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A number of Australians are expected to head to Russia this June for one of the world’s top sporting events, the World Cup. But with political tensions in the eastern European nation, and the ongoing threat of terrorism, at an all-time high, Allianz Global Assistance (AGA) is advising travellers to take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
“The Australian Government has advised Australians travelling to Russia to exercise a high degree of caution and we echo this sentiment,” said Aimee McGuinness, chief underwriting officer at Allianz Global Assistance. “Crime, violence, and corruption are very real dangers in this destination and we can’t stress enough the importance of ensuring travellers are adequately prepared before they depart. The standard of healthcare facilities in Russia is in stark contrast to that of Australia and in the instance that someone becomes injured or falls seriously ill, medical evacuation to receive the necessary care is likely. Costs for overseas treatment and repatriation can become exorbitant so we urge all travellers to purchase comprehensive travel insurance to ensure they’re covered for any issues that may arise.”
AGA-owned data shows that medical and hospital expenses have been one of the top three most common claims for Australian travellers in Russia since 2015, reiterating the importance of taking preventative measures to ensure safety.
“Travel insurance is always a travel essential, but the importance of having 24/7 assistance and comprehensive cover for issues that may arise is heightened for a trip to Russia,” AGA said in a statement. “Regardless of how healthy you are, unexpected things can still happen and the Australian Government won’t be in a position to pay for your medical expenses or medical evacuation costs. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact your insurer.”
