What if I Die on My Trip?
Oct 13th, 2004, 04:25 PM
#21
No, but I have wondered about people on this board who never post when they get back. One comes to mind. MaryMac wanted a lot of Italy info last Summer and Fall. She was very excited about the trip. I had recommended Hotel Hermitage in Florence where she decided she was going to stay. I was interested if she had as good a stay there as we had a couple of years previously.
However, there never was another post by her. I wondered if maybe the trip went badly. Then I thought, wow, maybe she died. It really has no bearing on this post, but I do remember thinking about it for a couple of months after she was to return. Hopefully she just blew off writing a trip report.
However, there never was another post by her. I wondered if maybe the trip went badly. Then I thought, wow, maybe she died. It really has no bearing on this post, but I do remember thinking about it for a couple of months after she was to return. Hopefully she just blew off writing a trip report.
Oct 13th, 2004, 04:29 PM
#23
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I don't think Peeky is a troll. The reason is because the first time I went to Italy by myself (after I lost my DH) I had several people ask me "but if you travel by yourself what will you do if you get real ill or die?"
Oh sigh, what would I do?
Well I hope if I was real sick someone would help me.
If I died, well I guess it is no longer my problem.
But of course that is being a bit flippant.
I have never taken out medical/evacuation insurance before, but am thinking about doing that in the future.
I sure wouldn't want my children to have a big problem.
When I go to Italy I guess I have been rather relaxed because my good friends brother-in-law is a Doctor and her sister is a Pharmacist (don't think that is spelled correctly but feeling rather blah due to the smoke in the air due to the Yolo/Napa fire, sorry).
Anyway, to say nothing ever happens while on a trip, yes things to do happen. A good friends mother became deathly ill in Hawaii, they had to buy several seats on a plane to get her home.
Another friends mother died while on a cruise to South America.
And my DH had a heart attack while we were at a hotel and died a few hours later.
So things do happen.
All I know to do is, as others have suggested, buy insurance to cover the worries that you have.
But do know what you are buying, be sure to read the small print, the exclusions etc.
This is something I have to check into.
I just read this week that Medjet Assist is the best, but do not know for sure but am going to look into it.
But peeky, and anyone else who is worried about dying, getting sick or disabled; please do not let this take over your life.
Live life to your fullest.
I hate to mention this but I imagine all the dear people that went to work in the Twin Towers on September 11th never thought about a "what if".
Have been in the insurance business (owner of an insurance agency). I just try to protect myself the best that I kind and than "leave myself in the hands of fate".
Don't let fear or worry stop you from traveling.
I always remember a priest who said many years ago "some people live 80 years and some people live one year 80 times over".
Cover what ever worries you have with the appropriate insurance, than go, enjoy and live life.
Oh sigh, what would I do?
Well I hope if I was real sick someone would help me.
If I died, well I guess it is no longer my problem.
But of course that is being a bit flippant.
I have never taken out medical/evacuation insurance before, but am thinking about doing that in the future.
I sure wouldn't want my children to have a big problem.
When I go to Italy I guess I have been rather relaxed because my good friends brother-in-law is a Doctor and her sister is a Pharmacist (don't think that is spelled correctly but feeling rather blah due to the smoke in the air due to the Yolo/Napa fire, sorry).
Anyway, to say nothing ever happens while on a trip, yes things to do happen. A good friends mother became deathly ill in Hawaii, they had to buy several seats on a plane to get her home.
Another friends mother died while on a cruise to South America.
And my DH had a heart attack while we were at a hotel and died a few hours later.
So things do happen.
All I know to do is, as others have suggested, buy insurance to cover the worries that you have.
But do know what you are buying, be sure to read the small print, the exclusions etc.
This is something I have to check into.
I just read this week that Medjet Assist is the best, but do not know for sure but am going to look into it.
But peeky, and anyone else who is worried about dying, getting sick or disabled; please do not let this take over your life.
Live life to your fullest.
I hate to mention this but I imagine all the dear people that went to work in the Twin Towers on September 11th never thought about a "what if".
Have been in the insurance business (owner of an insurance agency). I just try to protect myself the best that I kind and than "leave myself in the hands of fate".
Don't let fear or worry stop you from traveling.
I always remember a priest who said many years ago "some people live 80 years and some people live one year 80 times over".
Cover what ever worries you have with the appropriate insurance, than go, enjoy and live life.
Oct 13th, 2004, 04:33 PM
#24
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"What if I die over there? Has anything like this happened to anyone you know..."
As far as I know, no one has ever posted about having died on a trip.
