Travelling to Asia? With half the world to explore, there's a lifetime of adventure just waiting for you.
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Draw a circle around the section of the globe that contains India, China, Japan, and Southeast Asia, and you have more than half the people on the planet.
With that many people and that many cultures, imagine the diversity of what you can experience traveling in Asia. The spirituality of major religions like Buddhism, Shintoism, and Hinduism. The majesty of the highest peaks, from Mt Fuji in Japan to the highest of them all – Mt Everest in Nepal. The vast differences in culture from places like South Korea, to Thailand, to Sri Lanka. And the realization that while circumstances may be different, people are the same the world over.
If you’re wondering whether you’ll need a licence to ride a motorbike or scooter the answer is Yes. You must have the appropriate license to ride a scooter or motorbike from your Country of Residence. If you do not have the appropriate license from your Country of Residence and you have an incident, you may not be covered.
You’ll also need to wear a helmet to ensure you are covered under our policies. Injury from a motorcycle accident is one of the most common claims. Many countries in Southeast Asia – especially Thailand - require you to wear a helmet while driving.
If you end up in a motorbike or scooter accident whilst traveling in Asia, we may offer cover for emergency medical expenses for treatment at the hospital or by a doctor; evacuation to a suitable medical facility if required; and repatriation home if you’re seriously ill or injured and unable to continue your trip. Our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team can support you with translation services and finding a medical centre or hospital. They can also arrange for an emergency evacuation to the nearest hospital, or medical repatriation back home if required.
If you have an accident while traveling in Asia, follow these steps to keep safe, and make a claim.
Did you know our policies offer cover for 150+ adventure activities, sports and experiences across Asia including using a scooter, scuba diving up to 30m, hiking and more.
Eating all the tasty food is a must when traveling in Asia, however it’s also one of the most common causes for claims. The best advice is don't eat anything that's been sitting around, even for a short while. Fresh is best, so insist on the food being freshly cooked. Always wash your hands before eating and avoid tap water if possible.
Be sure to seek medical advice with plenty of time before your trip to organise vaccinations or preventive medicines you may need, such as tetanus, typhoid and yellow fever vaccines and malaria medication. You should also buy a strong mosquito repellent, as this can help protect you from dengue fever and malaria.
Your coverage will vary according to your Country of Residence and whether you chose a Standard or an Explorer plan. Read your policy for details on cover, maximum benefit limits, exclusions and conditions of your coverage. Contact us if you have any questions about your cover.
The best rule to go by is to employ common sense. Don’t leave your bag or valuables unattended or unzipped. Put your wallet away after purchases. Ride by bag snatchers are a thing in some Asian countries, so you’ll need to be vigilant. Do NOT try to hang onto the bag if it’s grabbed. If there’s nothing of value in your bag, it’ll be easier to let the thieves have it and avoid a confrontation.
We also advise leaving important documents, passport and credit cards in your hotel safe or a locker, if available.
Trains are the safest option out of several public transport options in Asia, however if you’re traveling overnight, you should take extra measures to secure your valuables while you snooze. Take padlocks, bike chains, cable ties, or whatever you prefer to secure your bags. Whether you are traveling on a bus, train or ferry our tip is to not stow anything of value in the luggage compartment.
Our policies can offer cover if your belongings are stolen (up to policy limits), depending on your Country of Residence and plan chosen. Don’t forget to keep your police report and make a copy to submit with your claim. If you’ve had your belongings stolen, follow our guide for what to do next.
Our policies aren’t designed to cover everything, so take the time to read the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions in the policy wording for full details so that there are no surprises if you need to use it. If you’re not sure if something is covered, get in touch.
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“A motorcycle came from behind me and stopped next to me, so I stopped walking. Two people wearing helmets were on the motorcycle. The driver was gesturing although I didn't know why, I didn't hear him/her say anything. I felt a slight pull on my bag and on my backpack strap, and then the motorcycle rode away out of sight. The motorcycle passenger had taken my bag. The strap of the bag must have been cut. I couldn't see a license plate. I continued to my hotel and reported the theft to the police the next day.”
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamBefore your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.