The winter holidays are long for us, and for many Latvians, it has become a tradition to use this time to travel outside Latvia (close or far — in this case, it doesn’t matter).
"Travel Safely!"
Let’s start with the recommendation given by our Ministry of Foreign Affairs: download the mobile application "Travel Safely" on your phone. With this application, users will receive:
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Various useful recommendations (about necessary documents, safety, insurance, information on crossing borders, and countries where a visa is required/not required for entry, etc.);
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Warnings about risks (about the situation in a specific country, recommendations for job seekers abroad, information on human trafficking, sham marriages, responsibility for transporting prohibited substances, etc.);
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Assistance in planning travel — reminders about the most important tasks when preparing for a trip (for example, the need for a visa to enter a specific country, etc.); there is also an option to add personal reminders;
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Contacts of Latvia's representations and honorary consuls, as well as information on assistance in emergencies abroad;
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Quick and convenient ways to contact the Consular Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia in emergencies 24/7.
Consumer Rights Protection Center: "Take care of your insurance!"
Going on a trip without insurance is at least unwise; unfortunately, this is not obvious to everyone. Therefore, the Consumer Rights Protection Center (CRPC) once again warns: "unforeseen situations can occur in life that may disrupt even the most carefully thought-out plans."
However, not all insurance policies provide full protection, and if you choose a policy in a hurry, reading the terms of the contract "diagonally," you may end up facing unpleasant surprises. In this regard, the CRPC recommends:
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Carefully read the insurance contract and ensure that you understand all the terms. If something is unclear, contact the insurer for further explanations.
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Find out what risks are included in the insurance. Does the policy cover medical expenses, repatriation, loss of luggage, etc.
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Familiarize yourself with the insurance amount and the size of the deductible.
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Pay attention to exclusions. Sometimes they can significantly limit insurance options.
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Inform the insurer about your travel plans. Specify what activities you plan to undertake so that the insurance policy is appropriate. For example, if active activities (skiing, diving, etc.) are planned, make sure they are included in the insurance.
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Find out the procedure in case of an accident — how to file a claim for compensation and what expenses are covered by the insurance.
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Check if the insurance covers trip cancellation or interruption. This is important in case of unforeseen situations.
! Important point: if insurance is ALREADY included in the total cost of the trip as one of the services, it is necessary to ensure that it is paid for, as well as to find out what risks it covers and whether repatriation of the traveler is included.
