The 2016 Summer Olympic games will be taking place in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil on August 5-21 and with the event just 4 months away, headlines continue to focus on the countries tumultuous political issues, their struggling economy and their battle with the Zika virus. Based on Brazil’s current conditions, it is understandable that travelers who are planning to attend this massive event may be worried about their trip being negatively affected. In this case, being protected by a travel insurance policy can make a significant difference in terms of piece of mind and security.
Stay Protected with Travel Medical Insurance
With at least half a million international tourists expected to descend on Rio De Janeiro for the 2016 games, many countries have issued travel alerts to their citizens who are planning to attend. With the Zika virus having been announced as a Level 2 threat to those traveling to Brazil, the CDC recommends that travelers purchase a travel insurance policy prior to their trip to protect them in case of sickness, illness, or injury during their travels. Having a travel insurance policy can also be helpful if an unexpected event occurs in which your trip has to be cancelled.
It is important to keep in mind that the Olympics are a large-scale event with thousands of attendees and should a catastrophic event occur, such as a terrorist attack or a natural disaster, the local medical facilities could soon be overwhelmed. In this case, an emergency medical evacuation could make a major difference for those protected by a travel insurance policy. It is recommend that travelers:
- Check their health insurance plan to ensure they have coverage for medical treatment in a foreign country.
- Check their travel insurance plan to ensure they have coverage for medical evacuation should they be seriously injured.
- Check their travel insurance plan to ensure they have repatriation coverage to return their remains if they are killed while traveling.
For those planning to attend the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Brazil, the following travel insurance coverage is recommended:
- Medical treatment for accidents, injuries, and illnesses, including emergency ambulance services, hospital and surgery, and physical therapy.
- Emergency medical evacuation for situations where the local medical facilities are overwhelmed or your injuries are beyond their training to treat properly.
- Repatriation of remains for the worst possible scenario.
- Travel assistance services to help you navigate an emergency situation and make arrangements such as alternative travel and/or to keep your family updated as to your condition.
- Baggage coverage in case your luggage and personal effects are destroyed or delayed due to slowdowns in travel.
Learn More: Travel Insurance & Zika Virus
Some of the travel insurance policies that can provide the recommended coverage are as follows:
To compare the costs of these different polices visit: Quote and Compare International Travel Medical Insurance. Depending on your citizenship, state of residence, age and other factors; the eligibility for these or other plans may vary.
Additional Recommendations for Travelers to Rio De Janeiro
Some additional precautions that the CDC recommends for staying safe and healthy while traveling to Rio De Janeiro for the 2016 summer Olympics are as follows:
- Make sure you are up to date on routine vaccinations and immunizations before embarking on your trip.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) in order to stay up to date on important safety and security announcements as well as stay connected with loved ones back home in case of an emergency.
- Follow all security and safety guidelines during your travels such as traveling with a companion, avoiding questionable areas, carrying a valid photo ID, and following all local laws.
- Follow all food and water safety guidelines.
- Prevent mosquito bites and always use insect repellent.
More information on how to stay safe and protected during your trip to Rio De Janeiro, Brazil for the 2016 Summer Olympic games can be found on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website.
