country and since then I have been taking insurance out for all my trips.” – Iliana
Getting stung by a jellyfish or stingray in the ocean is a common travel mishap, especially for those visiting tropical locations. Getting stung can quickly become a medical emergency, and typically requires medical attention.
How travel insurance can help: Travel insurance offers coverage for emergency medical care for new illnesses or ailments that occur during your trip. If you are stung in the water on your vacation and need emergency care, travel insurance can offer coverage for your medical expenses.
The Phantom Thieves of Lima
“After a wonderful week of visiting Machu Picchu, we were back in Lima, Peru for a couple of days before we were to fly home to Canada. I thought we were staying in a safe hotel in a good part of Lima. We went down to the restaurant with another couple and in the middle of our meal I discovered my purse was missing. When I reviewed the CCTV footage with the restaurant owner, I saw that another couple had seated themselves next to our table and deftly swiped my purse into their backpack when I wasn’t looking…I lost my cards, iPad, cash and worst of all, my passport. I had to go to the embassy and get a temporary travel permit to leave the country and get back to Canada.” – Iris
Petty pickpocketing is extremely common in high tourist destinations abroad. Having your personal property stolen abroad can be scary, especially if your passport or travel document is stolen which can affect your ability to return home.
How travel insurance can help: Many travel insurance policies offer coverage for luggage, personal effects, and travel documents in the event that they are lost or stolen during your trip. If your passport is stolen abroad, many travel insurance policies can offer assistance with getting a replacement passport and can cover the cost of your replacement travel documents up to the benefit maximum.
The Dental Disaster in Penang
“Traveling to Penang Island, Malaysia was a great family adventure, and we always travel safely with VisitorsCoverage, even though we do not end up using any of the benefits. We almost gave up [on buying insurance] to save a few hundred on our trip…and I am glad we didn’t, because I had a dental emergency and was right in for medical care. That saved the entire trip for my family. Lesson learned and I have used this coverage on all trips and will not leave home without it.” – Craig
While you may not always end up using your insurance coverage on your trip, you really never know when disaster can strike. Having coverage in the event of an emergency can protect you from a huge financial burden if the unexpected were to happen.
How travel insurance can help: Many travel insurance policies include coverage for emergency dental care, typically related to unexpected pain or an accident.
The Pirate Ship Plunge in Cabo San Lucas
“Hoping to be the ever-young-at-heart & “Oh So Cool Grama”, I took my teen grandsons on the always sold-out Pirate Ship Excursion to go snorkeling for their first time. We were having a great time when 1/2 way through the crew asked some of us…to change seats to access some equipment. I get up to move, the ship hits a small wave…I fall straight backwards to the floor from a standing position. My shoulder was jammed by a “railroad tie” laying on the floor as I landed…My scapula (shoulder) was broken in several places along with several ribs!!! So much for being the “cool grama”… The kids were so traumatized, neither wants to go on another excursion ever again!” – Linda
Traveling as a senior can definitely come with some added risks. The possibility of a new injury increases with age, so having coverage is crucial for older travelers.
How travel insurance can help: Travel insurance offers coverage for emergency medical expenses for any new injuries or illnesses that occur during your travels. In this instance, travel insurance could have paid for Linda’s eligible medical expenses for her shoulder and rib injuries.
The Spider Bite Nightmare in the USA
“During my trip to the USA, I experienced a spider bite that initially appeared harmless, a small itchy bump. However, as time passed, it swelled into a large lump, prompting me to visit a doctor. I am glad I chose VisitorsCoverage’s plan as their support made a big difference during this seemingly minor incident.” – Dustin
A spider bite is no joke, especially from a poisonous spider. In certain instances, getting medical attention immediately can be vital.
How travel insurance can help: Travel insurance is designed to cover your medical expenses in the event of an unexpected emergency injury or accident abroad. This can include emergency treatment for a spider bite.
Don’t Let Your Vacation Turn Into a Travel Horror Story
While the real-life travel examples above are certainly scary, travel insurance can help to ensure that your next vacation doesn’t turn into a spooky story.
Travel insurance is the light in the darkness, keeping the monsters at bay and ensuring your trip is a treat, not a trick.
Have questions about travel insurance? Contact our Customer Success Team for friendly assistance!