Sorry, peeky, it just struck me funny
I used to worry about this when our children were small and would be left orphans. I now worry that I will have to come home.
The best way to deal with travel anxieties is to take each one and do something that will relieve it.
I used to worry about being sick, I made sure we have great Travel insurance. I have not gotten sick once.
I used to worry about something happening in our hotel, fire or something..I make sure I know where to go and how to get out if that should occur.
We have traveled for many years, nothing has happened yet..(pooh pooh - knock wood etc)
My husband lived and traveled all over India for almost a year..people that he met were dropping like flies from stomach ailments..he was healthy as could be.
so what this all means is..You and only you can make yourself feel secure. Do everything that you can to relieve the anxiety.
Once you actually Get there..you will not worry again..you will be so happy and busy and will laugh at yourself when you think about it.
As far as I know, no one has ever posted about having died on a trip.
Sorry, peeky, it just struck me funny
I used to worry about this when our children were small and would be left orphans. I now worry that I will have to come home.
The best way to deal with travel anxieties is to take each one and do something that will relieve it.
I used to worry about being sick, I made sure we have great Travel insurance. I have not gotten sick once.
I used to worry about something happening in our hotel, fire or something..I make sure I know where to go and how to get out if that should occur.
We have traveled for many years, nothing has happened yet..(pooh pooh - knock wood etc)
My husband lived and traveled all over India for almost a year..people that he met were dropping like flies from stomach ailments..he was healthy as could be.
so what this all means is..You and only you can make yourself feel secure. Do everything that you can to relieve the anxiety.
Once you actually Get there..you will not worry again..you will be so happy and busy and will laugh at yourself when you think about it.
Oct 13th, 2004, 04:35 PM
#25
Peeky, As a fairly seasoned poster on this BB, I can't help but notice that people post the negative WAY more often than the positive.
A person comes back from a trip and jumps on the board to complain about a rude shopkeeper, a bad hotel experience, that they were pick-pocketed. I don't know the statistics but I imagine for each of these there are literally 100's of folks who had great trips.
As a good example, I didn't come back from my fabulous two weeks in Switzerland this past August and start a bunch of posts about how wonderful everything was, how the trains ran on time, how the exchange rate was fair, how my ATM card worked just fine, how friendly everyone was, how easy it was to take the train, how my flights were all on time, etc.
For the things you specifically mentioned I have never stayed in a hotel that didn't have a 24-hour front desk person (and I stay in modest 3-stars, nothing fancy). I have never had or personally known of anyone who was robbed or pickpocketed or knocked down on a street (and I know alot of people who travel extensively).
Just attempting to balance the point of view and wishing you safe travels.
A person comes back from a trip and jumps on the board to complain about a rude shopkeeper, a bad hotel experience, that they were pick-pocketed. I don't know the statistics but I imagine for each of these there are literally 100's of folks who had great trips.
As a good example, I didn't come back from my fabulous two weeks in Switzerland this past August and start a bunch of posts about how wonderful everything was, how the trains ran on time, how the exchange rate was fair, how my ATM card worked just fine, how friendly everyone was, how easy it was to take the train, how my flights were all on time, etc.
For the things you specifically mentioned I have never stayed in a hotel that didn't have a 24-hour front desk person (and I stay in modest 3-stars, nothing fancy). I have never had or personally known of anyone who was robbed or pickpocketed or knocked down on a street (and I know alot of people who travel extensively).
Just attempting to balance the point of view and wishing you safe travels.
Oct 13th, 2004, 04:37 PM
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Bob Brown, I disagree. If I die or am seriously injured on a trip, I don't want my last thoughts to be how I am inconveniencing and worrying my family at home. I think it's reasonable to take steps to make things as easy as possible for one's family in the event that one has an emergency.
Oct 13th, 2004, 05:08 PM
#28
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A good friend of ours fell backwards on concrete steps at his time-share on St. Maarten and hit his head. The small hospital didn't diagnose an intracranial bleed and didn't pick up on the fact that he was taking coumadin. Later that night he developed a terrific headache and had to be air-lifted to the Miami trauma center. But by then it was too late, and he died the following morning.
That's one of the reasons why we always buy trip insurance. The costs can be overwhelming.
That's one of the reasons why we always buy trip insurance. The costs can be overwhelming.
Oct 13th, 2004, 05:15 PM
#29
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If that is your worry, stay home I guess. Or buy some kind of insurance to pay for your last flight home.
But you better have hospitalization, too, because many policies are not valid outside of the USA. Medicare certainly is not valid in Europe.
