Sick in a Foreign Country
Accident in a foreign country
In the case of an accident or illness in a foreign country lots of holiday makers are helpless because they do not know the language or national culture which can be surprising to them.
However, most hospitals at the seaside resorts now have staff who can speak different languages to help people. Having said that it could be helpful to take the telephone numbers of one of the well-know automobile clubs of your homeland. Most of them they have close contact with Turkish automobile clubs and have some people available who understand the language and can often offer special services such as official translators or insurance agents in case of accident or illness.
Therefore, it is always a good idea to contact your local automobile club to inquire about their services when you are travelling to Turkey. They offer complete routes and maps, saying which roads are the best, which technical equipment or paperwork you might need and much more useful information.
Ambulance – information service
The fastest and most secure way to get in contact with someone who can help and understand you is on the hotline of your automobile club or insurance at home. Usually, at least during the holiday high season, they will have a direct line for contacting them.
They can then find a suitable hospital or doctor who is able to speak your language and can be reached quickly.
To cover unexpected costs, it is always quite helpful to have extra holiday insurance based on the land you are traveling to or passing through.
In case of emergency this special insurance should also cover the costs for taking you home, which is not included in the normal insurance.
The main UK organizations are:
The AA: Web site: www.theaa.com
Travel advice, European breakdown cover, travel insurance.
Tel: 0161 495 8945
The RAC: Web site: www.rac.co.uk
Travel advice, European breakdown cover, travel insurance.
Telephone numbers:
Customer services: 08705 722 722
General inquiries: 01922 727313
European motoring assistance: 0800 55 00 55
For travel insurance, there are many companies offering the service. The important thing to remember is to make sure they offer the level of cover you require.
Examples are:
Insure and Go: Web site: www.insureandgo.com
Tel: Travel insurance 0870 901 3674
Breakdown insurance 0870 420 4464
Direct Line: Web site: www.directline.com
Tel: Travel insurance 0845 246 8704
Breakdown insurance 0845 246 0940
Examples of other general websites:
www.moneysupermarket.com
www.travelinsurance.co.uk