Travel Worries

Preventing and Dealing with Overseas Emergencies

By Kent St. John

At one time or another while traveling abroad, you're bound to get that throat-tightening fear when you reach for your travel essentials and something is missing. Countless times a day on a trip I reach for my passport, credit cards, tickets, and cash for the security that comes when "you know your papers are in order."

Travel Insurance Kit

Before departing, construct your personal "travel insurance kit" by doing pre-trip research. I usually start with embassy and consulate information. The State Department can be accessed by phone, fax, or Internet for important addresses and phone numbers you will need in an emergency. The U.S. consul's number and address in the areas you will be traveling to can be a great help. One of the consular section's primary functions is to provide emergency services to travelers--such as replacing a passport, locating medical assistance, arranging the transfer of funds, and locating you if a family crisis occurs.

A photocopy of the first two pages of your passport can speed up the issuance of a temporary or replacement passport. I also carry two extra passport photos in case a visa is required for an unplanned destination. It's also a good idea to leave copies of important information stateside with family or a trusted friend. If your passport is lost or stolen, the first step is to notify the local police, then the consul section. With a photocopy, there's a good chance a new passport can be issued within 24 hours. If you are traveling in a country that has no U.S. foreign post, it's a wise to register with a consular office in an adjacent country.

Money Emergencies

One of the biggest traveler's worries is the loss of funds. What to do if an unexpected cash crisis does develop depends on your individual situation. If the country you're in has ATM machines, a simple call to family or a trusted friend can get a deposit into your account and you're back on the road. If not, or if a larger amount is needed for an emergency, the Overseas Citizen Services (see sidebar) is a great option. For a $20 processing fee, the Department of State trust establishes a local account in your name so that funds can be forwarded abroad. The fastest way to get money is to send a money order via Western Union, payable to the Department of State. Send it to the Overseas Citizens Services, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520. The accompanying message must include the sender's name, address, and telephone number, as well as the name and overseas address of the recipient. Upon receipt, OSC will send a telegram to the U.S. embassy or consulate authorizing next day disbursement.

You can also mail a certified check (with the $20 fee included) to Overseas Citizen Services, CA/OSC, Room 4811, Department of State, 2201 C St. NW, Washington, DC 20520. But keep in mind that even overnight mail may take several days to arrive. Both the sender's and receiver's names and the location of the receiver must be included in an accompanying letter.

A bank wire is a one- to three-day solution for transferring funds to financially ailing travelers. Nations Bank will handle a wire transfer from a stateside bank for a $32 fee. Send it to: Nations Bank, Department of State Branch, 2201 C St., NW, Washington, DC 20520; 202-624-4750 at ABA #114000653, Account #7476363838. Account name: PUPID State Department, Special instructions: "OCS/Trust for benefit of [recipient's name]" U.S. Embassy/Consulate [city, country]. Be sure the sender includes his or her name and telephone number.

In all of the above transfers the funds are usually received in the foreign country's currency and not in U.S. dollars. American Express, 800-543-4080, also provides a money transfer service with fees that depend on where and what amount is being transferred.

Leave an Itinerary

If you're traveling for more than two weeks or to an area that is somewhat remote, leave an itinerary with someone back home and register with the closest embassy or consulate. When you do, you must provide a Privacy Act waiver before information can be released to third parties. This is called a Welfare/Whereabouts check and essentially aids those back home to notify you of any emergency. Along with your itinerary, leave your family this OCS number: 202-647-5225. If they need to contact you they should have the following information handy: your passport number, date and place of birth, and your itinerary. This service can ease the minds of those at home about your well-being.

Medical Services

Medical emergencies seem to be the one area most often left to chance. The consul has a list of medical services available, but arrangements must be made by you or a traveling companion who can also notify family or friends.

A travel health insurance policy is an option to consider, especially if you are going abroad for a long period or have some pre-trip health concerns. The average policy coverage is about $10,000. In the May/June 1998 issue of Transitions Abroad Leslie Pappas explains the different types of coverage, especially long-term stays. Rick Steves' column in the May/June 1999 issue contains good tips for staying healthy on your journey. And, as explained in the July/August issue, the Center for Disease Control has a site devoted to information on the diseases to guard against worldwide at [www.cdg. gov/travel/blusheet.htm]. Travel Medicine Inc., 800-872-8633 has a catalog of products that can help prevent health problems abroad.

The biggest nightmare for any American citizen abroad is to be arrested. Rules one through 10: know the country's laws and do not break them. You are subject to the laws of the countries you visit. A U.S. consular officer cannot demand your release, represent you at trial, or pay legal fees with U.S. government funds. Much of what the officer can do is controlled by the country you are arrested in. He or she can provide a list of attorneys, notify family, and monitor your health and welfare as permitted. Depending on what country you're in, the ongoing support provided includes arranging dietary supplements and examinations by an independent physician. The funding for ongoing support must be provided by family or, if destitute, by a loan from the U.S. government's EMDA program. Since many countries follow the Napoleonic code of "guilty until proven innocent," it is best to be a law-abiding traveler.

Contact Information

State Department Consular Affairs, travel.state.gov; travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html.

Center for Disease Control, www.cdc.gov.

American Express, travel.americanexpress.com.

Travel Medicine Inc., www.travmed.com.

KENT ST. JOHN is the owner of Under the Palms Travel Services, Inc. in Scottsdale, AZ, a company that specializes in educational group travel.