If my health was so bad that I feared dropping dead in Europe, I would not go. At age 72, health is a concern so I talked to my doctor before my last two trips.
We cannot pick the time of our demise or its cause. If we fear it then we don't go anywhere. That is one reason I go now while I am still able. When the risk gets too great, I will quit going.
But I am not sure you can buy any insurance to cover you against the tragic end that Miriam Knauer Berk came to. She was stricken in South America and brought back to Berlin, Germany after a long hospital stay in Mexico. I don't think she ever fully regained awareness of her surroundings. The hospital bill must have been staggering. Being a German citizen, national health insurance may have covered some of the cost, but I doubt if it covered all of it.
You can read her story by searching on My friend Miriam.
But you better have hospitalization, too, because many policies are not valid outside of the USA. Medicare certainly is not valid in Europe.
If my health was so bad that I feared dropping dead in Europe, I would not go. At age 72, health is a concern so I talked to my doctor before my last two trips.
We cannot pick the time of our demise or its cause. If we fear it then we don't go anywhere. That is one reason I go now while I am still able. When the risk gets too great, I will quit going.
But I am not sure you can buy any insurance to cover you against the tragic end that Miriam Knauer Berk came to. She was stricken in South America and brought back to Berlin, Germany after a long hospital stay in Mexico. I don't think she ever fully regained awareness of her surroundings. The hospital bill must have been staggering. Being a German citizen, national health insurance may have covered some of the cost, but I doubt if it covered all of it.
You can read her story by searching on My friend Miriam.
Oct 13th, 2004, 05:16 PM
#30
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Peeky, imagine this: Some day you are 110 years old and you are lying on your death bed, thinking of all the things you never did with the time you had. You never went on that big trip you always wanted to take because you were so afraid you would die if you left your comfort zone. Well guess what--you could die tomorrow right in your comfort zone!! Or you could become disabled or sick because of something that happens at home, or be a victim of crime. Honestly, I'm not wishing you any harm, but you are really no safer at home than anywhere else in the world. So get out there and enjoy life, and stop hiding away and living your life in fear!!
Oct 13th, 2004, 06:38 PM
#31
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Two stories, and I think I've told them both here before.
Friends in their 50's -- both in perfect health, traveling through Europe. In Brig, Switzerland they were rushing to switch trains to the one to Zermatt. The wife turned around to see her husband had fallen on the ground. She went back to help him, and he was lying there already dead -- massive heart attack, totally unexpected.
Other friends in their 60's or 70's who traveled a lot (and did a ton of elderhostels). They were in France during 9/11 visiting their son and family who live there. But due to all the "threats" decided they should return as soon as they could to the safety of home. A day or two after they got home (having cut short their stay by a month or so) she was crossing a street near their house and got hit by a bus and killed.
Moral -- hey, it can happen any time, anywhere. I'd just as soon go while riding a camel in the desert or hiking up Mount Fuji as to die at home.
Friends in their 50's -- both in perfect health, traveling through Europe. In Brig, Switzerland they were rushing to switch trains to the one to Zermatt. The wife turned around to see her husband had fallen on the ground. She went back to help him, and he was lying there already dead -- massive heart attack, totally unexpected.
Other friends in their 60's or 70's who traveled a lot (and did a ton of elderhostels). They were in France during 9/11 visiting their son and family who live there. But due to all the "threats" decided they should return as soon as they could to the safety of home. A day or two after they got home (having cut short their stay by a month or so) she was crossing a street near their house and got hit by a bus and killed.
Moral -- hey, it can happen any time, anywhere. I'd just as soon go while riding a camel in the desert or hiking up Mount Fuji as to die at home.
Oct 13th, 2004, 06:39 PM
#32
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My mother has always told me that if she died while travelling in Europe to have her buried wherever she happened to be. That way, she believed, we would all take the time to take trips to Europe to visit her grave from time to time. I plan to tell my children the same thing!
Oct 13th, 2004, 06:39 PM
#33
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My father-in-law had a stroke in Yugloslavia in the 70s. He was hospitalized, and when he could move, was flown to the States by commercial airline. It probably was rough on his wife. If you die, you no longer need to worry about what happens.
Oct 13th, 2004, 07:15 PM
#34
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Gee, I don't know why, but none of these replies is cheering me up.
By now I fear peeky has checked herself into a clinic where she can get counseling on how to deal with her fear of death.
Of course, one can die at any time. But I have never had a friend or acquaintance die on a holiday trip.
Even those old enough to keel over from all the walking, climbing, etc.
I am guessing peeky is young and does not have any immediate plans on kicking the bucket..at home or in Europe.
