Chubb’s travel tips

Preparing to travel

Travel tips for the novice or pro

The key to staying safe overseas is often in the preparation. Follow these safety tips to prepare ahead of your trip, and a happy trip should come naturally.

1. Take out travel insurance

It can be tempting to save a some money by not taking out travel insurance, but if a problem arises while you’re away, the costs can be crippling. It’s hard to tell what’s good and what’s not, but it’s always best to read the small print to make sure you’re getting the right cover at the right price.

Chubb Travel Insurance offers single-trip and annual-multi-trip plans depending on your needs and budget, and includes cover for families. Baggage protection and journey cancellation are included on our policies and cover for emergency medical expenses is a standard across all of them. If you’re a frequent traveller, consider purchasing an annual-multi-trip travel plan for cost-effective and fuss-free travel.

2. Passport and important documents

Ensure that your passport is in good condition and all personal details are correct (e.g. lamination is intact, pages are not torn or missing, name and address are spelt correctly and date of birth is correct) before departure. A passport that appears to have been tampered with or displays incorrect information could cause you a great deal of inconvenience and possible denial of boarding (including refusal of entry) at a foreign airport. We also suggest you ensure the policy is valid for more than 6 months before traveling.

Take all necessary precautions to safeguard your passport and other ID documents, travel tickets, money, travellers' cheques, credit cards and insurance documents. As a safety measure, avoid carrying these items together, as a loss or theft could leave you entirely without identification and funds. Leave copies of your documentation and itinerary with someone at home to be safe.

3. Money

Get your foreign currency before you get to your destination, as this will often give you the most value for money and check with your bank account should any overseas charges apply.

To keep your cash safe, it’s worth carrying a waist bag or pouch underneath your clothes, but keep some money separate to avoid drawing attention to it. Many hotels also have a locked safe in which you can keep passports etc. If money and valuables are stolen, you will need to report it at the local police station. Chubb Assistance can guide you through this process.

Make sure you have sufficient funds to last you during your stay. Some countries require you to prove your financial means for supporting you and your family while visiting.

4. Medication

Carry your medication in your hand luggage as your check-in bags could be delayed or lost. And make sure you have sufficient medication to last for the duration of your trip.

Visit your doctor before you travel. If you’re going far, he / she can advise you on the vaccinations needed for your destination.

5. Luggage tags

Last, but not least, make sure you have durable, easily visible luggage tags on every item. And remember, if your luggage tags have your address on them, carry your house keys separately!

After all this preparation, one thing’s for certain: you’ll be able to relax and enjoy yourself. Have a good trip.

6. COVID-19

During your trip, take steps to protect yourself and others from COVID-19:

• Wear a mask to keep your nose and mouth covered when in public settings.
• Avoid close contact by staying at least 6 feet apart (about 2 arms’ length) from anyone who is not from your household.
• Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol).
• Avoid contact with anyone who is sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.