Some Timely Advice From Worldcare Travel Insurance

With the strengthening Kiwi dollar, combined with the rugby world cup a few months’ away, many Kiwis will be making their way to the UK to cheer on the All Blacks. Asia is the perfect stopover point en route to Europe to enjoy great weather and tantalising food. Worldcare Travel Insurance, underwritten by Allianz, New Zealand’s largest travel insurer, has noticed an alarming and growing trend of personal items being snatched from unsuspecting Kiwi tourists in Vietnam and Thailand by moped riders.

Anne, a Worldcare customer from Wellington, describes her experience. “We were walking through the streets after a very successful morning’s shopping at Ben Thanh market in Ho Chi Minh City. It was our last day before heading back home, so we were making the most of the bargain hunting. We were a little laden down with bags, and making our way back to the hotel. After you have been in Vietnam for a few days you get used to the throng of traffic, crowded walkways, and so many mopeds, everywhere. It all happened so quickly. A moped came alongside us, and snatched my small backpack that was over one shoulder. It was quite a shock watching my bag and the moped disappear into the limitless Vietnam traffic. It dawned on me seconds later that not only did my bag have my iPhone and wallet, it also had my passport. The next few days were spent obtaining another passport so that I could get home. It wasn’t the best end to the trip. Thankfully, Worldcare Travel Insurance covered my lost items”

Will Ashcroft from Worldcare Travel Insurance advises that this sort of theft is occurring with a concerning regularity. “We are seeing more and more cases of bag snatching by moped riders. They seem to target tourists that carry bags in one hand making it really easy to snatch, and then ride off. It is no fun spending the next few days cancelling cards, and obtaining new travel documents. Our advice to travellers is to only take essential personal items to markets; it is best to leave other items locked in the hotel safe. Also, when walking through crowded streets, carry the bag with the straps over your shoulder if that is possible. It makes it much harder to snatch the bag”.

Taking out your travel insurance with Worldcare means that, at least, you don’t have to worry about being reimbursed for your losses, but Will’s timely advice also means you might be more on the alert in the future. For more information please go to http://www.worldcare.co.nz .