I think the worry is that of any traveler leaving home alone and going far from the familiar.
Can we now think of some stories where no one got sick and plotzed?
Or at least, give out some good insurance company names ..
By now I fear peeky has checked herself into a clinic where she can get counseling on how to deal with her fear of death.
Of course, one can die at any time. But I have never had a friend or acquaintance die on a holiday trip.
Even those old enough to keel over from all the walking, climbing, etc.
I am guessing peeky is young and does not have any immediate plans on kicking the bucket..at home or in Europe.
I think the worry is that of any traveler leaving home alone and going far from the familiar.
Can we now think of some stories where no one got sick and plotzed?
Or at least, give out some good insurance company names ..
Oct 13th, 2004, 07:35 PM
#35
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Should I die in Europe, I hope it's near one of my favorite haunts.
For the sake of the officials' sanity, I should hope I wouldn't do anything afterwards.
So that should take care of me.
www.travelguard.com to take the hassle off the family.
Oct 13th, 2004, 08:03 PM
#37
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Well,if I die on my trip it'll be in Paris for sure. Good thing about that is I'd have died in Paris and won't have to worry about going thru immigration in San Francisco. Bad thing is I won't be able to eat more pastries from Laduree-unless I die while eating pastries at Laduree!
Oct 13th, 2004, 08:09 PM
#38
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Yes, if you're going to die on a trip, it would be nice to know in advance, so you don't have to bother with being moderate about all those rich goodies. Hmm, maybe that's an argument for immoderation in general.
Oct 13th, 2004, 08:31 PM
#39
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peeky, doing something unfamiliar, and leaving our familiar surroundings always brings up fears, but they are almost always overblown. In general, there's much less violence in Europe than in the United States.
There are some risks in travel, as there are in everything we do, but they are minor. My anecdotal impression from incidents I've heard about is that some of the greatest risks are in countries where people drive on the left, something you might not even think about! I've heard of two deaths due to wrong side of the road driving, and pedestrians have been killed stepping off the curb while looking the wrong way.
Driving in general is one of the riskiest things we do in everyday life, and it gets a little riskier in a foreign country with unfamiliar signage and conventions.
I take greater care against pickpocketing when traveling than when I'm home, but that's not so much because there's a greater risk. Rather, it's because of the greater aggravation that would be caused by having to cancel all my credit cards and get new ones re-issued while on vacation.
My older daughter made two trips to Madagascar, spending some of her time in a wildlife reserve with almost no communication with the outside world. My younger daughter, on her first job after college, traveled to India, Nepal, Thailand, Pakistan, and South Africa. Prior to these trips, both of them got pre-exposure rabies shots, due to the length of time they'd be out of touch with quick medical care. We worried, but neither of them had any problems at all. Compared with those trips, my jaunts to Western Europe have been very low risk.
Try to calm down and enjoy yourself. When you get back, you'll look back and wonder what you were so concerned about. 2.4 million American tourists visited France alone last year - and it was a slow year. Relax.
- Larry
There are some risks in travel, as there are in everything we do, but they are minor. My anecdotal impression from incidents I've heard about is that some of the greatest risks are in countries where people drive on the left, something you might not even think about! I've heard of two deaths due to wrong side of the road driving, and pedestrians have been killed stepping off the curb while looking the wrong way.
Driving in general is one of the riskiest things we do in everyday life, and it gets a little riskier in a foreign country with unfamiliar signage and conventions.
I take greater care against pickpocketing when traveling than when I'm home, but that's not so much because there's a greater risk. Rather, it's because of the greater aggravation that would be caused by having to cancel all my credit cards and get new ones re-issued while on vacation.
My older daughter made two trips to Madagascar, spending some of her time in a wildlife reserve with almost no communication with the outside world. My younger daughter, on her first job after college, traveled to India, Nepal, Thailand, Pakistan, and South Africa. Prior to these trips, both of them got pre-exposure rabies shots, due to the length of time they'd be out of touch with quick medical care. We worried, but neither of them had any problems at all. Compared with those trips, my jaunts to Western Europe have been very low risk.
Try to calm down and enjoy yourself. When you get back, you'll look back and wonder what you were so concerned about. 2.4 million American tourists visited France alone last year - and it was a slow year. Relax.
- Larry
Oct 13th, 2004, 08:53 PM
#40
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Well, if I die on a trip, I guess I will die happy. Moreover, I won't have to worry about whether or not I am wearing the proper clothes to fit in or shoes that would be approved by a majority vote on this--or any other--message board.
For this they have trip insurance. . . .
For this they have trip insurance. . . .
