Travel Advice: Emergency Contact List

 

 

When going on vacation, part of the fun is unleashing yourself from the bonds of home life and responsibilities. However, there is still a little bit of home you should always take with you: your emergency contact list.

The following is a list of numbers you should ensure you take with you every time you go on vacation. If possible, take three copies of the list: keep one in your purse or wallet, one in your hotel room and one in your luggage. That way, a list should always be with you if you need it.

Yes, I know there is contact information on your phone but people have been known to lose phones! 

Keeping such a list on a tablet or computer is possible but if you were injured would emergency personnel be able to get to that information? Something to consider.

– The number for the emergency services in the country you are visiting.

It isn’t always 911. For example, in England the emergency services number is 999, and in much of continental European it is 112. Always check for the country specifically before you leave and ensure you have the right number. Here is a list of international 911 numbers (emergency contact numbers around the world).

– The number for your local doctor.

In the unlikely event there is an accident and you or someone you are with requires hospital treatment, the doctors in the country you are visiting may need to liaise with your usual medical staff. This is particularly important if you have an on-going, chronic condition such as heart disease or asthma.

– Phone number, cell number and work number for your next of kin who is not traveling with you – even if you think you know them by heart.

N.B. Know the international dialing code and exit code for each country you are visiting.  Without it you can not make a long distance call from one country to another.

Check out this page re international calls.

When you are under stress even the most familiar phone numbers are forgotten. I would suggest carrying the email addresses of the people you would contact or want to be contacted. For some of us, writing/typing is easier than talking when stressed. AND it eliminates the need to keep dialing until you get through to your party.

– Your medical and travel insurance policy number and claim line 

Each insurance policy has its own specific conditions that have to be met. Bring a copy of those conditions with you. I like to use a highlighting pen to underline the phone number to call if you are in an emergency situation (read the policy carefully as it probably will be a different number than one to get general information). I also highlight specific requirements. ie Must contact insurance provider within x number of hours.

If your insurance company provides a wallet size card containing essential information make sure you bring it with you.

– Your country’s embassy phone number in the country you are visiting.

– A list of who you want contacted if you are not able to do so yourself

There usually is a line or two on the ID card found inside a wallet that says “In case of emergency contact….” Fill that in! In the unlikely event that you are not able to communicate yourself, your passport becomes the main source of information as to whom to contact. If (for any number of reasons) there is someone you want contacted in addition to the person you listed when you applied for your passport, have that on your person, in writing, where emergency personnel can find it.

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